I was tweaking my 'not yet finished' 17" vertical and started sliding the Lexan panel out. It was amazing how much the panel is blocking in visible light! There was no doubt that it is blocking light as when it was halfway out one half of the picture looked about 20% brighter (using my non-calibrated eyes ).
I have a light box with good airflow and the fresnel/LCD stays nice and cool but it is the UV damage to componets I am worried about.
Has anybody ran their PJ for long term without a UV/heat shield in place? I would really like to do this even if it involves adding more fan!

Yes, there is at least one notable member who's run their projector without Lexan XL-10 for a lengthy period and still reports no notable damage. Sorry but I can't remember who. I always forget that one!!! Argh!!!!

I wonder if tempered glass would allow more light thru?

You've removed the green film from the lexan right?

If I understand it correctly the reason to use Lexan for UV filtering is that the lamp puts off UV radiation that is absorbed by the LCD. It's not because of ambient heat being produced by the bulb and electronics. That's not to say what you want to do won't work. It's easy enough, remove the Lexan fire that baby up and if you get a brown spot turn it off.
If you test it let us know how it works out.

I have implanted contact lenses that block UV light, but you may want to wear sunglasses and SPF 50.

But seriously, does the UV fade the LCD? Seems like it would, and the red would be the first to go. Is there a coating that we could put on the fresnel that could block UV? How much UV does the fresnel absorb I wonder? Anyone have a UV meter?

As a pro photographer, I use a variety of filters to block certain frequencies, and my UV filters don't block much if any visible light, but they cost a fortune.

This has been gone over a fair amount. Click here for links to cogent threads.

I have also read that if your lamp has UV filtering in the glass, then there is no need for a UV filter in the light path.

Hmm I wonder who that could be

I ran mine over a year with no lexan or Uv protection and nothing bad happened.

I have been using mine with LL's coralvue bulb without UV protection for a few months, it's OK so far...

Thanks for all the replies and yes, Aerosoul I removed the green film LOL!!
I think I might go with the idea of NOT using an UV shield.
I was wondering why commercial units based on 'our' designs don't have them? (at least I didn't see any).

From what I know about UV radiation (hey, I live in the southwest desert and know UV!! ) I am thinking it will affect plastics (like the dash in my truck!!!) but, I don't really see a problem with the LCD.... but maybe I don't no nuthin'!