The Official HP Pavilion 1080P DLP Owner's Thread - Page 312

Nice piece of troubleshooting. I wonder if the slow air movement might be due to dust accumulating on wire mesh grilles, or something else that could be vacuumed off to clean it.

I also have the light purple line on top of screen from about center to the left hand side, with it getting higher going to the left side.

This is the second HP 65 inch to have the same problem. I have been living with it for months now but it seems to be getting a little worse.

You would think that it could be adjusted out, because the rest of the picture is perfect in color, sound and everything else.

You only notice it with light sky backgrounds,

Have any of you techno types been able to do anything with this problem? Even though I have an extended warranty from 3rd party, it doesn't seem as if replacing the light engine is the real answer. When they replace the light engine they have to go through a complete realigment anyway.

Has anyone tried realigning prersent light engine to address the puple band at top of screen?

Thanks,

John

The TV location has no airflow restrictions (sitting on top of simple flat top stand along an open wall) and there was actually very little dust accumulation on the vents or inside the TV. There is a little wire mess on the lamp module, and I cleaned it as well. Actually, I vacuumed everthing I could get too without serious dissassembly. The lack of dust I found is another reason I'm suspicious of the box fans. Even so, I can see that they are running and they do make audible noise...

Typo: "little wire mesh," as in screen or grill

I work for HP and bought my 5880 via the Employee Purchase program in October 2005. I've had a few minor issues with the TV but overall was pleased with the picture - the only 'major' problem: I had to replace the lamp in April '07.

I am now experiencing the purple line referenced in several posts. Mine is about 1" thick in the top left corner and runs horizontally reducing in thickness as you move left to right. It disappears about 3/4 of the way across the screen.

I called HP Tech Support and they referred me to Best Buy for service. Best Buy said I would have to bring the TV into the store for them to look at it. That ain't gonna happen.

So I have two questions:
1. I tried to buy an Extended Warranty when I bought the TV but it wasn't available. Has anyone else found themselves in the same boat? I see posts which indicate people are receiving compensation on these units from the third party extended warranty companies - would love to hear if HP has provided any compensation.
2. Once the purple line appears - how long before the light engine and the TV stop working?

Thanks

Hi I have the same problem on the 5880 , after two years, so last week took off the rearcover and opened up the fan enclosure, then used a fan like you. Now it works great. Hope it holds out for a few months.

Not sure just what I am cooling but in the future will get a cooling spray and find out what module is responsible.Seems it is the light engine in the middle of the back.

My fan is noisy but will look for a quieter one. Waiting for the new LCD units as Warren Tech gave me $1450 which I deposited. No more DLP's for me!

Wish we had some one who would file a class action lawsuit against HP.

Ray

Hi Ray,

Please let us know what you learn from the cooling spray investigation. I suspect that there are actually only a few root cause problems creating most of the symptoms. Perhaps others can benefit from solutions that are discovered by those of us willing to do a little investigation instead of $2k light engine swaps or just scrapping our TVs.

Ron

I have a 65 inch HP DLP, build date October 2005. The fan noise can be heard from 15 feet away from the set itself. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this, and if so, what was the fix? Is it possible to replace the current fan with a quieter fan? Would this be cost prohibitive? Unfortunately, I did not purchase an extended warranty. I guess this is a lesson learned.......................

Are you sure its fan noise and not color wheel noise?

I can also hear the fan combined with the light wheel from 15 feet ( in a quiet room), but that is the problem with DLP,s. When I have the speakers on at reasonable levels, the fan noise dissappears. Normally I use earphones so that fixes it. Normally the fan noise should be lower than the refigerator noise.

My 5880 only has one fan and it is shock mounted, maybe the 65 has two fans. My fan seems loose and does rotate, maybe it is not fed from AC, so could have slowed down.

Ray

Hi all. I'm MD5880n owner since 11/2005. I do love the picture and everyone that compares their HD picture to mine always concedes the HP is better.

Thankfully, or luckily - whatever you want to call it - I have not had any of the major issues it seems others have (yes I had my fingers crossed and knocked on some wood when I typed this). I have had one bulb go out - about 2.5 months ago. I was a disappointed that there was no clear indicator that the bulb was indeed the problem - no reference in the manual. I just had a blinking blue light. When trying to turn the set on sometimes I would get sound, sometimes I would not. I was puckering when I spent the money for the bulb hoping it was the only issue.

Anyway, I've had a Motorola 6412 Rev III hooked up via HDMI since I got the TV. The cable box hard drive blew up on Christmas day. It was replaced with a Pace 778. The Pace, unlike the Motorola will pass though multiple HD resolutions. The Motorola you had to pick 720p, 1080i and the box would convert. I've always been uncomfortable when the resolution switch / HDMI handshake / delay / screen flash occurs. It just doesn't seem as smooth and sound like one would think it should, although if I recall correctly it did seem like it improved with my last and only firmware upgrade. Since my STB only put out one HD res, I only switched when going to standard def, or was doing something out of the ordinary.

