Bob,

The part you are looking for costs around 275 dollars with shipping. The tv you own is Sony 51ws510 correct?

I have the same tv. Unfortunately I have a convergence problem and am in need of the D-board.

1 - Are you willing to sell your D-board?
2 - If not, I am willing to sell you the screen, which is in great condition.

Email me back at johnnymuldowney@hotmail.com . I'd love to hear from you and at least help one of us out. Thanks.

I am just getting ready to go with Time Warner and an Tivo HD unit with the cable cards and I was wondering if anybody had a similar setup and I would be better off using the DVI or component connection. This will be my first time trying to use HD with the TV. Thanks for any guidance.

I am just getting ready to go with Time Warner and an Tivo HD unit with the cable cards and I was wondering if anybody had a similar setup and I would be better off using the DVI or component connection. This will be my first time trying to use HD with the TV. Thanks for any guidance.

From the components I have previously connected via DVI the colors were never quite correct and component was much better. I then found the right service menu adjustments to get DVI equal to component, but not really better. So sticking with component is just fine.

Thanks for the advice. I already purchased the HDMI to DVI cable so I might as well give them a try. When I first purchased the TV I had it professionally calibrated, but I assume he did not calibrate the DVI input because I was not using it at the time. I assume I will be able to get HD from TIVO and Time Warner on either input.

I have one more question. I was wondering if anybody is using the TIVO HD unit and Time Warner with the KP-51WS510 and if so what have you set the Video Output Format in the TIVO HD unit. I am not sure if it should be set at 1080i or 1080 Hybrid. Thanks for any help.

Hello, long time member, long time ago poster :)

I have the kp-51ws510, bought it years ago, it still works real well.

We recently dropped cable service to save money (didn't want to spend $100+/month for the service with a toddler here and a newborn this month). We now have rabbit ears on the set - the picture is pretty decent but I am wondering how do I tune in digital signals like 6.1? Possible without purchasing something?

I searched here but didn't find the specific answer.. thank you for any input.

Hello, long time member, long time ago poster :)

I have the kp-51ws510, bought it years ago, it still works real well.

We recently dropped cable service to save money (didn't want to spend $100+/month for the service with a toddler here and a newborn this month). We now have rabbit ears on the set - the picture is pretty decent but I am wondering how do I tune in digital signals like 6.1? Possible without purchasing something?

I searched here but didn't find the specific answer.. thank you for any input.


This set does not have a digital (ATSC) tuner, so you would need to buy a tuner box.

Thank you PTG - I remember you from a few years back :)

Any recommendation on a tuner? Or are they all pretty much the same?

Thank you PTG - I remember you from a few years back :)

Any recommendation on a tuner? Or are they all pretty much the same?


Check out this thread

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1029256

I own two of the Zeniths and would highly recommend them as well.

Perhaps I can acquire some information from this thread! I have an older KDP-65S550 and it still is servicing us well but it is limited to a DVI input. I’m also running an aged ELITE VXS-07THX. I’m wondering if I can I upgrade to a Elite SC-07 and a BDP-05FD and incorporate a HDMI to DVI cable and still acquire the benefits from this upgraded equipment? I’m also running a HR-22 HDVR and I like the ability of having multiple HDMI inputs in the SC-07 but I’m not sure the older Sony will be serviceable with the new equipment I’m planning on purchasing. Any advice would be appreciated!

David

Can someone PLEASE HELP me with my 51ws510? PLEASE!

My cousin who is an idiot messed up a lot of the service menu values, my picture is out of whack. If someone would be willing to help me with some default service values, I will happily pay you some cash through paypal.

PLEASE!!!!! I beg you.

Can someone PLEASE HELP me with my 51ws510? PLEASE!

My cousin who is an idiot messed up a lot of the service menu values, my picture is out of whack. If someone would be willing to help me with some default service values, I will happily pay you some cash through paypal.

PLEASE!!!!! I beg you.

What is "messed up"? That will give us a starting point of what you might need.

I have a question about the HD picture quality of the KP-51ws510. I just started using the set with HD and I have to say I am a little disappointed with the picture. I am expecting too much if I am comparing the picture with what I have seen on a current model LCD or Plasma?

I have a question about the HD picture quality of the KP-51ws510. I just started using the set with HD and I have to say I am a little disappointed with the picture. I am expecting too much if I am comparing the picture with what I have seen on a current model LCD or Plasma?

