For several years, the European Union has been working to reduce the use of dangerous substances, including mercury. This heavy metal, toxic to the environment and health, is still present in many electronic products, including UHP (Ultra High Performance) lamps that equip a large part of traditional video projectors.
From December 2025, the marketing of new Mercury lamps will be prohibited. Concretely, this means that no new replacement lamp can be manufactured or marketed on European territory, with a very specific exception. For users of video projectors, this poses an immediate problem: when a lamp will arrive at the end of life, it will become impossible – or extremely expensive – to replace it.
What video projectors are concerned?
It is mainly the models equipped with UHP or equivalent lamps that are directly impacted. Among the affected brands and ranges, we find in particular:
- Epson EH-TW610, EH-TW7000, EH-TW9400 (and many other consumer or home-cinema models)
- BenQ W1090, W2000, TK800
- Optoma HD146X, UHD50X, GT1080Darbee
- Sony VPL-HW45ES, VPL-HW65ES
- Acer H6540BD, H7850
All these devices, however still acclaimed for their image quality and their value for money, are based on classic lamp technologies that will become difficult to maintain.
Is it an immediate killing?
Not quite. First, manufacturers and Epson reassured their customers: stocks of replacement lamps will be available for a few more years, at least until 2027 for certain brands. This will leave users a little respite, the time to organize themselves.
Then, the regulations concern the marketing of new lamps on the market, not the use of lamps already purchased or available in stock. If you already have a spare lamp, it will always be possible to extend the life of your video projector for some time.
However, you should expect the prices of new lamps to bury as stocks will decrease, which will make repair less profitable than the purchase of a new device.
A transition to new technologies
This stop at Mercury lamps should speed up the transition to video projectors with LED, laser or hybrid light sources. These technologies, although often more expensive to Buy, have many advantages:
- A much higher lifespan (up to 20,000 to 30,000 hours without replacement)
- Less maintenance
- Instant ignition and extinction
- Reduced energy consumption
Models like the Xgimi Horizon Ultra, the Epson EF-12 or the Benq V7050i embody this new generation, already acclaimed for its comfort and reliability.
Should you change the video projector right away?
Not necessarily. If the device works well and the lamp is still recent, there is no emergency. On the other hand, it is advisable to find out now about the availability of compatible lamps, or even to buy one in advance if you want to extend the lifespan of your equipment.
For regular users or for those who envisage a new purchase, it is however relevant to turn directly to the models without Mercury lamp, just to be quiet for the next ten years!
🟣 To not miss any news on the Geek newspaper, subscribe to Google News and on our WhatsApp. And if you love us, .
