Is my color wheel going, or just a cooling fan? DLP experts needed!

[Don Vito Corleone]

I have a 2005 Samsung HLR-5067W. It is a 720p DLP set.

Recently my set started making a steady, fairly loud humming noise that starts when I turn the set on, and stops about 15 seconds after I power it down. There is no discernible problem with the color - it looks fine as far as I can tell and doesn't flicker or demonstrate any rainbow artifacts.

Does anyone know if this is likelier caused by the color wheel or a cooling fan? I have been happy with the set but would just as soon not spend a ton of time and/or money to keep it going, given how good and cheap larger sets have gotten in the last 7 years. I would probably buy a replacement fan but I might not buy a new color wheel.

Thanks in advance to anyone who has any insight!

 

[NutBucket]

Sounds like a fan to me.

 

[Aikouka]

I believe the fans are typically close to the bulb. Consider turning it on, and see if you can audibly locate the source of the sound (i.e. does it sound like it's coming from near the bulb).

On my Samsung DLP, the bulb is on the right side (when looking at the back) and the color wheel is near the middle. The distance between them ought to help.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

I was unable to isolate where the sound was coming from so finally just bought a new color wheel and fan - replacing both should pretty well ensure the sound goes away. If not, I will reluctantly accept that the TV is haunted . . .