It probably is in need of optics cleaning if that has never been done. So cleaning the mirror and faces of the lenses.

And proper calibration of course.

I'll take my 57" over most flat panel TVs of today. Sure it has it's downsides, like all technologies, but it would cost $3000+ to get a comparable size flat panel.

What is "messed up"? That will give us a starting point of what you might need.

Well, my image was great (5 year old TV). Then one day my stupid cousin who thinks he is a TV guru wanted to "make it better" so he went into the service menu while I wasnt home.

NOW the VSIZ, HSIZ (I think) are all messed up). The image doesn't fit on the screen right, 480p and 1080i sources don't switch right. If I adjust 480p to be good and flip to a 1080i source the image doesn't fill the screen. It won't even flash focus, I get an error.

I'm not sure if he messed up with the regular HSIZ, VSIZ, MID1 MID2, MID3, I don't know.

I'll shoot you a PM.

Update: I updated my video card drivers and outputed to both monitor and tv at the same time and it worked! sort of...

1920x1080 looks awful... it only works at smaller resolutions but then the screen is cropped nearly 50%!
I am wondering if this ever got any better for you? I own a KP57WS510 and may travel down this road soon.

I have an HTPC in the planning process and will be using the NVIDIA 9400 chipset for Blu-Ray and HD-DVD 24fps playback. Do you think the newer HDCP components will improve over your results? The GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM-DS2H motherboard has a DVI out, but I could also get a VGA to DVI adaptor if needed. My biggest fear is I drop $1600 on this HTPC beast and the picture looks like crap so I am out another $1200 for a lesser 50" panny plasma. Any input on this?

Also, does anyone know if the Cinemotion mode plays 24fps inputs, or just makes it happen via software accepting only 60fps inputs?

I'll shoot you a PM.

THANKS Primetimeguy, I replied with my E-Mail.

I was thinking of dumping my KP-51WS510 and going with the Samsung LN52A650. I have to assume the technology has advanced a bit since I got the Sony and I was wondering if anybody could advise me on picture quality improvements I might expect with the new set. I have viewed the Samsung in the stores, but I know that usually does not accurately represent what it will look like once you get it home. The Sony's picture seems a little soft in HD and the Samsung appeared to be sharper. Thanks for any advice.

I was thinking of dumping my KP-51WS510 and going with the Samsung LN52A650. I have to assume the technology has advanced a bit since I got the Sony and I was wondering if anybody could advise me on picture quality improvements I might expect with the new set. I have viewed the Samsung in the stores, but I know that usually does not accurately represent what it will look like once you get it home. The Sony's picture seems a little soft in HD and the Samsung appeared to be sharper. Thanks for any advice.

If the Samsung is what I think it is (an LED DLP set), then the difference will be night and day. I made the same jump.... from a 57" 520 to a Samsung HLT6187SAX (one year older than what you're looking at) and dont regret it one bit. The only issue with the Samsung for my year and model was/is geometry, but luckily mine has only minimal issues with it that you cant notice unless you have a grid on the screen... which at that point you have to really know where to look to see it.

In summary.... assuming you're moving to an LED DLP, make the jump!

Edit- rats, I just looked up your model number and it's a LCD. Sorry for the rant about LED DLP's. ;-)

Actually the Samsung is an LCD if that makes any difference. It looks really nice in the store I was just looking for somebody who has made the jump from an older rear projection unit to one of the newer LCD's. Thank you for your opinion and advice.

Don't know if this matters, but I have time warner (previously adelphia) with the high def DVR box. I tried the hdmi to DVI cable and it would not work correctly. The picture setting - pass through, upconvert1, upconvert2, and fixed would not work correctly. I could not fix it to the 1080i or 720p signal. It would always default to fixed on the lowest pass through of the channel you first turn on when you turn on your TV. After spending hours on the phone with tech support they said the box was not compatible with the TV for HDMI to DVI. I have a KP 57WS510. So I have to use the componant cables.

Had the exact same problem with a HD TIVO and the HDMI to DVI cable. I was getting nothing but grey screens when I set it to anything but 480 fixed. Changing to component cables fixed the problem, but it makes me wonder if it is time for a new TV. How is your HD picture on the tv. I have the KP-51WS510 and the HD picture is okay, although it is no where as sharp as I have seen on a Samsung LCD I am thinking of buying.