I guess my hypothesis is the more resolution switching you do, the more wear and tear you do on the color wheel and what ever else may be causing the issues people are having. Now of course it's crazy if the design didn't take this into account, but you never know.

It would be interesting to hear form the people that have had problems if they did a lot of resolution switching (especially if they were not on one of the last firmware releases), or if they were locked into a particular resolution 90-95% of the time like I've operated. Past data may squash this hypothesis quickly, but I thought I would throw it out there!

I sort of have a bit of selfish motivation because I have set the Pace up to output all HD resolutions and 480p, so I am now doing more switching myself. My thinking is this might be a mistake. I may change to just one resolution due to the switch delay. I was mostly testing to see if it improved the picture at all by not allowing the box to do any converting.

My 5880 has two fans. Looking from the rear, one is on the left, cooling the audio heatsinks and the control board enclosure; and the other is on the right, cooling the power supply, the bulb, and the light engine.

Funny you should mention this... the resolution switching always worried me a little as well, even though it was just a gut feeling and not based on anything I knew. Still, a few months ago I set my Motorola cable box to switch resolutions whenever it sent a standard def picture, I figured I could take advantage of one of the TV's stretch modes for 4:3 video when I wanted to. Normally I just had everything sent from the box as 1080i, regardless of HD or SD.

Well about an hour into trying that and switching back and forth between several HD and SD channels (and watching/listening to the TV laboriously click through to the different resolution each time), the TV finally went blank and the blue light started flashing.

I freaked out and unplugged the TV... waited for a while, then set my cable box back to 1080i for everything and since then it never happened again. So I guess count me as a vote for 'problems when resolution switching'.

context... I've had my TV since 12/05... had a light engine replacement about one year into ownership, and since then it has been fine other than the purple line that many have described (mine appeared immediately after the light engine replacement and hasn't gotten better or worse). Still on the original bulb.

I leave my Motorola DCT-6416 box set to 1080i, and do very little resolution switching on the MD5880. So far, no issues, knock on wood.

Chris

I can only find one, the one in the middle. Unless it is built into the Main Board module, I can not see it! Maybe the units are different. I ordered mine in Dec 2005.

I just checked the Service Manual I received on Feb 2006
page 63 item 38 shows the Fan module. Also page 26 shows the single Fan

Also it is a 12 volt fan with 3 wires, so maybe it changes speed as the unit gets hot. Now I remember after I have used it for many hours the noise increases, probally as it gets hot.

Maybe you have a later model 5880.

Ray

Hi Ray,

On my 65, there is a fan right behind the lamp module and can be easily seen by removing the lamp module from the front of the TV. I think it is refered to as the light engine fan. I don't think that fan is visible from the back side of the TV. It is shown on page 33 of the service manual copy I downloaded. The other fan is shown on page 26 and is easily seen from the back side of the TV.

Ron

Well, since no one seems to be able to help me with the problem I am having, can someone please tell me which number I can call to report this issue. I'm thinking I might have to call HP customer service but I'm not sure. Any help if appreciated. Thanks.

Try this site
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/s...472489&lang=en


Also i was able to email support and they replied the same day.

Also in list is Contact HP

Look around this site. I found an email address somewhere.

Ray

My guess is that no one replied because no one has any suggestions. Since you also have the problem with the menu, it would appear that the problem is not the signal input path.

My guess is that the highest or lowest order address bit going to the digital micromirror device (DMD) selects the right or left half of the screen, and this line has failed. If my guess is correct, there is a remote possibility that this could be caused by a loose connection somewhere, but that is probably unlikely. You will probably need a new light engine.

If you are not under warranty, and you don't want to pay to have a tech come out and take a look, it can't hurt to take it apart and wiggle all the connections. What do you have to lose? You could also try gently bumping the cabinet while the TV is one to see if that makes a difference. If it does, then it might be a loose connection that you can fix yourself. Of course, if you are under warranty, you would not want to do either of these things. Also, bumping the cabinet is not the best thing for the lamp.

-Dave

Hi Ron
Found it, removed the lamp module, fan seems to be moving as I marked a fin, ran it then again removed the lamp module and the fin had moved.

Of course maybe either of the fans have stopped on the second speed.

With the external fan the TV works great, maybe with a little blooming on the bright yellow faces, but OK for now.

I have recently received a box from Cox DTC5412/2000. Cox hooked it up with the components. I put the box on 1080i, but the quality on HD is not as good as when I run the TV direct on ABC HD using the QAM tuner. I have seven HD stations from Cable and the same from the roof antenna. Very excellent quality, so maybe I should give the box back.Cox now has about 17 HD channels, but the quality not so good as direct.

The box does not have HDMI. Do all boxes degrade the HD quality on Component? It was a sample box for 3 months, maybe bad.

