When your projector starts to fail it is common and logical to blame the lamp but this isn’t always the case. Below outlines the most common things that can go wrong on your projector. Below is a list of what we consider the top 7 common projector faults.

Projector Lamps Top 7 Projector Problems

• Colours distorted on the image.
• Lines / Dots on the image
• Projector overheating
• Projector turning on then off straight away.
• Projector on but no image
• Shadows appearing on the image.
• Colour around the edge of the image

Projector Problem 1 – Colours from projector distorted on the image
There are a several reasons why this may be occurring. The first thing to check is your projector cables. Ensure they are connected properly. If this does not fix the issue the best thing to do is to change these to see if this fixes the problem. If not, the problem may lie with your colour wheel / main board.

Projector Problem 2 – Lines / Dots on the image
This is a problem caused by the projectors main board (DMD Chip). When there is a problem with the main board (DMD Chip), it may be worth considering comparing the cost of getting a completely new projector rather than buying the main board (DMD Chip).

Projector Problem 3 – Projector overheating
This is quite a common case and is quite distinctive. It is usually caused by a problem with the fan. If there is no noise, then that means the fan will not be working and helping cool down your projector. Other things to look out for are the air filters within the projector., Over time they become clogged with dust. Either replace the filter or at the very least remove the filter and clean. Make sure that you aren’t leaving your projector in very bright direct sunlight as this obviously won’t help the projector cool down.

Projector Problem 4 – Projector turning on then turning off straight away
There are a number of things to look out for. The first thing to check is your power supply and make sure that all of your cables are in fully working condition and connected properly. After that, it would be worth checking how dusty the projector is, this may occur after a long period of time. This would mean having to service your projector.

Projector Problem 5 – Projector on but no image
If you can get your projector to turn on but then get no image, make sure that the cables that you are connecting with are connected correctly. If this is all OK, then it most likely you have a problem with your lamp ballast unit. The lamp ballast unit is what provides power to the lamp. If the lamp ballast unit goes, then most likely the lamp will usually go as well. Price varies on these units so your projector would have to be taken in for an assessment.

Projector Problem 6 – Shadows appearing on the image
This problem only applies to DLP Projectors. This yet again could be a problem with the projector’s main board, or it could be a problem with the mirror. The projector would need to be assessed to find the full extent of your problem. A mirror for your projector would be a reasonably cheap repair but again with the main board if that is the problem, it would be worth considering buying a new projector.

Projector Problem 7 – Colour around the edge of the image
This may occur on LCD projectors if the LCD prism becomes faulty. An LCD Prism is an expensive component on a projector and should only be thought about if necessary, in most cases it may just be best to look at buying a new projector.