DLP televisions are dropping in price. If you find one for next to nothing that isn't working properly, there's a good chance that there is one of three of the most common problems with it. Here, you'll learn about those three problems and what you can do to fix them.
Burned Out Bulb
DLP televisions utilize a light bulb to produce the image that appears on the screen. After several thousands of hours of use, the light bulb will need to be replaced. If you turn the TV on and the screen is black, chances are that the bulb needs to be replaced. At this point, you can replace the bulb yourself or have a repair technician do it for you.
To replace the bulb, all you have to do is remove the bulb compartment cover on the back of the TV. You may need to remove a few screws to remove the light bulb housing box. Now, slide the housing box out of the unit. Purchase a replacement bulb, but be sure to get the same bulb that is already in the housing. It will make the placement much easier. When you get the new bulb, do not touch the bulb itself. Slide the housing unit into place, replace the screws and turn on the TV. Did it work?
DLP Chip Failure
If you turn the TV on and there are little white specks all over the picture that kind of look like little stars all over the screen, then the DLP chip has failed. If the white dots don't bother you, there's no need to do any repairs, but know that the dots will worsen as time goes by.
If you don't like the dots, you can purchase a replacement DLP chip and have it replaced. This is a repair that is best left to the professionals or you could end up doing more damage than you've repaired. Find a shop that does TV repair in your area to have this done.
Cooling Issues
Not only does this type of TV utilize a light bulb, but it also has a fan inside to keep it cool. You'll likely hear a soft humming noise when you turn the TV on. This is the sound of the fan running.
Sometimes, these fans get caked with dust and dirt. This can cause them to get very noisy or quit working completely. To clean the fan, you'll need to open the bulb compartment, remove the bulb, and then you can access the fan to clean it. Use a can of compressed air to blow loose dirt off and a cloth to wipe off anything else that won't come off with the air. If this didn't fix the problem there's something more that needs to be looked at by a technician.
If you're not comfortable taking on a repair such as this, talk with your local television repair expert for assistance.