Actually, the high def picture, with the high def input from the cable box is an awesome picture. It looks as good or better then any of the new LCD's or plasmas, but I spent a lot of time with the settings.
The TV does not upconvert though, just the cable box.I am still confused on the whole upconvert thing though. If the signal in is only 480, even if it upconverted to 1080, there are still only 480 lines to upconvert.

So I guess my point is, is that since 99% of the TV channels I have are 480, I am not going to upgrade yet because my TV is too advanced for the most of the channels we watch and how we use the TV, and space is not an issue - because the TV is BIG.

Had the exact same problem with a HD TIVO and the HDMI to DVI cable. I was getting nothing but grey screens when I set it to anything but 480 fixed. Changing to component cables fixed the problem, but it makes me wonder if it is time for a new TV. How is your HD picture on the tv. I have the KP-51WS510 and the HD picture is okay, although it is no where as sharp as I have seen on a Samsung LCD I am thinking of buying.

Have you cleaned the optics and mirror lately?

As for DVI, I have had a Charter Moxi, Dish 722, HD DVD player, Blu-Ray player and Oppo DVD player all connected HDMI->DVI and never had any issues.

Well I have to say that I have not had any of the optics cleaned in at least four years. I am not sure how to do that myself and would be afraid to even try. I did have the set professionally calibrated about four years ago and it did make a big difference, although I doubt he calibrated it for an HD picture. The picture is not bad by any means, it just does not seem as sharp as the ones I have seen on friends LCD's or the ones I have seen in the stores. Right now I have the HD Tivo outputting everything at 1080i, which I felt gave me the best picture. Most of the TV I watch is off TIVO and most of the channels are HD at either 1080i or 720p. Maybe it would be worth it to have it recalibrated now that I have HD channels. Would be a lot cheaper than a new set.

Well I have to say that I have not had any of the optics cleaned in at least four years. I am not sure how to do that myself and would be afraid to even try. I did have the set professionally calibrated about four years ago and it did make a big difference, although I doubt he calibrated it for an HD picture. The picture is not bad by any means, it just does not seem as sharp as the ones I have seen on friends LCD's or the ones I have seen in the stores. Right now I have the HD Tivo outputting everything at 1080i, which I felt gave me the best picture. Most of the TV I watch is off TIVO and most of the channels are HD at either 1080i or 720p. Maybe it would be worth it to have it recalibrated now that I have HD channels. Would be a lot cheaper than a new set.

Cleaning of the optics is probably more important than the touch up to your calibration. But if it was never calibrated for HD signals that would be a plus too. Cleaning the optics isn't very difficult, just remove the back cover and clean the surfaces of the CRTs (but don't scratch them). After 4 years I'm sure there is a thick layer off dust on all of them. I see a difference every year when I clean mine.

Thanks for the advice. How do I get the back cover of the set off. I assume it is a couple of screws, but I have to admit I have zero aptitude when it comes to these things. Also what do I use to clean the lenses. I guess it is something that will not leave a film. I am going to look into getting it calibrated again since I would assume it has drifted off the previous calibration and it was never calibrated for HD which I hope would be a different calibration than they did the first time. All this is way cheaper than spending a couple of grand on a new set and if it even close to the picture quality of the current crop of TV's it would be worth the money.

I have the 520, and you just remove all of the screws holding the brown particle board section in place. With the TV unplugged of course. From there you should be able to see each of the 3 CRTs and clean them fairly easily using Spray Away glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. The mirror is a bit more tricky. I wouldn't touch it unless you have see smears or a haze on it. Use a flashlight to shine side ways across the CRTs and mirror to see just how much crap is on it.

Thanks for the advice. I will look into cleaning the optics and also check out getting the set recalibrated for HD. I was all set to get the Samsung LN52A650 off Amazon since they are offering 24 months 0% financing, but if cleaning and recalibrating my set will give me a similar picture I think that might be the way to go.

...as described above. When I got inside though, I was depressed. Not because what he said wasn't true -- it was. But my lenses were almost spotless and I've never cleaned the optics in the 5 years I've had it.

