Well folks, That's 4 people with very similar issues. Hello!!

My set has been sitting on my dining room table, inoperable, for 4 months now. I think it would be to our advantage to somehow get to consumer relations and express our concerns about their negligence and get our names submitted so we can have a trail of sorts, as well as hound them until we get some satisfaction.

I paid $6300 for mine about 5 years ago. The problem started at about 3.5 years old. If I can at least get the optical block, I would install it myself. They want me to get an authorized service center to do the work. There is only one in my area, they charge about $475 labor and $675 for the OB, that's right, $1150 plus 8% tax. Excuse me, but I don't think so... That's another $1250 on top of the initial $6300. I just can't justify this TV cost at $7550. Total BS sony support.

There are a couple of ma&pa TV shops in my area that would do the repair for about $700 but Sony will not sell them the OB because they're not an authorized center. Just one issue after another with sony. That's the reason I'll never buy sony again.

I'm on vacation next week, and I intend to ruffle some feathers again with their consumer relations honchos when I return. I will reference the AVS forum and see what other avenues to pursue. If anyone has suggestions, please chime in, especially if there are some legal avenues to pursue.

Remember, this is an engineering mistake/flaw. The cause and defects are due to undersized fans, airflow restrictions, melted/damaged doors, melted LCD's, stressed Optical Blocks and more importantly, it's a safety/fire hazard. We need to get their attention. If enough people contact them repeatedly it may create an exception for repairs...

I truly hope you are successful since this may happen to any of us, but keep in mind they sold thousands of these sets and people don't post on forums when their TVs work fine, as mine does. It would be nice to know how common this problem is.

Wait a minute, you are mad because your 5 year old TV has a problem and they won't fix it for free? What am I missing here? Did you have a serive contract on it? How long is the Sony warranty?

There have been several E- Bulletins about this problem extending the warranty. The problem is gradual and takes time to fully expose the defect, yup, up to year or more. They are not following up regarding the Bulletin, and pretty much giving everyone the run-around. How is your 70XBR950 working? BTW, it's not that it's a 5 y.o TV with a problem, but rather a major cost to repair on a set that was a very expensive flagship model. Also, not very many people that have this TV have exposure to AVS, and a lot of these problems are not reported and obviously unknown. That's probably why an E-Bulletin was generated by sony.

Wait a minute, you are mad because your 5 year old TV has a problem and they won't fix it for free? What am I missing here? Did you have a serive contract on it? How long is the Sony warranty?

As HD-Axel stated above, it has nothing to do with wanting a 5yr old TV repaired for free. Sony themselves released the bulletin about the above said issues and said they would take care of them at no charge. Now that they have realized that it is costing them too much to do the said "warranty repairs", they are forcing us to cough up several thousands of dollars and buy a new television.

And to answer HD's question, the TV works fine usually once I push on the melted lamp door several times to make the TV turn on. Sometimes it will be fine until turned off, other times it will shut itself down and I have to repeat the process. The new repair guy did something in the TV menu to make the fans run more. He said that would help but Ive not noticed any difference. He did say several wires and the inside housing were melted as well.

Thanks Sony... I foresee a new Pioneer Elite in my future :)

Limited Extended Warranty for Certain 2003 and 2004 Televisions Exhibiting Warping of the Lamp Access Door (http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/news-item.pl?&news_id=261&mdl=KDF70XBR950)

My KDF-70XBR950 is still working fine. No known issues.

My TV is also working fine. It's interesting, and good business, that they've extended the warranty to cover the defect described above. Previously that notice had an expriration date that was earlier this year.

My TV works great, but you never know what may happen. I changed the bulb recently even though it had not burned out. I thought the picture was a little brighter with the new bulb but, truthfully, I'm not sure. I am amazed at how long the bulb has lasted, as I do use the TV a lot. I know others who have had to replace their bulb a lot sooner than I did.

My KDF-70XBR950 is still working fine. No known issues.

Well, aren't you the lucky one!!!!!!!!!!!:rolleyes:

My TV is also working fine. It's interesting, and good business, that they've extended the warranty to cover the defect described above. Previously that notice had an expriration date that was earlier this year. My TV works great, but you never know what may happen.

"Good Business"??? Wrong........ Her ya go, per sonys BS bulletin:
Additionally, through March 31, 2010, Sony will repair the lamp access door and any other components damaged as a result at no charge for any of the covered televisions. Customers who experience this issue should contact Sony at (888) 649-7669 to schedule a repair. Sony will only provide free repair to covered televisions that exhibit this specific condition.

You see, sony is not honoring anything for their customers. They couldn't care less about your problems or helping out their loyal customer base as I have stated previously.:mad: :mad:

It's just a matter of time before your "Great working TV's" begin to exhibit these symptoms... I'm sure you will be posting here once it does, but you better hope it rears its ugly head before March 31, 2010, otherwise you're SOL, wait a minute here, we already have proven we're SOL...:rolleyes::rolleyes:

Well, aren't you the lucky one!!!!!!!!!!!:rolleyes: I no longer own the TV, but I still have access to it and am aware of it's current condition. So the current owner is the lucky one, not me.

Additionally if Sony is truly failing to meet the obligation to repair your TV as covered by the warranty extension, then I believe you have a very valid basis for a law suit and that you should pursue exactly that. I appreciate your sharing your experience here, good or bad, but ranting and rolling your eyes will only go so far.

I no longer own the TV, but I still have access to it and am aware of it's current condition. So the current owner is the lucky one, not me.

I just want to point out that my responses to these issues are obviously a sore subject with me. My experience with this has been very frustrating and negative with sony, and I'm obviously angry with their non-professional approach and attitude about the issue. sony fanboyism gets to me too, you know, those that try to defend their cause, especially when not knowing how heated the details in conversations become when trying to resolve the details, especially when it is a warranty issue and the $$ consumers invest in their products. Thanks for reading.:( Enough said.

