emailists -- If your source is DVI then set your PJ to DVI mode, if it's an HDMI source, set it to HDMI. It has nothing to do with HDCP! Both modes are HDCP compatable.

The difference is that HDMI can have an audio signal on it (turn that off - no audio in the MT700)) and it has 8-bit, 10-bit or 12-bit encoding capabilities whereas DVI is only 8-bits.

This question goes slightly out of the subject, but this seems to be an interesting issue.

I've thought that HDMI would be restricted (by it's specs) only to 8 bit processing. Hence it would be possible to upconvert the signal in some processors and dvd-players internally (ie. Faroudja, Realta) but impossible to keep it that way within HDMI connections. Or have I misunderstood something?

The HDMI spec goes up to 12 bits.

The HDMI spec goes up to 12 bits.

The comments considering the HDMI specs (ver. 1.2) which I found were these:

During every cycle of the TMDS Clock channel, each of the three TMDS data channels transmits a 10-bit character. This 10-bit word is encoded using one of several different coding techniques...These data items are processed in a variety of ways and are presented to the TMDS encoder as either 2 bits of control data, 4 bits of packet data or 8 bits of video data per TMDS channel.

Video data is carried as a series of 24-bit pixels on the three TMDS data channels. TMDS encoding converts the 8 bits per channel into the 10 bit DC-balanced, transition minimized sequence which is then transmitted serially across the pair at a rate of 10 bits per pixel clock period.

Video pixel rates can range from 25MHz to 165MHz. Video formats with rates below 25MHz (e.g. 13.5MHz for 480i/NTSC) can be transmitted using a pixel-repetition scheme. The video pixels can be encoded in either RGB, YCBCR 4:4:4 or YCBCR 4:2:2 formats. In all three cases, up to 24 bits per pixel can be transferred.

I've also heard several times that HDMI could be up to 10-12 bit, but never seen any hard evidence of this. Perhaps there is some way to get rid of the 8 bit limitation? Or do you mean 4:2:2 format, which compresses the colour information? This would do the thing, but would reduce the colour accuracy at the same time.

New overscan function? Explain. I have been able to access the overscan in the service menu since my earliest firmware.

There's an overscan selection in the standard menu now that wasn't there before.

Have any of you "new firmware" owners checked to see if the "zoom" function was fixed so that it expands the video equally in both directions now? Please let me know-thanks.

To the new firmware owners: does it save the overscan setting in HDMI? That is probably my biggest gripe right now is having to go into the service menu everytime I watch Tivo. HDMI looks so much better than component but I've been tempted to go back to component because it's so annoying.

No one has any ideas about the four dots I'm seeing?

Yes, the overscan setting in HDMI is saved. Regarding the dots, it really sounds like dust.

Mr. York from Tops explained how to fix my dust problem:
Sounds like dust in the light path. If you're handy, you can easily remove the front panel & lense barrel and blast some air into the light engine.

Remove 2 screws, then release claw on bottom edge of the front panel. Gently lift up and release 3 clips on top edge, then unplug 1 small connector. Look at the base of the barrel, you'll see 4 screws holding the black, squarish lense base onto the engine. Just remove the 4 screws and lift out the barrel. The zoom & focus rings will slightly block your screwdriver, but you can get the screws out pretty easily. When done, just reverse the steps. Simple!

Wow, I'll be nervous doing that. Doesn't sound too hard, but it sounds dangerous....at least to my clumsy hands. I'll have to get around to doing this soon to see if it gets rid of the one blob I have.

but I had the same dust problem as you NoThru. I sent my PJ to Topps for cleaning. Came back dust free.

Thanks for posting that how-to. I'll be doing that procedure myself if I have any more dust problems.

Some good news today. Previously my second lamp burned out with just under 90 days of use. I got a call today from a Toshiba Canada rep to tell me that the lamp would be replaced and the new lamp would be of the new style. The rep confirmed that the manufacturer had made changes to the lamp and that the lamp he was shipping was the new type -- just as shown in the pictures from AVSForum that I had sent in with the old lamp. So here is another case of Toshiba confirming that the bulbs were changed. I am really hoping the change fixes the problem!

Have any of you "new firmware" owners checked to see if the "zoom" function was fixed so that it expands the video equally in both directions now? Please let me know-thanks.
Has anyone here tested this yet? Thank you for your help.

I just thought I should give you guys an update as to what is happening with my proj.

