I am looking to buy this PJ. Should I ask for a build date to be Jan 2006 to ensure I get the new model without the lamp problem?

Yes. most definitely, you don't want to take a chance. I would even try to ask for a Feb. build date, although I'm sure that probably can't happen this early in the month.

Steve

Since they are made in Tiawan I really don't think they would be here yet. My support person said any made after Jan 06 were good. I assume she meant in Jan 06 or later.
Warren.

I am looking to buy this PJ. Should I ask for a build date to be Jan 2006 to ensure I get the new model without the lamp problem?

I don't believe it has been established that the "lamp problem" has been addressed based on a particular build date.

BenQ was telling people that it had been addressed with units built from either August or September '05 forward (I don't recall exactly now), but that was obviously not true.

This time, they are not even claiming that the lamp issues have been addressed with the Jan build date. That's simply the build date that includes the tweaked PQ firmware. There was also some vague mention of addressing the fan speed, but I can all but guarantee you that won't 'fix' the lamp.

The jan build date is for the new firmware. There is rumor that the new firmware helps the lamp too. I guess we will find out when the announcement comes.
Warren.

BenQ was telling people that it had been addressed with units built from either August or September '05 forward (I don't recall exactly now), but that was obviously not true.



Well, it's not Aug. My projector was an Aug 05 build date, and blew last week.

--nw

Greetings All,

I just got off the phone with BenQ. What I learned was... wait until Monday. Seems most of them are out celebrating the Chinese New Year.

The person I spoke with, said they will have a statement on Monday, regarding warranty, and how they will be handling old problem units, lamps, etc.

Also they said they DO plan to have have a procedure, for those wanting new firmware for their old 7700s, and they will have the "cutoff" information - how to tell if a unit has the new firmware (firmware number, manufacturing date, etc.).

Someone earlier pointed out that the new 7700 firmware primarily improves out of the box image quality, and that someone doing a full calibration should be able to get the same results. I would have to basically agree, but - I don't play in service menus. I used a 7700 long enough to say that since there is no gamma control outside of the service menus, that, for non-tweakers that will mess around in there, the firmware improvement is a big thing. I do not know what else they have done with the new firmware besides color related. I will ask on Monday.

For those of you who haven't seen the new review (PE7700 update on my site), or visited for a few days earlier in the week where my webmaster accidently had the link pointing to the old review (now fixed), here is the correct link:
http://www.projectorreviews.com/Manufacturers/benq/PE7700/index.asp


BTW, I still have the 7700 here, and I have been advised by Optoma that they are shipping me their new HD72 later today. I'm working on a Sony HS51A review, and will start on the Optoma on Monday. So I should have it done (hopefully) end of NEXT week, certainly before the following weekend. The good news is I will have both the 7700 and HD72 at the same time so will view them side by side, and be able to comment on how they compare.

Seems they have some new people there and do want to make existing customers happy and the bad press go away. Let's hope they do!

Afterall, I'm somewhat biased. I just installed an 8720 in my theater (I blew the extra bucks over the Optoma H78dc3, which was my original plan). I expect the BenQ to stay there until some manufacturer comes out with a spectacular, affordable, 3 chip 1080p machine ( in a couple of years or less).

As soon as I have details from BenQ (Monday- they promised) I will post! -art Art!! what happened to the details?

Art!! what happened to the details?

Good question. I just posted on the 7700 lamp thread.

They keep telling me "tomorrow", but this morning I got an email saying:

"You can post that solution for 7700 issues will be available on our
website via the FAQ section.
It may or may not be tonight, but definitely tomorrow."

So, I guess they are still finalizing. As to what they actually will say, I don't know. -art

I will be keeping an eye out for the posting, as, I'm sure, will many of you. -art

Could I use the RGBHV input and have my PC output through the HD15 1280x720 signal and would the projector display this correctly? Or am I limited to only 1024x768, 800x600 resolutions?

"You can post that solution for 7700 issues will be available on our
website via the FAQ section.
It may or may not be tonight, but definitely tomorrow."


OH the suspense!!!!

Sending us all 8720 projectors, yeah right...

xboy, yes you can output 1280x720 and it looks great

dvi-hdmi would be best of course.

Just for the heck of it, I called Benq tech again and talked to a rep. He knew that something was going to be put out about the 7700, he didn't know when though:( He talked to a couple of other people in the office for a couple of minutes and then told me that if your projector had a manufactured date, before the new firmware date, Jan 06, that they would take care of your bulb if it blew and do the new firmware upgrade. I could not get any specifics i.e. will they replace the bulb if it blows at 1500 hours etc. Guess we'll just have to wait a bit longer to get some ACTUAL, FACTUAL, info:) And smithsonga: would be nice to get a 8720 upgrade heh:)

Fedex just delivered my replacement projector which is supposed to have new firmware and the latest and greatest. Since my projector is still working fine (with the new bulb sent from BenQ), I will try to make a direct comparison between boxes on Sunday.

I will report back after I do that. Hopefully, the picture will be better as the projectorreview stated and the bulbs will stop blowing so quickly.

Dennis, how did you end up with two 7700's at the same time? Do you just have to send in your original projector? Just curious:) Looking forward to your "mini shootout".

They charge your credit card and send you a new one, then you ship your old one back. Yeah, Dennis, you just volunteered for a whole bunch of crap ;)
Warren.

OK, just got an email from BenQ, with what they are posting tonight or tomorrow. I've cut and pasted immediately below:

This is the statement that will be posted on our FAQ website tonight.
It will solve all PE7700 issues.

Q: The lamp on my PE7700 stopped working shortly after I purchased the product.

A: Under some environmental conditions, older PE7700 projector lamps will have a reduced lifespan that can be corrected or repaired by our technicians at no cost for qualified models.

Qualifying Models: PE7700 Projector with a Mfr. PN: "99.J0C77.B51" and with a Mfr. Date prior to January 18, 2006.

How to Apply:

Check your "Mfr. PN" to ensure a match with the number listed above. If the numbers match, please complete the following steps.

Complete our online RMA form (Click Here)

Call a customer service technician at 866-600-2367

Once issued an RMA# by the technician:

Complete the RMA form by adding the provided RMA#

Fax in the RMA form to the fax number provided.

Process:

BenQ will arrange to pickup the product. (After an RMA# is issued)*

Place your product into the original box, or follow our online guide for packing instructions.**

BenQ will: a) Replace the Lamp; and b) Upgrade the Firmware*

BenQ will return ship the product to the address provided.*


* All shipping and repair costs for qualified models will be covered by BenQ.
** Any Damage resulting from packing practices that are not consistent with BenQ's stated guidelines will not be covered.

-------------

BTW the 7700 I reviewed last month, had an Oct manufacturing date (unit received by BenQ US, the week of Christmas), and the same Part Number, so those of you with more recent purchases should have the newest firmware.

NO, they didn't specify how to get a firmware upgrade if the lamp doesn't fail early, for those looking for the new color/gamma tables. Perhaps the 7700 is like the 8720. A BenQ dealer with an older 8720 was able to get the firmware upgrade, but reported that he could get the same results by doing a full calibration taking advantage of the capabilities in the service menu. Whether that holds for the PE7700, I have no idea.

Hey, the good news is that BenQ seems to be making a concerted effort.

One question though, unanswered, is how long someone sending it in, will have to wait to get it back. (I assume there will be a big initial rush).

I don't know about the rest of you but I might wait till my bulb dies or at least see if I can get a few hundred hours on it then send it in. No point in sending it in with only 100 hours on it if I can get that free bulb later :)

I would also have to say that the majority of the people with the pe7700 probably have no idea there is a problem.

Apparently the individual at BenQ who passed me the info they are posting, is monitoring this thread. He just emailed me back to say:

Here is what you can tell them:
Projectors will be turned around in a day or two, barring holiday and weekend receipts.

---

Of course you have to factor in shipping time. -a

Hey, BenQ dude, good to know someone there is paying attention. Can you confirm if the new firmware helps bulb life? Many of us had the redesigned bulbs (from after august or whatever) fail. Is there a second redesign of the bulb, or what changed to make us think the after january projectors are going to last any longer?
The MT700 forum had someone say the Ballasts and PSU's needed to be changed too. Do you have anything on that?
I am very happy with your service and with my 7700 by the way. I just a bit concerned of the lack of information sharing about this issue by BenQ. There are a lot of people up in the air on this projector and I think these anwsers will really help.
Thank,
Warren.
p.s. I have to really thank BenQ for getting me a projector in time for the Superbowl. I know they went out of the way to do that, including forking out big bucks to get fedex deliver overnight on the Saturday before the game.

Hey, BenQ dude, good to know someone there is paying attention. Can you confirm if the new firmware helps bulb life? Many of us had the redesigned bulbs (from after august or whatever) fail. Is there a second redesign of the bulb, or what changed to make us think the after january projectors are going to last any longer?
The MT700 forum had someone say the Ballasts and PSU's needed to be changed too. Do you have anything on that?
I am very happy with your service and with my 7700 by the way. I just a bit concerned of the lack of information sharing about this issue by BenQ. There are a lot of people up in the air on this projector and I think these anwsers will really help.
Thank,
Warren.
p.s. I have to really thank BenQ for getting me a projector in time for the Superbowl. I know they went out of the way to do that, including forking out big bucks to get fedex deliver overnight on the Saturday before the game.

Greetings again,

Seems I'm the middleman, "BenQ dude" is probably terrified about coming on to the forum himself (or herself), for fear of being "assaulted with a deadly keyboard."

But I did receive another email apparently to address one of your questions.

The answer is, no changes to the power supply, etc. The fix is all in the firmware (and newer lamps.)

No, I have no info as to what is being changed in the firmware to accomplish this. -art

OK, does this imply we can send in our units for new firmware even though we already got the new lamps? Or do we need to have these new lamps fail again before we can get the upgrade???? If the new firmware is also a better picture and lamp life, I want it sooner rather than later. Can you clarify for us that have new lamps??

I second smithsonga on his question, and what if I am still on my original lamp, and it has not failed yet? Can I send it in for lamp replacement and firmware update also?

Steve

Hey Art, thanks for keeping us up to date with the info! I'm looking forward to your comparisons between the "updated" 7700 vs the Optoma HD72 etc. Now don't sugarcoat the results") Tell us how you see it!!

Oh Yeah,

Thank You Art!

Steve

I understand the intent to be that if you have a PE7700 manufactured before Jan 18, 2006, you can send it in (or not) and BenQ will make sure you have the latest bulb and firmware to resolve the problem. I do not think you need to wait for the bulb to fail.

Kudos to BenQ for essentially "recalling" the 7700 and fixing the single, but significant, problem with an otherwise great projector.

Art - thank you very much.

BenQ Guy - Thank you very much for the very good support you and yours have been providing. I own the Toshiba MT700, so I just wanted to say: please make sure this new firmware gets passed along to us "clonies" :)

Ahh, a good day for such news.

Here's to BenQ (okay I'll get my beer downtown in a few hrs) :D

Can anyone confirm the Official Response, from benq has been issued, and maybe post a link. I dont think most of us will believe this untill we see it on the Benq site, hopefully not buried too deep.

I am looking at getting a new projector very soon. Do you guys think that it would be safe to purchase a PE7700? If so, how does the picture quality compare on the newer ones versus the older ones? If this projector doesn't work out I will probably get a Panny AE900.

Finally some good news. I meet it with optimism and skepticism at the same time. Optimistic that they're finally officially admitting the problem and providing a resolution, but pessimistic that the resolution actually works. I guess only time will tell, so we all need to stay active with reporting our results after a firmware upgrade.. looks like another Lamp Life thread is in order, in a few weeks.

I can't really imagine the PQ getting much better with a different firmware, honestly. I'm guessing it modifies the temperature sensor and how often the fan stays on, etc, and possibly the voltage of the PSU?

Oh, and I agree with DaddyD that it may be difficult to find on BenQ's website. They don't have a lot of FAQ info available. First one to see it, post a link. :)

So where is the manufacturer part number (Mfr. PN) located? I'll bet it's under my mount, right?

Finally some good news. I meet it with optimism and skepticism at the same time. Optimistic that they're finally officially admitting the problem and providing a resolution, but pessimistic that the resolution actually works. I guess only time will tell, so we all need to stay active with reporting our results after a firmware upgrade.. looks like another Lamp Life thread is in order, in a few weeks.

I can't really imagine the PQ getting much better with a different firmware, honestly. I'm guessing it modifies the temperature sensor and how often the fan stays on, etc, and possibly the voltage of the PSU?

Oh, and I agree with DaddyD that it may be difficult to find on BenQ's website. They don't have a lot of FAQ info available. First one to see it, post a link. :)

Miltimj I think you have hit the nail on the head, you Kevin and Claus always seem to come up with intelligent answers.

I personal think the New bulb has been the solution for some time now, the firmware update is just a good reason to add a little insurance into the mix "like you"said increasing the fans time, RPM ,and or vary the voltage to the PSU ect.................would help any bulb. I think the firmware update IS JUST good way for them TO REPAIR some of THE DAMAGE to their name this bulb issue has cause.

I have always been a patient supporter of Benq, because in the past they have always treated me with great service and support, I applaud this latest effort from Benq to help repair the damage between them and their owners. :)

So where is the manufacturer part number (Mfr. PN) located? I'll bet it's under my mount, right?

On the bottom of course, depending on your mount, yep, most likely its covered up.

But the PN should also be on your box!

As I posted earlier, I suspect all units or at least those up to the Jan 18th 06 build date, have the same part number. Even the brand new "review" unit I got from BenQ the last few days of December has that part number, and it supposedly had the new lamp and firmware. I doubt that earlier units have a different one, since the lamp problem seems to go back to the beginning of the PE7700 sales in the US, or close to it.

I am looking at getting a new projector very soon. Do you guys think that it would be safe to purchase a PE7700? If so, how does the picture quality compare on the newer ones versus the older ones? If this projector doesn't work out I will probably get a Panny AE900.

I wouldn't purchase the PE7700.

If you read BenQ's statement carefully, they are separating the firmware update and the lamp issue, so they are not claiming that the firmware has anything to do with the lamp. They state that they will install a "new lamp" (to address the lamp issue), and that new firmware is also available. We already know that the new lamp is failing at about the same rate as the old.

Even if the firmware were to somehow vary the fan speed with lamp temp, we know that there have been lamp failures with the unit set to high altitude, which basically fixes the fan on full speed, so the fan speed is not the answer either.

I know that the current owners are somehow reading into BenQ's rather innocuous statement as if it is the answer they have been looking for, and I don't blame them. Those that are beyond their dealer's return period have to look for some silver lining in this dark cloud. But, as a prospective pj purchaser, I would not consider the PE7700 at this time.

Well, my questions prior regarding will they replace my bulb and firmware if my current 'new' bulb hasnt failed....has no point now. It blew again this afternoon.

