Welp - my projector lamp burnt out.  Kinda sucks - it was only at 1/2 of it's rated hours.  Now I'll have to look for a replacement lamp or consider moving up to a newer projector.  What I'll probably do is - continue using the projector that I already - because the screen is setup for it's size and everything is already configured...  Then (when we buy a new house years from now) I'll upgrade to a 1080p projector and build a theater space to optimize all my gear.

So, here's my lesson learned.  Most things that have a fan built in ~ also have a screen to block dust an other airborne particle.  In the case of a projector, it has a fan to keep the lamp cool ~ however it also has a screen ~ which (when not cleaned) can restrict airflow and shorten the life of the product.

Other things with filters include :: furnace, dehumidifier, clothes dryer, car's air filter, car's oil filter, lawn mower's air filter.  All of these things should be maintained.

UPDATE  9/15/2008:   I'm selling my Projector and Computer on craigslist

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ele/841056138.html

 UPDATE 10/10/2008

I've replaced the projector lamp & gotten it setup again.  I'm still selling the projector...  I want a 720P or better projector for my new media center.