AVD Tech called me yesterday saying they now have the upgrade kit in stock so I left it there this morning. I asked to see the parts they are putting in. It's a new mainboard and psu/ballast. Guess what, it says BenQ all over them. Anyhow, he said that they got a new firmware for it that was released yesterday. He had no information about what's new or updated in it.

He also said that the upgrade was mainly on the psu side but along with those changes thay had to change the mainboard as well...

I'll keep you posted.

I read in the BenQ thread that BenQ will be announcing some type of program to deal with this bulb situation. Do you people think Toshiba will follow suit?

Please someone with the new firmware check to see if it saves your overscan setting in HDMI and if it fixed the zoom feature.

NoThru22, I responded a few posts back that with the new firmware the overscan setting in HDMI is saved. I'll check on the zoom feature.

I can't read. Seriously I'm illiterate. I might have to send my projector back to Tops now. Not saving overscan in HDMI is a serious flaw, in my opinion.

Doesn't the toshiba use faroudja?



Yup

Well...

I get my "beloved" mt700 back from avd tech and they say everything is working just fine.

Get it home... and the thing can no longer sync pixel-per-pixel when I run my primary output on the graphics card @ 1600x1200 and the proj @ 1280x720... if I run both on 1280x720 it works though. And yes, the proj only gets a 1280x720 signal either way.

So, I have to switch my desktop res. everytime I want to watch movies I guess I could live with that. But, then I try the HDMI input. No signal detected. Changed cables, still no go.

So, now I have a MT700 that can't sync pixel-per-pixel correctly and that lacks hdmi input...

I'm trying really hard not to throw this thing out the window...

AVD Tech says there is no connector they could have missed connecting while servicing it since the connector board is one unit... so I guess the input went bad or something in the new firmware messes everything up...

Get it home... and the thing can no longer sync pixel-per-pixel when I run my primary output on the graphics card @ 1600x1200 and the proj @ 1280x720... if I run both on 1280x720 it works though. And yes, the proj only gets a 1280x720 signal either way.

How are you expecting it to work? Regardless of if your card outputs 720p, 1600x1200 cannot be mapped 1:1 to 1280x720.

I have not watched many DVDs or played many Xbox 1 games since I got my projector back and I'm noticing a LOT more jagged edges. I'm sure it's a setting but I can't quite figure it out. I play my Xbox and DVDs at 480p. Does anyone know what I need to change, in the regular or service menu, to alleviate the jaggies?

How are you expecting it to work? Regardless of if your card outputs 720p, 1600x1200 cannot be mapped 1:1 to 1280x720.

As I said, It's the secondary output whichs means it scrolls the desktop in 1280x720 mode...

Seems like if 720 works then it would be an issue with your vid card settings. Perhaps they changed.

Seems like if 720 works then it would be an issue with your vid card settings. Perhaps they changed.

Nope... been running it like that since august... worked with the old firmware... no changes to computer...

Definitely a video card setting issue. Probably just reset when you plugged the PJ back in.

See page 65 of the Forceware users guide:
ftp://download.nvidia.com/Windows/82.12/82.12_ForceWare_Display_Property_User_Guide.pdf

Definitely a video card setting issue. Probably just reset when you plugged the PJ back in.

See page 65 of the Forceware users guide:
ftp://download.nvidia.com/Windows/82.12/82.12_ForceWare_Display_Property_User_Guide.pdf

Tried my friends MT-700 and it works just fine like mine used to. So there is absolutely something changed in the new firmware.

Thanks for the input though.

Tried my friends MT-700 and it works just fine like mine used to. So there is absolutely something changed in the new firmware.

Thanks for the input though.
Please, can you post the version # and date of the firmware release your MT700 has been uploaded?

You said in a previous post of yours that Toshiba has issued a hardware upgrade kit made of PSU, ballast and mainboard: is it for free, due to the bulb troubles? do they do this hard upgrade to everybody which make a request or only to those users who have had the bulb problem?

Thanks

It looks like BenQ is upgrading firmware and replacing bulbs to correct the bulb issue. What is Toshiba doing?

Don't assume for a minute that the firmware upgrade addresses the real problem with the 7700, and that is the lamp failures.

It improves the preset picture modes, but how could it possibly correct a problem that is likely related to the PSU and or ballast?

Your right bubbawilly. We have been down this path before. The path of high hopes and dashed promises.