Sony told me last Thursday that I would hear from the next tier of Customer Support either Friday or Today.... 11:10 pm.... nothing lol.

Not to forget that Sony also told me I have to purchase a new downgraded TV at the discounted rate or if I want my current TV fixed it has to be at my own expense. Funny how it doesnt say that on their website lol

I bought my 70XBR in Jan 05, and to date, no real issues with it. I do have what appears to be a dead pixel on the middle right portion of the screen, but haven't experienced the dreaded "optical block" problem yet. I bought it at the Great Indoors and have had the Sears (GI owner) maint. guy over once. All he did was blow out the dust in the lamp housing. The set still gives me a great picture, despite missing all the latest and greatest technology. It amazes me how much Sony wants for the new 70 XBR9 (20K). When my 70 craps out, I will look at the 82 inch Mitsu. Sony support is no different than any other manufacturer. They all SUCK!!!!

I bought my 70XBR in Jan 05, and to date, no real issues with it. I do have what appears to be a dead pixel on the middle right portion of the screen, but haven't experienced the dreaded "optical block" problem yet. I bought it at the Great Indoors and have had the Sears (GI owner) maint. guy over once. All he did was blow out the dust in the lamp housing. The set still gives me a great picture, despite missing all the latest and greatest technology. It amazes me how much Sony wants for the new 70 XBR9 (20K). When my 70 craps out, I will look at the 82 inch Mitsu. Sony support is no different than any other manufacturer. They all SUCK!!!!

Why do that? I went with a Pioneer Plasma. Amazing PQ!! I recommend looking into the current plasma manufacturers, they have come a long way and blow away any LCD's out there, and even more so with DLP technology. The Pioneer Elites are quickly becoming scarce, grab one if you can. The Panasonics are a decent alternative after Pioneer.

DDraughn, your suggested retail prices are way off...you can get the first TV you listed at Best Buy for $1,499.99. I agree with pretty much everything that HDaxel has said...and for anyone who is saying "my TV is working fine" and "you expect them to fix a 5 yr old TV" is not worth reading/listening to. I'm still waiting on Sony to call me back and the tech (who said my TV was not usable) came out 10 days ago. My tech said Sony outsourced the Optical Block and that is what is causing all this crap. I am down for taking it to court, I'm calling tier 2 support today, will post back with any new or useful info.

- Still Pissed

and for anyone who is saying "my TV is working fine" and "you expect them to fix a 5 yr old TV" is not worth reading/listening to.

I must have missed the notice that this thread was now for whiners and complainers only (about others good experiences, and so called "fanboyism"). I do value you're input, but I believe it's nonsensical to have an owners thread then dismiss the experiences of those not having problems as not worth reading or listening to. I'd rather see posts about your problems with the TV, your bad experiences with Sony, and eventually how you won a law suit against Sony for failing to comply with their own warranty extension. I'm not a fan of Sony's American operation, and particularly the way they have customer support set up now. However, I've not had any problems related to this TV and neither does the current owner. Perhaps he will, but for now it's working fine.

I must have missed the notice that this thread was now for whiners and complainers only (about others good experiences, and so called "fanboyism"). I do value you're input, but I believe it's nonsensical to have an owners thread then dismiss the experiences of those not having problems as not worth reading or listening to. I'd rather see posts about your problems with the TV, your bad experiences with Sony, and eventually how you won a law suit against Sony for failing to comply with their own warranty extension. I'm not a fan of Sony's American operation, and particularly the way they have customer support set up now. However, I've not had any problems related to this TV and neither does the current owner. Perhaps he will, but for now it's working fine.

KC, now that's out of line(In-Bold)!!

Members can post their rants and negative experiences about a product, without having to feel they'll get bashed by people like you, just like they can post their positive experiences as well... People are not whining, just expressing their frustration with a dishonest company like sony. They dropped the ball on what they otherwise were supposed to honor per their bulletin.

Good for you that you and the new owner don't have problems with your TV. When the day comes, you will see first hand how they'll handle yours/their issues... Look at all the members on this thread that have expressed their frustration with the same problems. There are several, and then there is you telling us we're winers. If the subject offends you and bothers you so much then go check out a different thread...

In an ideal situation, it would sure be nice to have sony get a hold of this thread and see what their customer base is saying about this once flagship model, and how their once loyal customers feel about the way this is being handled. Me personally, I don't stand a chance with a giant like sony regarding courts and law suits and so-on. If I did have that kind of money, I wouldn't be having this discussion about my $7000 in-operable dust collector.

KC,

I don't know about you but I found this post with Google search "Sony XBR rear projection problems" I did a good bit of singing Sony's praises when I convinced my friends/family to buy this/other Sony TVs within the first 3 years of having it. (I probably sold a dozen or so for them)....now with this crap...$5500 is a lot to pay for a TV you can only use for 4-5 years. You are lucky you sold the TV when you did...I just hope you didn't give the buyer your phone/address info or you should be hearing from them in about a year or so.

DDraughn, your suggested retail prices are way off...you can get the first TV you listed at Best Buy for $1,499.99.

LOL, just another example of how bad Sony is bending us over. I just checked SonyStyle.com and it's listed there now on sale for $2100.00 originally
$2300. For their buy back program, you must purchase the TV thru them. Regardless in the cost, I feel all the televisions offered as a replacement is a downgrade :)

I finally got tired of waiting and called Sony Customer Relations today. After arguing with them for an hour about how if I wanted my TV fixed at my own expense or purchase a new TV from that Sonystyle site at the bend over rate, I read their own press release to her from their website. I told her no where in Sonys release did they mention if they felt it was too expensive too bad, buy a new one from us..... She then scheduled my appointment to have my TV repaired at Sony's expense. I'll update next week after it's been repaired :)

I finally got tired of waiting and called Sony Customer Relations today. After arguing with them for an hour about how if I wanted my TV fixed at my own expense or purchase a new TV from that Sonystyle site at the bend over rate, I read their own press release to her from their website. I told her no where in Sonys release did they mention if they felt it was too expensive too bad, buy a new one from us..... She then scheduled my appointment to have my TV repaired at Sony's expense. I'll update next week after it's been repaired :)
If you can provide Contact Names, their Phone Numbers/Extensions, Dept. etc, that would be quite helpful!;) I know I'll use the posted info.

