In light of the color wheel failure in my HD70 I was forced to find a replacement.

I have to commend Optoma. Despite their somewhat snippy customer service rep, I am really impressed. I called them four days ago (Monday) after they had closed for the day (why answer the phone if you’re closed?) and ordered a replacement color wheel for my HD70, a projector they haven’t made for about four years. Not only did they have it in stock, and for a reasonable price, but they told me it would be 8 days to arrive and it arrived in less than four. Color me impressed.

After I opened the projector up, pulled all the glass shards out, blew the dust out of it, and installed the new wheel I buttoned it back up, sure enough it fired right up. The only note I can really give to others who attempt this is not to forget to unscrew your color wheel sensor (an optical sensor) from your original color wheel and attached it to the new one before installing it. If you have ever noticed “a dirty color wheel,” manifested by your screen flashing odd colors (usually green), you are actually dealing with dust interrupting the view of this sensor.

I have never been happier that I purchased an Optoma projector, and I won’t hesitate to buy another (when funds permit I’d like to get the HD80 or HD33). When this projector was new the retail price was around $1299, and it was widely thought of as a bargain for a best-in-class unit. I got mine all beat up and not working on eBay for $200. I added a lamp ($245 at the time) and did some cleaning and sealing of ducting and had a working projector. Thanks to Optoma for building us a durable workhorse  that we can repair ourselves!