ACMESkydiver 0 #1 September 29, 2007 I need help. I don't want to junk this 12 month old 52" RCA rear projection big screen TV...it must be something simple... -and of course, we're outside of warranty . Our son Joey headbutted the TV, and now the picture is way off...we're watching a football game, and there are 6 teams on the field. The real image is in the center, then we have a 'red' image to the left, then we have a 'blue' image just shadowing the main. Also, the picture is bow-tied...curved up from the bottom, curved down from the top. It seems to me like some kind of reflecting mirror was knocked askew or something. I've searched online trying to figure out what could be off -some sites mentioned 'color guns' being off. Another site mentioned a solder gone off. I have no idea. I know the smart thing would be to get a TV repairman out here, but this is poor timing right now. Like I said in another thread, our freaking truck was just hit (& run) yesterday, we had to buy a bed and now we lost funding for some of the boys' therapy. When it rains, it pours! Obviously a TV is low priority. -Has anyone opened a rear-projection TV before? I read somewhere that a TV can store a lot of electricty even when turned off, so it's dangerous to open even unplugged. I'll risk electrocution -the Autistics are going nuts without Disney. Joey wants to watch it, and Derick wants Joey to watch it so he'll quit jumping him and stealing his PJ bottoms to spin (don't ask, it's an Autistic stim thing. ) Worst case scenario I'll just bring down the little TV from upstairs. I just wish I knew how these things worked! ~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1969912 0 #2 September 29, 2007 Hopefully it's not the mirror. First try setting the convergence, which re-aims the three CRT tubes. It might have a button that adjust is automatically. If not, then there should be a way to do it manually. If you have the owner's manual, look there. If it's the mirror, and it's not broken, you might be able to pop it back into position pretty easily. What brand/model is it? EDIT: Should mention that it might not even have CRT tubes/guns. It might be a DLP TV. "Once we got to the point where twenty/something's needed a place on the corner that changed the oil in their cars we were doomed . . ." -NickDG Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACMESkydiver 0 #3 September 29, 2007 Quote Hopefully it's not the mirror. First try setting the convergence, which re-aims the three CRT tubes. It might have a button that adjust is automatically. If not, then there should be a way to do it manually. If you have the owner's manual, look there. If it's the mirror, and it's not broken, you might be able to pop it back into position pretty easily. What brand/model is it? It is an RCA R52WH73 -I have the manual here, but it's in SPANISH! I don't know how we got a Spanish manual and no English one... Quote EDIT: Should mention that it might not even have CRT tubes/guns. It might be a DLP TV. It is not a DLP. I'll see if there's an option on the menu to align the convergence thingies...~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1969912 0 #4 September 29, 2007 On my Hitachi there is a button behind a cover on the TV. Will look for a "manuel". "Once we got to the point where twenty/something's needed a place on the corner that changed the oil in their cars we were doomed . . ." -NickDG Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACMESkydiver 0 #5 September 29, 2007 Quote On my Hitachi there is a button behind a cover on the TV. Will look for a "manuel". I found the English instruction manual...troubleshooting section is no help whatsoever. Doesn't say anything about how to fix a skewed picture. Joe says he found something on auto convergence, we'll see what it says...~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1969912 0 #6 September 29, 2007 Was just about to post a link to the manual. Convergence is adjusted using the remote. First it does an automatic rough adjustment, and then you fine tune it. Can you post a pic of the skewed pic? Do you know where he nailed the TV? Screen, side....? "Once we got to the point where twenty/something's needed a place on the corner that changed the oil in their cars we were doomed . . ." -NickDG Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACMESkydiver 0 #7 September 29, 2007 Quote Was just about to post a link to the manual. Convergence is adjusted using the remote. First it does an automatic rough adjustment, and then you fine tune it. Can you post a pic of the skewed pic? Do you know where he nailed the TV? Screen, side....? It says that there should be a 'convergence' option on the setup menu. It isn't there. RCA says that if a 'convergence' option isn't available on the setup menu, that it must be an internal problem (some kind of alignment motor). Great...well, I guess I can just unscrew the back and see if I can manually align the things. ~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1969912 0 #8 September 29, 2007 I'm trying to score a service manual for it. Did he hit the screen? Is there a dent anywhere? Go ahead open it up, but remember that the CRT's can store a high voltage charge for a long time. Keep hands, cats, and kids away from the CRT's. The CRT's will 6-8" diameter tubes about a foot long; three of them side-by-side. Also, don't touch the mirror. The mirror will be positioned between the CRT's and the front screen so it reflects the light onto the back of the screen. If you can, look at the back of the screen, and see if there is anything that appears loose. If he hit the screen, it might have dislodged the actual screen which sits right behind the shiny face of the TV. Next look at the mirror to see if it looks dislodged or loose in any way. "Once we got to the point where twenty/something's needed a place on the corner that changed the oil in their cars we were doomed . . ." -NickDG Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACMESkydiver 0 #9 September 29, 2007 Quote I'm trying to score a service manual for it. Did he hit the screen? Is there a dent anywhere? Go ahead open it up, but remember that the CRT's can store a high voltage charge for a long time. Keep hands, cats, and kids away from the CRT's. The CRT's will 6-8" diameter tubes about a foot long; three of them side-by-side. Also, don't touch the mirror. The mirror will be positioned between the CRT's and the front screen so it reflects the light onto the back of the screen. If you can, look at the back of the screen, and see if there is anything that appears loose. If he hit the screen, it might have dislodged the actual screen which sits right behind the shiny face of the TV. Next look at the mirror to see if it looks dislodged or loose in any way. I'm pretty sure his head hit just about dead center. I'll open it up here in a few minutes after we find that receipt just to make SURE that we're out of the service warranty (which sucks ASSSSS!!! )~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1969912 0 #10 September 29, 2007 My guess is that he pushed in the protective clear panel and hosed up the screen behind it. I really doubt he