Maybe it's "firmware," but it could also mess with voltages and stuff...I dunno...just a guess.

Anyhow, either way, any progress is good news in my book. If this doesn't work, then I'm feeling more confident they will take another step. Now, I just want to see Tosh's followup action....

The FW could up the fan speed, keeping the lamp cooler and voiding the specified dB rating. Of course who knows if heat has anything to do with it.

I may be cynical, but BenQ/Tosh best financial move is likely to put out "fixes" until our warranty expires. If you're not as cynical as me, then rent Corporation (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/corporation/).

...The FW could up the fan speed, keeping the lamp cooler and voiding the specified dB rating. Of course who knows if heat has anything to do with it...

Several PE7700 owners who have never used their units in anything but high altitude fan mode have still experienced lamp failures. You can't turn the fan up any higher than full speed, so don't consider any adjustment to fan speed 'the' answer. I believe that your Tosh fans have always run at a higher speed that BenQ's normal fan mode, yet that hasn't helped.

I believe these latest measures, to include BenQ's "announcement," are no more than a marketing campaign to try and move out remaining inventory. If you try and read the announcement objectively, it really doesn't say a thing, let alone promise any solutions. That new firmware really improves the preset picture modes, however. Please tell me how that addresses the real problem?

Several PE7700 owners who have never used their units in anything but high altitude fan mode have still experienced lamp failures. You can't turn the fan up any higher than full speed, so don't consider any adjustment to fan speed 'the' answer. I believe that your Tosh fans have always run at a higher speed that BenQ's normal fan mode, yet that hasn't helped.

I believe these latest measures, to include BenQ's "announcement," are no more than a marketing campaign to try and move out remaining inventory. If you try and read the announcement objectively, it really doesn't say a thing, let alone promise any solutions. That new firmware really improves the preset picture modes, however. Please tell me how that addresses the real problem?

My contact at benq, who's email content, I posted, gave me no indication as to what the firmware does, as far as the lamp problem, only that it should correct it. So I won't begin to guess that it relates to fan speed, or anything else.

Is the fix and announcement a marketing campaign? Of course it is! They have a lot of damage to undo. Certainly, assuming the fix works, BenQ is going to be spending a lot of money upgrading projectors, in order to repair the damage to their image.

But, I believe your assessment of doing it to move out "the remaining inventory", is off base. First, the word about the lamp problem is well known only on the forums, and among their dealers. But the dealers continue to pump out plenty of PE7700s. One of their largest dealers supposedly bought 500 PE7700's in the last quarter (and sold them through?) The dealers all knew about the lamp issue long before last quarter. On this forum, if I recall from the lamp failure survey other day, there are about 100 forum people who have reported lamp issues. BenQ apparently ships something like 300-400 (or maybe more) PE7700's a month, so there are probably between 3000 and maybe 5000 units out there. If the average user uses their projector only 10 hours a week, then the majority of people who bought their projectors in the last six months, wouldn't even have reached 300 hours on their lamps yet. So, again, the lamp problem is not well known outside of the forums.

And the other potential "flaw" in your logic, is the assumption that the PE7700 - which is BenQ's best selling HT projector (their "cash-cow" so to speak), is being discontinued anytime soon. True its been on the market 10 months, but BenQ did not show a replacement model for it at CES, which they certainly would have, if they had something to replace it coming available in the next 90 days or so. I

I heard at the show that they have a 1080p single chip in the works, but nothing about a PE7700 replacement. The Jan 18th manufacturing date, that they mentioned on the email, might, however indicate that they do have a new part number going forward... Essentially that would make the new ones PE7700A's or something.

With this firmware upgrade delivering better color/gamma performance out of the box, the PE7700 should be good for at least another 6 months or longer. although I'll know better in a few days, as I set up the review PE7700 which I still have, for a side-by-side "shootout" with the Optoma HD72, which is the newests 720p Darkchip2 projector now shipping. If the BenQ performs comparably, then they have no immediate image quality reason to replace the product. The LCD manufacturers may replace their HT projectors (Z4, Panny 900u) about every 12 months, but the DLP models have consistantly had a longer shelf life. (InFocus is just phasing out their Screenplay 7205, and it started shipping a full year before the PE7700).

Look, the bottom line on all this, is: What happens with the units people send in for the new firmware and new replacement lamps? If they work, then BenQ has fixed the problem, and everyone can go back to spending their time watching their projector instead of bitching about it.