Interestingly, I changed the fan to normal last night as we were watching a quiet movie and it was annoying (and I live in Atlanta, NOT high altitude) and then today I was watching Olympics taped from last nite and wanted full power lamp.

Less than 2 hrs of full power lamp and normal fan....BAM...it was gone.

I was going to send it in after the Olympics, now I get to miss a lot of it and send it in on Monday. Darn it.

Smithsonga, thats a real bummer! How many hours did you have on it? Were you using a power conditioner? Here's to hoping you have a fast turn around on getting your pj up and running again.

I wouldn't purchase the PE7700.

If you read BenQ's statement carefully, ....

Where is it?

Smithsonga, thats a real bummer! How many hours did you have on it? Were you using a power conditioner? Here's to hoping you have a fast turn around on getting your pj up and running again.

180 hrs, within 10 hrs of first bulb

no power conditioner

I was thinking about purchasing the PE7700 if the bulb issue was resolved. Instead of taking any chances I decided to get the Panny AE900 instead. My order has just been placed for the AE900.

Where is it?

Art posted the BenQ FAQ Q & A in post 2516 of this thread.

As i prevously stated, There is no official word yet, i know there was a cut and paste of the statement in a post. But still no sign of it on Benq's site, or any other projector site reporting it as official.

I am gonna wait to phone for an RMA until i see an official posting.

I would hate to listen to the Benq Song for 45-80 min, just to find out they cant issue an RMA for a firmware fix.

In fact, that damn song is probably the reason why im gonna wait for the official posting.

:)

Daddyd,

Hey, hopefully they'll get to it on monday. First they had told me they'd have the statement last Monday, then it slipped to Thurs, and finally I got that email and they said "tonite or tomorrow".

My best guess, is that some of them are still hung over from Chinese New Year. -art
BTW that email I cut and pasted, came from a VP level person.

I'm from Malaysia and had called the local service centre and seems like their technician had ack. this bulb issue. My bulb had almost reach 400hrs but I'm having flicker in low lamp mode. The technician will get the latest bulb and firmware from Taiwan and ETA is next week. From my understanding, the firmware do not fix the lamp, more towards tuning the picture quality such as gamma and color decoding table so we don't really need an ISF cert technician to tune those stuff for us. Maybe what u need is an AVIA DVD to tune the contrast and brightness according to your room environment.

I hope Kevin will get the new firmware and tune and check if the RGB gain and cut is optimize. I used Kevin previously suggested value (back in July) and the picture been stunning until now. My friend also agree my BENQ7700 color looks good.

I intend to get the upgrade, I will then recalibrate with the colorimeter, and post my values. I've run a lot of test patterns from the Accupel and AviaPro, so it will be interesting to see what those show.

Art posted the BenQ FAQ Q & A in post 2516 of this thread.

Ok I saw this, but I thought you (or someone) actually found it off the BenQ website. I looked and did not find it. Thanks!

All,

I just experienced my SECOND bulb failure on the PE7700. This is absolutely unacceptable. The second new bulb died after less than 30 hours (!!), while the first died after about 180 hours. (The projector is ceiling mounted with excellent ventilation in a room with 24/7 controlled temperature and humidity.)

I'll try the method mentioned in post 2516 for getting a firmware upgrade/new lamp, but personally I think this is too little too late. It's one thing to replace once, but twice is unfair and we're talking about losing significant use of the product. I'm paying for a monthly DVR from my cable company on this projector and it's also where my Xbox 360 is installed.

I've had other projectors (from Sharp, for example) that lasted YEARS and this BenQ has been a nightmare. It's unfortunate because it produces an excellent picture when it's working.

I wasn't aware of this bulb issue and actually purchased the second bulb, so I'm out an additional $390 already. I wonder if BenQ will refund me the cost the bulb, with the receipt, which is only fair if the design is clearly defective.

Please excuse the frustration as I just had the second bulb die while a roomful of friends were in the middle of a movie. :) I'm trying very hard to like this projector... but it's also becoming difficult to trust it'll work. After reading the threads here, I see it was originally believed to be a bad batch of bulbs.

--Mark

Mark,

How long ago did you buy it? Can you get it returned possibly? In case you didn't read all the way through this thread (very likely), it's probably a combination of bulb and the specification of how it runs, whether it be fan speed, voltages, or some other aspect.

I intend to get the upgrade, I will then recalibrate with the colorimeter, and post my values. I've run a lot of test patterns from the Accupel and AviaPro, so it will be interesting to see what those show.

Thanks Kevin, this will be very helpful. I have the updated firmware on my Mt700, and would like to know exactly what it does to the picture.

Mark,
BenQ should replace both bulbs provided you still have both to send back.

I hear you on the pain in the arse factor. I do custom installs and quit using BenQ because of this whole bulb fiasco. Installed 4 of the 7700's and 3 of them had the first and second bulb's burn out. All within 2 weeks of each other (and 2 of the second bulbs burned out a week before superbowl).
I'm just a little guy but BenQ has lost out on about $14k worth of sales in the last 3 months just from me going elsewhere.

While our anxiety has been focused on the BenQ, it is not the only home theater projector that is having bulb problems.

Maybe it is just an immutable law of physics -- you can have bright projectors and you can have quiet projectors, but you can't bright, quiet projectors.

Bring on the LED bulbs!

I had time today to hang the newly refurbished PE7700 that BenQ sent me. Here are some of my results comparing the older (also refurbished) projector that I had since mid December. That replaced my original one that I purchased in July which had one burned out bulb . All settings are out of the box.

I am using a Panny S77 and an HD Tivo both through the HDMI attachment and with both outputting at 720P so I am not using the PE7700 internal scalar. My screen is a 110” Da Lite High Contrast Cinema Vision which is slightly grey to enhance black levels. I think the gain is 1.1.

When I got things set up, my first observation was that the picture was dim. Turned out it was preset to economic mode and I have been running mine in normal mode. After the change, it looked fine and the same as before. Both projectors produce a stunning picture.

Anyway, to my untrained eye with little experience other than this projector, I would say the picture, color, sharpness, saturation, brightness and detail are virtually the same. I looked at both DVDs and already recorded items on Tivo so the comparison would be similar. Obviously, I didn’t have both projectors mounted at the same time so I had to rely on memory (getting worse as I get older!) from the original projector to the new one.

Details: Old firmware: Jun 27, 2005 Ver 0.43, A00 New Firmware: Jun (?!) 16, 2006 Ver 0.48 A00. The unit had a sticker on the bottom stating the firmware version, which the old one did not have. The new refurbished unit had a manufacturing date of April 2005. The bulb in the new unit said 8/25 A-1149. The bulb in the old unit (this was a new bulb BenQ sent me two weeks ago so my SB party would come off ok) said 8/25 B-516. They look identical. I don't know the bulb number of the burned out one that I sent back to them, but it looked the same. AFAIK, the original bulb from my July purchased projector and the first burned out replacement bulb all looked the same as well.

Usage hours were set to 0 and the lamp was 0 as well. The older refurbished unit came with 235 hours on the bulb, I didn’t know how to look in the service menu then to see what the total hours were, but my older unit now shows 372 hours or about 140 hours that I put on it since I received it in December (2 different bulbs).

I can’t detect any difference in fan noise or speed. I have always had mine set at High Altitude because I live near 6,000 feet. The speed also stays constant after having it on a while as did the older projector.

Unless you have a big reason to send your unit in to BenQ, from my experience, I can’t see that the firmware did much to change the picture. I guess I would defer to the projectorreview by Art Feierman as being correct. Who knows? I just hope they worked some magic so the bulbs don’t blow. I will haul out my Avia disk this week and see if there are any settings that should be changed. Right now, I would guess not much.

Here are comparison settings in various Service Menus:

DLP:

Brightness: Old: -2 New: -2
Contrast Red: Old: +49 New: +49
Contrast Green: Old: +49 New: +49
Contrast Blue: Old: +49 New: +49
CW Delay: Old: +57 New: +51 (Change)
CW Speed: Both 5X without SLR

Gamma and Color Temperature => White Balance Tuning:

Red Gamma: Old: +66 New: +66
Green Gamma: Old: +66 New: +66
Blue Gamma: Old: +66 New: +66
Red Gain: Old: +512 New: +512
Green Gain: Old: +459 New +480 (Change)
Blue Gain: Old: +468 New: +482 (Change)
Red Offset: Old: +11 New: +11
Green Offset: Old: +11 New: +11
Blue Offset: Old: +11 New: +11

Picture:

Contrast: Old: 4 New 0 (Change)
Brightness: Old: -8 New 2 (Change)
Color: Old: 7 New: 7
Tint: Old: 0 New: 0
Filter: Old: 1 New: 1
Sharpness: Old: 0 New: 0

Color Enhancement:

Red: Old: 15 New: 15
Green: Old: 15 New: 15
Blue: Old: 15 New: 15
Yellow: Old: 15 New: 15
White: Old: 0 New: 0

Thermal Test:

Main: Old: +48 +2700 New: +47 +2700
DMD: Old: 0 0 New: 0 0
Blower: Old: +51 +4950 New: +53 +5000
Power: Old: +48 +2700 New: +47 +2700
Inlet Temp: Old: +2275 New: +2200
Ballast Temp: Old: +5250 New: +4950
Fan Control: Both: Auto

While our anxiety has been focused on the BenQ, it is not the only home theater projector that is having bulb problems.

Maybe it is just an immutable law of physics -- you can have bright projectors and you can have quiet projectors, but you can't bright, quiet projectors.

Bring on the LED bulbs!

Bright-Quiet-Cheap. Pick (only) any two.

Well Monday has practically come and gone, and no official word regarding the 7700 from benq, no statement, no faq, no nothing.

I wish they would just post it already, instead of claiming "its coming tommorow"

I totally trust in what "Presenter" passed along to us, i only hope the V.P position person who sent him the info, wasnt blowing smoke.

Everyones hopes got up, and Doubts are growing, thats all i can say

Just had my second bulb go after 16 hours :mad:

BenQ tech sent me a RMA and shipper, unit is on the way back in for "Firmware and some other internal changes". When I asked what those changes were, I was told something to do with temperature settings....

Didnt sound too technical to me :D , but its on its way back anyway! Let see what this path takes us to....

Love the projector, but after two bulbs and all of the stories here, when I now watch this projector I'll be holding my breath wondering if its really fixed and will it go out when I have a room full of people.......

Just talked to benq today about the new firware release and the tech could have giving me an RA today for my unit, but I decided to wait ,my HD cable is coming this Wed, and need my 7700 for the install.

The tech said it should be up on the web site in a couple days so owners can do the whole transaction on the web site and not have to call Benq.

He also said the firmware was like having a full calibration done from a professional, and you might not see much of a difference if you had.

Greetings all,

BenQ has finally posted the scoop on the lamp/firmware upgrade.

http://www.benq.us/serviceandsupport/library.cfm?ac=1&alid=880&StartParent=594&OpenArticles=399,0#880

Damn, if it isn't exactly the same wording that they gave me last thursday morning. They must have the world's slowest webmaster.

It is hard to find on the site. From the top Service and Support, then on the left, click on Knowledge Base, not FAQ. There are three FAQ questions for FAQ projectors, its the third one. Click and you end up at the link I provided here. -art

Great! Well, to me this is an official acknowledgement from the company of a problem. The two pieces of good news I take from this are:

- We get a firmware upgrade and new bulb for free (free shipping).. although being without the projector as well of course

- From now on, if we have bad bulbs and get this done, we can claim that it didn't fix the problem (assuming there were a relatively small number of hours on your bulb), and they'll have to fix it.

It's not like they haven't been fixing them, but you can be assured that you'll get a bulb each time there's a problem (assuming the problem isn't a long term fix), rather than hoping they don't say "well, you did have X hours on the bulb, so your PJ must be fine". Of course, that's an assumption that they still won't do that, but there is probably some number that they have in mind if this does "fix the problem", or at least help it (1000+?). Obviously, if the resolution is a long term fix, then everybody's happy. :)

So the best course of action if you don't want any downtime is to buy a second bulb and you'll always be able to get that next one before it blows.

In short, the difference that I see between now and before this announcement is that I feel a bit more "guaranteed" to get a replacement bulb, rather than hoping they continue to cover the bulb out of warranty.

No mention on the BenQ Australian site as yet. I also checked my Model No & it is 99.JOC 77.B5P not B51.
Might have to email them & get there response.

Too bad the links to the PDF rma forms are down, the files do not exist. Can anyone else download this PDF file, or is just me.

Wait just did some hunting in their FTP site, the files are in a different spot.

here are the direct links, the links they provide do not work (figures)

For the US rma form:
ftp://12.145.38.159/support/rma_request_form-usa.pdf

For the Canadian rma form:
ftp://12.145.38.159/support/rma_request_form-canada.pdf

I hope this helps u guys..

After 100 hours of use and brand new 2nd PJ from BenQ itself(manufactured in Sep/05), i regret to inform its having same issues as the first one.

Thanks for providing the links above, i also emailed Lisa (BenQ CS) and she is suggesting the same.

Will keep you posted

Greetings all,

BenQ has finally posted the scoop on the lamp/firmware upgrade.

http://www.benq.us/serviceandsupport/library.cfm?ac=1&alid=880&StartParent=594&OpenArticles=399,0#880

Damn, if it isn't exactly the same wording that they gave me last thursday morning. They must have the world's slowest webmaster.
-art

Thanks for all the great info Art! :) Do you think you could ask your contact at BenQ if they have contacted Toshiba about this for us MT700 owners? I'm on my 4th lamp but the firmware has never been upgraded.
Thanks again!!
g-mon

as a person that may want to buy this projector IF they get the problem fixed. I am curious of a couple things..

is there any change in the recently manufactured units ? like new PSU/ Ballast card ( that was mentioned in post #2436 ) or just diff FW and "new" bulb ? One would hope they would find and fix the problem with this model for the new ones. rather than keep gambling that they will eventually be able to get a bulb that will work with it.

also maybe would be good if all the people that have a bulb blow with low hours can specify if it was with the FW fix and new bulb. and also projector man date.

from the sounds of it , the fw and there latest bulb haven't fixed anything. they should be sending people two bulbs ( for free ) so they can have a spare for when the next bulb blows
16 hours ? that is crazy. and while i am at it what is with all the projector bulb prices ? I could see like 20-30 bucks , some sort of scam they all have going on or something. anyway I'll stop now :)

I wish all owners the best with this deal , and I would like to buy one but will prob continue my searching unless they actually fix this problem.

There is conflicting info about how if the firmware helps the bulb situation. I assume (hope) they did something to better regulate tempature or voltage or something. We will find out I guess. So far no new projectors have blown. I am letting the kids watch cartoons on my projector to get the hours up.
The bulbs are expensive because they can be. Supply and demand thing. Of course they aren't simple bulbs like house bulbs. It is a complex assembly. Nothing you can buy at your local hardware store you know. Also economy of scale is in effect. They have made billions of house bulbs and only thousands of 7700 projector bulbs. It would help if all projectors had a standard bulb mount, but that won't happen.

