Optoma HD65 Washed Out Blacks

Hey folks,

My Optoma HD65 has been running beautifully for around three years now. Recently I noticed, during dark scenes, a band of washed out light running along the top & bottom of the screen...



This goes away when the projector is off so I know its not light pollution. My first thought was change the bulb, its been three years now...



After swapping in a new bulb the light bands are still there so evidently something else is causing the problem. I have a few ideas what it might be but wanted to see what you folks think.

167 views so far & no one has any ideas? :-(

Well this is depressing. I'd hoped & assumed someone here would have an idea what might be causing these bands of washed out light.

I assume something needs cleaning, one of the lenses or maybe the color wheel? I'm reluctant to crack open the case & attempt to clean the optics without some confirmation its dust/crud that's actually causing the problem.

Anyone have any ideas or suggestions, please, pretty please with a cherry on top? Thanks.

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I filled in a tech-help form at the Optoma website & explained my issue. Will see what they come back with.

I watched a few YouTube videos about cracking open my projector's case & gaining access to the optics. I didn't see anything in the procedure that was beyond my comfort level. So unless Optoma comes up with a cheap fix, I'll likely inspect the optics & have a go at cleaning it if necessary. I'm a semi-pro photographer so I'm at home around expensive chunks of glass. Still fingers crossed I don't make things worse.

Well I just heard back from Optoma. Sounds like they're willing to service my projector but not for free. Here's a sampling from their email:


Even though I don't currently have the money to spend on this, my other problem is the down time on my home theater. Aside from using the HD65 has my TV I also host a weekly movie night. Because of that I think I'm going to pass on having Optoma service the PJ.

I was hoping Optoma might provide a do-it-your-self procedure for cleaning the PJ but I guess with something this delicate/complex, that's not something they'd recommend for the average consumer. I like to think I'm not an "average consumer" so with fair mechanical skills I think I'll have a go at cleaning it my self. Wish me luck.

Thanks guitarman. I'll look at the light tunnel once I have this apart. Kinda hoping its just some dust buildup on the glass, will have to see.

So I found this video on YouTube that shows how to disassemble an HD65...


The white plastic case actually comes off easily once you've removed the 7 screws. You just need to push it forwards a 1/4" & it releases. In the video the guy pry's it apart using a piece of plastic, bad idea. Other than that the video was spot on.

So anyway here's my PJ with the case removed...



Inside, as expected after 3 years of use, there was a fair amount of cobwebs & dust...



If you're considering doing this yourself, be sure you're comfortable around really tiny screws like this...



...removed the main lens...



...gave it a good going over with my lens cleaning kit...



...inspected the optics buried further within. They looked clean & in good shape...



Next I looked at the color wheel. It was a tad dusty so I carefully cleaned that with a lens brush...



...blew out the remaining dust & re-assembled the unit, hooked it up & took a look-see... drum roll please... GRRRR the same light fogging as before...



I will say the picture looked a tad clearer, so the clean-out wasn't wasted time. My washed out blacks are still there though, so guitarman I think the light tunnel, as you suggested, might indeed be the culprit.

Light Tunnel Replacement
Okay so I've ordered a replacement light tunnel, how difficult is it to install one? It looks to be fairly buried in the PJ's innards. I guess I'll find out anyway but if anyone's done a tunnel replacement on an HD65 (or something similar) & has a procedure or advice I'd appreciate hearing about it.
Edited by Nodd - 6/7/12 at 2:25pm

Thanks for the photo of your projector. Obviously its not exactly the same inside but it does give me a rough idea where this mysterious tunnel-o-light lurks.

That's a great tip on the magnetized screwdriver trick. I learned about magnetizing metal in cub scouts I think it was. We made a compass from of a cup of water, a cork & a needle. Pass a magnet over the needle a few times & presto, its magnetized, cool stuff. Yeah I have several screwdrivers that somehow became magnetic all on their own. Very handy for those of us with fat fingers.

Anyway waiting on my new tunnel to arrive... will post more once that gets here. Thanks again for the help.