Repair FAQ's

Are there any environments that I should avoid when using my LCD Projector? - Absolutely!

Those environments that contain tobacco smoke, cooking grease, and "fog" from fog machines.

A clean air filter is the key to preventing visible suspended particles (dust) from getting into the projector. However, smaller particles, such as the tar in tobacco smoke, the grease in frying fums, and the oil in "fog" from fog machines can be down to molecular in size. This size of material is only partially impeded by the air filter.

Once these particals are sucked inside the projector, they will coat any surface they encounter as they move through it at high velocity. These materials are sticky, and they tend to attract dust and bond with it.

While it is difficult, this mess can be reasonalby well removed from most components, including circuit boards. Cleaning usually involves the complete disassembly of the projector. Attempting to remove them from the surfaces of the lcd panels is seldom completely successful.

Without special accomodation, lcd projectors probably should not be used at all in the areas that are primary sources of contaminates, such as (smoking) bars, kitchens, or special event theaters. Special accomodation would mean pumping clean room temperature "outside air" to the areas of air intake on the projector. Often cabinets are constructed for the projectors, and these keep the entire projector, as well as the optical system, free of contaminates.

Normally, the presence and removal of these contaminants, and the repair of the damage caused by them, is not covered by warranty. On average, contaminated projectors can take a day to clean and involve replacement of one or more LCD Panels, before any other corrective action can be taken.

Projector Care when sending in for a repair:

1. Always use the "Standby" button to cool the projector after each use. Remember to cool down the projector before packing.

2) Pack the Projector in a manner that will not damage the lens. It is a good idea to save the box that the projector came in to pack it.

3) Separate the projector from the cables when packing. This will avoid any unnecessary damage to the projector.

4) Avoid use of excessive force when operating and packing the projector.

Troubleshooting Tip - Image color is red or blue

If the background has a green, red or blue tint, reset all settings to the factory standard.

Replace the VGA Cable.

Troubleshooting Tip - Image is not stable

Adjust the image using the sync button on projector.

Verify that both the computer and projector are running the same resolution.

If not, identify the native resolution of the projector (800x600, 1024x768,1280x124 pixels) and set the computer to the same. If using a laptop, you may lose the ability to simultaneously view both images.

If yes, go to the "display properties" window within your operating system and select "Advanced Properties". Locate "Refresh Rate" and select "60 hz" as this is a known compatible frequency for both PC's and work stations. If you cannot access any selections under "Refresh Rate", select "Optional" for the current setting.

If the image is still not stable: Under "Advanced Properties", select "Adapter Types" and show all devices. Select "Standard Monitor Types" and repeat steps for optimizing refresh frequency.

Troubleshooting Tip - If "No Signal" is displayed from projected image

1) Verify that your computer is running at a resolution (640x480, 800x600, 1024x768 or 1280x1024) equal to that of the projector.

2) When using a laptop computer, verify that simultaneous viewing has been enabled. All laptops are different (look for the "Function" key that looks like a monitor or that reads LCD/CRT), then press the "Function" key on the keyboard. This key could be on the bottom left side of the keyboard. It can also be the F8 key in your command keys. Then choose the key that toggles your display options.

a) Verify that the projector is in computer mode (press "Computer" or the "Input" button) for computer presentations.

b) Verify that the projector is in video mode (press "Video" button) for video presentations.

c) Replace VGA Cable

d) Try connecting to another computer.

Troubleshooting Tip - Why does the projector not turn on?

If you follow these instructions, and your projector does not come on, you should call us to schedule a time for possible repair.

a) Confirm the power cord is plugged in properly.

b) Verify the "standby" button is on.

c) Check/replace the lamp assembly.

How long will it take to repair my item?

Most items brought in for repair are fixed within five to seven business days, depending on availability of parts from the manufacturer. Older items and unusual items may take a few weeks if there is a wait on specific replacement parts.

How likely is it that my unit can be repaired?

Since we are specialized in repairing electronics we usually repair more than 90% of all our items that we receive.

My TV is a couple of years old, when I turn it on there is no picture. Is the picture tube bad?

If there is no picture, then it could either be a video, audio circuit boards, or power supply sources problem. We have found that a very small fraction of TV repairs involve a bad picture tube.

What's the problem when a rear projector TV colors are separated (no convergence)?

Projection TV's use three separate monochrome picture tubes, namely red, green and blue CRT's or picture tubes. There is one among the printed circuit board (PCB) inside a TV set, called convergence PCB, that brings these three main colors together to generate any color at any point on the screen. When the convergence circuit fails, the colors are shifted, and it looks like three different images (red, green, and blue images). In some models when the convergence circuit fails, TV sets cannot be turned on. Don't worry, we can solve the problem.

My TV has one thin, straight color line across in the middle of a screen. Is the picture tube bad?