If you can provide Contact Names, their Phone Numbers/Extensions, Dept. etc, that would be quite helpful!;) I know I'll use the posted info.

The number I have been calling is (800) 488-7669. I ask for customer relations though I always had to go thru the whole story with whom ever answered the phone and then they would transfer me. I always asked for a supervisor and was always denied, though I will give them credit and admit they were always courteous.

I quoted the info in the link above provided by KC. Hope this helps

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/news-item.pl?&news_id=261&mdl=KDF70XBR950

I've owned my 60" since 2004 and in the last week I've started seeing a strange probem. After turning on, everything works fine for about 2 minutes then suddenly no picture or sound for about 30 seconds then it's back on for 2 mins, off for 30 seconds...etc. It doesn't matter what input is active or even if a menu is being displayed.

The power/standby light is green the whole time. The only other interesting thing is the power light flashes 5 times when I turn the TV off.

Anyone else run into this issue?

If I am corrrect this is what it means

Lamp driver error 5 times - Lamp driver is faulty. - No picture/No sound

Members can post their rants and negative experiences about a product, without having to feel they'll get bashed by people like you, just like they can post their positive experiences as well...

I agree 100%. I was referring to rants, negative and sarcastic comments about other's positive experiences.

I have a KDF-60XBR950. It has the colors all washed out. Has anyone had this problem and what was the fix? I know its not the bulb or the optical block because I can get a perfect picture from the sd chip with perfect color. Also the menu is the correct color. Does anyone have a link to a service manual? I have repaired many of these sets with other problems but never one like this. Any help is greatly appreciated.

I have a KDF-60XBR950. It has the colors all washed out. Has anyone had this problem and what was the fix? I know its not the bulb or the optical block because I can get a perfect picture from the sd chip with perfect color. Also the menu is the correct color. Does anyone have a link to a service manual? I have repaired many of these sets with other problems but never one like this. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Look in the color axis setting. HD 709 = 1080I & 720 P. Standard 601 = 480 I & 480 P. Try Standard setting & custom Check if above correct for settings... Color setting should be around 50 - 55 setting...

Look in the color axis setting. HD 709 = 1080I & 720 P. Standard 601 = 480 I & 480 P. Try Standard setting & custom Check if above correct for settings... Color setting should be around 50 - 55 setting...

So I started messing with the set and found a leaky cap on the C2 board. The picture is very much improved but the set its not like it should be. I will need to continue my search to replace this board. After the cap replacement I have over separated audio like its on simulated surround and my digital tuner is unable to be programed. Colors are good now. Thanks, John

Hi guys,

I also tend to own a Sony XBR 950. It has been a year and a half when i have bought this, the brightness of the set is going down day by day. One of my friend told me its the lamp problem you have to change it. I came across few sites;

Lamp price 1 (http://www.projectorlampsworld.com/bulb/Sony/KF-60XBR800.html)

and

Lamp price 2 (http://www.amatteroffax.com/itempagey_invid_1366064189_d_premier-lamp-for-sony-kdf-70xbr950.html)

Please help me out iam looking for the cheapest one. Thanks

I personally would get the original Sony XL2100 instead of an off brand equivalent because the original brand lamp tends to last longer. I recommended One Call to a Friend of mine a few weeks ago and he got one for $149 delivered. One Call website List it for $198, But if you call instead of ordering through the website, you will get it for much lower. Actually if you want anything from onecall, Calling and ordering will usually get you a lower price than what it's website will show.

If anyone has had an issue with Blue Spots here is my experience (thanks to the previous posts):

1. I called Sony, they said it was a bulb door/melting issue and they would schedule a tech to come out

2. The tech came out, looked at the TV and said it was not repairable, it was an optical block issue causing the blue spots

3. I called Sony after the tech sent his report to them, they offered me a 40 inch TV for free or a 52" KDL52V5100 for $500

4. I took the 52" for $500

I didn't really have to haggle with them, my advice is to be as nice as possible to the tech, they write the reports and send them to Sony...clean your house, clean your TV, especially the back of it..clean it dust free and see what happens. I am pissed that I have to go from a 65" to a 52"...the tech also said there is a company out of Illinois that would fix my 65" for $500 so I might do that at a later date.

Thanks for all your help, especially to HD Axel, good luck with everything and hit me back if you guys have any more questions or run into issues, I'll check the string on the regular. (and my next big TV will probably be a Pioneer)

MCD

Still haven't had any problems with mine yet and am on my 2nd bulb. I would, however, like to upgrade to an 1080P flat panel display sometime in the next year or two but it would have to have at least a 65" screen and be "reasonably" priced, as in less than $5,000.

Is anyone aware of any manufacturer's plans to introduce such a set in the near future?

I've owned my 60" since 2004 and in the last week I've started seeing a strange probem. After turning on, everything works fine for about 2 minutes then suddenly no picture or sound for about 30 seconds then it's back on for 2 mins, off for 30 seconds...etc. It doesn't matter what input is active or even if a menu is being displayed.

The power/standby light is green the whole time. The only other interesting thing is the power light flashes 5 times when I turn the TV off.

Anyone else run into this issue?

I had this problem when the bulb was getting near replacement time. New bulb and problem solved.

