Sony SXRD Projector Repair
We restore the optical block, replace heat-hazed polarisers, and realign panels for that signature cinematic depth.
calendar_month Book Your Repair
Optical Block & Polariser Restoration
Dust films and heat haze rob contrast. We clean optics and replace polarisers to bring back neutral blacks and clean whites.
local_shipping Start a Collection
Convergence & Calibration
Mechanical alignment first, then electronic precision. We ensure edge-to-edge sharpness and colour accuracy that holds.
tune Get StartedWhat Makes SXRD Special—and Why It Drifts
SXRD delivers film-like texture and deep contrast. But over time, polarisers haze, dust settles, and convergence drifts. We stabilize power and thermals first, then rehabilitate the optical block.
Field Symptoms & Root Causes
Common observations in ageing SXRD engines.
Tinted Greys
If calibration won't fix a tint, it's physical. Heat-aged polarisers or dust films bias the light path.
Raised Blacks / Veil
Micro-dust scatters light, muting highlights. We clean from light source to screen with lint-free precision.
Convergence Drift
Thermal cycling nudges alignment. We reset mechanical alignment first, then use electronic convergence for polish.
Hunting Fans
Dust-clogged paths or tired bearings force RPM spikes. Restoring the thermal path calms the system down.
Intermittent Shutdowns
Often thermal or power-rail issues. We profile rails for ripple and map sensors to find the choke point.
Handshake Issues
We validate HDMI/EDID integrity. Often a cable issue, but power droop on hot restarts can also trigger it.
The Restoration Process
Power
Measure rails for ripple and transient behaviour. Refresh ageing capacitors to stabilize logic.
Thermal
Replace fans with correct profiles, renew thermal interfaces, and reseal ducts for quiet operation.
Optics
Clean windows and prism interfaces. Evaluate polarisers for heat haze and replace if necessary.
Alignment
Reset mechanical convergence to reduce stress, then refine edge-to-edge geometry electronically.
Signal
Validate HDMI boards, scaler integrity, and EDID flow. Update firmware for stability.
Calibrate
Set neutral greyscale and gamma. Verify colour stability after a full warm-up soak.
Inside the SXRD Engine
SXRD combines high fill-factor with reflective liquid crystal. Heat is the antagonist: polarisers develop birefringence, and dust films scatter light. We restore the physical state so electronics don't have to fight a skewed baseline.
Polariser Replacement
We don't replace by habit. We evaluate with patch sweeps and inspect for heat stress. If cleaning restores neutrality, we stop. If not, we source matched components to preserve tonal intent.
Mechanical vs Electronic
Mechanical alignment carries the load; electronic convergence is for finesse. We dial in mechanics first to reduce geometric stress, then use electronics to polish edge-to-edge. Fine text should look calm.
Calibration Philosophy
We target believable images. Greyscale neutrality, sensible gamma, and colour management that holds across time. We check stability with content, not just charts. The projector should disappear.
Environment Matters
Keep your SXRD performing with these installation tips.
air Ventilation
Don't suffocate it. Hush boxes need active exhaust. Thermal margin extends life and keeps colour stable.
dry_cleaning Dust Control
Filters are promises. Consider pre-filters in dusty rooms. Keep lint-shedding fabrics away from intakes.
bolt Power Quality
Use high-quality mains runs. A conditioning UPS prevents nuisance trips in variable supply areas.
crop_landscape Screen Gain
In dark rooms, 1.0–1.3 gain white preserves nuance. In brighter rooms, ALR can help but validate for sparkle.
settings_input_hdmi HDMI Hygiene
Avoid daisy-chained extensions. Keep sources on the same earth domain to avoid ground-loop HDMI gremlins.
build Service Access
Place the projector where filter access isn't a chore. Regular maintenance prevents slow sabotage.
Case Studies
Green Bias
Issue: Subtle green push mid-film.
Fix: Restored airflow, cleaned optics, and replaced one early-haze polariser. Neutrality restored.
Convergence Drift
Issue: Coloured fringing on edges.
Fix: Mechanical re-alignment, resilient mount fixings, and electronic polish. Crisp edges returned.
Black Screen 4K
Issue: Sync drops on long run.
Fix: Identified 12m copper cable limit. Active optical HDMI and rail remediation solved handshake.
Maintenance Cadence
Tailored to your usage.
| Environment | Filters | Optics | Fans/Thermals | Calibration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dedicated Cinema | Check 3–6 months | Visual Annual | Paste 3–5 years | Annually |
| Living Room | Quarterly | Clean annually | Fans as needed | 18–24 months |
| Large Venue | Monthly visual | Quarterly deep | Telemetry check | Annual/Biannual |
Frequently Asked Questions
help Will calibration fix tints?
Not if physical. We restore power, thermals, and optics first; then calibration sticks.
help Do you replace panels?
Where possible, yes. But many issues are solvable with cleaning and alignment first.
help Can you collect?
Yes. Insured collection UK & Ireland. We provide packing guidance and foam.
help How long does it take?
Depends on diagnostics and parts. We keep you informed and wait for approval.