Disclosed is a projection type video display apparatus comprising input means for inputting a power saving mode setting command, average luminance level detection means for detecting the average luminance level of an input video signal, PWM generation means for usually generating a first PWM signal having a duty ratio corresponding to the average luminance level detected by the average luminance level detection means in a predetermined duty ratio range, while generating, when the power saving mode setting command is inputted by the input means, a second PWM signal having a duty ratio outside the predetermined duty ratio range, and lamp control means receiving the PWM signals generated by the PWM generation means for controlling the illuminance of the light source lamp on the basis of the duty ratio of the inputted PWM signal.