The Hitachi 70VS810 Has No Power

Nov 10, 2011
Max Dalton

Hitachi 70VS810 rear-projection TV - Engadget

Isolate the power problem with your Hitachi 70VS810 TV to determine if you can bring your TV back to life or whether you need professional help.

The Hitachi 70VS810 is a 70-inch rear projection television. The TV features HDMI, component, composite and S-video inputs for connecting external devices, and also has a digital audio output port for outputting the TV´s audio to a surround sound system. There are a variety of troubleshooting methods you can use to resolve problems with your TV if the device does not appear to be getting any power.

Power Cable

Make sure the power cable is firmly connected to the AC outlet the TV is plugged into. If the power cable is not firmly connected, or is not connected at all, the TV will not power on, or will turn on and then turn off erratically. Also, if the TV is connected to a power strip, turn the power strip off and then turn it back on to see if there was an issue with the power strip. Alternatively, unplug other devices in the power strip and then try powering on the TV to see if any of the other devices connected to the power strip were causing a problem.

Test Other Devices

Unplug the TV and then plug other devices that you know work into the AC outlet and try turning them on. If that device doesn't work, turn the circuit breaker associated with the Hitachi 70VS810 TV off and then on again and try turning the TV back on. If the TV still doesn't start, try other troubleshooting techniques.

Lamp Replacement

The TV may be powering on, but you may not be seeing the display because the lamp may have died or burned out. Unplug the TV's power cable from the AC outlet it's connected to.

The TV's lamp can be accessed by removing the screw in the upper left corner of the small panel on the lower left side of the TV using a Philips-head screwdriver to expose the lamp.
Allow at least one hour of non-operation to make sure the lamp is cooled off before touching it. This ensures that you don't burn yourself.
Grab the handle that is exposed by removing the cover and then carefully pull the lamp housing out of the TV.
Lift the black metal piece protecting the lamp and then unscrew the lamp. Screw in the new lamp and then replace the metal cover.
Carefully push the lamp housing securely back into slot in the TV and reinsert the screws and covers that protect the lamp and hold it in place.
After installing the lamp housing and ensuring it is seated properly, attempt to turn the TV back on.

Alternatively, you can call Hitachi support at 1-800-HITACHI and order a new lamp or lamp housing. As of October 2011, the lamp costs $70 and the lamp and housing costs $100. You can also purchase a lamp or the lamp and housing at online stores such as Amazon or eBay.

Reset TV

The Hitachi 70VS810 features a power surge protection technology that helps limit the damage done to the TV as a result of a lightning strike or other major electrical event by shutting down the TV. You will not be able to turn the TV back on until it is reset. Press the "Power" button on the front of the TV. Wait for at least 30 seconds to see if the display turns on. If the TV doesn't come on after 30 seconds, press the "Power" button again and wait for another 30 seconds for the monitor to display. If the TV picture still does not appear, unplug the TV from the AC adapter it's connected to and wait for at least one minute before reconnecting the power cable. During this time, the TV will perform a soft reset, which may resolve issues with internal components that are not performing properly. Reconnect the TV's power cable to an available outlet and then press the "Power" button.

If you are unable to fix the problem on your own after isolating it through troubleshooting, consult the manufacturer or a professional TV repair person.