Is there a lemon law for products like there is for cars?
Warren.

I totally agree, I do not understand what, if anything at all, does the new firmware do.
It appears to me that there are two issues at hand here. One is that the original lamps for the PE7700 had a defect from the start with the way they were manufactured. I can't believe that a 2000-3000 Hr. lamp, that costs $400, can't even last 500 Hrs. That's pretty sad. The second thing that I see is that the projector itself has some manufacturing issues also, and I think that the firmware upgrade is just a way of trying to avoid the problem, and make us feel like its a lamp issue. Otherwise the new lamps would be working great!
I would like to know if there really is anyone ay Benq that actually knows what the problem is, and is willing to acknowledge it? Has any technician really taken the 7700 and figured out the problem or are they just playing games and hoping that a few minor adjustments would extend the lamp life significantly to make this forum go away, even if its only to get past the 500 Hr. warranty period.
Where are the real answers from the people who know what's going on. Instead of customer service people who have no idea? Benq needs to step up to the podium and address the issue like any manufacturer who has a lemon and needs to do a recall, period.

They probably don't know what is going on. If you lay bricks it is pretty easy to figure out what happened when it goes wrong. A projector is somewhat more complex. They certainly don't want it to have a problem. They don't like handing out $400 lamps. They don't like the bad press. I think they are doing their best to fix it. That doesn't necessarly mean knowing what is causing it. I am a programmer. I had a program that would crash on my customer, but very rarely. I spent many hours trying to find the bug. I could not. I would test and test and it wouldn't happen. Then out of the blue.. bang. It crashes. No idea why. It isn't supposed to do that. I don't want it to. I spend many hours improving things. The bug doesn't happen then. I never figure out why it happened in the first place, and never figure out where it was happening even. Things just aren't always that simple, unless you are laying bricks I guess.
Warren.

I seriously doubt the firmware alone is going to fix the issue. It has to be a problem with ballast or power supply. People here with the new bulb still have failures. Mine is manufactured in Dec 2005, new bulb. Started flicking really bad last night, 100hrs. I dont think it will last too much longer based on other peoples experiences. My ambient temp has been 60F for all 100hrs so that rules out overheating.

The firmware is just a cover screen. I am sure they will replace other parts. They just don't want to admit the problem probably hoping to avoid lawsuits. It looks like they really want to fix the problem, just not fast enough for most of us.

If the fix they provide actually works, only time will tell, and one can get the advertised 2000hrs on the bulb I will be happy. The projector really does have a nice image.

Mr Crackers

Well, my projector that died a just before the superbowl was returned to me today, presumably with a new bulb and new firmware. Can't wait to get home and get it hooked up again... but I'm afraid the GF has other ideas. :D

I'm gonna be putting some serious hours on it ASAP to test it out.

--nw

On the projector or the GF? ;)

On the projector or the GF? ;)

Good Laugh! :rolleyes: I needed that one.

I shipped my projector off with 2nd blown bulb away today.

Who knows what all they are replacing/fixing. We know it is firmware and bulb as we can all see/verify that. Maybe other items are being replaced that we couldnt tell anyway.

Either way, CS said they are not sure if the firmware/bulb fix is working until it is out in the 'wild' longer than 1 month. But my CS rep seemed to know more from this forum then he did as an employee of BENQ.

Not sure how many RMA #s my projector box can handle...better start writing small...

When I talked to Bq yesterday the firmware update was just a color/picture quality up date nothing else. From our conversation the firmware update is more of a good will gesture for all the trouble the owners have endured.

As for the bulb replacement Bq is using the firmware up date to control this process, it seems some dealers and overseas distributors had been replacing bulbs with the old style saying their new just to make their customers happy ect...............Bq lost the ability to know who had new or old bulbs ect...........so yes they are using this opportunity to help turn the tide of bad press.

I also spoke to my dealer yesterday about the firmware/new bulb(also)and ask about the how well the new bulb design was during from their view, they are reporting numbers back to Bq that are vary normal as failure rates go of a fp projection bulb, and "yes" they would not tell me any numbers of what they consider normal, I did not expect them to,but I did ask!!!!!!!!! :)

The numbers from the dealers are the only ones that Bq will look at, not whats on a web page like this, the only way for any info to be considered correct in a poll out hear is a serial number conformation system other than that our info hear is suspect at BEST. Think about it!!

Now as for that D_M BenQ on hold music, that has MJ or a Michael Jackson sound a like, if I have to listen to it one more min, I'll think I'd rather poke a sharp stick my eye..........sheeeeese. :eek:

So if I am understanding all of this correctly.... For someone, like me, I should just take the numbers (settings) from earlier in this thread, plug them into my projector and call it good?

My projector was bought back in Oct (Sept Build) and has 450+ hours on the bulb.

Or should I send it in anyway? I might get a new lamp (yippee!)

My history:
AUG 2005 new PE 7700
280 hr bulbs dies (November)
325 hr buld 2 dies (Superbowl -2 days)
just got my PJ back and the Component feed does not work (it worked before) on either of my 2 DVD players. It just says searching... then unsupported. I was given an e-mail address of the "guru" who could help but 36 hours later, still no response. I recall a previous post on this issue - anyone know how to address it witrhout sending it back?

THX

You could send it in. There are other fixes too, like being able to set the black level with HDMI. That was nice.

After a few more hours using my newly refurbished projector with the updated firmware, I decided to change the contrast and brightness settings back to what they were with the original firmware. The new picture had a slight washed out look and when I changed the settings back, the picture improved a bit back to what I remember before. Not a big change, but it was noticeable to me after watching for a while.

Net, I don't believe the firmware change did anything to make the picture better and, with the above comments, it actually made it very slightly worse. YMMV. And if it doesn't do anything to fix the bulb failure, why should we or BenQ bother?

Man, I hope I don't have to put up with a 4th bulb blowing esp at a time when many people are trying to watch something interesting. Why doesn't BenQ just give all of us a spare bulb so we can at least change it when it blows and send the bad one in for yet another spare? If they really are trying to improve customer sat, that has got to be cheaper for them than sending whole projectors in many times over.

And, I can't believe they are unable to figure this out. How many different projectors have they made over the years? It's not like they are new to this business!

You could send it in. There are other fixes too, like being able to set the black level with HDMI. That was nice.
I was always able to set the black level with HDMI. Things are pretty confusing, aren't they?

What surprises me is why do we have to send the 7700 in for a firmware update. I purchase an 8700+ last year and had an issue with the fan being to load, they actually put the firmware right on their site to down load and install it. If it only fixes the calibration, then we should be able to down load it also. That's why I believe that it's more then a faulty lamp issue. I think they have a cooling issue with the 7700. The 8700+ ran fairly load and every 10 Min. or so would kick into a higher mode to cool the housing better, although it was irritating. When you powered the 8700 off it kicked into an even higher fan mode that sounded like it was going to take off. This lasted for about 2 Min. to completely cool the projector off. What's funny is that the 7700 runs very quiet and never seams to change fan speed at all, whats' even funnier is that when I power it off the fan actually gets quieter, even though the manual says it might get loader for a few Min. to cool off quicker. So all that heat just sits there for awhile. That's why I think it has a cooling problem
also, which is affecting the lamps, old or new!! Actually I think that a second lamp really makes sense.

The only thing I did with my new projector was change the black level to 7.5 and it looked much better than my old projector.
You might check that Dennis, that would wash out the picture a bit.
Warren.

So much for the spell check!!

Will the new firmware give you access to more calibration options, I noticed that the black level cannot be changed under the old?

Had new firmware installed last week.They told me not to send in lamp,I have old style. Called BenQ about new style lamps if I could get one. They say their not replacing any lamps. If the old style is working when you send it in they send it back out with new firmware. According to him they did something to keep lamp working longer ?

Mark

Black level can be confusing, but the general rule of thumb is that the black level of your projector (0 IRE vs 7.5 IRE or "Setup vs. No Setup" or Enhanced vs. Normal) needs to match the black level of your source device. The correct level for digital source and display devices is 0 IRE or no setup.

7.5 IRE pedestal, porch or setup is a carryover from NTSC and analog CRTs. Changing the black level does not inherently enhance or diminish PQ, but it does change the level of black, which is why people often see that changing black level setting of the projector or DVD player makes the picture darker or lighter. If you set it at 0 IRE and properly calibrate, it will look the same as if you set it at 7.5 IRE and properly calibrate (assuming your source device has a matching black level setting).

Digital devices (the BenQ projector, DVDs, HDTV) do not use the 7.5 IRE setup and you shouldn't either.

Set your BenQ to 0 IRE (IRE for digital devices is a bit of a misnomer) and set your DVD player to the same. Now calibrate black levels using DVE or AVIA, and it should be the correct black level for both DVDs and HDTV.

Because HDMI is a digital connection, you most often cannot change the black level because it is fixed at no setup or 0 IRE.

Here is a link to a detailed discussion of digital black levels. Just scroll through to get a feel for what makes this such a complicated issue. Digital Black Levels (http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/video_levels_nattress.html)

I too noticed the fan runs lower when you turn off the projector. I always thought this was odd since the 8700+ fan ran really loud for 3-5mins. Never really gave it much thought until CRS59 mentioned it, interesting.

Mr Crackers

Kevin, I switched it to 7.5 and my blacks turned from grey to black (well black enough,) and I am very very happy with my image now. I cannot possibly imagine it could be enough better to justify spending any time calibrating. Perhaps something is not set right in my Panny 97s or my iScan HD+ but, in the end what makes us happy is all that matters, and the move to 7.5 was astounding for me. BenQ set out to make a calibrated image with the new firmware and with this one adjustment I think they have done great. Of course I have all this fancy equipment and am shooting on a 34 buck blackout cloth screen taped onto my wall with sticky tape. When I get a real screen I may reconsider, and, of course, it wouldn't make much sense to calibrate till I do .
Warren.

Just got an email from BenQ Australia- basically saying recall is an American issue only- does not apply in Australia.(Although free firmware update is available at local service agents).
They are saying that the Australian version came out 3 months after the US version and had improvements done in that time + lamps are from a different batch + some components are different from US version.
Standard 500Hour/90 day warrenty to apply but will look at each case on an individual basis.

Kevin, I switched it to 7.5 and my blacks turned from grey to black (well black enough,) and I am very very happy with my image now.

I am puzzled by this. How can moving IRE level from 0 to 7.5 LOWER your black level? The expected effect would logically be that it would raise the black level, no?

Mods, why isn't this thread stickied? I mean, the A900, Z4, HS60, T700, H72 .. threads all are.. Perhaps this one should also be stickied.

I am puzzled by this. How can moving IRE level from 0 to 7.5 LOWER your black level? The expected effect would logically be that it would raise the black level, no?
He didn't say that it lowered black level... At least I can't see anywhere that he says that in his post.. :)

He didn't say that it lowered black level... At least I can't see anywhere that he says that in his post.. :)

Well, to me: "my blacks turned from grey to black" sounds like lower black levels, no?

Ah yes, I got a bit confused between higher and lower black levels at the moment.. Apologies. :)

You are right. Don't get too hung up on calibrating. The point is to find a picture that is pleasing to you and then sit back and enjoy your projector.

But one of my points is that each time you change from 0 IRE to 7.5 IRE or back, you have to readjust the "brightness" value on the BenQ -- otherwise, you are comparing apples to oranges.

My way of analogy, say you have two MP3 music files. One is recorded at a 100% sound level and the other is recorded at an 80% sound level. You listen to the first and adjust the volume accordingly. Then you listen to the second and because it is not as loud, your initial reaction is that it is not as good. But turn up the volume on your amp, and suddenly it sounds as good as the first one.

Same on your BenQ. When you adjust the black level, you are telling the BenQ, "do you want 0 IRE to be black or do you want 7.5 IRE to be black”? If you initially set your BenQ to 0 IRE, then a 2 IRE signal will look gray (assuming your "brightness level is properly set), but change the BenQ to 7.5 IRE and all of a sudden the 2 IRE signal is less than 7.5 IRE, and thus below black, so what was gray at a 0 IRE black level now becomes "below black" at a 7.5 IRE black level. This is why your image went darker when you changed to 7.5 IRE.

Initially, you might say that the 7.5 IRE black level is better because it looks darker but -- and here is the catch -- you may now be "crushing" any luminance detail, or shadow information, that is between 0 IRE and 7.5 IRE.

Here is the comment from the manual:

Black level: The grayscale video signal is measured in IRE units. In some areas which use NTSC TV standard, the grayscale is measured from 7.5 IRE (black) to 100 IRE (white); however, in other areas which use PAL equipment or Japanese NTSC standard, the grayscale is measured from 0 IRE (black) to 100 IRE (white). We suggest that you check the input source if it is with O IRE or 7.5 IRE, then select accordingly.

The standard black level for HDTV and DVD is 0 IRE and your projector should match that. Most DVD players have an adjustment for black level from 0 IRE to 7.5 IRE (some call it “normal” vs. “enhanced”) so that the DVD player can match the 7.5 IRE setup of an analog CRT. However, the BenQ is a digital display device and doesn’t require the 7.5 IRE setup.

To avoid crushing blacks and to get the best shadow detail when watching HDTV and DVDs, you should set your DVD player to 0 IRE and your BenQ to 0 IRE. Then, use AVIA or DVE to readjust your brightness levels so that the background is black but you can still see the 2 IRE and 4 IRE bars.

I wish I could do an online demo of this concept, because when I show it using the Accupel signal generator (which lets you switch between 0 IRE and 7.5 IRE at the touch of button), people immediately see the importance of selecting the correct black level for your source device.

NOTE: I’m trying to make this simple so no flames about using the IRE reference on a digital projector and video. That is the nomenclature used in the BenQ menu and manual, so that is what I’m using.

Kevin, I switched it to 7.5 and my blacks turned from grey to black (well black enough,) and I am very very happy with my image now. I cannot possibly imagine it could be enough better to justify spending any time calibrating. Perhaps something is not set right in my Panny 97s or my iScan HD+ but, in the end what makes us happy is all that matters, and the move to 7.5 was astounding for me. BenQ set out to make a calibrated image with the new firmware and with this one adjustment I think they have done great. Of course I have all this fancy equipment and am shooting on a 34 buck blackout cloth screen taped onto my wall with sticky tape. When I get a real screen I may reconsider, and, of course, it wouldn't make much sense to calibrate till I do .
Warren.

That's great news. For those of us with the new (and still working) design lamp, which incidentally is now at 335 hrs and 4 months, it really looks like its worth sending it in for the new firmware. I wonder if I should do it now or wait for additional impressions and/or reports of lamp status? Can the firmware upgrade be characterized as a factory "ISF" calibration - similar to what Infocus does to their HT grade projectors? If so, then the value proposition on this machine has just gone up a notch, again with the caveat that the lamp problem is fixed.

