Don’t you hate it when your projector exhibits discolored images?
Unfortunately, this is a pretty common defect with these devices. Yet no one prepares you for such drawbacks.
An Optoma projector yellowing tint issue isn’t a manufacturing defect. It can be frustrating if you have no idea what causes this problem and how to fix your display to retain its original color effect.
But don’t worry, there is a way for you to fix this hitch in the comfort of your home. By reading through this article, you will determine what causes the yellow tint and the practical solutions to this hurdle.
So, should you agonize over the Optoma projector discoloration? Yes and no. Most of the time, a yellow tint points to nothing serious. Still, it’s very irking and can turn the device useless.
Image blemishing is attributed to a defective projector lamp, faulty DLP projectors, poor wiring, and accumulation of dirt in the device.
You can fix the hurdle by changing the VGA cable, color wheel, and lamp. Proper cleaning of the device is also recommendable. It’s that simple.
It’s time to dive into an in-depth evaluation of this topic.
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What Causes Discoloration in Optoma Projectors?
Numerous issues can make your projector display dull-colored or have discoloration blotches. These anomalies may seem mild and harmless at first, but they will render your projector unusable when left unattended for a prolonged period.
There are many causes of the staining, and you can try to discern a specific mainspring through a visual inspection of the screen under the sun.
Compare the screen’s whiteness and that of a clear white paper: if they are identical, the defect lies in the cables or lamp. If not, then divert your attention to the projector screen.
Alternatively, you can look into the best way to troubleshoot your DLP projector’s color wheel.
How do bad projector components result in discoloration?
1. Defective lamp
The lamp is the most crucial part of your projector as it generates the light shining through the DLP, thus displaying vivid pictures. What happens when your lamp has surpassed its life shell? That’s right! Its functionality declines.
An Optoma projector’s lamp lifespan is about three years if it isn’t frequently used and the lamp hours don’t get exceeded. So if you have never changed your lamp since buying your projector, then maybe it’s time you did so.
Ideally, it would help if you change your bulb after using it for about 2000 hours. But a laser bulb can last about 25,000 hours, after which they have reduced intensity, causing image blemishing.
2. Bad Wiring
Your projector’s cables also impact its serviceability. When loosely connected or disconnected, they may cause the yellowing effect.
The pins of the cables, HDMI or VGA, are responsible for certain color depictions, and once they get broken, they display bizarre color shades.
3. Debris Accumulation
An Optoma projector is quite a frangible device that can break down if not cleaned frequently. In most cases, dirt is the cause of the yellow tint.
Most projectors are prone to a fast accumulation of dust and smoke, which easily pass through the air vents.
Once the debris gets to the lenses, it damages them, hindering the adequate illumination of light and proper display of images. Dust is perceived to be the killer of projectors: take care!
4. Faulty DLP projectors
DLP projectors have a color wheel that is responsible for color creation. You will know your color wheel is bad when it emits a noise and hardly spins.
Be that as it may, the color wheel is highly likely to result in a rainbow effect rather than discoloration. On the other hand, LCD projectors are expected to have a yellowish display due to faulty polarizers.
How Can You Fix Your Yellow-Tinted Projector Display?
Fixing the VGA or HDMI Cable
The first step should be checking if these cables are well inserted into your projector. Try unplugging and plugging them to see if the problem gets fixed.
Next, check on the VGA port responsible for transmitting the blue color, and if you notice any vulnerability, do not hesitate to change it. The yellow tint issue always roots from this cable.
Cleaning the Projector’s Screen and Air Filters
Another efficient and cost-friendly fix to the problem is properly cleaning your Optoma projector. How frequently do you clean the device? Because if you rarely do, the hiccup could be ascribed to poor maintenance.
Say you are fond of cleaning your projector, do you pay attention to the air filters?
To clean the screen, put on a pair of gloves and use a soft dry lint-free cloth to wipe it till it’s purely white. You might need to replace your screen depending on the damage that has been inflicted on it, but don’t be quick to do so before cleaning the whole projector.
It would help if you had vacuum cleaners specifically meant for office equipment to clean the air filter. If not, you might have to detach your projector to get to the build-up debris accumulated inside.
Check out how to perform general testing and simple cleaning for an Optoma projector.
Replacing the Projector Lamp
Although the lamp is a probable cause of discoloration, it is pretty uncommon because it only costs a color shift on a specific area and not the whole display.
Nevertheless, there is no harm in replacing the lamp as you are supposed to do this after a certain period.
Adjusting Your Projector Settings
At times the color issue results from the projector settings: the cool thing is that you can adjust this. Here’s how to go about it:
- Boot your projector and display any image.
- Navigate the on-screen menu to get to the advanced settings.
- Check on the tint and saturation level and try modifying it.
- Stop once you get the display color you are satisfied with.
Replacing Your DLP Color Wheel
You should only replace the color wheel if you are sure it’s the cause of the problem. As earlier mentioned, you can denote this by listening to your projector for whirring sounds.
However, keep in mind that this solution is efficient yet tacky. If you are confident you know your way around your projector, then check out a video tutorial for color wheel replacement.
Conclusion
It all adds up to this: the yellow tint issue is primarily generated from bad cables, debris, a defective lamp, and a spoilt color wheel.
But the good thing is that now you have an insight on what to do to fix your projector, so give it a go.
Vance is a dad, former software engineer, and tech lover. Knowing how a computer works becomes handy when he builds Pointer Clicker. His quest is to make tech more accessible for non-techie users. When not working with his team, you can find him caring for his son and gaming.