I've gotten some excellent and helpful PMs behind the scenes, but I still would value anyone's opinion on the following question.

I've just priced via Sony's website Gr/Bl complete tube assemblies at $819/$953 respectively.

This appeals because they would be Sony brand, and drop right in with no problems. Alas, with shipping, just shy of $1800.

Talking with Gina at VDC, I can ship my tubes to her, still in the glycol chamber with Anode attached, and they ship them back within 24 hours or so re-assembled in the chamber and with the anode on for somewhere just shy of $400 total for both tubes. (maybe as little as $350, depends on a P-code I couldn't give her right off the bat)

Specifically, what is the downside to using VDC vs getting a whole new assembly from Sony... It appears that no re-wiring of the boards would be needed in this case (different from the online write up reference here on Curt's page). I guess as a newbie to the task of re-tubing, I'm not clear on just how much more work or risk of messing something up is involved in the VDC option.

(hopefully those with more knowledge will have mercy on me, and still consider answering... thanks in advance)

Alex Lipowich

***** addendum, this is not accurate, the cost for this service would be $695 plus $100 core, refundable if the bulb you send in is in adequate condtion **********

Alex, the tubes you get from VDC will be identical to the sony parts as long as they are not rebuilds. :)

Cliff

I've just priced via Sony's website Gr/Bl complete tube assemblies at $819/$953 respectively.This appeals because they would be Sony brand, and drop right in with no problems.
the G70 doesn't use Sony tubes, they're P16 Pannasonic tubes.


Talking with Gina at VDC, I can ship my tubes to her, still in the glycol chamber with Anode attached, and they ship them back within 24 hours or so re-assembled in the chamber and with the anode on for somewhere just shy of $400 total for both tubes. (maybe as little as $350, depends on a P-code I couldn't give her right off the bat)Alex Lipowich no way, that's a mistake or miscommunication. The Bare P16 tubes from VDC are $650. each for the G70 for brand new Pannasonic tubes. If you want VDC to swap over the LC chambers and fill with fresh Glycol it's $100. per tube.

I called them back, and you guys are correct, there has been no dramatic price change. Gina was too busy to focus during our first conversation, and I didn't have the proper P16 part number for her.

$695 plus $100 core charge refundable upon confirmation that the "sent in" bulb is useable perhaps in the future as a rebuild or something. While it is not entirely clear whether they are currently stockpiling these used bulbs or currently re-using them in other applications, they do seem to want the old bulb.

Thanks for clarifying that quality wise, that the tube is identical. I appreciate that.

It seems that this charge, when I send them the old LC and anode and bulb all as one assembly, includes the procedure of changing or re-using the glycol as well as putting my old electrics back on. I'm assuming that if I were to buy a "new tube" from Sony, its the same 4 items, ie the LC, glycol, tube and anode all assembled.... so that there is equal work involved in either choice.

$1790 buys Blue/Green new, and I retain used Blue/Green
$1390 buys Blue/Green refurbished VDC, and I retain $383 cash.

Decisions, Decisions....

$1790 buys Blue/Green new, and I retain used Blue/Green
$1390 buys Blue/Green refurbished VDC, and I retain $383 cash.

Decisions, Decisions.... well that's kind of a tough call, but $400. will buy a lot of movies too. I really wish VDC could do better than that but at least you have 2 choices which is kinda amazing for a 10 year old projector they quit making in 2000.
OH and BTW, stop calling them bulbs, they're Tubes, as in Cathode Ray Tube ;)