If anyone has had an issue with Blue Spots here is my experience (thanks to the previous posts):

1. I called Sony, they said it was a bulb door/melting issue and they would schedule a tech to come out

2. The tech came out, looked at the TV and said it was not repairable, it was an optical block issue causing the blue spots

3. I called Sony after the tech sent his report to them, they offered me a 40 inch TV for free or a 52" KDL52V5100 for $500

4. I took the 52" for $500

I didn't really have to haggle with them, my advice is to be as nice as possible to the tech, they write the reports and send them to Sony...clean your house, clean your TV, especially the back of it..clean it dust free and see what happens. I am pissed that I have to go from a 65" to a 52"...the tech also said there is a company out of Illinois that would fix my 65" for $500 so I might do that at a later date.

Thanks for all your help, especially to HD Axel, good luck with everything and hit me back if you guys have any more questions or run into issues, I'll check the string on the regular. (and my next big TV will probably be a Pioneer)

MCD

I would be interested in your 65 if you are willing to part with it.

Hi guys,

I also tend to own a Sony XBR 950. It has been a year and a half when i have bought this, the brightness of the set is going down day by day. One of my friend told me its the lamp problem you have to change it. I came across few sites;

Lamp price 1 (http://www.projectorlampsworld.com/bulb/Sony/KF-60XBR800.html)

and

Lamp price 2 (http://www.amatteroffax.com/itempagey_invid_1366064189_d_premier-lamp-for-sony-kdf-70xbr950.html)

Please help me out iam looking for the cheapest one. Thanks

I buy my lamps from Riverveiw electronics on ebay. The cheapest around and can offer the exact replacement or a good match replacement to save money. I have replaced several hunderd lamps and have had the best luck with these guys with a 180 day warranty on the bulb.

DDraughn, any new info on the repair or replacement of your tv. I just had the repair guy here today and he basically gave me the same speech. Everything inside is a little melted and the fans are clogged. He will call Sony and they will call me in 24 to 48 hours to let me know what they are going to do.
He mentioned that they might sell me a tv at cost or fix mine. I know they will probabally offer me the lesser lcd for there cost. He did mention that if I give them a big enough sob story about how much I love this tv (70xbr) that the might replace it with a refurbished one, somehow I doubt that.

Does anyone know if you take there offer on the lcd, will they come take your broken tv or is it up to you to get rid of it?

I would be interested in your 65 if you are willing to part with it.

Would you be interested in my KDF70XBR950? I don't have any melted parts, the bulb has about 80 hours on it, and there is a slight yellow noticeable in the right corner during white scenes. Basically it needs a good cleaning and dust removal including the fans, before the optical block goes bad. That is a symptom of the optical block getting too much heat due to dust build up. PM me if interested for more details, location etc!:)

I would be interested in your 65 if you are willing to part with it.

JJB220, how much?

Does anyone know if you take there offer on the lcd, will they come take your broken tv or is it up to you to get rid of it?

Billnut: they don't take the TV, they ask you to tear off the SN sticker and send it to them before they'll process the new TV offer

Sony called me to make an offer for replacing my 70XBR. The offered me:

1. KDL52V5100 for $450 plus tax or
2. KDL55V5100 for $750 plus tax or
3. KDL65W5100 for $3000 plus tax.

Not sure if I want to go for the 52 or 55. Anybody have any luck getting a better deal?

Bill

wow, that's a long 85 pages. search didn't turn up anything so here goes. has anyone had the issue after OB replacement where everytime you turn on the tv, you have to select the language again followed by a program of channels? it's like the ram chip where all my settings are stored has fallen off and i have to program the tv every time i turn it on.

Got my 60" XBR950 in Dec of 03. It has now caught the blue spot problem. Sad part is the optical block is only half the TV's age because they replaced it under warranty when it developed a big yellow blob of sqwiggly lines about 3 years ago. Now it isn't under any extended warranty anymore. Awesome! :(

wow, that's a long 85 pages. search didn't turn up anything so here goes. has anyone had the issue after OB replacement where everytime you turn on the tv, you have to select the language again followed by a program of channels? it's like the ram chip where all my settings are stored has fallen off and i have to program the tv every time i turn it on.
I just had this problem today. Sorry you had it first. It is a loose connector on the C board. I would have the person, (if it is not you) go over the plugs in the set and make sure all of them are firmly in their sockets and the boards are firmly in their seats. Unless a solder connection was disturbed, this will correct the problem.

Has anyone used these SONY tvs on video games like Wii mario kart or Guitar hero? I have a 60XBR955and I am concerned about a burn in image even though these tvs are not supposed to burn in. I have a KDF60XS955 that have images "stuck" in blue and KDE50A10 that has a seriously bad burn in red. Thanks, JJB

My XBR950 has recently started acting strange.

The first symptom was the infamous flashing green power light during power up. I figured that was the lamp door switch issue. But last night when my wife turned off the TV the lamp and fan never turned off but the power lamp was red. The TV was on all night until I found it in a sort of sleep mode (dim screen with lamp running & red power light) this morning. The TV seems okay after cycling power via the plug.

Has anyone ever experienced this issue?

Has anyone used these SONY tvs on video games like Wii mario kart or Guitar hero? I have a 60XBR955and I am concerned about a burn in image even though these tvs are not supposed to burn in. I have a KDF60XS955 that have images "stuck" in blue and KDE50A10 that has a seriously bad burn in red. Thanks, JJB

6 Years of heavy gaming on the 60XBR950 from Halo to Madden, Guitar Hero to Rock band, Gamecube to Wii. Never any burn in.

Now a few weeks ago, my tv got the blue spot issue. Weird thing is the Blue spots will hold image retention. But It Goes away. I was watching a preseason football game and you could still see the score burned in the blue spot during commercials and even if you turned the channel. but it goes away. Too bad the blue didn't. So I had to replace my 5k TV after 6 years of service.

My XBR950 has recently started acting strange.