That's an excellent explanation, Kevin. It makes complete sense (at least to me).. Thanks.

Great explanation Kevin.

I must have changed that setting on my DVD player. I will have to check it out, and compare dvd and the hd cable box.

Warren.

Well, phoned benq yesterday, to get an RMA #, as the instructions on benq's web site told me to, for the pe7700 regasrding the firmware update, and bulb replacement.

After a nice long wait on hold as usual, the service rep i talked to told me i would have to fax the rma form into benq to get the Rma #. I pointed out the instructions on the site, in regards to filling out the RMA form, then phoning to get an RMA #, then faxing in the rma form.

He told me that was not true, and basically acted like i was making it up.
I then asked him how he would arange pickup for the unit once the rma# was issued. he indicated i had to ship it myself, and they would ship it back to the address it was shipped from.

This confused me, as i asked him "Dont you issue a call tag" "why do i have to pay to return it".. Then he went on about how the firmware update is optional, and although benq would not charge for it, i had to arrange shipping it to them myself. I told him i was gonna phone back and talk to another rep, and this did not make sense.

i did just that, got my RMA# , and a call tag issues, just goes to show ya they must have some snot nosed kids doing tech support for benq. Sometimes its luck of the draw in regards to what your are gonna be told. he was just BS'n me.

And that aint cool.
Another one for the strange but true file, regarding Benq tech support.

In talking to the BenQ people, I understand that the firmware upgrade does address the bulb issue, including adjustments to fan speed, voltage and heat monitoring. The other part of the firmware is to provide “enhancements” to the picture quality, which, as I understand it, relates to the Senseye processing, including gamma, color, and conversion of all inputs to 720p. The other part of the upgrade is to verify that each projector has the improved bulb.

The concept is to address the problem as a package rather then piecemeal. Change the bulb but not the firmware or change the firmware and not the bulb, and you may still have problems. By sending in the projector, BenQ can verify that all upgraded projectors are on the same page without the variations of the manufacture date or firmware version. As an added bonus, you get improved image processing.

I think it is important to remember that blown bulbs is not a problem unique to BenQ. Their great BenQ PE8700+ has never had bulb issues. I saw an 8700 where the air intake got so clogged with dust that the projector shut down due to the heat. We cleaned out the dust, fired it up, and I think it is still working on the original bulb. Most 8700s are now well into 1,000 hours with no reports (that I am aware of) of systematic bulb problems.

When Samsung released their first RP DLP, bulbs were blowing within the first 10-20 hours (including mine). Bulbs were replaced, and I’m now over 1,500 hours on the Samsung DLP.

Do a search on the Optoma H79 bulb problem, and you will see an even angrier crowd because that projector cost twice as much as the 7700.

I think it is also important to remember is that there are a lot of “rumors” about this issue. If I recall correctly, the idea that the projector needed a ballast and board change came from a Toshiba service rep over the phone (and we all know how reliable that source can be). Maybe BenQ is making a hardware change and for, whatever reason, doesn’t want to disclose it (being a lawyer, there can be a lot of reasons for this – why do you think you haven’t heard anything about the bulb manufacturer, who is the real culprit in this mess – it’s called a “nondisclosure agreement”).

It just seems logical to me that if BenQ is going to the significant expense of paying for each of us to ship our projectors out and back, and pay a tech to handle each projector, that they wouldn’t fix every known problem so that they don’t have to keep dealing with this issue.

BenQ is being proactive in addressing this problem. Send in your projector, get the upgrade, and enjoy an improved picture – which is the what this hobby is all about.

That's great news. For those of us with the new (and still working) design lamp, which incidentally is now at 335 hrs and 4 months, it really looks like its worth sending it in for the new firmware. I wonder if I should do it now or wait for additional impressions and/or reports of lamp status? Can the firmware upgrade be characterized as a factory "ISF" calibration - similar to what Infocus does to their HT grade projectors? If so, then the value proposition on this machine has just gone up a notch, again with the caveat that the lamp problem is fixed.

Have I missed something, or hasn't Dennis been saying all along that the new firmware made no difference in PQ? Didn't he even state that it "may" have degraded PQ??

Why entrust your rather delicate pj to the guys in brown, giving them 2 opportunities to drop-kick it, if the firmware does nothing???

I haven't gotten the upgrade (no bulb problems yet) but here is Art's review of the PE7700 after getting the upgrade in January 2006, where he gives his opinions of how the upgrade improved PQ.

My opinion is that any improvement in picture quality from the upgrade is only ancillary to getting the firmware upgrade to address the bulb problem.

Consequently, I'm probably going to wait to get the upgrade until I have a bulb problem, which may be a while (I have a customer with over 500 hours on his bulb and no problems yet).

BenQ PE7700 Upgrade Review (http://www.projectorreviews.com/Manufacturers/benq/PE7700/index.asp)

Kevin R. - my 8700+ killed my bulb at 800hrs. Benq tech support told me there was nothing wrong with the projector and I had to buy a new bulb. Well after putting in a new bulb the same problem existed. I wrote a detailed explanation of how to reproduce the issue each time I sent it in (a total of 6 times).

After 6months of sending it back and forth to be fixed they finally gave me a new 7700. My bulb starting flickering really bad 2 nights ago. I am at 100hrs and dont expect to get to 200hrs.

Mr Crackers

Dennis said no, but Art and I say a big yes. Kevin obviously has his calibrated so will not see a difference. But I think others like me should. Anyone else with the upgrade want to share their opinion?
Warren.

The standard black level for HDTV and DVD is 0 IRE and your projector should match that. Most DVD players have an adjustment for black level from 0 IRE to 7.5 IRE (some call it “normal” vs. “enhanced”) so that the DVD player can match the 7.5 IRE setup of an analog CRT. However, the BenQ is a digital display device and doesn’t require the 7.5 IRE setup.

Great Info!

I assume based on above that if your DVD player has Normal vs. Enhanced, that Normal = 0 IRE?

Oh, I should also point out that I got a whole new projector, not just updated firmware.
Smithsonga, I don't know which is which, but the difference is really obvoius.
Of course if you still have no bulb, your blacks are as good as they get. ;)

Unfortunately, DVD manufacturers use different terms to describe this. On my old Toshiba, "normal" was 7.5 IRE because at the time, most sets were analog CRTs and "enhanced" was 0 IRE for the few digital sets available.

Therefore, I think you have to put up a black level test pattern and experiment with each setting, but my "guess" would be that "enhanced" is the 0 IRE setting.

As I thought originally, the issue is not only with the lamp but also the way the 7700 cools itself off, which is not very efficient. I just spoke to a tech rep at Benq to see if I can down load the firmware from ther site like I did for the 8700, but was told no. It has to be sent in because not only is there a software update but also a harware update to help in the cooling process. I wasn't to trilled with taking down my projector and shipping it out if I could just download the firmware to my computer and then to the projector. Can anyone that has the new firmware let me know how it actually affects the fan noise, and does it kick into a higher gear for a few Min. when powered off? Thanks!!
Chris

It actually pleases me to hear from at least the above CS rep that this includes hardware update. The more updates the better in my book. My projector went out yesterday and hopefully back by early next week.

Has anyone received theirs back after sending in via their 2 day shipment? what was turnaround? thx

Chris,
As far as new firmware fan noise, I always used HIGH ALTITUDE so I can't hear any difference. So I'm no help just thought I'd answer.

Smithsonga,
I sent mine out 2 day shipment Tues. afternoon got their Thurs morning 10 o'clock received back Wed. morning the next week.

I also use High Altitude as well and the fan seems the same as before. It runs for a few minutes after you power off, but at the same level.

Avia confirmed for me that the old settings were correct. In fact, it called for a reduction in brightness from -8 to -10. All other settings were fine. I do have the black level at 0 IRE.

I would be interested in other people's settings when you get the new firmware installed.

I also use High Altitude as well and the fan seems the same as before. It runs for a few minutes after you power off, but at the same level.

Avia confirmed for me that the old settings were correct. In fact, it called for a reduction in brightness from -8 to -10. All other settings were fine. I do have the black level at 0 IRE.

I would be interested in other people's settings when you get the new firmware installed.

Are you only making adjustments in menu (not service menu) e.g. brightness, constrast and the individual color adjustments?

Also, did u calibrate on HDMI or Component? I found on mine prior to new firmware (we shall see how it changes) via AVIA that HDMI needed some adjustments but component was fairly dead on. (I just changed my DVD player from HDMI to Component...but I use my HD cable box for component)

Has anyone received theirs back after sending in via their 2 day shipment? what was turnaround? thx

I dropped mine off at the shipping place late at night on Feb 6th, and got it back on the 14th.

--nw

When you say your projector went out yesterday, was it actually your projector or the lamp?

Chris

When you say your projector went out yesterday, was it actually your projector or the lamp?

Chris

Projector

Are you only making adjustments in menu (not service menu) e.g. brightness, constrast and the individual color adjustments?

Also, did u calibrate on HDMI or Component? I found on mine prior to new firmware (we shall see how it changes) via AVIA that HDMI needed some adjustments but component was fairly dead on. (I just changed my DVD player from HDMI to Component...but I use my HD cable box for component)
I only changed the main menu, not service menu. The only thing I noticed that changed in the service menu items was a slight increase in Green and Blue Gain. Everything else was the same.

I have my DVD and HD Tivo box hooked up only on HDMI through a Gefen switcher. I never have messed with component at all.

As I thought originally, the issue is not only with the lamp but also the way the 7700 cools itself off, which is not very efficient. I just spoke to a tech rep at Benq to see if I can down load the firmware from ther site like I did for the 8700, but was told no.

How did the conversation go? Did you suggest that there was a cool down problem first? Or did the CS rep volunteer that it was a cool down problem?

In my experience with CE companies, the first level call centers haven't the foggiest idea what's going on. They're more interested in getting you off the phone than anything. If you suggest a problem then, yep, they've got the fix. I think this may be some of where the multitude of fixes BenQ/Tosh are implementing are coming from: creative call center folks who run out of things to read off their lists.

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum and to this lamp issue. I came across this thread AFTER purchasing my first projector, a PE7700, in mid-December with an Oct. 2005 manufacturing date. So far I only have about 20 hours on it (setup temporarily in family room while I finish the basement theater).

My bulb is OK so far. Are you all recommending that I send the projector in for the firmware upgrade even though I haven't had a burned bulb yet?

Also, this may be a stupid question, but how do you all know how many hours were on your bulbs when they burned? You can't see the counter without the bulb working. Are you keeping a log as you go?

Yes, you should send it in anyway.
I think some of us think it is fun to check the lamp hours once and a while.
Warren.

When you put the new bulb in, you can see what the hours were on the old bulb. After installing a new bulb you manually reset the lamp timer via the menu.

I'd personally wait to send it until the first bulb burns out, then get a new one. The hours in a sense are "free" on the first bulb (I'd rather just have a pj that works, but if you have to deal with this crap you might as well get some free hours). Your preference may be different as you might want a reduced chance of it going down once your theater is done. Though with BenQ/Tosh's track record on this issue, this latest announcement may or may not be the real solution.

For a DIY ceiling mount, what size screws do I need to attach to the projector?

I guess I should send it now since the theater isn't ready yet anyway. It's just that the thought of sending in a projector that isn't broken and has an incredible picture, doesn't set quite right with me. If I get a new bulb though that last 2000 hours or their fix makes the original bulb last 2000 hours, then I guess I can't complain much. Especially since they should be sending me another new bulb as part of the rebate.

Take a look at Miltimj's thread on a do-it-yourself mount. The screw size is metric M6-1.00.

Miltimj DIY Mount (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=551998)

I'd also add that the 1.00 refers to the length, so if your particular mount requires a different length, be advised of that number possibly being different. For my mount, I used 1.00" long screws and it worked great. I just updated my thread to reflect the more generic (and accurate) sizing.

Matt, I would use it until you're about 2 weeks away from installing it, and then send it in to them while it's not as big of a deal to not have the PJ.

Now a quick question for those who have gotten the firmware upgrade.. I'm away from home and my wife received the projector back, but she sent it before this announcement and RMA program was made, so I'm curious if she can check some firmware version number in either the standard or service menu to see if it was updated. Does anyone have the new and old firmware version numbers so I can verify?

My newly refutbished projector had a sticker on the bottom stating 0.48 firmware. I would guess they do that to all newly refurbished projectors.

Does anyone know how big the window is for bulb failure that will still be corrected by Benq? less than a year, less than x number of hours or ?

Thanks
Peter

I'm have been following this lamp issue for some time now. I have a BenQ PE770 that was manufactured in May of 2005 and I have 310 hours on the lamp. I use a
monster power conditioner on the pj. My question, can I get the upgrade on firmware and lamp fixed even if the lamp is OK? I am approaching my first year of
ownership and worried that if the lamp goes at say 400-500 hours, I may not be able to get this problem taken care of. I do have a second projector to use so it would not be as big an inconvenience for me to send it in.

Well I find that I'm a member of the bad bulb club -- AGAIN!

After looking up my previous "blown bulb" post (10/16/2005), I've gotten less than four months (!!) usage out of this projector before it was blown again.

The replacement bulb came *directly* from BenQ and was after they acknowledged the bad bulb issue, so I'm reasonably sure it's the new style.

Interesting thing is, the "new" bulb actually shattered inside the bulb housing! Whereas with the old bulb the wire simply broke, this time the bulb *glass* broke. (All pieces are still contained within the reflector and lens assembly, thankfully!)

Is it just me, or is this a *worse* failure than before?

If anyone wants, I can grab a picture of the broken bulb before I send it in... Two hours until BenQ support is open anyway. :)

(Manufacture date of may 2005 on my PE7700, FWIW...)

[QUOTE=FlyingGimp]How did the conversation go? Did you suggest that there was a cool down problem first? Or did the CS rep volunteer that it was a cool down problem?

No the tech mentioned it himself. I simply called only to see if I can down load the firmware like I did for my PE8700, which is right on their site. So far my lamp has been ok (250 Hrs.), so I taught I would just upgrade the firmware for now! He then mentioned that some hardware is also being relpaced on the board which helps in the cooling process. That was it, we never went into details.

That's the first thing that I noticed when I received the 7700, how quiet it is and no higher fan speed at shut down like the 8700 had, to cool things off quickly! That's why, in my opinion, I think that has a lot to do with these lamps blowing.
Besides a manufacturing issue with the lamps, i think its a hit or miss as to weather the projector keeps cool enough. It depends on you environment. At least that's the way I see it, simply by comparing the projectors. Since these were my first projectors I can't speak for other brands, as to weather the fans go into higher speeds at shut down.

