Why does my projector have white dots on the screen?

This is a failure of the DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) Chip in DLP projectors, known as the Starfield error. It requires a chip replacement.

Why is my projector image yellow, blue or purple?

This indicates degradation of the LCD panels or polarising filters. We repair this by replacing the optical block or specific burned filters.

Why does my projector verify signal but show no image (HDMI)?

This is likely a damaged HDMI port or a failure of the HDMI controller chip on the mainboard. We perform micro-soldering repairs.

Why is my projector clicking and not turning on?

A clicking sound without light usually indicates a Ballast failure (the power supply for the lamp) rather than just a blown bulb.

What is a firmware boot loop?

If a projector gets stuck on the logo or cycles on/off, the firmware is corrupt. We use EEPROM programmers to re-flash the mainboard.

Why is my projector making a loud grinding noise?

Grinding on startup is typically a broken Auto-Iris mechanism. Continuous loud whining is usually a failing fan bearing or colour wheel.

Troubleshooting Guide

Identify Your Fault.
Understanding the Symptoms.

Modern projectors are precision instruments. Below is a detailed breakdown of the most common component failures we encounter in our Dublin lab, how to spot them, and how we resolve them.

grid_on

DMD Chip Replacement

Common in DLP projectors. The Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) contains millions of micro-mirrors. When they seize, they appear as permanent "stuck pixels".

warning Symptom

White or Black Dots (Starfield)

Looks like a starry sky overlaying the image.

build_circle The Resolution

Chip Replacement

New DMD installed with fresh thermal pads.

devices Prone Models

Optoma HD141X, HD142X, HD27, GT1080; BenQ W1070, TH681; ViewSonic PJD7820HD

filter_b_and_w

LCD Panel & Polariser

Specific to 3LCD technology. The organic panels degrade under intense UV light and heat, causing colour shifts.

palette Symptom

Discolouration

Yellow/Blue blobs or magenta tint.

layers The Resolution

Optical Block Repair

Replacing individual LCDs or burned polarisers.

devices Prone Models

Epson EB-X02, EB-W02, EH-TW650; Sony VPL-HW45ES; Panasonic PT-AT6000

settings_input_hdmi

HDMI & Mainboard

Often caused by physical stress on the cable or electrical surges. Pins can detach, or the controller chip can burn out.

link_off Symptom

No Signal / Loose Port

Source verified working, projector sees nothing.

memory The Resolution

Micro-Soldering

Reflowing port pins or swapping the IC chip.

devices Prone Models

Epson EH-TW650, EB-U05; BenQ TK800, W2700; Optoma UHD35, UHD38

flash_on

Ballast Power Unit

The ballast provides the high-voltage strike to ignite mercury lamps. When it fails, the lamp cannot light even if new.

volume_up Symptom

Clicking / No Light

Rhythmic clicking sound on startup.

electrical_services The Resolution

Ballast Replacement

Installing a new HV power module.

devices Prone Models

BenQ W1070+; Optoma UHD60, UHD40; Epson EB-S02

terminal

Firmware Recovery

Corrupt BIOS or EEPROM data can occur after a power surge or failed update, leaving the unit "bricked".

restart_alt Symptom

Boot Loop / Stuck Logo

Unit turns on but hangs indefinitely.

developer_board The Resolution

EEPROM Flash

Manual flashing of the BIOS chip.

devices Prone Models

Optoma UHD30, UHD50X (Boot loops); XGIMI Horizon

wind_power

Cooling & Fans

Bearings dry out over time. A seized fan will trigger a thermal safety shutdown immediately.

thermostat Symptom

Loud Noise / Shutdown

Whining noise or immediate 'Temp' error.

change_circle The Resolution

OEM Replacement

Installing factory-spec silent fans.

devices Prone Models

Epson EH-TW6700; Optoma HD143X; BenQ W1080ST

camera_alt

Auto-Iris Repair

High-end home cinema units use gears to control light output. These gears strip or seize, causing startup failures.

settings Symptom

Grinding Sound

Loud mechanical noise when turning on.

plumbing The Resolution

Gear Lubrication

Realigning and lubricating the stepper motor.

devices Prone Models

Epson EH-TW9400; Panasonic PT-AE8000; JVC DLA-X500

pie_chart

Colour Wheel

Spinning at 7200 RPM, the colour wheel creates the image in DLP units. Shattered glass or worn bearings are common.

broken_image Symptom

Whine / Flickering

High-pitched scream or black & white video.

refresh The Resolution

Assembly Swap

Replacing the wheel and sensor board.

devices Prone Models

Optoma HD144X, HD26; BenQ W1070; Acer H6510BD

Recognise any of these faults?

Don't let a minor component failure turn into a total system loss. Book your diagnostic today.