So I bought a 2 year old, 52" Toshiba DLP HDTV today for $50 on Craigslist from someone. Obviously that statement was misleading and for that I apologize. But, they cannot get the TV to work and have been told by others (I have also) that the noise they are hearing, and the lack of sound is due to a blown color wheel. I have researched this for almost three hours and seem to think that the problem they are having is due only to the blown color wheel.

Now, I'm extremely handy when it comes to this shit, have spare time on my hands on the weekend, and have found a color wheel online for about $165 plus shipping. My point is, if I get this TV, which from everything I can tell is RIDICULOUS when working, for about $225 ($50 for the TV and $165 for the wheel) plus my time fixing it (estimating 6-8 hours) I'll get an amazing deal. My only issue is - and the reason for this post - I've heard many people having issues with A.) replacing DLP color wheels and B.) DLP TV's with color wheels shitting the bed after a year.

Point B I'm not really worried about because if I get a TV like this for $225 for a year, it works and then shits the bed.... I'm good with that. My biggest worry is, I do not know anyone with DLP TV experience. I know from working in Home Electronics at Best Buy for 2 years that the picture quality is second to none and will rival any plasma or LCD. Now, I know its a gamble and that kinda why I'm doing it, but I'm not trying to spend that kinda money if Im not gonna have a shot a fixing this thing and having at work at 100% for at least a year........

1. It won't fix the problem
2. It's going to be MUCH more difficult than I think it is
3. Won't last long enough to make my time and money investment worth it

Pretty much just looking for anyone's help with their experience with their (or a friends) DLP and if they've had issues/have been able to fixc this color wheel issue for something thats affordable. Any help would be greatly appreciated because it will mean the difference between me watching 82 Sabres games on a 52" HDTV or a 10 year old 27" Flat Screen Sony in my living room

_________________
"I can't really hear what Jeremy says, because I got my two Stanley Cup Rings plugging my ears...." -Patrick Roy in reference to Jeremy Roenick's trash talking

A humming, scratching, buzzing, or rubbing noise would definitely indicate the color wheel, yeah.

However...I'm not so sure about the "lack of sound." If there's no audio, that's not likely to be caused by a faulty color wheel...unless it's sending the TV into a "protect" mode where it's not actually on - then that could be the issue.

If your research shows that the model has had identical issues with the color wheel, then it's likely your problem.

I've fixed numerous TV's in the past, but never dealt with a DLP. While they do have an awesome picture, the bulbs do have a limited life - almost everyone I know with a DLP has had to change their bulb at least once.

I've gotten some awesome TV's with power supply problems that had quick and easy fixes (generally capacitors). Also have repaired my old CRT projection HDTV (convergence amps). Those were easy fixes. Can't comment on a DLP though - seems like more of a mechanical process than an electrical one.

Ugh...too much too soon. I have a 10+ hour day ahead of me of fixing cable! lol

I don't know a great deal about TV innards. But I will tell you this, if you turn off your TV's speakers does it go away? If yes then run your audio through a receiver and call it a day. If no then stay with plan A.

_________________
"I love that you know how to do that." Cheryl/Carol/Crystal

"And I love that I have an erection that doesn't involve homeless people." Kreiger

The humming sound is coming from the television, not the speakers. Audio works fine too, its just the humming sound with no picture. Still think its a steal for $225 if the thing comes out right....its an awesome TV

_________________
"I can't really hear what Jeremy says, because I got my two Stanley Cup Rings plugging my ears...." -Patrick Roy in reference to Jeremy Roenick's trash talking

Yeah, if you can pull that off, that's a huge win.

I've got a DLP projector, but I've never had any issues with it *knock on wood*.
If the color wheel thing is as common as you make it sound, report back on how the repair went, I'm interested how difficult it may be.

_________________
Hold my beer and watch this...

Yeah, very likely just the color wheel then.

I won't even tell you guys about the 37" LCD I got for $50 or the 42" LCD I got for $100. Oh wait.

How the eff did you do that?

_________________
"I can't really hear what Jeremy says, because I got my two Stanley Cup Rings plugging my ears...." -Patrick Roy in reference to Jeremy Roenick's trash talking

Craigslist. Both were repairable for less than $2 each.