The first symptom was the infamous flashing green power light during power up. I figured that was the lamp door switch issue. But last night when my wife turned off the TV the lamp and fan never turned off but the power lamp was red. The TV was on all night until I found it in a sort of sleep mode (dim screen with lamp running & red power light) this morning. The TV seems okay after cycling power via the plug.

Has anyone ever experienced this issue?

Yes. My 70XBR950 did occasionally have the failure to shutdown issue. No picture, lamp still on, fan still running. Required an unplug to correct.

Yes. My 70XBR950 did occasionally have the failure to shutdown issue. No picture, lamp still on, fan still running. Required an unplug to correct.
KC,

Did you resolve the issue and if so what was the solution?

KC,

Did you resolve the issue and if so what was the solution?

No definite resolution. It only happened 5-10 times while I owned the set. I was using multiple remotes to shut down a satellite receiver and audio receiver at the same time as the XBR950. I figured it was possible that the signals from the other remotes might be interfering, so I decided to try avoiding sending any other remote commands during the shutdown cycle of the XBR950. I'm not sure that was the cure, but I don't recall having the issue again after I started doing that.

For those of you do it yourselfers who have discoloring on your sets check out my post in the Sony GWIII AVS forum. It may help.

For those of you do it yourselfers who have discoloring on your sets check out my post in the Sony GWIII AVS forum. It may help.

You mean, the one that's been removed?

Has anyone used these SONY tvs on video games like Wii mario kart or Guitar hero? I have a 60XBR955and I am concerned about a burn in image even though these tvs are not supposed to burn in. I have a KDF60XS955 that have images "stuck" in blue and KDE50A10 that has a seriously bad burn in red. Thanks, JJB

You'd plug an SD 480p Wii into an HDTV? :p

Seriously though, yes. XBOX 360 and PS3 here. Works great. If I ever saw burn in I would probably freak.

Yes. My 70XBR950 did occasionally have the failure to shutdown issue. No picture, lamp still on, fan still running. Required an unplug to correct.

Yep. For me it only happened when I was using the digital/DVI input. There was no other explanation except to figure the Unix OS had crashed. It might have gotten better when I switched to a Logitech Harmony remote, which seems to have more pauses between commands but it's still something I have to watch for on occasion. I had hopes early on that Sony would release a software update, but at this point that isn't going to happen.

Can someone please help I have a SONY KDF-60XBR950 that is not displaying the colors right mostly the red does not combine with the green and blue and sometimes it shows nothing but red as a color it is intermittent sometimes when I turn it off than on quickly the three colors would combine but most of the time it just mixing the blue and green colors with no red this is what it kind of look like if somebody can lead me in the right direction I would greatl appreciate it check out the pictures

Can someone please help I have a SONY KDF-60XBR950 that is not displaying the colors right mostly the red does not combine with the green and blue and sometimes it shows nothing but red as a color I posted some pics hope fully someone has the answers

I just bought an 70XBR950 from someone locally off of craigslist. I would love to "talk shop" about what you have done to hook up HD sources to your set. I live in NKC, just down the road a bit from Liberty.

I just bought an 70XBR950 from someone locally off of craigslist. I would love to "talk shop" about what you have done to hook up HD sources to your set. I live in NKC, just down the road a bit from Liberty.

I owned my 60" version for 6 years until I sold it a few weeks ago because of the blue spot issue.., but I connected all my HD video sources to a Monoprice HDMI Switcher for a while with the Video going direct to TV via DVI/HDMI cable while all the audio went straight to my old receiver via optical cable. Later I upgraded my receiver and it did all the HDMI switching with all sources going to it HDMI then DVI/HDMI to the TV.

Sony extended the warranty coverage for the melted door associated optical block problem on my KDF60XBR950 until March 2010.

I called Sony and they set up and paid for a tech to come to my home the following day. The tech took some pictures inside and out and told me the TV was not as bad as he has seen. He told me Sony would contact me after he sent in his report.

Sony called the following day and presented me an offer to either repair the TV or get a "discount" on one the TV's listed on sonystyle. They offered a 52bravia V5100 for $650. I told him that I might just go ahead and get my TV repaired. The Sony rep then told me to look at the Sunday flyers and check the prices and features of the TV's from the major retailers and call back in order to determine what else Sony will offer.

The 52" V5100 is $1999 on sonystyle and they offered it to me for $650. Therefore I am assuming they will give me $1350 off a TV listed on sonystyle after price matching other retailers.

BB had the 55" W5100 for $1999. It would be nice to get this for $650. After measuring the diagnal on my xbr60 it does not seem to be that much smaller.

I would like to get my bluehaze repaired. But how long will it take to return?

Anyone else had an optical block replaced? Give me some input please.

Sony extended the warranty coverage for the melted door associated optical block problem on my KDF60XBR950 until March 2010.

I called Sony and they set up and paid for a tech to come to my home the following day. The tech took some pictures inside and out and told me the TV was not as bad as he has seen. He told me Sony would contact me after he sent in his report.

Sony called the following day and presented me an offer to either repair the TV or get a "discount" on one the TV's listed on sonystyle.

Anyone else had an optical block replaced? Give me some input please.

Check out the previous 85 pages for some "input"...

You can also look "HERE" (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=309559) especially toward the end.

Sony extended the warranty coverage for the melted door associated optical block problem on my KDF60XBR950 until March 2010.

I called Sony and they set up and paid for a tech to come to my home the following day. The tech took some pictures inside and out and told me the TV was not as bad as he has seen. He told me Sony would contact me after he sent in his report.

Sony called the following day and presented me an offer to either repair the TV or get a "discount" on one the TV's listed on sonystyle. They offered a 52bravia V5100 for $650. I told him that I might just go ahead and get my TV repaired. The Sony rep then told me to look at the Sunday flyers and check the prices and features of the TV's from the major retailers and call back in order to determine what else Sony will offer.