I used the air gun to get what little bits of dust were on there away, but ultimately there was next to nothing to blow off. I took pics and was going to do my first DIY thing for the web, but all that I had to show for it was 4 specs of dust and a shockingly clean mirror.

I was sooooooooooooooooo hoping that they were caked in dust and that my picture would get better exponentially, but alas, no such luck.

We just got a great Samsung 46 inch 750 LCD that has an absolutely fantastic picture, solid blacks as viewed from our couch, no spotlighting, no clouding, no funky artifacts, and my Blu Rays and satellite have never looked better.

Thing is, I'm finding that my theater - with the surround through my Monitor Speakers and all the trimmings - is getting less and less use by the family with the new Sammy in house. The picture is that much better.

I still like my 65 inch KDP WS550, but I think she may be put out to pasture if I can find something commensurate in size with picture quality that's nails.

Kuro, anyone?

=)

I have a 51WS510 and I was wondering if the lenticular, fresnel or contrast screens were made of glass. I'm worried that I may have done something because a controller was falling off my TV and I saved it but I saved it by pushing the controller into the screen to catch it. Do you think I did anything to my set or are the screens made of plastic and it's probably OK since I don't see any cracks but I think the place where I hit it is a little blurrier now. It could just be me being overly worried over nothing but I just want to be sure. Thanks.

I have a 51WS510 and I was wondering if the lenticular, fresnel or contrast screens were made of glass. I'm worried that I may have done something because a controller was falling off my TV and I saved it but I saved it by pushing the controller into the screen to catch it. Do you think I did anything to my set or are the screens made of plastic and it's probably OK since I don't see any cracks but I think the place where I hit it is a little blurrier now. It could just be me being overly worried over nothing but I just want to be sure. Thanks.

all plastic

all plastic

Just curious, how do you know? I'm guessing you've taken one of these TV's apart?

Just curious, how do you know? I'm guessing you've taken one of these TV's apart?

Yep, removed my front protective screen (glare screen) from the TV.

Yep, removed my front protective screen (glare screen) from the TV.

Does my TV have the protective screen (glare screen) and whats it made out of if you don't mind me asking?

Does my TV have the protective screen (glare screen) and whats it made out of if you don't mind me asking?


Yes, the front screen that you can touch is a clear plastic screen intended to protect the two screens behind it. But it creates glare, so many enthusiasts remove it. Downside is the delicate screen is now exposed and you don't what it damaged by kids, pets, etc.

Yes, the front screen that you can touch is a clear plastic screen intended to protect the two screens behind it. But it creates glare, so many enthusiasts remove it. Downside is the delicate screen is now exposed and you don't what it damaged by kids, pets, etc.

Thanks for all the responses, I'm not worried that I may damaged my screen anymore. One last (hopefully) question, is the contrast screen the protective screen (glare screen) that you speak of? I read that the screen of this TV is made of 3 screens; a lenticular, fresnel and contrast screen so I'm assuming that the contrast screen is the protective screen? Thanks.

Thanks for all the responses, I'm not worried that I may damaged my screen anymore. One last (hopefully) question, is the contrast screen the protective screen (glare screen) that you speak of? I read that the screen of this TV is made of 3 screens; a lenticular, fresnel and contrast screen so I'm assuming that the contrast screen is the protective screen? Thanks.


Yes there are 3 screens. Never heard the 3rd one called the contrast screen, usually called the protective screen. It is totally clear and only there for protection of the other two and it creates glare.

I finally got around to hooking up an HTPC to my KP-57WS510. It's nothing fancy whatsoever: an Acer Aspire 3680 with integrated Intel graphics running Windows 7 beta. The connection is S-video, plus headphone-to-RCA to the receiver.

The picture and sound quality are both surprisingly good. The problem I have is with the resolution. I have researched this extensively and cannot find a resolution to the, uh, resolution issue. The laptop's native resolution is 1280x800, and I can use some other resolutions (like 1024x768), but I tried some non-standard resolutions using Powerstrip, and the picture wouldn't even appear on the Sony.

I have black bars on the Sony display. The right-hand bar is the largest bar. I won't be watching the HTPC exclusively -- just for the occasional online stream and the occasional movie or whatever. I could probably live with the bars, but I'm afraid of burn-in. Does anyone have any thoughts on how to expand the resolution or picture? Any insight is much appreciated.

