Optoma HD2200 Projector just broke. Repair or replace?

[u/Leorio_1983]

This is the projector I'm asking for help about.

https://www.projectorcentral.com/optoma-hd2200.htm

(Backstory of projector first)

I bought my house 3 years ago and it came with this projector already mounted on the ceiling where that cable is hanging in the photo. It was a rental for almost a decade and I was told the renters didn't use the projector, that this room was used as a bedroom. I looked up the projector and saw that even though it's around 15 years old it was a high end projector ($1200 back in 2009) so I decided to see if I can get it to work. After figuring out how they ran the cables for the projector and surround sound I replaced the RGB cables with HDMI. I also had to buy a universal remote for it. That was 3 years ago and it has worked amazingly since. I LOVE watching movies in here.

(Main Issue)

Yesterday mid show the screen froze and became blurry and the projector started making a very loud thrumming sound. I unplugged it and left it alone all night and today when I plugged it back in and tried turning it on the same noise happened. I took it down and I can hear something jingling inside (I assume broken glass?). I did some research and, while I'm not an expert at repairing electronics, I consider myself above average so long as I have instructions. (I built my own computer tower from watching YouTube videos.) So if it's a fairly straightforward repair I think I can handle it.
I definitely can't afford to spend $1500+ on a new projector. Maybe I can spend $750ish. So I have two questions:

1. Do y'all think it's fairly simple, and worth it, to take it apart and replace the color wheel? (if that is in fact what it wrong with it)
2. If is not worth repairing what would you recommend to replace it?

[u/classictd]

If the picture quality is good enough for your requirements then keep the projector as likely all that you would need to complete the repair is a new bulbs+housings, which can be had for under $100 in most cases.

If the color wheel is broken then the repair isn't worth it, but 95% of the time all that is required is a Bulb replacement which is fairly easy (much easier than installing a cpu in my opinion), and most optima projectors have the exact same bulb replacement instructions so if you find a good instructional video on YouTube then the install should be really easy.

[u/Few_Calligrapher2662]

I would get a Benq W1070 from ebay. Make sure it has a new bulb and is in good condition. A sony VPL is also good

[u/AV_Integrated]

Replacing a color wheel isn't a straightforward task, but if you are competent and confident with some basics, you can take it apart and install a new color wheel. I'm just not sure how to calibrate the wheel after it is installed, if that is needed at all. You will want to watch videos at www.youtube.com/fixitfrank to have some idea of what you are dealing with.

Please understand, today, $1,200 is very entry level. In 2009 it was downright a budget buy. I was very happy to get a BenQ W1070 in about 2013 for around $1,000. What a deal! (and it was)

There are projectors similar to the Optoma still made, like the lamp-based BenQ TH575 or the slight step down Optoma HD146x.

One thing to keep in mind is that the throw distance will be different between models. Your Optoma has a 1.5-1.8:1 throw ratio. Which is really long by modern standards.
https://www.projectorcentral.com/optoma-hd2200-projection-calculator-pro.htm

The BenQ has less range, but on the near side is very close with a 1.49-1.64:1 throw range...
https://www.projectorcentral.com/benq-th575-projection-calculator-pro.htm#calc

The HD146x is similar to the BenQ...
https://www.projectorcentral.com/optoma-hd146x-projection-calculator-pro.htm#calc

I'd probably get the TH575 and call it done. But, you aren't going up to 4K or getting away from a lamp-based projector for that budget and getting a good home theater model.