The 52" V5100 is $1999 on sonystyle and they offered it to me for $650. Therefore I am assuming they will give me $1350 off a TV listed on sonystyle after price matching other retailers.

BB had the 55" W5100 for $1999. It would be nice to get this for $650. After measuring the diagnal on my xbr60 it does not seem to be that much smaller.

I would like to get my bluehaze repaired. But how long will it take to return?

Anyone else had an optical block replaced? Give me some input please.


I had one replaced a few years ago.. my TV was gone for over a month.. I ended up buying a 42" to get me by till it came back.

I had one replaced a few years ago.. my TV was gone for over a month.. I ended up buying a 42" to get me by till it came back.

A few years ago! Is your TV still working fine? No optical block problems? I would go with the repair option to get another few years.

A few years ago! Is your TV still working fine? No optical block problems? I would go with the repair option to get another few years.

No.. it went bad again a couple of months ago, this time out of warranty. I had it for 6 years.

Check out the previous 85 pages for some "input"...

You can also look "HERE" (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=309559) especially toward the end.

Thanks. I did read the previous 85 pages and your pointer as well as many other pages on other forums. I have spent more time looking at forums regarding this issue in the last week than I care to tell.

I just can't make up my mind on a replacement or a repair. I would do the repair if I could get another 5 years out of the set.

I only came across one post about the replaced OB lasting 19 months and another about having the OB replaced 3 times in 5 years. Neither were specific to my model.

Most are in agreement the problem will return but how long will it take is my main concern?

Most are in agreement the problem will return but how long will it take is my main concern?

First one went bad after 2 years, second one right at 4. Also.. the issues that the bad block caused were different both times. First time it was yellow etch a sketch lines all over the screen, the second time it was blue spots.

I am looking for these sets to repair. If anyone is getting rid of their Grand Wega, XBR or SXRD, please consider offering it to me before you dump it. I have had tons of luck repairing them and really enjoy working on them. I am in Connecticut and can travel for pickup. Thanks, John

I am looking for these sets to repair. If anyone is getting rid of their Grand Wega or SXRD, please consider offering it to me before you dump it. I have had tons of luck repairing them and really enjoy working on them. I am in Connecticut and can travel for pickup. Thanks, John

When you say "dump it", are you saying you want them for free, or to purchase? I'm looking to get rid of my Grand Wega, but not to give away for free...

When you say "dump it", are you saying you want them for free, or to purchase? I'm looking to get rid of my Grand Wega, but not to give away for free... I am looking for a good value. Free is best but I am not against a good deal. I am realy looking for sets that need work. Im not looking to furnish my home and buy working sets. I am looking to hobby repair these sets or help other people with theirs at a discounted price. Of course if I buy the parts I cant give them away but the cost will be just to cover whats involved. I can repair the blue blob, blue haze, stuck pixels, fingerprint, dark picture, color jail bars and rebuild optical blocks and set convergence. I know there are a few of us who have taken these apart and ruined the alignment of the colors. I was one when I first started. I figured if I get a few here and there for parts I can help people get their sets back together and have some fun doing it.

I have looked over a week at 5 retailers. Going back and forth between several BB, Frys, and a local A&B TV shop.

What makes me mad is there is no comparison with today’s TV's and mine except for the possibly of the Kuro at A&B which was highly calibrated according to the store manager. Come on after 5 years they come up with something better.

My 5 year old KDF60xbr950 picture looks better than all the other crap out there except for the blue haze and the 5 minute burn in scores of the baseball and football games. And oh yea the melted lamp door cover.

Considering the 60" + range. Is there plasma out there that doesn't have the fuzzy artifacts around the people and animals? Is there an LCD out there without the fake looking colors and screen door look? I did look at the faded out looking picture of the Mitsubishi 73 and 82 inches from C9 to 837's but was not impressed.

I challenge anyone out there to find me a 60" + TV that has a better picture than my dying KDF60XBR950. I am depressed my TV is fading to blue without a permanent repair.

sob :(

funny...I was just thinking about "upgrading" my 5 year old KDF70XBR950 to the newer technology, but I agree...there is nothing out there close to the size & PQ of this set. (well, I just got a 50" Panny plasma for my bedroom...it looks fantastic, but it aont no 70"!!!)

I DID have the blue haze/warped door, but luckily I had purchased the extended warranty from Circuit City when I bought it, so I'm covered till next year.

CAN anyone suggest something thats as large, but flat & doesnt cost as much as a car? :)

I'd consider upgrading then...got the damn itch again :D

funny...I was just thinking about "upgrading" my 5 year old KDF70XBR950 to the newer technology, but I agree...there is nothing out there close to the size & PQ of this set. (well, I just got a 50" Panny plasma for my bedroom...it looks fantastic, but it aont no 70"!!!)

I DID have the blue haze/warped door, but luckily I had purchased the extended warranty from Circuit City when I bought it, so I'm covered till next year.

CAN anyone suggest something thats as large, but flat & doesnt cost as much as a car? :)

I'd consider upgrading then...got the damn itch again :D

Feel the same as you...no rush until there is a clear "really big" alternative!

I have looked over a week at 5 retailers. Going back and forth between several BB, Frys, and a local A&B TV shop.

What makes me mad is there is no comparison with today’s TV's and mine except for the possibly of the Kuro at A&B which was highly calibrated according to the store manager. Come on after 5 years they come up with something better.

My 5 year old KDF60xbr950 picture looks better than all the other crap out there except for the blue haze and the 5 minute burn in scores of the baseball and football games. And oh yea the melted lamp door cover.

Considering the 60" + range. Is there plasma out there that doesn't have the fuzzy artifacts around the people and animals? Is there an LCD out there without the fake looking colors and screen door look? I did look at the faded out looking picture of the Mitsubishi 73 and 82 inches from C9 to 837's but was not impressed.