\
I...uhhh...this "friend" has managed to get the screen watchable, however there are obvious geometry defects and convergence issues (slight "fisheye" effect, lines rise on right, droop on left, etc...). The AVIA DVD has been pushed to the top of the queue, but what is really needed is the service manual. If anyone still has it laying around, could such a wondrous tome be offered again?

Thanks.

I have a "friend" who did the EXACT same thing and LOST the sheet with values. I was SOOOO hoping you had the sheet with the default values :)

So are there any WS5x0 owners left? I have a KP57-WS500 and would love to talk to others that have calibrated their units...

I'm the moderator on the WS500 yahoo group. We are like 700 peoples. If you have any question don't hesitate to join and ask :)

http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/Ws500/

Anyone have any input on OTA problem I am having with one particular channel? This is what I posted on our local thread, but did not get much
response. Is this something I should ask our local CBS station?

"What's going on with CBS channel 42.1 OTA? While watching the Masters on my 5 year old Sony RPTV, the screen goes blank and I get an error message box that says I can watch 42.1 on channel 30, press enter. I press enter on the remote and it switches to channel 30 for a brief period, then I get the reverse of the error message which says I can watch channel 30 on 42.1, press enter. I think this has something to do with how the local station is handling the PSIP.

By the way, my newer Sony LCD upstairs (connected to the same antenna) was handling the same problem a lot better - a little pixilation and then cleared up by itself."

Hi all, I have a question regarding electrostatic focusing. Can you provide a
little more detail on what the goal is with this procedure, ie. what I should be
looking for?

The TV, as it came from the factory, already allows me to see individual scan
lines within each color image. When I turn the focus knob, it ranges from
blooming to being able to see the image (with scan lines) and continues to dim
from there. The electrostatic focus seems to be more of a dimness control, so
I'm unclear on what the goal is. Am I trying to show the brightest picture that
shows scan lines, the dimmest that shows scan lines, or what?

Also, on the mechanical focus, one of my guns shows like a ghost image to the
upper left of the real image, and I can't seem to focus this away. Is it
possible to get rid of this?

One last question: I am thinking of removing the protective screen. Are there any safety issues with doing this? Does the screen serve any useful purpose in blocking harmful rays or emissions emanating from the TV set?

Thank you very much for reading this, and for your help! My picture is already
much improved from following the guide.

Here are some resources I found helpful for our TV. In the Yahoo Groups files section there are a ton of guides for tweaking the set.

http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/Ws500/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SonyHDTV/

Here is where you can find service manuals.

http://www.schematicsforfree.com/archive/dir/Sony/Video

http://www.keohi.com/keohihdtv/brandspecific/sony/sony_tips.html

I own a KP-51WS510. Does anyone have any settings they wish to share?

I'm getting pulsation from red colors on my TV (funniest time this happened was watching 2 1/2 Men and one of the women was wearing a red top and I'm sure you can imagine what it looked like). It doesn't seem to be all stations an all red colors, so not sure if it is a TV issue, but I remember reading something about red push and guess I really didn't know what that is.

Any ideas.

I recently purchased a KDP-65WS550 and have been looking for the service manual for it. I have read through all 27 pages of this thread and checked all of the links, although most are dead now. I joined agoraquest and requested it, but have not received a reply. Does anyone out there have this service manual? Thanks.
-Steve

Download here:

http://www.eserviceinfo.com/index.php?what=search2&searchstring=kdp-65ws550

Welcome to the club!

Thanks Emil. I ended up receiving the manual from agoraquest.com. I can't wait to get started tweaking.
-Steve

Hi everyone (first time poster here),

My father bought a new Panasonic plasma HDTV just before Christmas and decided to give me his old KP-51WS510 since he wouldn't need it anymore. Since I had a very old Sony 27" Wega TV, I just could not say no to that. :)

Now, I am not a very tech-savvy person but I am willing to learn. I am sure, in the 5+ years he had the RPTV, that he never did any kind of maintenance and I do not think he ever cleaned the optics inside. So, what should I do first to make sure everything goes well for that RPTV and to be able to keep it for a while?

Also, It seems the service manual would be handy as well. Would anyone be kind enough to send me a copy?

Thanks for the help!

