Dead center, almost at the bottom of the screen, there is a red spot about 3-5" in diameter (when the screen is 103"). We only notice it when there are dark colors at the bottom of the screen but it doesn't go away when switching between the different inputs on the PJ or my AVR. I know that green spots are usually indicative of dust, but red spots? Does that just mean that dust might have landed on the red lcd?

If it is just dust, would that be covered under the warranty?

marx-7
Maybe it's a dust blob. To confirm this, turn the focus ring and see if the "blotch" comes in focus. This dust is located in the LCD panels. If you're seeing a purple blob the dust is partially blocking the green LCD (center) panel. See this:
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/7097/145pxadditivecolormixinoy7.png
To clean the blob, you will have to open the projector and blow the panels with compressed canned air. General instructions are: once opened (unplug it first!), stand the projector on one side and do not tilt the can so no liquid sprays the panels. Search this forum for detailed instructions for cleaning dust blobs. Hope it helps. Fernando

Thanks for the quick reply. I messed up when putting the replacement lamp in and started to open the casing for the whole pj up, but noticed it was a bit more indepth than I would want to go. If it's just opening the lamp cover and blowing some air around, I will definitely try that. Otherwise, would this be covered under warranty (I got the Mac extended warranty which just extends the factory warranty and the factories warranty terms).

Thanks for the quick reply. I messed up when putting the replacement lamp in and started to open the casing for the whole pj up, but noticed it was a bit more indepth than I would want to go. If it's just opening the lamp cover and blowing some air around, I will definitely try that. Otherwise, would this be covered under warranty (I got the Mac extended warranty which just extends the factory warranty and the factories warranty terms).
To clean a dust blob you must open the projector case.
Blowing around the lamp will not clean the blob.
If you have an extended warranty, ask if it covers the cleaning.
Opening the projector may end your warranty :(

Wondering if someone has a 'tutorial' for this procedure. I remember back in my AE300 days someone had posted one with pictures and instructions.

Hi Scotty
You must search in the archives.
For the AE900, see my reply here:
http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=738942
For the Sanyo Z2 the tutorial is here:
http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=689661&highlight=dust+blow+cleaning:
open the pdf that is pointed by Mike

For the Panasonic 100/300/500 (similar to my 900) Calibos post a very extensive tutorial here:
http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123489&page=1&pp=15

Thanx for the links. I remember the shaky hands I used when disassembling the 300....Oh I hope I don't screw this up...but it ended up well enough, I even cleaned the polarizers.

On another note. I now own a compressor, I wonder if it would be too powerful for this job. Any suggestions?

Hi guys, thanks for the replies and links. The last time I changed the bulb for my 900U, I messed up lining up the bulb and it got stuck in a weird position. I say this because I started to open up the pj (took all the screws out from the bottom) and after taking all the screws out, I started to pull on the chassis to pry it open. Is there something I am supposed to do before taking the screws out of the bottom? I remember seeing a link to the 700U service manual at one point and it said something about removing the joystick from the front before doing anything else? Anyone have a link to that?

Removing dust spots is easy if you follow the instructions.

1. Remove the case cover of the AE900. Be sure you take all the screws out on the bottom except the screws for the lamp cover. You must also remove the top center screw on the back.

2. Stand the projector on the side and use a can of compressed air to blow into the orange
ribbon cables on the projector near the LCD's. There are three. Replace cover.

When you blow the air into the projector do it when the projector is on its side and keep the compressed air can flat. You do not want to get any liquid into the projector.

You can follow the lines from the archived threads of earlier models of Panasonic projectors.

I have done this several times with no prolbems. Be sure to keep your filter very clean.

Hi guys, thanks for the replies and links. The last time I changed the bulb for my 900U, I messed up lining up the bulb and it got stuck in a weird position. I say this because I started to open up the pj (took all the screws out from the bottom) and after taking all the screws out, I started to pull on the chassis to pry it open. Is there something I am supposed to do before taking the screws out of the bottom? I remember seeing a link to the 700U service manual at one point and it said something about removing the joystick from the front before doing anything else? Anyone have a link to that?


Loosen the joystick all the way off from the lock position and then just pull, it comes out surprisingly easy. To re-install just push it back on and turn to tighten.