I'm afraid it does sound like something more major. Had you or your friend seen the projector working before you got it?
bSures are covered by a three year warranty. To see if your projector is still under warranty check the serial number at the back near the mains socket. It starts WRnn nn nn (n is a number).
Skip the two numbers after WR, the next pair is the year of manufacture, then the next pair is the week. eg WR030224 would be product made in week 24 of 2002. If the warranty is still valid then you'll be in the 'Return to Base' phase. This means you get a returns number from our warranty help line, then arrange your own carriage back to the UK repair agent.
The warranty help line number is 0800 783 2310. It's open 8.00am-10.00pm seven days a week.
Good luck.