Anyone Had A Projection TV "Cleaned" or "Serviced?"

[Robb]

Just wondering if anyone has had the "maintenance" thing done to their projection TV after a certain number of years?

My 54" HD ready widescreen just seems dark. During bright scenes, it seems just right, but when a scene gets darker, I lose ALL background detail. I have been watching a bunch of "Lost" episodes (DVD), and have watched most on the projection, and just kinda figured the dark, non-detailed, backgrounds were just part of the drama. Well, while going to bed last night, I watched an episode in the bedroom (42" LCD)................talk about a difference!!! I obviously expected the new LCD to be more clear than the five year old projection, but the darkness aspect is what surprised me the most.

When I bought this thing, they mentioned a "lens cleaning" or "servicing" or whatever that should happen every 8-10 years, or however many hours. Of course they were selling it, and I didn't buy. Has anyone had it done? Or familiar on what it accomplishes?

Thanks

 

[Thorsteenster]

I've never heard of such but don't have one. Is it a front or rear projection?

 

[emaxxjeremy]

the bulbs or "guns" get weaker with time. unfortunatly they are not worth replacing with the price of newer models

 

[Thorsteenster]

Oh, its one of those older ones where the projector sits out front on the floor. Yeah it seems I remember some thing about having to get those "serviced" every few years. I'd be surprised with a little time on Google you couldn't find out exactly what you need to do.

 

[Rok_Dok]

Rear projection

I opened mine up and took an air compressor across the boards and it let it cool down and worked well. helped cool it down and kept brighter longer. also take the screen off and clean it off along with the inside of the cabinet.

 

[Thorsteenster]

OK, let me try again, it's the older pedestal style, with the projector, I think, underneath?
Sorry to keep asking and guessing but I'm looking to get a rear projection here at some point.

 

[emaxxjeremy]

i recently had mine serviced because a processor cooked, and it cost me $425 and the guy said i was lucky one of the bulbs didnt burn out because they were "big bucks to replace" (apparently the $425 wasnt big bucks to him?)

 

[mrpink]

I'm looking to get a rear projection here at some point.

get a rotary phone while you are at it. LCD prices are dropping by the minute. wait until the Christmas rush and you will be able to practically steal one. projection is dead now that 120mhz refresh is out.

 

[Robb]

No, it is a front projection.................just like those big ol' front projections you still see at the stores.

Definitely not worth sinking too much dough in though. We bought this thing just at the worst time in TV technology changing. Another two years, we could have bought a nice Plasma at just about the same size.

But if it a process that is under $200-300, or something that can be DIY, I would interested in doing what I can.

 

[Thorsteenster]

get a rotary phone while you are at it. LCD prices are dropping by the minute. wait until the Christmas rush and you will be able to practically steal one. projection is dead now that 120mhz refresh is out.

I'm looking at rear projection because when the time comes I want to replace the bulb, not the whole thing. They might be coming down but still not as cheap as RP's. Never know though, what ever I find a good deal on is what I'll go with.

You ain't lying, I was just checking out Circuit City, they got 21 prejection TV's and 124 LCD TV's. Although in a 60" I'm looking at about a $1000 difference.

 

[JasonInAugusta]

We have a 51" DLP. Lightning popped the lamp....$150.

 

[Thorsteenster]

We have a 51" DLP. Lightning popped the lamp....$150.

Exactly, what would have happened with an LCD or plasma screen?
Better $150 than a new TV.

 

[JasonInAugusta]

Get this...

DLP sets are usually lower in price than plasmas and LCDs, and they tend to have a better picture. As DLP technology improves, the benefits continue to increase. If you are looking for the most bang for your buck, then DLP sets are definitely an option.

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/dlp.htm

 

[binaryterror]

Exactly, what would have happened with an LCD or plasma screen?
Better $150 than a new TV.

Well anyone buying a TV worth $300 or more should buy a proper line conditioning power surge protector.

Using the old $10 surge protector is like using a condom pre-manufactured with a hole in it.

 

[mrpink]

Get this...

DLP sets are usually lower in price than plasmas and LCDs, and they tend to have a better picture. As DLP technology improves, the benefits continue to increase. If you are looking for the most bang for your buck, then DLP sets are definitely an option.

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/dlp.htm

cant hang em on the wall though.

get a good surge protector... I said a GOOD one. $100 is cheap insurance for a $3000 tv.

if I was going to go larger then a 50" then I would look into a DLP- you already would have to sit on the other side of the room to view it properly, whats another foot.

 

[mrpink]

Well anyone buying a TV worth $300 or more should buy a proper line conditioning power surge protector.

Using the old $10 surge protector is like using a condom pre-manufactured with a hole in it.

exactly. see above.

 

[JasonInAugusta]

Well anyone buying a TV worth $300 or more should buy a proper line conditioning power surge protector.

Using the old $10 surge protector is like using a condom pre-manufactured with a hole in it.

Trust me...we have one. The display had been dark like Robb mentioned...I'm thinking the lamp wasn't too healty anyway.