Ray

rayme & DPlettner thank you both so much for the info.

DPlettner: Would you happen to know how long the manufacturer's warranty is? I have a Repair Master Service Plan with 5 Years Total Protection. I think it's from WarranTech. I'm a bit confused though. If the TV is still under the Manufacturer's Warranty (in this case HP) do I call them to help me or should I just call that Repair Master thing.

Hi Ray,

Glad to help with the fan. I don't have the foggiest if one of these fans is root cause or if something else is at play. At this point, it is just clear that more air circulation dramatically improves the viewing pleasure on our two sets ;0)

Can't help much with the Cox Box. My local cable outfit uses the Scientific Atlanta 8300HD. The output is component, but I'm very happy with the HD pictures. I watch football on the cable box instead of antenna, so I can pause, rewind, etc. Perhaps you might try calling Cox out to see if the box is bad, or if there is some sort of signal quality issues, or if there is a setting that can be improved.

BTW, I have noticed that bad signal quality results in some rather odd picture issues such as overly bright whites. This is true on a friends Mitsubishi as well, not just on my HP. I've had to periodically (every 6-12 months) have the cable guys come troubleshoot my cable signal. They usually hook up a meter, note that the signal strength is too low, and then go replace some connectors outside. The connection is across the street and there are a few connectors in the path... This last time, the tech put an active amplifier out at the curb and indicated that my signal quality should be good from here on out. Time will tell I guess...

Ron

HP's standard warranty is one year. If I were you, I would call HP first, explain the problem to the agent, and see what they say. Also let them know that you have a third party warranty, and ask how you can get the TV repaired, even if Repair Master is covering the warranty. The call should be free.

Then give Repair Master a call. From what I have read in this thread, most warranty providers are opting to send a check or provide a different TV, rather than fixing the HP.

-Dave

Ok,

I got a 5th TV (I have owned them since Day 1 with exteneded warantees, frames bending, not being able to fix light engines etc.)

I recieved my 5th one about 1 month ago. Since that time, I have noticed, on light backgrounds "dirt" that seems INSIDE the screen - 2-3mm in size.

You can see it so easily with a flat white screen.

Can I "remove" the screen easily and just fix it? If not, i will get another guy who will come out with the wrong part etc.

To those of you who measured for me, thanks! Unfortunately, subsequent events made it a moot point.

The day after my light engine was first replaced, I started seeing posterization and red banding throughout the picture. I called HP tech support and worked through some basic troubleshooting with them. Eventually, the TV stopped responding altogether, and the tech told me that a case manager would be calling to discuss my options. They decided to replace the light engine again and sent me an extra bulb because the tech who performed the first replacement took the bulb that was in the TV (the first replacement engine came with another bulb).

Last Friday another tech came out to replace the light engine again. Still no luck, as the TV won't turn on at all. Tier two support told the tech that the main board would probably have to be replaced. However, the case manager told me that if the second light engine replacement didn't fix the issue, they'd replace the TV. So, I am supposed to have a new TV delivered on Wednesday.

The first replacement light engine came in a box that was missing half of its styrofoam packing (only the bottom was there, the top was missing) so the engine was clearly able to be jostled around during shipment. I'm guessing that some jerk at the warehouse screwed something up and threw a broken engine in the box for me (which is probably why it had a bulb attached).

Oh well, hopefully the replacement TV will work fine and all will be well. I'm getting sick of watching TV on my old 27" SDTV.

When they come out to replace my TV, they apparently have to move the screen from my existing TV to the new one. (Screens aren't replaced because they "don't go bad" according to the case manager with whom I spoke.) The tech that was out on Friday made it sound like a fairly straightforward procedure, involving just a couple screws. I've been watching what these guys have been doing fairly closely so I'll try to let you know what's involved after mine is swapped out.

That being said, you've had a number of replacements already. Did they not swap the screens out during your replacements? Who's been handling your warranty? I'm working with HP Total Care, which is the extended warranty I bought directly from HP.

FYI, I'm pretty sure I know what you mean by the dirt on the screen. I've noticed a speck like that as well, but it's not so noticable that I ever felt the need to do something about it.

Once again many thanks DPlettner.

Well, I just got a voicemail saying that "due to a backorder situation, [my] delivery will have to be rescheduled," so I won't be getting my new TV Wednesday after all.

I'm going to call them back after work tonight and see if they can replace the main board / power supply more quickly than they can replace the entire TV, because I don't know how long this backorder situation will last.

Very frustrating.

I have not visited this site for a little while, but have come to some of the same conclusions that you all have. I have decided that there is a heat issue. I have expirimented with the optional fans also. Another thing I found out was this: When the posterization occurs at let's say the zero setting on the color wheel, I "exercise" the wheel setting by taking it up to around 500 and letting it sit like that for a while. then I take it back down to zero, and I have a great picture for a while, sometimes days.