I challenge anyone out there to find me a 60" + TV that has a better picture than my dying KDF60XBR950. I am depressed my TV is fading to blue without a permanent repair.

sob :(

I'll challenge ya... I went from a 70XBR950 to a Pioneer Kuro PRO151FD. It by far "BLOWS AWAY" :D the Sony.

If you can find a KURO 60 inch out there anywhere I would jump on it in a Heartbeat! They are no longer manufactured, and the technology is about 5 years ahead of its time by today's standards. Furthermore, the ability of current manufacturers to provide an equivalent PQ, let alone a better one than the Kuro is indeed limited, they just can't make it happen...

Hands down, test after test there is Nothing, I mean Nothing that compares to the 9th Generation Pioneer Elite Kuros, not even the 2010 models coming out by Panasonic, LG, Samsung, and especially Sony, etc. I will never own another LCD after owning this Plasma for the past 8 months, the PQ is simply breathtaking, and I have not even had it calibrated yet.;)

If your finances allow you to afford a Kuro, I recommend you "Go For It", I was considering buying another one myself, but they are difficult to find right now... :) Good luck with your choices.

funny...I was just thinking about "upgrading" my 5 year old KDF70XBR950 to the newer technology, but I agree...there is nothing out there close to the size & PQ of this set. (well, I just got a 50" Panny plasma for my bedroom...it looks fantastic, but it aont no 70"!!!)

I DID have the blue haze/warped door, but luckily I had purchased the extended warranty from Circuit City when I bought it, so I'm covered till next year.

CAN anyone suggest something thats as large, but flat & doesnt cost as much as a car? :)

I'd consider upgrading then...got the damn itch again :D

The Pioneer Kuro's largest panel is 60 inches. I went from a 70 " to a Kuro 60", and it took me about 30 minutes to adjust to the 60". The PQ is night and day difference, and the cost was about $2K less than my 70XBR950. As mentioned previously, the PQ on the 60" Kuro Plasma is much much better than the sony ever was. I don't miss that glow of the LCD panel one bit during dark scenes, actually I don't even know how I tolerated and put up with it... I can comfortably say the PQ on my XBR950 was crap compared to the Elite panels...:eek:

Why did Pioneer stop making the Kuro? Have to assume they had a hard time selling enough of them at a price that make them profitable?

I'll challenge ya... I went from a 70XBR950 to a Pioneer Kuro PRO151FD. It by far "BLOWS AWAY" :D the Sony.

If you can find a KURO 60 inch out there anywhere I would jump on it in a Heartbeat! They are no longer manufactured, and the technology is about 5 years ahead of its time by today's standards. Furthermore, the ability of current manufacturers to provide an equivalent PQ, let alone a better one than the Kuro is indeed limited, they just can't make it happen...

Hands down, test after test there is Nothing, I mean Nothing that compares to the 9th Generation Pioneer Elite Kuros, not even the 2010 models coming out by Panasonic, LG, Samsung, and especially Sony, etc. I will never own another LCD after owning this Plasma for the past 8 months, the PQ is simply breathtaking, and I have not even had it calibrated yet.;)

If your finances allow you to afford a Kuro, I recommend you "Go For It", I was considering buying another one myself, but they are difficult to find right now... :) Good luck with your choices.

The Pioneer Kuro's largest panel is 60 inches. I went from a 70 " to a Kuro 60", and it took me about 30 minutes to adjust to the 60". The PQ is night and day difference, and the cost was about $2K less than my 70XBR950. As mentioned previously, the PQ on the 60" Kuro Plasma is much much better than the sony ever was. I don't miss that glow of the LCD panel one bit during dark scenes, actually I don't even know how I tolerated and put up with it... I can comfortably say the PQ on my XBR950 was crap compared to the Elite panels...:eek:

I was able to see three 60" Elites today. I stared at them for a very long time. The PQ was better than anything else I've seen in the stores lately. I did experience TV fever and it was hard to keep my hand off my wallet. I am going to think about it tonight. The only thing now holding me back is possibly kicking myself next year when an affordable 70" set comes along with equal PQ from another manufacturer.

Just tossing my name in here as a dissatisfied buyer of a 60xbr950. Bought in Jan. of 2004 at CC. Just found my receipt, purchased some ExW from them which I paid $570 for.

The crap shut off on me a couple Saturday nights ago, blinking a series of 3 red lights 15 times. I played with the slightly warped lamp door several times and couldn't get the picture back. After flinging the instruction manual around the apt. a few times to the point of it ripping in half, I disconnected the DVR cable box I had and moved into bedroom with my laptop and bottle of wine and smoke and set up shop there. I have a Hitachi plasma in here which I quite like and have been watching for 2 weeks now.

Last night, on a whim, I undid the lamp door and refastened it and to my surprise, the tv went on. Of course, without the cable box and the volume turned up to a decent level I got snow and the accompanying white noise which I hope didn't wake anyone at 3 this morning. On one of the video channels I noticed for the first time a nice little solar system on most of the right side of the tv, at least a few hundred broken pixels worth.

This is in addition to the two other problems I had with the picture, lots of little quarter sized smudges that look pink but somehow appear darker during light images on the screen, and the two right hand corners having slight blue splotches in them. I think the little smudges first started appearing about 2+ years ago, and the blue corners maybe more than 6 months now, can't remember specifically when they became an issue.

I think when all these little aggravations started popping up, I was out of the warranty and just assumed I couldn't do anything because CC had closed. So I sat there and suffered through it, mainly because I could not justify having to shell out another $5K for a new tv after buying one only a few years earlier. I won't even get into the lamp bulb replacement thing; I had not even thought I would have to spend $200 or so a year on a new bulb when I originally bought the set. I had a few of them covered by the warranty, and they were easy to install, so I let the aggravation of having to hang out in my bedroom for a week waiting for the new lamp to come slide.