No, 99% of the picture tube is good, but the TV vertical deflection circuit has failed, and it can be repaired. Mistakenly, many TV owners tend to think their picture tube is bad.

My TV was working last night, but I cannot turn it on now. What went wrong?

Most people think the power on/off switch is defected. There are different things that can cause this problem. However, defective power regulators and horizontal circuits are usual suspects. This problem in general is repairable.

The estimate is close to what I can pay for a new unit, I can buy a new unit for a few more dollars. What's your suggestion?

Of course you can, but remember that if the item you are repairing is a high-quality piece of electronic equipment, then in all likelihood, you've had it in use for years. If you pay a few extra dollars for a new unit rather than having that one fixed, you'll likely end up with a unit of far less quality.

How do you handle a plasma repair and plasma home service call?

Plasma TVs are the most complicated and expensive unit to repair, but A Tailored Vision has grown rapidly from servicing traditional CRT TV into today's LCD / DLP / Plasma TV.

We are proud to point out that no other company can compete with our specifications. With the newest Plasma Repair Equipment, Our Trained Technicians are able to perform the most sophisticated repair jobs on Plasma Tv at the fraction of the price of full Plasma replacement.

Plasma Home Service Calls will be a $90.00 charge plus $60 Pick-up and Delivery. If you do want the item to be repaired, the service fee of $90.00 will be included in the repair work.

Why does gas need to be recharged on a plasma tv?

We get a lot of inquiries about this topic so we thought it easier just to write a short article about the subject to put it to rest.

For some reason at retail stores in different parts of the world salespeople often tell consumers that they should not purchase a plasma display because the pixel cells have to be periodically recharged. Who knows where they get this information. It is completely false.

There is no recharging process. There is no gas that needs to be pumped back into the display. There is no way to "re-gas" a plasma monitor, since the plasma display element is a fixed pixel device with each pixel etched into the glass substrate. So called "ribs" within the glass substrate envelope further separate this cell. Further to discourage any potential "re-gasser" are black striping and more ribbing separating each of the three phosphor colors of red, green, blue. Finally, there is a rear glass substrate protective layer behind all of this technology.

Each pixel cell in a plasma display has its own transmitter or electronic power supply. In the case of a 1024X1024 plasma display that is 1,048,576 individual pixel cells with 1,048,576 electric pulse transmitter wires connecting video boards and processors to the rear panel of the rear glass substrate. In sum, there is no practical (nor probably impractical) repair.

Not sure if we have made the point yet but let us state it plainly. If a pixel cell expires, it is out, and there is nothing you can do about it. It is just one of 1,048,576 and is likely not to disturb your viewing pleasure. It will just appear as one black spec on the otherwise vibrant, colorful screen, and thus, not noticeable.

The cell may first appear in green only. When a cell appears in green it is noticeable. This means that the electric pulse is not exciting the red and blue phosphors in that particular cell. You may find this annoying but at least you can rest assured that the green phosphor in that one cell will expire years before your plasma display.

Thankfully, pixel outage has not been a problem for recent models of plasma TVs. Manufacturers test the product very thoroughly for these defects before shipping to the U.S. or anywhere for that matter.

Still, manufacturers do not publish exact policies regarding pixel cell outage. They follow some practical gray guidelines suggesting that if there are four or more pixels out on one plasma display then that it is a replacement case. Less than that, and the unit will probably not be replaced unless the dealer you purchased the unit from is willing to go the extra mile to take care of you.

Why would a LCD or DLP Projector need a tune-up?

The effective cooling of your projector is crucial for trouble free operation and a long projector life. Dust filters need to be cleaned regularly to ensure that the projector is properly ventilated and does not overheat. This is vital to the life of both the projector and lamp. The interval required between each cleaning of the dust filter is dependent on the projector usage, as well as the operating environment. Extended use or a dusty environment will necessitate more frequent cleaning. The rule of thumb is approximately once every 3 months but at least every 200 operating hours. Problems resulting from allowing the filters to become clogged can include one or more of the following temporary or permanent problems:

a) poor image qualtiy and/or uniformity.

b) a "hotspot" in the middle of a projected image caused by an everheated LCD module.

c) Shortened lamp life or lamp fusing.

d) burning smell caused by the optical engine melt down.

e) Temporary or permanent projector shutdown caused by an overheated temperature safety switch or a repeatedly over-heated power supply.

Your projector is an expensive asset - proper maintenance will make it last!

Is my item worth repairing?

Some items are worth repairing while others are not. Once our technicians have a chance to look at the item, we can always determine if it is worth fixing.

How do you handle a home service call?

Home service calls will be a $55.00 charge including diagnosis and travel trip. You only pay this charge if you decide not to have the unit fixed after receiving an estimate. If you do want the item to be repaired, the service fee of $55.00 will be applied to the repair of the unit. Pick-up and delivery is an additional $60 and is not refundable.