Chris

I'm have been following this lamp issue for some time now. I have a BenQ PE770 that was manufactured in May of 2005 and I have 310 hours on the lamp. I use a
monster power conditioner on the pj. My question, can I get the upgrade on firmware and lamp fixed even if the lamp is OK? I am approaching my first year of
ownership and worried that if the lamp goes at say 400-500 hours, I may not be able to get this problem taken care of. I do have a second projector to use so it would not be as big an inconvenience for me to send it in.

If you're on the old style lamp I would call and see if they'll replace it.

Tim: I've seen the firmware date posted somewhere, but it says something like Jun 16 '06, which I believe is a typo and should be Jan 16.

Smyth22. My understanding is that any PE7700 manufacturered before Jan 18, 2006 qualifies for the upgrade. Whether you can wait many months from now to send it in is unknown, but the number of hours on the projector is irrelevant to getting the upgrade.

TheKorn. DO NOT TOUCH THAT LAMP!!!!! It has mercury inside. Send the whole projector back to BenQ. They may and should exchange for a new projector.
edit -- sorry I panicked. I see you say it is contianed. You still want to send it in. It may be the firmware is needed to keep the bulbs going.
Warren.

Does anyone know how big the window is for bulb failure that will still be corrected by Benq? less than a year, less than x number of hours or ?

Thanks
Peter

Peter I was told this week when I tried to exchange my old style still working lamp .That if it wasn't broke they wouldn't exchange it. CSR said lamp warranty was 90 days or 500 hours.

Mark

The BenQ CSRs need to get on the same page as BenQ, but it may have been because you called last week -- the upgrade program didn't start until Monday.

The link clearly states that any projector that qualifies (basically any North American projector) is entitled to the upgrade -- there is no exclusion for projectors with old lamps that still work or lamps with too many hours.

This week I spoke with one of the VPs for BenQ USA and was told that the intent is to get everyone an upgraded projector to solve the problem.

That being said, if you have a bulb that is working (like I do) why not wait to avoid the rush and get just that many more hours before you start over with a new bulb.

BenQ Upgrade Link (http://www.benq.us/serviceandsupport/library.cfm?ac=1&alid=880&StartParent=594&OpenArticles=399,0#880 )

I am still very curious to know how the new upgrades have affected the performance of the projector itself, such as picture enhancement, fan speed, noise level or anything else that wasn't there prior to the upgrade.

When I called Benq I noticed they were very earger to issue me a RMA# for the fimware upgrade, regardless of the lamp issue. I feel they are trying to repair an issue with the projector that down the road might be a safety concern, that's why they are also replacing some internal components. Otherwise they would simply replace the lamps as they go out or manufacture better lamps, with no need to send in the projector, since the picture is good without the upgrade anyway.

The BenQ CSRs need to get on the same page as BenQ, but it may have been because you called last week -- the upgrade program didn't start until Monday.

The link clearly states that any projector that qualifies (basically any North American projector) is entitled to the upgrade -- there is no exclusion for projectors with old lamps that still work or lamps with too many hours.

This week I spoke with one of the VPs for BenQ USA and was told that the intent is to get everyone an upgraded projector to solve the problem.

That being said, if you have a bulb that is working (like I do) why not wait to avoid the rush and get just that many more hours before you start over with a new bulb.

BenQ Upgrade Link (http://www.benq.us/serviceandsupport/library.cfm?ac=1&alid=880&StartParent=594&OpenArticles=399,0#880 )


Kevin , I changed post It was Tues. And if your getting close to 500 hrs. it might concern you.

Mark

[QUOTE=TheKorn]Well I find that I'm a member of the bad bulb club -- AGAIN!

After looking up my previous "blown bulb" post (10/16/2005), I've gotten less than four months (!!) usage out of this projector before it was blown again.

The replacement bulb came *directly* from BenQ and was after they acknowledged the bad bulb issue, so I'm reasonably sure it's the new style.

Interesting thing is, the "new" bulb actually shattered inside the bulb housing! Whereas with the old bulb the wire simply broke, this time the bulb *glass* broke. (All pieces are still contained within the reflector and lens assembly, thankfully!)

When the new lamp went out was it with or without a new fimware upgrade?

---------------
Chris

THE FINE PRINT ON THE "QEXCHANGE"
Please take notice that it is BenQ's position that if they have no replacement projectors to send out to you under the Qexchange program, then you have to either wait or send in your unit to be repaired and wait 3 weeks like I did.
DO NOT ACCEPT THIS. Although there are two asterisks and a paragraph to that effect at the bottom of the warranty posted on their web site, the are no two asterisks in the body of the warranty.
They kept telling me what they assumed the warranty said, then a supervisor and I went over the warranty together and she admitted that I was right, stated that previous versions of the warranty did make their position clear, and that she would inform "legal".
If they really wanted to make their position clear, they would state in the body of the warranty where the proclaim that they will send out a replacement unit within 48 "IF WE HAVE ANY TO SEND".
Being an attorney, it really pissed me off when the first customer service representative I was dealing with kept telling that the warranty was clear, that I was reading it wrong, and that she was not "going to keep going around and around with me on this issue".

I think the intent is to upgrade and return your original projector rather than replace it. MileHi, can you tell if you got the same projector as you sent in?

Well I find that I'm a member of the bad bulb club -- AGAIN!

When the new lamp went out was it with or without a new fimware upgrade?


Without.

(and to the previous poster about leaving the lamp alone) Yeah, if it hadn't been contained there would be no way I would screw around with it; Mercury is nasty stuff!

I think the intent is to upgrade and return your original projector rather than replace it. MileHi, can you tell if you got the same projector as you sent in?
I did a hot swap both times on changing out the projector. So I didn't wait to have mine repaired.

Here is my 7700 story:
When my first projector went out july 19th they did a DOA on it which meant I would get a new projector after sending mine in (which I incorrectly did on my own money.) After 7 weeks without a projector and with no new projectors in stock (although they were still selling plenty of them) I got them to send me a refurb which I got sept 13th. They would send me a new one when they got some in. Well my refurb blew it's bulb Nov 3rd. No new projectors yet so they sent me a new bulb. Then Jan 30th my new bulb blew. Now they finally had new projectors in stock (more than half a year after I should have got one) so they sent me one just in time for the superbowl. Now I am just waiting for the shipping label to return the old projector which I have had sitting by my front door since the superbowl.
Warren.

More unpleasantness.

I just got my projector back from BenQ a couple of weeks ago with the new 0.48 firmware. I've been dealing with the fact they didn't address my dust issue...just happy with the fact I had a projector that worked.

Until last night. The projector, with a new-style lamp started flickering. Again. It's hooked up to a line conditioner, and my old projector worked fine in the same setup. If I toggle the lamp mode back and forth between regular and economy, I can get the flickering to disappear. Sometimes. Putting it in regular mode fixed it for a while, but when the flickering started again, switching between the two modes calmed it down.

I just called BenQ this morning; they're doing a hot swap. Maybe. I'll have to drive down to Irvine if I want a non-flickering projector for an event I have planned for this weekend.

Lamp failures, dust inside a "sealed" optical path in a clean environment, poor QA on returns (ignoring my requests to clear dust), and I guess I'm supposed to just be a happy customer? Sorry if I'm venting...

Is the general consensus here that lamp flickering is related to/a precursor of lamp failure? If so, it looks like the new firmware hasn't really solved that problem. How will we get satisfaction for this?

More unpleasantness.

I just got my projector back from BenQ a couple of weeks ago with the new 0.48 firmware. I've been dealing with the fact they didn't address my dust issue...just happy with the fact I had a projector that worked.

Until last night. The projector, with a new-style lamp started flickering. Again. It's hooked up to a line conditioner, and my old projector worked fine in the same setup. If I toggle the lamp mode back and forth between regular and economy, I can get the flickering to disappear. Sometimes. Putting it in regular mode fixed it for a while, but when the flickering started again, switching between the two modes calmed it down.

I just called BenQ this morning; they're doing a hot swap. Maybe. I'll have to drive down to Irvine if I want a non-flickering projector for an event I have planned for this weekend.

Lamp failures, dust inside a "sealed" optical path in a clean environment, poor QA on returns (ignoring my requests to clear dust), and I guess I'm supposed to just be a happy customer? Sorry if I'm venting...

Is the general consensus here that lamp flickering is related to/a precursor of lamp failure? If so, it looks like the new firmware hasn't really solved that problem. How will we get satisfaction for this?

I've had intermittent flickering now on a new design lamp which started at about 300 hours. The flicker is also on a brand new spare lamp with about 20 hours on it. You may try running it on the alternate mode for a few hours and see if it settles down. For whatever reason, I haven't had flicker during my last 3 viewing sessions now but it happened almost every day for about a week about 3 weeks ago. I was going to let this go and wait it out until I found out about the new firmware. I contacted Benq on this. They've authorized a return on my machine to get it checked out (along with a firmware upgrade).

You have to leave it in the other mode for a while, not just switch back and forth. The lamp needs time in the other mode to burn the gap differently.

More unpleasantness.


Is the general consensus here that lamp flickering is related to/a precursor of lamp failure? If so, it looks like the new firmware hasn't really solved that problem. How will we get satisfaction for this?


With a new projector that's not a lemon. In other words a different projector!
This projector seams to have major manufacturing problems, not just a lamp issue!

can everyone quote that is not having issues and loves their projector?

Just seeing issues is depressing.......

I have been following this thread and the one for the Toshiba MT700 with great interest. Although I try to keep myself up to date, sometimes it's difficult because of the huge amount of material that's posted in just a couple of days. So please, excuse me if this has already been answered and I missed it.

After reading this message (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7053535) I had no doubts that finally problems were going to be solved for both the PE7700 and the MT700.

The above mentioned message, talks about an "upgrade kit" for both projectors consisting of:
1) ballast
2) power supply unit (psu)
3) main board (the old board is not compatible with the new ballast/psu)
4) lamp (with new design)
5) new firmware

Most of the messages posted are about lamps replaced and firmware updates, but there is no much more info available on the other 3 components of the "upgrade kit". Are they really performing this 5-point upgrade on a large scale for all old units or just in some cases?

Does anybody know if the new units are coming with all these 5 fixes? What would be a "safe" production date to assure this?

I seem to be in the minority in all of this. I'll reiterate:

Purchased Projector on Oct 12
Build date of Sept 05
P/N # 99.J0C77.B51 (yep. One of the "bad" ones)

I am very close to (if not at) 500 hrs.
No (real) problems

Does that make anyone feel better?

I do plan on sending it in at the end of the month though. I sometimes have very small contouring issues that apparently only I can see. When I try to show it to people they are say things like; "You are a freak. I have no clue what you are talking about".

and my wife's favorite comment:

"Do you actually watch movies anymore?"

Hey despite the problems, I love my projector. My only complaint still it the zero offset. The PQ of the new firmware is just amazing to me. Very happy. Of course my problem tolerance has been somewhat numbed by my 01 mustang. Under warranty I had to have the dealer replace both headlights, the oxygen sensor, the throttle body (after 5 trips telling him it was sticking and him not finding it,) the drivers window regulator (after having the window stuck down for 3 of the first 5 months I owned it and him not finding it [lucky I live in arizona],) the air conditioner compressor (not so lucky I live in arizona, had to drive it a week in 115 degree heat with black leather interior,) the passenger window regulator, both rear window regulators, a rear seatbelt, the instrument panel, the trunk seal, the battery, some other thing in the door, and the stereo. Out of warranty the air conditioner broke again, the top cracked, the cloth visors disintegrated, and the seat broke. Probably some other things I can't remember. I still like Mustangs though.
Warren.

Bought my 7700 middle of Sept with a August build date. I'm at 495 hours as of today! I'm happy with it and have been making more time to watch it instead of messing around with everything in my system.... damn its fun though:)

I have been following this thread and the one for the Toshiba MT700 with great interest. Although I try to keep myself up to date, sometimes it's difficult because of the huge amount of material that's posted in just a couple of days. So please, excuse me if this has already been answered and I missed it.

After reading this message (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7053535) I had no doubts that finally problems were going to be solved for both the PE7700 and the MT700.

The above mentioned message, talks about an "upgrade kit" for both projectors consisting of:
1) ballast
2) power supply unit (psu)
3) main board (the old board is not compatible with the new ballast/psu)
4) lamp (with new design)
5) new firmware

Most of the messages posted are about lamps replaced and firmware updates, but there is no much more info available on the other 3 components of the "upgrade kit". Are they really performing this 5-point upgrade on a large scale for all old units or just in some cases?

Does anybody know if the new units are coming with all these 5 fixes? What would be a "safe" production date to assure this?

If the above items were all addressed maybe the problems would be solved. But what I have been reading so far on this forum is that people are still having problems even after the upgrades. So who knows what they really are doing. I'd like to know where that info came from and if that's just an isolated upgrade? I wish I never sold my PE8700! What's really ironic about the whole thing is that I bought the 7700 specifically for the reason of using it in economy mode so I could get 3000 hrs. of lamp life, which the 8700 did not have, since I have a dedicated home theater room. Little did I know! Know I wish i had upgraded to the H78 instead. Oh well, live and learn!!!

Here is my guess: The PSU upgrade was Toshiba's attempt to fix the bulb problem. BenQ solved it by better control of temp and perhaps voltages in the firmware without the need for PSU and ballast change. Until problems show up with the new firmware we are, as I said, just guessing.
You could go to the Sim2 and get 8000 hour life. That would be better.
Warren.

How did the conversation go? Did you suggest that there was a cool down problem first? Or did the CS rep volunteer that it was a cool down problem?

In my experience with CE companies, the first level call centers haven't the foggiest idea what's going on. They're more interested in getting you off the phone than anything. If you suggest a problem then, yep, they've got the fix. I think this may be some of where the multitude of fixes BenQ/Tosh are implementing are coming from: creative call center folks who run out of things to read off their lists.

I just called benq technical support to get help and recieved some kid but was suprised to find out he was very knowlegdable about issues and helped me with speed and accuracy. I think it definitly helps to be critical of customer support but I would also like to stress that many of them do actually do a very good job.

Meanwhile I have had my firmware upgraded in a total of 4 days and sent back. I am happy that its working but I am still a little shakey about how long it will last, hopefully a long time. I just wish the people that designed the things would have been a little bit more on the ball about giving it some type of beta testing.

Hi,

I just want to share what I have found out about the benq and tosh proj bulb problem.

I bought my MT700 in late august and have had 3 bulbs replaced. Everyone of them before reaching the 200h mark. Needless to say I also figured out something was wrong with it.

Calling AVD-Tech, they are toshibas official service partner in sweden, they say that they have not had a single mt700 fail but quite a few 7700's. "You need a new lamp design and a firmware update" the guy then says. Ok, fine i guess. I get the new bulb and firmware and use it about 150h then it goes black. Must have been a bad batch they say and send me another one. This one lasts 180h before going out. Frustrated and determined that this cant possibly be a lamp problem I turn to a friend who works in the store where I bought it and I get the number to toshibas sales rep. After being somewhat reluctant to admit that the mt700 also has a problem I return to my friend in the store. He then calls the toshiba rep and says that if this is not solved they will no longer recommend toshiba projs. Then, all of a sudden, its a common and well known problem with the mt700 and 7700 and ofcourse they have a sollution.

