2100MP dark image, white washed out, gradient shadow

Question

I have had my 2100MP for seven months.  We use it for TV and DVD.   Up until two weeks ago it was almost perfect.  Now the projected image has degraded to an almost unwatchable state.  The factory reset option produces an image that is too dark.  If I set the brightness up to 80 and the saturation to almost maximum the picture is better unless it has mostly white or a black and white image, and then it is almost completely washed out with few features visable.  There is also a permanent vertical gradient line (almost like a shadow) on the right side of the screen from top to bottom.  It becomes a like a lens flare on bright images and then is barely visable on dark images.  The bulb hour counter has less that 900 hours.  Can this be fixed or do I need to buy one of those $400.00 bulbs?

Karell · Answer

Rolla, Thank you for using the Dell Community Forum. Try different output sources, such as a signal from your Computer, VCR, and other sources to see if the problem only appears when using a specific source. Try another set of input cables, to see if the cables are the cause of the problem. Try using the different input options, like S-video, Composite Video, and VGA video to see if the problem is only associated with one input option. Try the different video modes, PC, Movie, User. Try using the LAMP RESET option. Try removing and reseating the lamp to see if a bad connection could be causing the problem. Using Your Projector: Dell™ 2100MP Projector. Installation: Dell™ 2100MP Projector.

gbarr007 · Answer

Have you been able to fix your problem? I am having the same one, only the shadow is on left side from top to bottom. You can't see anything along this side of the screen.

Rolla64 · Answer

Dear gbarr007,

I tried all the following fixes except the Lamp Reset option. Nothing helped. If you have anything new please let me know. I was pausing a DVD feature film and taking screen shots with a digital camera when the problem started. What were the conditions when your problem started? Have you replaced the bulb? You can email me at myrl@comcast.net or call Tom 951-679-2455

Try different output sources, such as a signal from your Computer, VCR, and other sources to see if the problem only appears when using a specific source.
Try another set of input cables, to see if the cables are the cause of the problem.
Try using the different input options, like S-video, Composite Video, and VGA video to see if the problem is only associated with one input option.
Try the different video modes, PC, Movie, User.
Try using the LAMP RESET option.
Try removing and reseating the lamp to see if a bad connection could be causing the problem.

Kindest regards, Tom

Rolla64 · Answer

Dear Karell,

I have not replied to your post for a number of months because the tasks you gave me to try, except for the lamp reset, were accomplished with no improvement. Is it possible that any type of interference could have entered the lens and affected the single chip DLP light valve? I did not use the lamp reset because I believe this is only a timer to inform the user when the lamp is nearing the end of life. Since I have received a reply from another forum user, gbarr007, with the same problem at least I know I am not alone and this should be a perfect issue that you could work on resolving. The shadow on the right side has changed slightly a few months ago. It became narrower but longer. The problem with the rest of the projection is the same. Please let me know what else I can tell you to help resolve this problem.

Kindest regards, Tom

gbarr007 · Answer

I am an instructor at a local tech school. I use the projector for instruction. One day, doing nothing different, I begin to notice a slight shadow down the left side. I continued to use the projector and the shadow grew. It got to where you couldn't read any of the material on the slides down that border. I have worked with the cables, changed and tinkered with the projector settings, and as a last resort changed bulbs. Nothing has changed. It appears to me that something is getting hot and burning that area of the screen. I tried to clean it the best I could without taking it totally apart, but still nothing. In my opinion I think a lens is getting scorched.  Let me know if you find anything out. I may try and call Dell on Monday. My projector is getting so bad that it is nearly getting useless for me and I use it a lot in my lectures.

Rolla64 · Answer

Dear Karell, Here are a couple photos that display the problem I am having with my projector. Please give me some advise. Unfortunately all the suggestions you gave me before were tried with no improvement. Thank you in advance for your help.

Kindest Regards, Tom

DELL-Chris M · Answer

To all, After turning on the projector, press '+' and '-' buttons on the control panel simultaneously and release the buttons when screen goes blank. Does the diagnostics appear?

Rolla64 · Answer

Dear Chris,  Yes the diagnostics appears and cycles through the color screens.  As I recall they are red green blue and yellow.  The shadow still appears on each of those screens.  What now?   Regards, Tom

DELL-Chris M · Answer

Rolla64, If it is still under warranty, call in and get it replaced.

Rolla64 · Answer

Dear ChrisM,

That is a great idea, but it is not under warranty. I bought it on eBay May 9, 2003. There is no service tag, order number, receipt, etc. Just a Dell projector with a manufacture defect. Is the number I call for tech support 1-877-459-7298?

Kindest Regards, Tom

dxdy · Answer

Dear All, My projector has exactly the same problem as you mentioned in the previous discussion. Could you please tell me how you finally solve this problem? Does change light bulb work? Thanks! Ian

Rolla64 · Answer

Dear Ian, I am very sorry to hear your projector has the same problem as mine. If your projector is still under warranty call Dell Tech Support as soon as possible. Another owner with the same problem was able to get his replaced at no charge while under warranty. Mine was out of warranty. If it is not under warranty the Tech Support person can give you the address and phone number of a repair facility. I sold mine on eBay with full disclosure of the problem. A bidder told me in an email that it probably was the optical engine. Email me at myrl@comcast.net and I will give you some other information that may be helpful. Regards, Tom

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2100MP dark image, white washed out, gradient shadow

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