I'm the moderator on the WS500 yahoo group. We are like 700 peoples. If you have any question don't hesitate to join and ask :)

http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/Ws500/

So... I downloaded the manual and went to make the changes. Unfortunately I must have changed an option that I did not intend on changing. If I change the TV to an input where there is no signal, then I can read the menu fine. If you change to an input (component) then the signal is scrambled on the screen. I have been in and out of service menus many times with different brands of TVs and I made the bone head mistake.

Also, is there a board I can replace to reset the service menu? In the meantime I am on the way to the store to buy my mother inlaw a new TV. Hopefully, I can fix the Sony, so that I have an ok TV in the spare room at my house.

I am starting to wonder if I made a change in the SM or if it is just unfortunate timing for something going bad on the set? I followed all "resets" I could find and nothing worked.

Here is a pic of the image of the menu if the input is not being used (cable box off or no connection).
http://members.cox.net/slosvt/2010-03-07%2018.36.02.jpg

Here is a pic of the image of the menu if the input receives a signal (cable box on).
http://members.cox.net/slosvt/2010-03-07%2018.36.35.jpg

I have two rows of horizontal dots across the screen about 4 inches down and starting about 4 inches from the left.

I found some as Agoraquest that had the same issue with a KDF-E42A10 but no responses. I've attached his picture (same as his but I only have the two lines at the top.

I still love this TV, but need to decide whether to replace or repair.

I know this topic hasn't been updated in a few months, and I apologize, but its the most relevant spot to ask this question.

I recently picked up a 510 for very cheap, and I love it. I've been poking around for ways to improve the picture.

Among other things, I found the "restack" method, which is taking the protective screen and relocating it to the back of the stack of three screens. Its supposed to get rid of the glare and improve picture quality, and I've heard it increases the viewing angle as well.

Well, after completing the job, the center of the screen looks gorgeous. Nice and clear. However, I now have a blurry distortion on the left and right sides of the screen. This is most noticeable when looking at the Xbox 360 dashboard. The white lettering on the left and right sides is distorted and appears doubled. On top of that, if you move to the left or right of the set slightly, the sides seem to go black. Essentially, the viewing angle has decreased!

Maybe I should have just removed the protective screen altogether rather than simply moving it, but I'm not sure that would have made any difference.

I don't know what to do. Convergence is not the issue (colors are nice and sharp and lined up) and I can't find any info as to what caused this problem. I reassembled everything exactly as it was. The tv's self diagnostic shows no errors.

I'm stuck, and am now regretting messing with the set. Any help, please?

you sure you re-stacked them correctly?

I did indeed.

The second time. When I originally noticed the problem I described, I opened it up again to make sure I didn't mess it up somehow, and discovered that I did put them in the wrong order, somehow ending up with the protective screen in the middle. Not sure how that happened, but there it is.

However, I corrected that problem and restacked everything correctly, all the screens in the correct position, protective screen in the back, and it didn't change anything.

There should be nothing with the screens that cause a change in viewing angle or the black edges you describe. I have had mine in and out a few times with no issues. Only thing I could think of is the double lettering could be the screen (or screens) not seated properly around the edges. And for the black from the side look, not sure what happens if the "corrugated" screen is in backwards or if there is a backwards.

So I have a KP-51WS510 which has been fine for a few years. There's a problem which has been getting worse over time. The effect varies, but it's like the scan lines aren't aligned properly, so every vertical border shimmers. If I pause a movie's credits, for example, they'll dance a bit. The horizontal positions jump left about a millimeter very quickly, then move back into place.

It's not the signal or the video mode, because the menus and convergence adjust show the same thing.

Has anyone ever experienced this effect, and does anyone have suggestions for repair?

Thanks much.

Considering it's been over a year since this thread saw a post, I'm throwing something beyond a Hail Mary here...

My girlfriend and I got a 51WS550 on Super Bowl Sunday 2004, just in time to see Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction." The TV has served us well, though it's not as sharp as the LCD I have at home and the overscan never could get fixed.

Well, the g/f called me up and said that the rain - we've had a monsoon for over 24 hours - was wreaking havoc with the picture, causing it to look "3D" with red and blue ghosts. Usually rain will wipe out the DirecTV signal, but the regular TV her dad watches was OK and the satellite wasn't out. Then she said OTA TV looked the same and the alarms went off on my head: Something's gone kerflooie with the convergence.