They need to replace the psu, ballast and upgrade firmware. Firmware upgrade and new lampdesign wont matter because the psu and ballast cant really handle the lamp the way it's supposed to. This means that all 7700 and mt700's have to have half their interiors exchanged to work as its supposed to and that explains why they are so reluctant to tell you guys. And since this is a psu and ballast problem it somewhat explains why projs connected to powerconditioners last a little longer.

Oh, and another thing, I found out what a lamp really costs for benq and tosh since I have some connections at Osram who make the lamp... practially nothing... something like $2...

So, basically, it's much cheaper for them to keep giving you lamps for a few years than actually upgrading your units with the parts needed.

I'll be getting the new psu, ballast, firmware and lamp next week and will keep you posted as to how this turns out.

It's been an interesting week, to say the least.

:)



I'm refering back to this quote since GCG brought it up again! Like I mentioned before I firmly believe that there is a bigger problem here then Benq is willing to admit. Firefreak seams to have gotten to the bottom of the problem. The only thing now, is Benq really going to do all of these upgrade or not, or just some minor tweaks to see if the lamp lasts longer? Who knows, who really knows, and will we ever know? The million dollar question!!!

I've had my pe7700 since last May. Other than the two weeks down time waiting for a bulb I'm pretty happy (500+ hours so far on two bulbs). Everytime I watch it I'm still impressed with its picture. If it wasn't for this forum I could easily recommend the machine to others thinking that the lamp burnout was an anomaly.

Benq support has been very good and they've gone the extra mile with me. The availability of the update shows me that they want to deal with the problem and not try to pretend it doesn't exist. Based on what I've experienced and heard so far I'm of the impression that benq will continue to support this machine. I do believe that the 3 year warranty on this machine will be backed up. If for some reason, this latest round of updates doesn't fix it I'm sure they'll keep at it until it is.

.. Incidentally, there are several current threads dealing with lamp issues now, including the H79 in the other forum.

Ive Had My Pj For Quiet Some Time Now Im Pushing 1400 Hrs With No Failure.would It Be Worth Sending It In For The Firm Ware Update,am I Actually Going To See A Differance In Picture Quality?

My Pj Is Mounted In A Filtered Enclousre With A Fan Blowing On It To Keep The Heat Down.i Also Take It Apart And Clean It Every 25 Hours.




































Tlc Gotta Love What You Watch

My Pj Is Mounted In A Filtered Enclousre With A Fan Blowing On It To Keep The Heat Down.i Also Take It Apart And Clean It Every 25 Hours.




































Tlc Gotta Love What You Watch


Well I guess you have legs and can do it yourself. I was not blessed with the ability to walk so alas I cannot build my own clean room :( but that said i am glad you got it to work.

Im scared my projector is going to blow the light out and I am 84 years old and live in the country(with no legs). The 7700 is my only source of light on those cold dark nights. If this thing blows I will not have any light. Lets all pray that this firmware upgrade does what it says.

reminds me of nam.... i feel for you brother

Why is this thread being allowed to die like this?

I just read the review at Projectorreviews.com and they love this projector. It talks about how the new firmware upgrade improves the image, and how Benq told them they bulb problem has been fixed. I'm considering upgrading to the 7700 in a few months. Do you think that's a mistake? But it also depends on what the new 720p projectors are costing then. Thanks for any advice.

Im scared my projector is going to blow the light out and I am 84 years old and live in the country(with no legs). The 7700 is my only source of light on those cold dark nights. If this thing blows I will not have any light. Lets all pray that this firmware upgrade does what it says.



How about turning on a lamp?

Hmmm some "interesting" posts out of the blue. Not sure I think they are legit!!

These posts have the same credibility as the story about the bulbs costing $2 to manufacture.

Some people would rather believe an outrageous rumor than the mundane truth.

Sure is getting deep in hear, time to put the waders on. :)

Hmmm some "interesting" posts out of the blue. Not sure I think they are legit!!


Thats why I threw in the cold hearted lamp comment. LOL

I just read the review at Projectorreviews.com and they love this projector. It talks about how the new firmware upgrade improves the image, and how Benq told them they bulb problem has been fixed. I'm considering upgrading to the 7700 in a few months. Do you think that's a mistake? But it also depends on what the new 720p projectors are costing then. Thanks for any advice.

Have you read this thread?

If so, did you read that BenQ promised the lamp issue had been fixed with all projectors built from August '05 forward. Did you then read how those projectors are failing as well.

Did you read where BenQ promised that a "new" new lamp would really fix those projectors that they had already promised were fixed. If so, did you then read where the "new" new lamps are blowing at the same rate as the original lamps and the "old" new lamp.

To answer your question, yes, I think it would be a mistake. BenQ will say anything now to move 7700's.

To answer your question, yes, I think it would be a mistake. BenQ will say anything now to move 7700's.

Wrong.

BenQ is not trying to "move" the 7700.. As a matter of fact, they are still building brand new ones as we speak, out of Taiwan. I'm getting mine Monday and it has a built date (confirmed) of 2/15/2006. Yes, three days ago. So, if they are still building this model projector, wouldn't you say that, by now, they know, and have adressed, the problem? I doubt that they would simply build new ones knowing that half of them are defects..

I don't know if you are a 7700 owner. But, if you are and have had problems with yours, then I understand your frustration. However, your blanket statement that new 7700 should not be purchased is unrealistic, at best.

My 0.02$

Of course they are still building the 7700. It's a current model, and they announced nothing new at CES to replace it.

They have the 7700 built in Taiwan, and they have to schedule/commit to certain production well ahead of time. The same factory is cranking out many other products, for many customers, and since BenQ has committed to produce specific quantities of the 7700, they have to "move" them and all of the inventory ahead of them.

Do I think they would continue to build a defective projector? Well, they have continued to build it for nearly 7 months since they acknowledged the lamp issue, so it doesn't matter much what I think. Would I say, by now, that they have addressed the problem? I certainly hope so, for their sake and yours, but I have serious doubts, and I'm on record for stating that I'd consider the 7700 again if they were to get it fixed once and for all.

BenQ may not officially "recognize" the feedback in this forum, but it sure looks like they (or their dealers) are using it to try and start a 'buzz' marketing campaign. I stand by my recommendation to anyone even remotely considering the 7700, and the feedback in this and the Toshiba thread prove that it is entirely realistic.

IMHO to continue building a defective product, already having a solution for it, would make no sense. If there is indeed an "upgrade kit", as reported in this message (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7053535), I find it hard to believe that those changes are not being implemented in their production line.

This upgrade kit was reported as available for both projectors, the PE7700 and the MT700, and it consisted of 5 items:
1) ballast
2) power supply unit (psu)
3) main board (the old board is not compatible with the new ballast/psu)
4) lamp (with new design)
5) new firmware

Looking at the composition of this "kit", it seems safe to conclude that there is a hardware element (besides the lamp) involved in the problems affecting these projectors. If that is the case, a new lamp design and firmware alone without addressing the other 3 harware components of the kit is probably not going to solve the issues.

Are they really performing this 5-point upgrade on a large scale for all old units or just in some cases?

Does anybody know if the new units are actually coming with all these 5 fixes? What would be a "safe" production date to assure this?

I just read the review at Projectorreviews.com and they love this projector. It talks about how the new firmware upgrade improves the image, and how Benq told them they bulb problem has been fixed. I'm considering upgrading to the 7700 in a few months. Do you think that's a mistake? But it also depends on what the new 720p projectors are costing then. Thanks for any advice.


Projectorreviews is supported by vendors who sell, among other things, the BQ 7700. They are hardly an impartial, unbiased source of information. In fact, looking over their list of "Latest Reviews" on the home page, there isn't a single projector review that has anything bad to say. The same complaint has been levied for years about a certain stereo review magazine--the advertised products never get a bad review. As the old saying goes, dogs dont bite the hand that feeds them. I'm not a big fan of Consumer Reports, but at least they are fiercely independent from the products they rate.

I almost bought a 7700 a few months ago. Fortunately I held back, waiting to see how the lamp issue worked out. As far as I can see, the issue isn't over yet. I trust the experiences that hundreds of users report on this forum a lot more than I trust BQ's marketing claims that the problem is "fixed." Marketeers will say anything to keep a steady stream of products moving out the door; that's what their paychecks depend on.

Barrie

I just received my PE7700, so far I love the projector. It looks like this unit was manufactured in December of 05. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that they resolved the issues. Extremely happy with the picture quality and how quiet the unit is.

I haven’t read through the entire manual yet, but is there an easy way to check the resolution the PJ is in on the fly?

Congrats, Nexus. It is definitely a phenomenal picture. Be ready to send it in for the upgrade, though.

You can hit the button for whatever aspect ratio setting is already on and it should show, I think (not at my PJ to check).

Guys, try to ignore those that you disagree with. Arguing with them just makes things worse.
Some of you have to understand that everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

Haven't checked back here in a while since I've had no problems with my 7700 ever since I received it back from BenQ in mid December.

I attempted to search the thread for the newest firmware version, but the use of the word firmware in nearly every post makes that fairly useless. So, what is the version # for the firmware upgrade that seems to have fixed the bulb issues? Our projector's firmware version can be checked in the factory menu, correct? I'm not at home to check at the moment.

I'd like to find out if there's a way to determine whether or not the entire "upgrade package" was applied to my 7700 while they had it in December. I would assume they would have, but who knows. I'll try to get ahold of BenQ sometime this week to see if they can tell me, but I loathe the idea of listening to that hold music for 45 minutes again. :eek: :eek: :eek:

New firmware is 0.48 and mine has a (new) sticker on the bottom of the unit stating that. I have no idea whether they replaced other hardware items on mine.

I'm not sure the BenQ CSRs would know for sure or tell you for sure what was done. The lack of definite information is part of the problem.

I recently got my PJ back from a firmware/buld update. It was on its second blown bulb when they offerd me the option of new lamp or service to the unit. On the package I wrote that the CSR recommended the firmware update, bulb replacement and PSU/Ballast repalcement. I don't know what was done because it came back in a box with no literature at all - NOTHING.

Anyway, it works great now (yes, I'll hold me breath as I hit 250 hours) and the picture is better than even (previously uncalibrated). BENQ has been good to me with support and quick response. I would recommend this PJ to anyone. Look at it this way, I have gotten 500 hours of free bulb time with only about a week of down time. That's about a $100 value. Pretty fair trade off in my mind.

Good evening all,

Got the information about this forum from the CSRs while dealing with my 4th bulb blowout. I opted for the Firmware and anxiously await the results. Has anyone received their's back yet?? does the lamp seem to last a little longer so far???

Got mine back this week (component input went out). They applied the new firmware and gave me a new bulb as well. The picture is even better than before. now with a new bulb and the free one, I am not too worried about actually watching it again.

My bulb just died after 400+ hours of use. Luckily I had called 2 weeks earlier for the firmware and the new bulb xchange. Hopefully I can get the replacement in by this week. My house is only 30km drive to the BENQ service centre so hopefully they already received the bulb from Taiwan.

Whats the difference between the "Real" and "Anamorphic" modes (in terms of PQ), when this pj is hooked up to an HD STB set to output 720p (fixed)? Is one mode better than the other, or pretty much both the same?

My bulb just died after 400+ hours of use. Luckily I had called 2 weeks earlier for the firmware and the new bulb xchange. Hopefully I can get the replacement in by this week. My house is only 30km drive to the BENQ service centre so hopefully they already received the bulb from Taiwan.

Since you will be going to the service center in person can you talk to a tech person there that would actually show you, even if he has to draw you a diagram as to what is actually being replaced and for what reason. And if the upgrade is not done, since it includes some internal component replacement as well, how will it affect the projector in the long run with the firmware and build that was originally installed if left alone as is???

I have been a customer of Benq for 1 1/2 yrs. now and have no complaints about about the company, because I do believe that they will stand behind their products, that's why they give us a 3 year warranty, and pay for the shipping if there is a problem. It did take them awhile to address the issues with the 7700, but at least they have acknowledged it and are taking care of it, finally!

All I hope for, is that I can know get 3000 hrs on my lamp in economy mode!!!

Whats the difference between the "Real" and "Anamorphic" modes (in terms of PQ), when this pj is hooked up to an HD STB set to output 720p (fixed)? Is one mode better than the other, or pretty much both the same?
Always use Real mode for the best picture. All other modes change the picture by stretching or shrinking which means the original picture is being rescaled.

I always use Real mode from my upconverting DVD and my HD Tivo. Great picture.

Since you will be going to the service center in person can you talk to a tech person there that would actually show you, even if he has to draw you a diagram as to what is actually being replaced and for what reason. And if the upgrade is not done, since it includes some internal component replacement as well, how will it affect the projector in the long run with the firmware and build that was originally installed if left alone as is???

I have been a customer of Benq for 1 1/2 yrs. now and have no complaints about about the company, because I do believe that they will stand behind their products, that's why they give us a 3 year warranty, and pay for the shipping if there is a problem. It did take them awhile to address the issues with the 7700, but at least they have acknowledged it and are taking care of it, finally!

All I hope for, is that I can know get 3000 hrs on my lamp in economy mode!!!

I thought it had been established that no parts, other than the lamps, were being changed in this upgrade.

Did I miss something?

Not as far as I am concerned!! Because as I stated in a previous comment a few days ago, when I called to see if I can download the firmware from there web site, like the 8700, I was told no because they were also replacing some harware inside the projector as well. So its more then just a software upgrade. That's why I would like to, once and for all, put this whole 7700 upgrade to rest, as far as what actually they will replace and change, other then the lamp!!

Since you will be going to the service center in person can you talk to a tech person there that would actually show you, even if he has to draw you a diagram as to what is actually being replaced and for what reason. And if the upgrade is not done, since it includes some internal component replacement as well, how will it affect the projector in the long run with the firmware and build that was originally installed if left alone as is???

My bulb just died after 400+ hours of use. Luckily I had called 2 weeks earlier for the firmware and the new bulb xchange. Hopefully I can get the replacement in by this week. My house is only 30km drive to the BENQ service centre so hopefully they already received the bulb from Taiwan.


I second that! :)

This could be a unique opportunity to find out for sure what's being done and to ask if the fix actually includes the 5 items reported as part of the "upgrade kit".

I think too that BenQ is a very good company that stands behind its products. What's killing us is the lack of concrete information.

The link on the Benq website is not working, does anyone have the RMA pdf?

Thanks

I’m trying to figure out if it’s possible to control the PE7700 via its RS232 port. Has anybody been able to achieve this? If so, could you share where you purchased or how you made the cable and what RS232 codes you used?

