Pourquoi votre projecteur est si bruyant et comment y remédier
Avoir à dépanner pourquoi un projecteur est si bruyant est la dernière chose que vous voulez au début d'une grande présentation. Que ce soit dans une salle de conférence ou dans votre home cinéma, un projecteur bruyant est un problème que nous devons résoudre.
Découvrez ces projecteurs que je recommande pour le home cinéma.
La physique fondamentale de la technologie s'applique également aux projecteurs, car ils nécessitent un refroidissement actif pour bien fonctionner. Cela signifie qu'ils ont des ventilateurs internes qui produisent du bruit lorsqu'ils fonctionnent.
Heureusement, la technologie d'aujourd'hui a permis aux projecteurs de sonner beaucoup moins qu'ils ne l'étaient autrefois. Mais il y aura toujours des moments où vous remarquerez que votre projecteur est ainsi et vous ne pouvez pas comprendre pourquoi.
Le bruit fort émis par votre projecteur provient généralement de l'une des deux causes suivantes :quelque chose ne va pas avec le moteur qui contrôle le ventilateur, ou le ventilateur est en fin de vie et doit être remplacé.
Vous ne pouvez pas empêcher les projecteurs de produire du bruit. Mais si vous pensez que le bruit qu'il fait est trop fort, alors il y a probablement quelque chose qui ne va pas. Si vous rencontrez un tel problème, sachez que vous pouvez faire plusieurs choses pour le résoudre.
Pourquoi votre projecteur est si bruyant
Il est indéniable que le bruit est l'un des problèmes importants auxquels sont confrontés les propriétaires de projecteurs. Lorsque vous faites une présentation ou regardez un film, le bruit que fait un projecteur sera toujours une distraction.
Pour résoudre un tel problème, la première chose à faire est de comprendre d'où provient le bruit.
Comme mentionné, les projecteurs ont des ventilateurs de refroidissement comme votre ordinateur. Lorsque l'appareil est utilisé, il a tendance à surchauffer.
Certains composants du projecteur chauffent, en particulier le laser ou l'ampoule qui produit la lumière pour projeter les images.
Certaines pièces utilisent un traitement de données électrique qui rend les appareils plus chauds.
Pour cette raison, le ventilateur fonctionne pour refroidir les composants internes. Cependant, ce ventilateur de refroidissement fait du bruit lors de son fonctionnement. Mais ce vrombissement ne doit pas être trop fort pour vous empêcher de faire ce que vous faites.
S'il devient plus fort au fur et à mesure que vous utilisez votre projecteur, cela signifie que votre appareil surchauffe, ce qui oblige le ventilateur à travailler plus fort pour le refroidir.
Deux composants composent le système de ventilation de votre projecteur :le ventilateur et les bouches d'aération. Le fabricant peut également installer des thermomètres internes pour déclencher les ventilateurs.
Dans des conditions normales, le ventilateur expulsera l'air chaud à travers ces évents et aspirera de l'air plus frais. Lorsque le système de ventilation fonctionne correctement, les ventilateurs ne produisent qu'un léger bruit.
Lorsque les pales de votre ventilateur bougent, cela peut également faire vibrer les autres composants de l'autre projecteur ; contribuant ainsi au bruit que vous entendez.
Pour résumer, voici les facteurs de bruit que vous entendez dans votre vidéoprojecteur :
- Le ventilateur du moteur
- Les pièces de votre projecteur vibrent pendant le mouvement des pales du ventilateur
- La circulation de l'air dans l'appareil
Cependant, si vous entendez soudainement des clics et des gémissements provenant de votre équipement, c'est un signe que quelque chose ne va pas.
Ce qui rend votre projecteur si bruyant
Avec tout cela à l'esprit, nous pouvons conclure que la réponse du système de refroidissement de votre projecteur à la température produite par l'ampoule et le laser est la cause du bruit. Cependant, ce n'est pas la seule cause. Il existe également des facteurs externes qui jouent un rôle important dans ce problème.
1. Le projecteur est utilisé trop longtemps
L'utilisation prolongée de votre projecteur le fait chauffer à une température plus élevée. Pour cette raison, vous devez éteindre votre équipement de temps en temps si vous comptez l'utiliser pendant une journée entière.
De cette façon, le projecteur pourra refroidir sans que le ventilateur ne fonctionne. Not only will you prevent your projector from overheating and being loud, but you will also lengthen its lifespan.
2. Poor or improper ventilation
Inadequate ventilation causes a myriad of issues to your projector. One is that it can cause its lens to burn or melt. But apart from that, it can also trigger your device to produce a loud noise.
As mentioned, a projector’s cooling system consists of a fan and ventilation holes. The hot air is pushed out through certain holes while the cool air enters others.