I walked her through running Flash Focus and that had no effect. She got into the convergence menu and what she described was a bunch of "red and blue crosses" at varying amounts of offset. Yep, something's gone real wrong.

The Question: What is the likely cause? I've looked around and seen the thread about replacing the convergence ICs, but that's way beyond my DIY skills and I'm afraid of what a service call will run.

The Bigger Question: Is it even worth repairing or should we just sell it for cheap on Craig's List or something and get something new? We were hoping to hold off on a new display for when we got a house, but that's going to be a while and we need a TV now.

Hope someone sees this and has a fast answer. TIA!

Yep, sounds like your convergence chip(s) went bad. I have the 57" version of the set and love it, but if I run into the same issue I will be replacing mine with a new TV. If you are not open to doing the fix yourself then it probably isn't worth it. Probably cost you $200+ to have someone try and repair it, and for $500 you can get a new 50" plasma.

I've had a couple of friends tell me they replaced or had people replace their chips, but my solder fu is too weak to risk it. If I can get someone to fix it for less than $150, I'm willing to limp it along. Or just get one of those 73" Toshiba DLPs.

Just a quick question. Is the KP-51WS510 a Rear Projection LCD or CRT? I've tried to find the answer but I get the 2 different results.

Here it says it's an LCD rear projection...
http://www.ehow.com/how_7597907_repair-sony-kp51ws510.html

but here it it says it's a CRT rear projection
http://reviews.cnet.com/projection-tvs/sony-kp-51ws510/4507-6484_7-20890071.html

It is a three-CRT system.

FYI: We opted to replace it and got a 60" Sharp LC-60LE632U and it's magnificent. While it was sad to see our beloved PimpVision® carted away for recycling - ashes to ashes and all - PimpVision® II has more than stepped up to bring the visual goods.

Howdy all.

Seems this thread still gets a post every once in a while, so I'll give it a shot:

I have a 51 inch WS550. Bought it back in 2003, I believe. It has been a trooper- through 2 moves and never had one problem. Lots of space and am more that happy with picture, so upgrading to a flat panel has never been a need.

I was using my PS3 as a Blu-Ray player. I had been using the PS3 HDMI output, with a HDMI-to-DVI cable into the set, no real problems, but I did notice that when on Input 7 (DVI input), I could hear a VERY faint 'beeping' sound coming from the set - probably once every 5 secs or so (this was not present when on any other Input or when the PS3 was off, so it was definitely coming from the TV). The beeping was so faint that any audio would drown it out, so it wasn't really a problem though I thought it was probably an indication of an eventual problem looming.

About a year ago, the PS3 took a crap and I decided to just get a regular ol' BR player. Went with a basic Samsung, and again used its HDMI out to my TV's DVI in. Worked well for about 4 months then noticed that, intermittently, I would lose the video on the TV, though the player kept playing (audio was present, which I got through my Receiver). This increasingly got more and more frequent so I sent the BR player back to Samsung. They replaced a board and sent it back. Worked fine, for about another 3 months, then same problem started again. Sent it back to Samsung. They couldn't replicate the problem (even though it was intermittent). Got it back, same issues. Replaced the HDMI to DVI cable - still intermittent problem. Whenever the video goes out, I can connect regular old composite video out and it works fine. I actually borrowed a different BR player from someone and using it, the same intermittent problem (loss of video) continues to occur. When the problem occurs using the BR player's HDMI out, I switch it to use Component output to the TV's component in and it works fine. So, it seems that the TV's DVI input is the problem.

Now, I know many feel that there isn't a lot of difference between DVI and Component, and I only need 2 component video inputs (one for my cable box, and now, one for BR), so I'm not in dire need of the DVI input, but I am a bit OCD and would like to fix it if something easy/cheap.

So, after all that, my questions:

Has anyone else experienced this or have thoughts on what the problem is?

Any thoughts/knowledge on fixing?

If I decide to attempt to pay for service - do they do this in your home or send it away, and any experience with service costs (parts excluded)? Obviously an old TV like this only has so much value so it has to be economic to pursue.

I am willing to attempt some DIY stuff, but probably nothing too crazy. When I look at the DVI input on the back of the TV (I haven't taken the back off yet), it would seem the DVI input is similar to a computer card, which maybe fairly straightforward to replace (plug and play?).

Thanks a TON for any feedback/thoughts!