could have knocked the guns out of alignment. I found info on fixing the screens for other brands/models, but not for that one yet. "Once we got to the point where twenty/something's needed a place on the corner that changed the oil in their cars we were doomed . . ." -NickDG Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1969912 0 #11 September 30, 2007 Yep, some posts on forums say that it might cost ~$375 to have someone remove and reinstall the screen assembly. A couple other posts said that if the inner screen (really a special lense) needs to be replaced, it could cost ~$1000. Those numbers were each mentiond in two different posts, but only two, so take it for what it's worth. A decent repairperson should be able to diagnose the problem in less than an hour and give you a quote. If you decide to look into it youself, open the back of the TV first and try to look for any distortion or damage to the backside of the screen and/or the mirror. Don't touch either one of them without following the precautions in the links below. If you need to take the front screen screen apart, both links give general information on how to do it. I was unable to find any detailed information on the screen assy. for your TV. The links below have general information on disassembling screen assy's., as well as tips on how to avoid damaging the optics and how to clean them. http://www.keohi.com/keohihdtv/learnabout/generaltips/screenoptics/cleaningtheoptics.html http://www.hometoys.com/htinews/dec04/articles/hack17/projectiontv.htm Regarding a repair manual, I couldn't find a free one and couldn't find one on several sites that sell them. Also, the RCA support site says your model TV doesn't exist. Ditto for a few models very similar to yours. A link to their site and their phone number is below. The second link has some possible souces for manuals. http://support.rca.com/index.html "We can be reached by phone at 877-794-7977. Our hours are 8AM - 8PM EST Monday - Friday and 10AM - 7PM EST on weekends." http://www.keohi.com/keohihdtv/accessories/parts.html "Once we got to the point where twenty/something's needed a place on the corner that changed the oil in their cars we were doomed . . ." -NickDG Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACMESkydiver 0 #12 September 30, 2007 Wow, ok that's good stuff to know. I'm going to call RCA and beg and plead for them to help us out as we're only 10 stinkin' days outside of warranty. ~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1969912 0 #13 September 30, 2007 No kidding? Did you find a receipt? "Once we got to the point where twenty/something's needed a place on the corner that changed the oil in their cars we were doomed . . ." -NickDG Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
normiss 903 #14 September 30, 2007 keohi ROCKS!!!! all brands, all technical information is spot on...the best HD reference site out there! I would alos bet he has messed up one or both screens and not the conergence, although it could be that. best of luck with it! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACMESkydiver 0 #15 September 30, 2007 QuoteNo kidding? Did you find a receipt? I found my post about getting the big screen TV, so I know when it was...we are still searching for it right now.~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1969912 0 #16 September 30, 2007 Yeah. He proablly caused knocked the inner lens/screen loose or otherwise caused it to become partially unfocussed. Ever taken one apart yourself? Also, what do you think about RCA's? After looking around on the net about her yesterday, I'd never buy one. "Once we got to the point where twenty/something's needed a place on the corner that changed the oil in their cars we were doomed . . ." -NickDG Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ryoder 1,590 #17 October 1, 2007 Quote Great...well, I guess I can just unscrew the back and see if I can manually align the things. Wow!A chick that isn't afraid to open up a TV to see if she can fix it!You are definitely not "High Maintenance"!"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
normiss 903 #18 October 1, 2007 I had a Mitsubishi 65" rear projection HD. After the power chips went the second time - I replaced them both times for like $30 in parts, I decided to unload it. Sold it for a good price...enough to almost cover the cost of my 50" Plasma Zenith (now they're LG's). As much as I loved that tv, I don't care for rear projection units of any kind after owning one...they're HUGE! Flat panels are tiny! I've also moved way too many times over the last few years and the rear projection units are just a pain to move, takes 4 guys to do it comfortably, 3 minimum. I can carry my plasma myself, with built in handles. LOTs more inputs, shaper picture....I just have decided the flat panels are a better product. I would agree with your assesment of RCA HD units of any flavor though....but I also understand the consumer's view on expensive products...and they price the RCA's to sell sometimes...same as some other models I have no interest in. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACMESkydiver 0 #19 October 1, 2007 Quote Quote Great...well, I guess I can just unscrew the back and see if I can manually align the things. Wow!A chick that isn't afraid to open up a TV to see if she can fix it!You are definitely not "High Maintenance"! Yea! ~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1969912 0 #20 October 1, 2007 Yeah, they are way heavy. With such delicate optics inside, it's amazing they survive moves at all. "Once we got to the point where twenty/something's needed a place on the corner that changed the oil in their cars we were doomed . . ." -NickDG Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Derekbox 0 #21 October 1, 2007 Wait your kid head butted the tv and you expect warrenty support? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACMESkydiver 0 #22 October 1, 2007 Quote Wait your kid head butted the tv and you expect warrenty support? Of course! What, they don't warranty against a 10 year old Autistic kid? I was noting our warranty time because it's much more likely that they would work on the set if it was within the 12 months from initial purchase. RCA might help out a family with mentally challenged 10 year olds that tend to do things typical 10 year olds wouldn't. I give breaks to families of disabled kids in my 2 businesses...and I'm small potatoes compared to a large corporation. ~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Derekbox 0 #23 October 1, 2007 Some companies have compassion, but it seems generally the larger they get the less they care. Regardless, it is an uphill battle for a claim that is not entirely legit. Put an add on craigslist and see if you can trade for local skill. D Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ACMESkydiver 0 #24 October 1, 2007 QuotePut an add on craigslist and see if you can trade for local skill. Interesting; I'd never thought of something like that. We'll have to consider that.~Jaye Do not believe that possibly you can escape the reward of your action. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