However, like blocking the holes, inadequate ventilation will make it harder for the fan to push hot air out. As a result, the fan will work harder to compensate for the poor ventilation.
When using your projector, you should never put anything around it that may block the ventilation holes. It will allow your device to expel heat without any blockage.
Additionally, you need to ensure that you are using your fan in a cool room. You should also prevent placing it near other devices that generate heat.
3. Mechanical or electrical issues
A crackling, grinding, or buzzing sound is an indication of another problem occurring inside your projector.
If you hear such noises, you need to bring your device to a licensed technician and have it checked.
It could mean that your fan is damaged or an electrical connection inside the projector is failing.
4. Failing projector lamp
Your projector’s lamp is the primary source of heat for the equipment. It will only get too hot when the device is used for too long if it is working perfectly. However, if you notice that your projector is heating up more than it used to, then that means something may be failing.
This overheating will cause the fan to work harder, thus making more and louder noise.
Steps to Reduce Your Projector’s Noise
Now that you know the reason for the loud noise coming from your projector, you’ll be able to fix the issue once it happens. Fortunately, reducing the noise of your projector only involves several simple steps.
1. Keep your projector clean
Cleaning your projector is one of the most excellent methods to allow proper ventilation. You can clean the outside of your device by spot cleaning using cleaning wipes, cotton balls, or paper towels dabbed with alcohol.
On the other hand, you can keep the internal part of your projector clean by using a computer duster regularly. You can also use a soft brush to brush away the dust on the ventilation holes.
2. Mount your equipment if possible
Installing your projector on a wall or ceiling will maximize the air circulation around it. That means even the bottom part of the equipment will receive cool air, reducing the need for the fan to work hard.
If possible, mount it high. This way, only a few objects may possible interfere with the airflow. However, it is essential to note that the placement of your projector must not be too high.
The reason is that the air must also circulate at the top of the device as the fan expels the heat within.
3. Clear the area where you are placing your projector
If you cannot mount your projector, you can clear anything around it that may block the airflow. The device must sit on a flat and firm surface with all the sides cleared from anything.
In addition, do not place it on carpeted or cushioned spaces. The reason is that such surfaces retain heat, which will make it more difficult for the fan to cool the device down.
Moreover, the best location for your projector is an unoccupied shelf, table, or hard floor.
4. Use the projector in Eco Mode
The eco mode is a projector function that reduces the fan noise and lamp brightness. It extends the lamp life of your device and prevents it from overheating.
The ventilation system does not have to exert so much work to cool down the device. This way, the noise it produces relatively decreases.
Also, lesser lamp brightness will result in a slower projector engine, which also prevents the device from getting too hot.
5. Place a cooling pad under the projector
Cooling pads are typically created for laptops. However, that does not mean you cannot use them on a projector. But before getting one, it is essential to make sure that what you are planning to purchase is designed for electronics.
A cooling pad has small fans encased in a metal framework. Most of the models come with three small fans. However, you can find some that have less or more.
Even if it has more fans, typical cooling pads operate quietly, so you will never have to worry about it adding more noise to your surroundings. Still, you might hear a slight noise when you turn down the volume of what you are watching.
Such is a simple method to keep your projector cool even when using it for a long time, thus allowing the fan to stay silent.
6. Look for professional repair
After doing every step to reduce your projector’s noise but nothing changes, it is time to bring it to a professional technician. It will also help to observe your equipment. If it produces heat faster than the first time you use it, that indicates that a repair technician is needed.
Ignoring the noises made by your projector will cause it to become damaged beyond repair. For this reason, you need to act as soon as you notice something unusual.
There are also instances when the fan itself gets damaged, which prevents it from working correctly, thus producing noise. If this happens to your projector, you can bring it to a licensed technician to have it fixed. But if you do not have access to such or have the right tools at hand, you can replace the fan yourself.
Changing the Projector’s Fan
Your projector’s fan is playing a significant role in keeping your device’s optimal performance. It spins so fast to ensure that the equipment is getting enough cool air to prevent it from overheating.
In addition, if you use your projector in places with temperatures not ideal for it, the ventilation system will need to work harder so that the device’s internal components will not get damaged.
For this reason, there will come a time when it will reach its dying stage. If this happens, then you will need to replace your fan.
Understand your device
When you understand the equipment you have, you will be able to figure out what to do when it produces loud noises. The best way to do such is to check the type of projector that you own.
Below are the following ways for you to know your projector’s type:
- Check the user manual included when you buy your projector.
- If you no longer have the manual, your equipment has a sticker attached to it. You will find the type of projector written there.
- If you purchased your device online, check the seller’s website.
- Search on the internet about the projector’s manufacturer.
