Hotlamps' APO deal lifts reseller fortunes
Distributor reveals "cheaper alternative" lamp range that covers 800 projector models
Resellers stand to make between 18 and 30 per cent on a new projector lamp range unveiled last week at InfoComm by distributor Maverick’s projector lamp business, Hotlamps.
In August, Hotlamps became the sole UK distributor for Tawainese-based APO’s value range of compatible projector lamps.
The new APO-G range (the G stands for genuine) follows deals with Philips and Osram to enable APO to fit original bulbs from both vendors into its own lamp housings.
David Weatherhead, Hotlamps’ business manager, told CRN: “Most projectors feature a bulb made by Osram or Philips. APO-G is identical in performance to the original but about 20 per cent cheaper.”
Asked if it is similar to rival Just Lamps’ Diamond Lamps offering, Weatherhead said: “Diamond Lamps only covers 40 projector models and uses the old projector’s housing. APO-G covers 800 projector models – about 20 per cent of all projectors – and uses brand new housing and connecters.”
Andy Read, general manager at Just Lamps, said: “We’ve been in discussions with major lamp manufacturers to expand the Diamond Lamp range but have been waiting until the full range is available for sale before making an announcement.
“We are glad to hear that APO is acknowledging the importance and value of genuine lamps and is following us down this route.”
Mike Gammie, IT services development manager at Misco, said: “It is embarrassing to say to a school that a replacement lamp costs £300; a cheaper alternative sounds great.”
Hotlamps has also withdrawn its Re-Lamping service. “During the process of Re-Lamping, we found that mercury could escape and be left on the old housing, which is a potential health hazard,” said Weatherhead.