And another thing, maybe it was just my set, and I have read a lot the last few weeks about the whole Grand Wega series over the 5 years they were manufactured, but I have to say, I was never really overly blown away by the picture. It was never stunningly bright, and I had it set on vivid, and was sometimes almost impossible to watch during the daytime with sunlight in the apartment. It didn't matter how new the bulb was.

It's made me reconsider spending a lot of money on a new set. The day after the tv died, I was contemplating the Samsung 8500 and saw it on the BB website for $4500 dollars but started to think about whether I wanted to shell that out again for another tv. I'm looking now at the Hitachi UltraVision 55 inch which is only $1800 as a more likely solution now.

Ah well, live and learn I suppose. Thanks for letting me vent.

Just tossing my name in here as a dissatisfied buyer of a 60xbr950. Bought in Jan. of 2004 at CC. Just found my receipt, purchased some ExW from them which I paid $570 for.

The crap shut off on me a couple Saturday nights ago, blinking a series of 3 red lights 15 times. I played with the slightly warped lamp door several times and couldn't get the picture back. After flinging the instruction manual around the apt. a few times to the point of it ripping in half, I disconnected the DVR cable box I had and moved into bedroom with my laptop and bottle of wine and smoke and set up shop there. I have a Hitachi plasma in here which I quite like and have been watching for 2 weeks now.

Last night, on a whim, I undid the lamp door and refastened it and to my surprise, the tv went on. Of course, without the cable box and the volume turned up to a decent level I got snow and the accompanying white noise which I hope didn't wake anyone at 3 this morning. On one of the video channels I noticed for the first time a nice little solar system on most of the right side of the tv, at least a few hundred broken pixels worth.

This is in addition to the two other problems I had with the picture, lots of little quarter sized smudges that look pink but somehow appear darker during light images on the screen, and the two right hand corners having slight blue splotches in them. I think the little smudges first started appearing about 2+ years ago, and the blue corners maybe more than 6 months now, can't remember specifically when they became an issue.

I think when all these little aggravations started popping up, I was out of the warranty and just assumed I couldn't do anything because CC had closed. So I sat there and suffered through it, mainly because I could not justify having to shell out another $5K for a new tv after buying one only a few years earlier. I won't even get into the lamp bulb replacement thing; I had not even thought I would have to spend $200 or so a year on a new bulb when I originally bought the set. I had a few of them covered by the warranty, and they were easy to install, so I let the aggravation of having to hang out in my bedroom for a week waiting for the new lamp to come slide.

And another thing, maybe it was just my set, and I have read a lot the last few weeks about the whole Grand Wega series over the 5 years they were manufactured, but I have to say, I was never really overly blown away by the picture. It was never stunningly bright, and I had it set on vivid, and was sometimes almost impossible to watch during the daytime with sunlight in the apartment. It didn't matter how new the bulb was.

It's made me reconsider spending a lot of money on a new set. The day after the tv died, I was contemplating the Samsung 8500 and saw it on the BB website for $4500 dollars but started to think about whether I wanted to shell that out again for another tv. I'm looking now at the Hitachi UltraVision 55 inch which is only $1800 as a more likely solution now.

Ah well, live and learn I suppose. Thanks for letting me vent.


Yea. I am completely burnt out on multithousand dollar TV's. I expected my XBR to last until I decided to get rid of it. I will NEVER buy anything SONY again. I don't mind a little maintance. But having a fatal flaw in the design making the problem repeat over and over again with repair SUCKS. With that said. You can still get a little help from Sony with your model. They extended the warp door and associated destroyed parts warranty until March 2010. Call 1-888-649-7669. You can see the memo at sonyesupport then do a search for kdf60xbr950. You will have to hassel with them a bit which I am still doing but they specifically say they will cover all cost associated with the warped door and damaged areas.

OK, I'm a 70" XBR owner... bought the TV I guess about 4-5 years ago. We've been dealing with the "blue blob" problem, and the blue stuck pixels problem. During black scenes on TV, it's like we have our very own Milky Way galaxy (all blue stars, however). :)

So what is the resale value of these sets these days? I do not want to go smaller than 70", and it looks like my options are to go with a front projector, or one of the Mitsubishi models - that 82" one looks potentially very nice! I know that DLP is likely fading away, but as long as I can get new bulbs for it, I would hope/expect that it would last me longer than my Sony has. I will peruse the Mitsubishi threads to see if there are tons of folks complaining about them.

Has any 70" Sony owners upgraded to the new 73" or 82" Mitsubishi DLPs? How do they compare?

OK, I'm a 70" XBR owner... bought the TV I guess about 4-5 years ago. We've been dealing with the "blue blob" problem, and the blue stuck pixels problem. During black scenes on TV, it's like we have our very own Milky Way galaxy (all blue stars, however). :)

So what is the resale value of these sets these days? I do not want to go smaller than 70", and it looks like my options are to go with a front projector, or one of the Mitsubishi models - that 82" one looks potentially very nice! I know that DLP is likely fading away, but as long as I can get new bulbs for it, I would hope/expect that it would last me longer than my Sony has. I will peruse the Mitsubishi threads to see if there are tons of folks complaining about them.

Has any 70" Sony owners upgraded to the new 73" or 82" Mitsubishi DLPs? How do they compare?

I haven't yet had any of the problems (yet, with my 70") that you and others have encountered, so I am waiting for manufacturers to release a flat panel 1080P LCD or plasma option, at least 65" at a reasonably price, before upgrading. I personally would not invest in a DLP display right now...if I HAD to replace I would go for a 55" LCD, but would not be real happy with the smaller screen size. Last year I bought a 40" LCD Samsung for the bedroom which I'm very happy with, but for my main system I would like something much larger. For now I'm trying to be patient...