- Go to the store where you purchased your equipment.
There are four types of projectors. Knowing the essential details about the one you own can help you identify it if you can’t find its type.
| Projector Type | Description |
| Pocket Projector | Extremely portableA little larger than a smartphoneIt does not consume high power to make up for the small cooling systemRelatively less bright than the other types, pico projectors range from 25 to 1500 ANSI lumens (1) |
| Multimedia Projector | Have bulky yet efficient cooling systems to achieve quiet operationHave full HD 4K resolutionCan project a screen size of up to 100 inches (2)Range from 1500 to more than 3500 lumens (3) |
| Home Theater Projector | The largest projector categoryUsed for general purposes like PowerPoint presentations and screening videosHave several inputs like VGA, DVI, DisplayPort, HDMI, and SDIMultimedia projectors have a subcategory called Show Throw Projectors. Such do not have zoom lenses. Instead, they use a mirror where the image is initially projected before it gets reflected on the screen.Brightness range from 2500 to 4500 lumens (1) |
| Large Venue Projector | Fix installedNot portable, so they take some time to set upHave interchangeable lens systemsThey are typically used in stadiums, movie theaters, halls, and places that require screening for large audiences. Brightness can be 1500 to 4500 lumens (1) |
Look for high-quality replacement fan blades compatible with your projector.
If you plan to install a new fan on your projector, you need to make sure that the replacement you will buy is compatible with the device. To do this, you need to understand your projector very well, especially its brand and model.
Following the steps below will help you find a fan that will fit best with your equipment:
- Search for an online store that sells fans for your particular model.
- Check online replacement stores to see if they have what you need.
- Compare prices to find the one that will help you spend less (however, you should ensure that you are not sacrificing the quality for a lower price).
- Double-check if the fan you are about to buy is compatible with your device.
Disassemble your projector and change its fan
Disassembling your projector is a tricky thing to do. A lot of people do not have much experience when it comes to opening electronic devices.
If you are one of them, the best thing you can do is watch in-depth tutorials online. You can also look for articles that discuss the proper way of replacing your projector’s fan.
When disassembling your device, always take notes of the locations of each component that you take out. You can prepare several trays, label them, and place the screws there. This way, you will not get confused about which screws to use when assembling the parts again.
Once you have opened your projector, get your replacement fan. Make sure that you are following the guide instructions accurately.
You can also take a picture of how the old fan mounting setup looks like before getting it out. It will allow you to make sure that you are setting the replacement part correctly.
Additionally, you should be very careful when changing the fan. The cables, chips, power supplies, and boards of your device can be very sensitive, so make sure you handle them carefully.
They also tend to be sensitive to sunlight, moisture, and heat. For this reason, you should place these parts in a controllable environment like your desk or workbench.
After replacing your fan and assembling the projector’s parts back, the next thing you need to do is to run some tests. You can do this by using your projector for a long time, such as watching a movie.
Pay attention to hear if it still makes noise. If not, then congratulations; you will not experience noise disruptions again when using your projector.
Furthermore, the continuous advancement of technology allowed projector manufacturers to develop products that are not as loud as before. So, if you are planning to get a new one for your home theater, conference room, or meetings, make sure to take a look at the top-rated quiet projectors below:
The Top-Rated Quiet Projectors of 2021
There are no two projectors created equally. True enough, you can find such equipment with decent features, some work better for motion pictures. For this reason, you need to check if your chosen equipment fits your needs and requirements.
| Projectors | Features |
| Epson EH TW-9400 | Projection System: LampResolution: 4KBrightness: 2,600 lumensProjection Size: 50 to 300 inches (4) |
| BenQ TK850 | Projection System: DLPResolution: 4KBrightness: 3,000 lumensProjection Size: 40 to 200 inches (5) |
| Optoma UHD42 4K UHD HDR DLP Projector | Projection System: DLPResolution: 4KBrightness: 3,400 lumensProjection Size: 300 inches (6) |
| Epson Home Cinema 3800 4K Projector | Projection System: LampResolution: 4KBrightness: 3,000 lumensProjection Size: 150 inches (7) |
| Optoma ML750e Office Projector | Projection System: DLPResolution: 1280 x 800Brightness: 700 lumensProjection Size: 60 inches (7) |
| Epson EB-S41 | Projection System: LCDResolution: 800 x 600Brightness: 3,300 lumensProjection Size: 300 inches (7) |
Epson EH-TW9400
This projector by Epson is perfect for home and office use. It has excellent color reproduction, 2,600 lumens of brightness, as well as HDR support. For this reason, it produces bright, color-accurate, and impactful images.