Thanks!

I truly think the CSRs don't know what is actually being done on this besides the Firmware. From what it sounded to me, it sounded like they really believe the firmware and lamp are the only thing being done. Maybe the best way to check, is to look at the bottom of our prj and see if the case was cracked open or anything. Because if it were just firmware and lamp replacement, there would be no reason to open case.

It's about time after 13months this thread was made a sticky....LOL :)

Yeah, I finally PMed "the guy with the gun" asking him if he'd oblige, given that it's the 3rd most popular thread and the MT700 is already stickied.. Thanks, Kysersose!

Quote:
Originally Posted by rjyap
My bulb just died after 400+ hours of use. Luckily I had called 2 weeks earlier for the firmware and the new bulb xchange. Hopefully I can get the replacement in by this week. My house is only 30km drive to the BENQ service centre so hopefully they already received the bulb from Taiwan.

Originally Posted by CRS59
Since you will be going to the service center in person can you talk to a tech person there that would actually show you, even if he has to draw you a diagram as to what is actually being replaced and for what reason. And if the upgrade is not done, since it includes some internal component replacement as well, how will it affect the projector in the long run with the firmware and build that was originally installed if left alone as is???



I second that! :)

This could be a unique opportunity to find out for sure what's being done and to ask if the fix actually includes the 5 items reported as part of the "upgrade kit".

I think too that BenQ is a very good company that stands behind its products. What's killing us is the lack of concrete information.

Hope "rjyap" can get us some real concrete info when he drops off his PJ for the upgrade! Keep us informed "rjyap".

The link on the Benq website is not working, does anyone have the RMA pdf?

Thanks


I posted working links back in post 2558, i also found the original posted links did not work, so i hunted around in there FTP site, and found them elsewhere.

I used them and they work.


Dan

Chances are, "RJYAP" will not find out anymore than what you will be told over the phone.

Well I'm hoping since he said he will be taking his PJ in personally, into the service center, that he can talk to someone and get some real answers.

All I'm really trying to confirm is that they are also upgrading internal parts as well, because that is what I was told. That's why we all pretty much have no choice but to send in our PJ's for the upgrade.

The techs are most likely too busy with all the units coming in to be upgraded. CSRs won't know anything. They just take the calls. I will be very surrpised if he gets anymore info than the Firmware.

As far as I knew before I left, The Firmware was the "current" fix.

Maybe the best way to check, is to look at the bottom of our prj and see if the case was cracked open or anything. Because if it were just firmware and lamp replacement, there would be no reason to open case.

This is true. If the Problem is the Firmware, there is no need to open the unit up.

The firmware is the current fix according to Benq, but the firmware that is being installed has hardware components that are being installed with it also unto the board. At least that is what I was told. Once that is clarified I probably will send in my unit also, especially if it resolves this whole problem with the lamps!!

Is there anyone that has received their unit back and given it a good test run yet? I'm just saying that what someone might tell you might not be the correct information. Like I said before, CRSs just answer the phone, they really don't even get the total package. They only get the info that they are told to say.

Not sure why, but my projector's firmware wasn't updated when they repaired it for the black on-screen patches in early December. Its still on firmware version .44 rather than .48. I think I did receive a new bulb without being notified as the bulb timer had been reset. My issue was different than bulbs blowing out, but you would think they'd "fix" all of them, regardless of if they've blown bulbs yet or not.

As far as I knew before I left, The Firmware was the "current" fix.

How long ago was that?

I'll talk to the tech on this topic during the service. Normally I had a feeling we are more knowledgeable than the tech as we research and go through all the settings we can find. I normally don't listen to computer shop technician as most of the time, they will BS on some of the computer parts, I'll just smile and walk away.

How long ago was that?

Not that long ago. About a month ago. Left for another job. I still keep in touch with a few friends there though.

Dang........... hear I sit at my computer instead of finishing the movie, my bulb just blew at 220 hours. Just for info my environment is a finished basement, vary cool at or below 67 degrees,my furnace has electronic dust filters, I clean my filter every 2 weeks or 50 hours, and have a UPS with AVR(auto voltage regulation) Bummmmmmmmmmmmed......................... I guess I will be sending it back for the firmware update now. :(

Dang........... hear I sit at my computer instead of finishing the movie, my bulb just blew at 220 hours. Just for info my environment is a finished basement, vary cool at or below 67 degrees,my furnace has electronic dust filters, I clean my filter every 2 weeks or 50 hours, and have a UPS with AVR(auto voltage regulation) Bummmmmmmmmmmmed......................... I guess I will be sending it back for the firmware update now. :(

Very sorry to hear that. Quick heads up. Don't call in tomorrow. The first day after the weekend is always the worst tme to call. That is where you are going to get the horrible wait time. Call in the middle of the week, or if you have to call i tomorrow, call in the later afternoon. There will be no wait time.

I just talked to the service department that I'll bring my unit to the service centre tomorrow and they mention will need less than one hour to change the bulb and upgrade the firmware. So, I can confirm most likely there would be no changes on hardware point of view.

I just talked to the service department that I'll bring my unit to the service centre tomorrow and they mention will need less than one hour to change the bulb and upgrade the firmware. So, I can confirm most likely there would be no changes on hardware point of view.
As it was suggested by tonyspops, could you please try to verify if the case was opened during service?

Anyways, it would be great if you could talk directly to a technician in the service center and get some first hand info on this. I'm just hoping that we can get a better picture, pun intended ;) , about what's being done and not just what the CSRs are told to say over the phone.

What's really frustrating about this whole 7700 issue and Benq is that their management is worthless. Instead of finding out what the problem is and communicating it to their csr's so they can inform the consumer with some factual information, they seam to be non existant! In our company if there is an issue that needs to be addressed management gets the word out via e-mail in detail, so we know what's going on and we all have the same info. Benq is all over the board, everyone seams to have their own version on the problem and the upgrade!
When I originally called to do my own firmware upgrade, instead of sending in the PJ, I was told that some internal components would also be replaced, that's why I have to send it in. Today I get the new updated version. They tell me that only the lamp and firmware will be upgraded and no parts in the PJ. So what is going on there, except very poor communication! Which I blame on poor management, period!

There is no excuse for this to be going on for so long with so much misinformation from the people who should know.

Did you in fact get your unit back today? Can you tell that the case wasn't cracked open, or is that what they're telling you, or both?

i just got my pj back and it was defenitley opened.im not sure what if any thing was done but i am happy with the picture.im gonna crack it tonight to see if they did anything.if it voids the warranty so what.














do u love it...

i waited on the phones today for benq (48min)... that song... the Michael Jackson impersonator saying how benq loves me... I seriously want to Download that one my Ipod and hit the streets with that joint! :P

once i did get one the phone with a real live person, they were very helpful and working with the upgrade on my PE7700!!! hope everything goes well!!!!

Here we go again.

I waited for 30 minutes today and had to hang up. Hearing that Benq song on the phone make me want to sell my 7700 on ebay. It's almost painful after 15 minutes.

What turnaround time are people experiencing? Its been 2 weeks since I sent it in and BenQ had indicated 5-7 working days.

Very sorry to hear that. Quick heads up. Don't call in tomorrow. The first day after the weekend is always the worst tme to call. That is where you are going to get the horrible wait time. Call in the middle of the week, or if you have to call i tomorrow, call in the later afternoon. There will be no wait time.

I talked to Benq today and had a vary knowledgeable tech rep. After explaining my third bulb just blew at 220 hours he ask for my name and serial number and told me I need the firmware fix. I ASK IS THE FIRMWARE FOR THE BULB OR THE COLOR Calibrations. He Laugh and said the firmware update is a hardware and firmware fix for the bulb and will not improve my picture quality. The FIRMWARE UPDATE requires internal board replacements ect......................... and don't believe any rumors that is just a software update...........it's not.

So their you have my conversation hope it helps a little, I am boxing my 7700 up as we speak and UPS is picking it up at my house tomorrow.

Sorry I forgot to tell him about how the BQ music is about to kill us!!!!!!!! my hold was only about 10min, but it seemed like 2 hours with the D_M hold music.

Well, I just came back from the BENQ service centre to change my bulb and upgrade my firmware to ver 0.48.

I also have a chat with the technician on the bulb issue. It looks like the upgrade is only a bulb change and also the firmware upgrade. If anyone can confirm that I need to change the board too, let me know. I'll talk to their Service Centre Manager again to see if this is necessary.

Also, someone mention earlier that after upgrading from firmware ver 0.43 to 0.48, there is no difference in picture quality and the settings in the service menu is all the same, I can confirm that most likely the tech restore back his old settings. When the technician do the upgrade, the BENQ guys actually show me the program to do the firmware upgrade and the tools also have an option to read your existing settings and restore back the settings after the upgrade. During the process, I told the technician not to update my old settings back to the projector and I'll do my own calibration. So for those that can't see the difference, u might want to reset back to factory default.

I disagree that there is no picture improvement. Even my wife commented that the picture seems to "pop" more. We hadn't done a pro calibration or anything before so that confirms some of the earlier comments that this update replaces the need for that.

Well there you have it, back to square one! The knowlegeable tech that "checklst" talked to said it includes hardware and "rjyap" gets a total different answer. I got a message from one of the managers today from Benq stating that no hardware is being replaced. So what can I say, except, believe what you want, depending on who you talk to!
It appears you have a choice!!

I guess no matter what is being replaced or not, as long as it resloves the main problem of the lamp life to a level of 2000 to 3000 that's all that matters!
Good luck everyone!!

Well... this is intriguing, to say the least! :confused: It would be nice to be able to get to the bottom of this and get a conclusive idea of what's really involved.

I'm wondering what happened to the "upgrade kit" reported as available for both, the MT700 and the PE7700. It was even mentioned that all parts "were labeled BenQ" (even though his unit was the MT700). Check here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7053535)

Anyways, does anybody know what's a safe production date to assure getting a unit with the new bulb and the new firmware already in place?

Just another update, I call up their Service Centre Manager and he mention there is no hardware upgrade but they will give new warranty for the lamp from the date installed which is 500 hours or 6 months (maybe for ASIA only). If only BENQ did put an official statement on the issue and what changes need to be done, we are at the service technician mercy. I remember I read an FAQ from BENQ website that PE7700 had a bulb issue and they only mention a new bulb design and firmware will solved the issue.

Here is the link I found earlier:
http://www.benq.us/serviceandsupport/library.cfm?ac=1&alid=880&StartParent=594&OpenArticles=399,0#880

I think we all sound like a bunch of old women worrying and chattering on about stuff endlessly. :cool:

Yes, I have my projector in for repair...and I am glad the manufacturer is standing behind it and repairing/replacing what is needed. Do *I* need to know exactly what is being replaced and why and what blue wire was switched with the red wire? no....I just want it to work well when I get back. Knowing what they do will certainly not change my expectations, I expect it to work correctly from this point on, hence the 'recall'.

yes, I am annoyed, but I still have 2.5 yrs on my warranty and expect them to stand behind this projector. So lets stop chattering and start hearing about actual experiences with the newly updated projectors. I am expecting mine later this week and looking forward to it.

Here is the link I found earlier:
http://www.benq.us/serviceandsuppor...icles=399,0#880
Thanks for your link. They mention a part number (99.J0C77.B51) and a date (prior to January 18, 2006). So it seems units manufactured after 01/18/06 should already have the new bulb and firmware.

Does anybody know the part number of the units manufactured after 01/18/06?

Did any body else tried getting into the service menu and set the DLP degamma from Graphics (default) to Video? I just did, and it opened up the dark areas. Shadow details are much more visible now. Overall PQ is less punchy, but picture is more natural and film-like. I wonder, though, why they would ship the PE7700 with the Graphics being the default mode (and hidden in the service menu), sice most people buying this pj are most probably using is as a HT unit. BTW, my fw is 0.48. Using HDMI to 720p STB.

I think we all sound like a bunch of old women worrying and chattering on about stuff endlessly. :cool:

Agreed ...

I can tell you that there a lot of valid legal reasons why BenQ can't or won't disclose exactly what changes are made to the projector with the upgrade.

Who cares what they do so long as they fix the problem! If after the upgrade there are widespread bulb failures, then we can justifiably vent at BenQ, but until then, let's give them a reasonable chance to make things right.

Ok guys excuse me for being dense, but can someone please send me (or post a pic) on how to get to the filter? The picture on the manual says "front right side" but I can't seem to find it and I don't want to force anything off. I can only assume it's on the lamp side. Thanks!

I'll give Benq one more shot at fixing this problem. They have been good about replacing bulbs, but I don't feel they have addressed the problem properly up to this point and my patience is wearing thin.

[QUOTE=smithsonga]I think we all sound like a bunch of old women worrying and chattering on about stuff endlessly.

I don't agree with this statement at all. People have posted very legit observations, and have been very patient. We all have a lot of money invested in this projector which to date has a very serious flaw. We are not a bunch of old women worrying and chattering, we are frustrated but extremely educated consumers who are trying to pinpoint the problem based on our own and other people's experiences. I think people's curiosity and ideas are very welcome here in my opinion especially since we can't get a straight answer from Benq on what the actual problem is.

Ok guys excuse me for being dense, but can someone please send me (or post a pic) on how to get to the filter? The picture on the manual says "front right side" but I can't seem to find it and I don't want to force anything off. I can only assume it's on the lamp side. Thanks!
The access to the filter is on the side of the case that has ventilation holes in it. If yours is ceiling mounted than that would be to your right side from behind the pj. It is very easy to remove. A finger catch pull, from the top front of the case does the job. Just removed my filter after two months of use and 300 hours on the bulb. Even with a 4X loupe I could see no dust on the filter. Gave it a blast of canned air anyway. So 300 hours and no problems. Have to check on bulb rebate status. I don't want to be in the middle of a family movie night and have lights out. Techno Dad does'nt get any slack around here. Sound familiar ?

Agreed ...

I can tell you that there a lot of valid legal reasons why BenQ can't or won't disclose exactly what changes are made to the projector with the upgrade.

Who cares what they do so long as they fix the problem! If after the upgrade there are widespread bulb failures, then we can justifiably vent at BenQ, but until then, let's give them a reasonable chance to make things right.

Amen............

Hi guys,

I have been following this thread for some time and very aware of the bulb issue. My unit is manufactured in Jan 06 and firmware ver of 0.48. Current lamp hours is less than 10 hrs :) Hope BenQ had resolved the bulb issue.

I have another concern though, its the motion artifacts I see on the 7700. Not all dvds but most of them. I dont know if its temporal dithering,false contouring or combing effect but artifacts are obvious especially on close up shots of moving faces. Do you guys noticed this effect? My pioneer dvd player is set to output progressive through the component input of 7700. Have tried interlace and let the Senseye do the job of deinterlacing, it is slightly better but not eliminating the artifacts. One thing though, I dont like the colours projected (too much green)when my dvd player is set to interlace.