In addition, the images this equipment produces are well-detailed. The skin tones are highly natural, and the shadows are impressively detailed. (4)
Moreover, this projector has two USB and two HDMI video inputs. It has a 4K resolution, and the lens can project 50 to 300 inches of screen.
BenQ TK850
The BenQ TK850 is perfect equipment with a 4K resolution, impressive 3,000 lumens of brightness, and boosted audio. It even possesses a focus on sports broadcasts, making it different from any other projector out there.
Additionally, the TK850 looks very simple and minimalistic. The equipment has a white design, rounded edges, and not bulky. Its ports are all located at the rear, making them easier to navigate connections.
The location of the ports is also perfect for linking up the cables when using the projector. (5)
In terms of the power, D-pad, Source, Back, Menu, and OK buttons, you can find them all on the upper side of the device.
Moreover, one good thing about this projector is that it has an LED temperature indicator. That means if you are using the device for a long time, you will easily find out if it is already overheating.
Optoma UHD42 4K UHD HDR DLP Projector
This projector provides users with a budget-friendly way to achieve an authentic cinema experience in the comfort of their own homes. One of the best things about it is its super-fast image transference combined with a 240Hz refresh rate.
With these two features together, the equipment can make the movies you watch look cinematic.
The projector’s color reproduction is also exceptional, and the blacks get solid without any visible blooms. You don’t even need the darkest room in your house to get the best out of this equipment, thanks to its 3,400 lumens brightness. (6)
Epson Home Cinema 3800 4K Projector
If you are looking for a new projector for watching movies, streaming, or watching sports, this one by Epson is worth checking out.
With a 4K resolution, color accuracy, image mapping, and remarkable brightness, the Epson 3800 is the future of projectors. It boasts itself for its 3LCD technology, allowing it to display the entire RGB color spectrum. It means more accurate images, deeper blacks, and brighter whites.
The image projected can be up to 150 inches wide. Also, you can ensure that you are getting what you paid for this equipment as it has 5,000 hours of lamp life when you use it on eco mode. (7)
Optoma ML750e Office Projector
Perfect for office use, the Optoma ML750e projector is one of the most miniature projectors you could ever get. Since it is an office projector, it only has 700 lumens. Despite that, it still lets you present in a room that has some light in it.
This projector also has several ports along with an MHL-ready HDMI input. It also has a universal I/O slot, a USB 2.0 slot for thumb drives, and a microSD card slot. In addition, it is pretty portable as it only weighs 380g. Despite the size, it can project images of up to 60 inches in size. (7)
Epson EB-S41
While the EB-S41 by Epson is pretty tiny, it can project rather large images. It has 3,300 lumens of brightness, allowing you to use it even in a well-lit room.
The Epson EB-S41 is also light and small enough to be carried around during business trips. But regardless of its portable size, it has a large projection size of up to 300 inches. (7)
For this reason, it is safe to say that this projector is versatile despite its portability. What is even better is that the brand Epson has an excellent reputation when it comes to projectors. For this reason, you can ease yourself by knowing that you are getting something that has a good name among others in the industry.
The Takeaway
Projectors only require a little maintenance. They even have their very own systems to keep them from overheating and getting damaged. For this reason, you only need to apply minor modifications to them.
If you avoid prolonged use without letting the projector rest from time to time, ensure good ventilation, and preventing dust from getting into the fan blades and ventilation holes, you will be able to increase the lifespan of your equipment.
If you don’t take care of your projector, you will be disrupted by the loud noise it might produce. That means losing your focus on what you are watching and paying attention to the annoying sound. You would not want that, would you?
Sources:
- Peter Ward, Buying Guide To Projectors, Explora News, Tips, And Reviews, https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/video/buying-guide/projectors/
- Geoffrey Morrison, Home Theater Projectors:6 Things To Know Before You Buy, CNET, https://www.cnet.com/news/home-theater-projectors-six-things-to-know-before-you-buy/
- Rob Sabin, How To Buy A Home Theater Projector, Projector Central, https://www.projectorcentral.com/home-theater.htm/
- Nick Pino, Best 4K Projectors For Your Home Theater In 2021, Tech Radar, https://www.techradar.com/news/home-cinema/projectors/tr-top-10-best-home-cinema-projectors-1291490/
- Henry St Leger, BenQ TK850 4K Projector Review, Tech Radar, https://www.techradar.com/reviews/benq-tk850-4k-projector-review/
- Owen Gough, The 13 Best Projectors for Movies, Gaming and Live Sport, Because 2021 Is Still a Pub-Free Zone, Esquire, https://www.esquire.com/uk/design/a32639672/best-projectors/
- Henry Casey, Best Business Projectors Of 2021:Top Projectors For Home And Travel, Tech Radar, https://www.techradar.com/news/best-business-projectors/