Would like some advice if I could reduce/minimize these artifacts through some settings?

Currently using cinema mode with the following settings:

Contrast 0
Brightness 0
Colour 0
Tint 0
Filter 1
Sharpness 0

My advice, get it the 7700 calibrated, either by yourself or proffesionally. You should not see green tinge or motion artifacts. This can be something as simple as your component cable or black level setting (make sure its at 0 ire) . I would try a digital source such as a dvd player or Hi-Def dish with HDMI, or DVI-D output. just to rule certain things out.

Kaydee6: What Daddyd said. Your source device and connections can have a major impact on PQ.

The 7700 has 3 color temp settings. From the user menu you can also tweak grayscale using cuts and gains (suggest you rent or hire someone with a colorimeter).

The 7700 also alows you to tweak the color decoder in the user menu (you will need the color filters that come with Digital Video Essentials or AVIA).

In short, the 7700 allows you to tweak the heck out of your projector using options in the user menu. There is no reason to have anything less than a stellar PQ with this projector.

I talked to Benq today and had a vary knowledgeable tech rep. After explaining my third bulb just blew at 220 hours he ask for my name and serial number and told me I need the firmware fix. I ASK IS THE FIRMWARE FOR THE BULB OR THE COLOR Calibrations. He Laugh and said the firmware update is a hardware and firmware fix for the bulb and will not improve my picture quality. The FIRMWARE UPDATE requires internal board replacements ect......................... and don't believe any rumors that is just a software update...........it's not.


Hmmm. Just a WAG, but maybe they are replacing the chip that holds the firmware, rather than just flashing the new firmware to it??? Kinda like replacing the BIOS chip on a computer motherboard because the current chip is too out of date for the newest BIOS version (I've actually run in to this with an old computer I once had).
gmon

Yes, I have my projector in for repair...and I am glad the manufacturer is standing behind it and repairing/replacing what is needed.

Consider all you BenQ owners lucky. Us MT700 owners aren't having the same luck. Toshiba refuses to believe there is anything wrong. They just replace bulbs. They aren't even on the same page as BenQ. We have tell them what BenQ is doing.
From what others are posting, Toshiba says just send it in. Nothing about a firmware update. Some have sent theirs in twice without a firmware update.
I am waiting to call my third bad bulb in to see if other MT700 owners get the new firmware.
-Tom

[QUOTE=stripe]Did any body else tried getting into the service menu and set the DLP degamma from Graphics (default) to Video? I just did, and it opened up the dark areas. Shadow details are much more visible now. Overall PQ is less punchy, but picture is more natural and film-like. I wonder, though, why they would ship the PE7700 with the Graphics being the default mode (and hidden in the service menu), sice most people buying this pj are most probably using is as a HT unit. BTW, my fw is 0.48. Using HDMI to 720p STB.[/QU Can anyone add to this? Kevin?

Consider all you BenQ owners lucky. Us MT700 owners aren't having the same luck. Toshiba refuses to believe there is anything wrong. They just replace bulbs. They aren't even on the same page as BenQ. We have tell them what BenQ is doing.
From what others are posting, Toshiba says just send it in. Nothing about a firmware update. Some have sent theirs in twice without a firmware update.
I am waiting to call my third bad bulb in to see if other MT700 owners get the new firmware.
-Tom

This is just simply untrue. My 2nd lamp failed a month or so ago. Toshiba had me send the projector to Tops electronics for the updated firmware and a new lamp. Tops even confirmed the new firmware for me (which I can see onscreen with different menu selections). The whole process took three days.

MT700 thread:
The 2 CSR's and the 1 CSR Superviser I spoke with new nothing of the firmware fix. they are just sending me another bulb. Something with toshiba has got to change soon, they can't just keep throwing bulb's at the problem.

I wouldn't consider this simply untrue. You see, Toshiba has been all over the place on this issue. I believe this person more than Toshiba. So just because it happened to you doesn't mean it happens to everyone. You might need to re-read the MT700 thread. Many people are getting many different results.
And the fact that Toshiba says send it in and not telling people what's going on is frightening. If you had something wrong with your car you simply wouldn't just get it fixed without knowing what was done. Toshiba is covering it up, at least to some of us. That's the problem.
-Tom

MT700 thread:

If you had something wrong with your car you simply wouldn't just get it fixed without knowing what was done. Toshiba is covering it up, at least to some of us. That's the problem.
-Tom

This might be true but how many projector related deaths are there per year? I don't care one bit what they do as long as it fixes it and I don't have to pay for it.



I think people's curiosity and ideas are very welcome here in my opinion especially since we can't get a straight answer from Benq on what the actual problem is.


I think everyone on this forum is aware of exactly what the actual problem is. The projector lamp burns out too quickly. That is the EXACT problem. What we don't know is the cause of the problem and my question is why do we need to know? Who cares if they have to replace the flux capacitor in the tk421 module? Or if they just have to upgrade the software in the Illudium Pu-36 explosive space modulator. It doesn't matter as long as my lamp stays lit for 2000+ hours. Also why does anyone care if the CSRs know what the problem is? They are low payed phone monkeys that read off screens and issue RMAs. As long as the actual tech knows what he/she is doing thats all I care.

I'm sure that a great deal of the curiosity displayed here is due to the fact that BenQ has told us twice before that the lamp "problem" had been corrected.

The first time it was supposed to have been corrected with units built from August forward. The second time was later in the year, and we all know that those lamps are failing as well.

If the problem had been corrected the first time, then you'd be right in that no one would care much about its cause. However, folks get curious when they've been misled. Now that they've been misled twice, they just want to know what the hell is really going on. That's a very natural reaction.

This might be true but how many projector related deaths are there per year? I don't care one bit what they do as long as it fixes it and I don't have to pay for it.




I think everyone on this forum is aware of exactly what the actual problem is. The projector lamp burns out too quickly. That is the EXACT problem. What we don't know is the cause of the problem and my question is why do we need to know? Who cares if they have to replace the flux capacitor in the tk421 module? Or if they just have to upgrade the software in the Illudium Pu-36 explosive space modulator. It doesn't matter as long as my lamp stays lit for 2000+ hours. Also why does anyone care if the CSRs know what the problem is? They are low payed phone monkeys that read off screens and issue RMAs. As long as the actual tech knows what he/she is doing thats all I care.

Well the reason some of us wanted to know is, that I did not feel like removing my projector from the ceiling, boxing it up and taking it to UPS. If all I had to do is send in my lamp, down load the software into my computer and then over to the projector. Running a cable is much easier. But when I was told hardware was being replaced, well that was a different story! I want the same thing everyone else wants, I great picture and a lamp that will give me close to 3000 Hrs. That's my main reason for the purchase. If this is what I get after the upgrades, I will be a happy customer!

C'mon Tom. There's no cover up -- that's a bit dramatic. If Toshiba was covering this up they woulldn't be replacing lamps which failed outside of warranty at no cost.

We need to stop throwing gas on the fire. Has anybody with a recent lamp failure (since Benq's posted "fix") not received a replacement lamp with updated firmware? Is it so hard to believe that my situation will be repeated?

Sorry, cover up is too strong. Not being forthright yes. CSR's not being informed enough to help fixing the issue, yes.
About "just fix it", I'm not going to argue by adding fuel to the thread fire. I am just trying to put people's experieces together showing Toshiba doesn't APPEAR to be doing what BenQ is doing. I haven't called Toshiba this month, so maybe they changed their tune.
-Tom

CRS59, would the firmware upgrade be done through the rs232 link? If so where did you get the cable to hook it up to your pc? Is it serial or usb? I haven't seen a round din connector to usb like that before but then again I havn't looked to hard either.

Tom, I agree with you that Toshiba is not stepping to the plate like Benq is -- Toshiba still doesn't ackowledge even selling the MT700 on their website, much less do they have a written acnowledgment of the issue. That's weak.

CRS59, would the firmware upgrade be done through the rs232 link? If so where did you get the cable to hook it up to your pc? Is it serial or usb? I haven't seen a round din connector to usb like that before but then again I havn't looked to hard either.

Hi, the upgrade is done through the rs232 link which looks like a ps2 connector. You need this special cable that link to your computer serial port. And lastly you need the firmware and the flashing program. I actually ask for it but the tech say it is not for public.

Dennis said no, but Art and I say a big yes. Kevin obviously has his calibrated so will not see a difference. But I think others like me should. Anyone else with the upgrade want to share their opinion?
Warren.

Just to ensure that there is changes, can anyone check the service menu and look at the gamma table, RGB Cut and Gain settings and compare to the older version of firmware? As for Dennis part, the technician might have restore his old settings as the upgrade tools had an option to read and restore the old store information. I saw the screen able to read RGB Gamma, RGB Cut and Gain and some other parameters too. I check again my old value and new value for Normal Color temperature and the value is the same. I didn't write down my previous gamma settings so I wouldn't know if there is any changes. So, looks like there is no changes in color temperature for predefined value. Dennis might want to try to reset back to factory default and check the value again. Again, my unit had been tune using AVIA and color temperature modified using the value Kevin suggested earlier so I can't really see much difference.

This might be true but how many projector related deaths are there per year? I don't care one bit what they do as long as it fixes it and I don't have to pay for it.




I think everyone on this forum is aware of exactly what the actual problem is. The projector lamp burns out too quickly. That is the EXACT problem. What we don't know is the cause of the problem and my question is why do we need to know? Who cares if they have to replace the flux capacitor in the tk421 module? Or if they just have to upgrade the software in the Illudium Pu-36 explosive space modulator. It doesn't matter as long as my lamp stays lit for 2000+ hours. Also why does anyone care if the CSRs know what the problem is? They are low payed phone monkeys that read off screens and issue RMAs. As long as the actual tech knows what he/she is doing thats all I care.

I totally agree with you, the problem is with your last 3 sentences. The Toshiba CSR's need to be educated on the issues with this projector so that they will at least send the projector to TOPS so the Tech can determine the proper fix. And I agree that I really don't care what the fix is as long as it works. It would be nice to know though, honesty from Benq/Toshiba will put to rest most of the speculation on these threads. I spoke with 2 different CSR's and a CSR superviser on Monday and no one would admit to any bulb issues. I brought up the possible firmware/hardware update for the toshiba projector bulb problems and all 3 knew nothing about it. They are just sending me a bulb and not even sending the projector into TOPS like some other folks are getting. I was told the firmware wouldn't solve issues with the bulb. It's the different message and approach to the same problem that is getting old around here. Noboby knows for sure that the firmware will help the bulb issue, some say yes... some say no at Benq/Toshiba. Even the FAQ on Benq website isn't clear that firmware is going to resolve the bulb issue. Many of us with newly designed bulbs are failing, mine failed at 220 hours. so the new bulb design is not the answer by itself.

glowkiss, I see what you are saying. I totaly agree that if you call in a problem with your projector there should be a blinding, flashing message that pops up on the CSRs screen that says "SEND IN FOR REPAIR". The csr shouldn't have to know anything about the problem their computer screen should tell them exactly what to do. They shouldn't be guessing as to what the problem is or repeating things they think they over heard in the lunch room. In both cases the call center management is failing to update the csrs information. I think one of the major problems with any csr from Benq or Tosh is that they handle so many products and there are so many csrs. Even with such a major problem as to warrent a recall I would guess (and this is only a guess) that each csr probably doesn't take more then 1 of these calls per week if that.

Toshiba is NOT NOT NOT NOT acknowledging this problem!!!!!

I just got off the phone with a Toshiba CSR supervisor (Mike) and he explicitly denied there is any known issues with the MT700! He insisted I send my PJ in again (after fourth lamp failure and twice at Tops already) one more time before they will refund my money. I mentioned AVS forum and he blew it off saying people only come here if they are having problems (actually a valid point), but this ignores BenQ's acknowledgement of a problem. This is really bad on Toshiba's part. :mad:
gmon

CRS59, would the firmware upgrade be done through the rs232 link? If so where did you get the cable to hook it up to your pc? Is it serial or usb? I haven't seen a round din connector to usb like that before but then again I havn't looked to hard either.

The PE8700 actually had a separate modular jack on the back (RJ11). When you down load the firmare from the Benq site it gave you detailed instructions on how to splice a cable for the upgrade, including which pins transmit from the PC to the PJ and visa versa. I actually did it the hard way, then realized that cablewholesale.com had an adapter that goes from an RJ11 to DB9. Whether it's possible to do that with the 7700 I'm not sure, but there is a din 8 connector that they do sell also. That's what I was trying to do with the new firmware upgrade but didn't realize that the projector did not have the RJ11 connection. Hope this helps!!

I finally got through to the Benq help center. I thought it was going to be a painful 30 plus minute wait listening to "Benq driving me crazy" but it was only about 10 minutes. I was actually humming that song in the Walmart checkout tonight which concerns me. Also I can't seem to get Benq products out of my mind. Not just projectors either. Benq DVD-writers, mobile phones, scanners and MP3 players keep flashing in my head. I didn't even know that they made this stuff. Anyway the guy on the phone tells me to box it up and ship it in implying that I should pay the shipping. I said you want me to pay the shipping? He says yea were giving you an upgrade and a 400 dollar lamp can't you pay the shipping? So then I say, dude it says right on the web site that Benq will pay for all shipping. So then he says, oh it does well ok then and proceeds to email me a call tag from ups. I mean I think Benq is properly handling the situitation but who do they have answering the phone. I mean is he not fully informed or is he trying to save Benq 50 dollars in shipping costs. Either way it doesnt sit well. So then about 6 hours later I get an email from this guy saying that my RMA number is changed because he had the wrong country on the return address. I'm a little worried that I will never see my projector again.

I just got my projector back for intermittent lamp flickering (335 hours of usage) and firmware upgrade. Benq paid for all shipping costs. It was sent to them last Monday and I got it back on Friday. Incidentally, for Canada it goes to a company called Getronics near Toronto. For the lamp flicker, they replaced the bulb. The new bulb also had 30 minutes on it. I think they may have done some burn-in testing on the new bulb. Other than the returned machine there was no official benq work order documentation. I had included a handwritten note with the projector for the two issues. On return, they marked up my note with a couple of check marks.

From a preliminary viewing of DVD and HD material I find that the machine renders flesh tones really well right out of the box without additional calibration or adjustment. So far, that's the biggest pq difference I've noted.

I recently got an upconverting DVD - LG 7832NXC - and notice that it doesn't always work. It has a 480, 720 and 1080 option but on some movies the PE7700 says Unsupported and automatically goes to a 525 resolution. Is this a PJ, DVD Player or DVD issue?

Also, an off topic but you guys are knowledgeable and helpful:
My Yamaha RX-V557 receiver sends signals to the proper speaker through it own internal checks but fails miserably on the THX Optimizer supplied with many movies. Any ideas?