If, though, it doesn't solve the problem then, BenQ is wasting a lot of money, and will have an even worse reputation afterwords. It's in their and everyone's best interest to have found the cure. Let's hope.

Personally, I hope this finally does the trick, but we'll all wait and see. I have several friends and clients I recommended the PE7700 to, and while none of them have had lamp failures, I sure don't want them bitching at me, if theirs start blowing lamps and the fix doesn't work.

Hi, folks;
I've been wondering... At ProjectorCentral.com, the Benq 7700 has been on theirs "Highly Rated Home Theater Projectors" section for a while, and absolutely nothing has ever been mentioned about all those problems concerning the projector (lamps, etc). Haven't you guys thougt about sending letters and e-mails to ProjectorCentral telling them about this mess (and about the Tosh 700 also) and asking them to "update" their infos/review on the projector based on all that or even removing the 7700 from the "Highly Rated Home Theater Projectors"? The site has thousands of readers, and this could maybe put Benq and Tosh in the obligation of doing something "serious"...
Just wondering...

Has anyone spoken with Toshiba to see if they will follow with BenQ in "recalling" this projector to fix this issue? Or will it be more denial?

Hi, folks;
I've been wondering... At ProjectorCentral.com, the Benq 7700 has been on theirs "Highly Rated Home Theater Projectors" section for a while, and absolutely nothing has ever been mentioned about all those problems concerning the projector (lamps, etc). Haven't you guys thougt about sending letters and e-mails to ProjectorCentral telling them about this mess (and about the Tosh 700 also) and asking them to "update" their infos/review on the projector based on all that or even removing the 7700 from the "Highly Rated Home Theater Projectors"? The site has thousands of readers, and this could maybe put Benq and Tosh in the obligation of doing something "serious"...
Just wondering...

I did send an email to Evan. I asked him specifically why he makes no mention at all of the premature lamp failure reports, since they are quite extensive. I never got a response.

Art,
I respect your reviews and your opinions. You are the only reviewer (that I am aware of) to even make mention of the 7700 lamp problem. You've addressed various projector's shortcomings that other reviews don't bother to mention.

I'm not assuming that the 7700 is being discontinued. However, inventory does exist, and further production has already been scheduled and committed, so BenQ has to do something to move through those units. According to your logic, BenQ sells so many units to unsuspecting and uninformed consumers , and so few units to those of us participating in this and similar forums, that they shouldn't have a PR problem to address. I beg to differ.

Ultimately we agree. "We'll all wait and see." IOW, I'll believe it when I see it. I've already been lied to about a "fix" once.

I did send an email to Evan. I asked him specifically why he makes no mention at all of the premature lamp failure reports, since they are quite extensive. I never got a response.

Well, ProjectorCentral must obviously have some kind of "commitment" with manufactures and dealers, since they sponsor the site. So it wouldn't be good for Evan if he made bad comments about any projector at his site. And so act most of the major A/V publications. A shame for them and a pity for customers...

Art,
I respect your reviews and your opinions. You are the only reviewer (that I am aware of) to even make mention of the 7700 lamp problem. You've addressed various projector's shortcomings that other reviews don't bother to mention.

I'm not assuming that the 7700 is being discontinued. However, inventory does exist, and further production has already been scheduled and committed, so BenQ has to do something to move through those units. According to your logic, BenQ sells so many units to unsuspecting and uninformed consumers , and so few units to those of us participating in this and similar forums, that they shouldn't have a PR problem to address. I beg to differ.

Ultimately we agree. "We'll all wait and see." IOW, I'll believe it when I see it. I've already been lied to about a "fix" once.

Oh, bubbawilly, we do agree.

What I'm saying is that the word isn't out. I've been trying for a long time to get a handle on how many people are blowing lamps. The 100 reported on the forum doesn't help. The question is how many people visiting the forum who have 7700's have not had problems.

But, everyone agrees that there is a big problem, whether its affecting 10% of users or 80%.

They seem to be trying. Between lamp Q/C and the time it takes to nail a problem like this down (few have had failures in less than 200 hours, so even 12 hour a day operation (which would inherently have a higher lamp failure rate, still takes a weeks to get a few failures. I suspect this has been a trial and error type of fix.

So, first they may have assumed (bad idea on their part) that it was a bad batch of lamps, then it may be that the final lamps themselves didn't match original design specs. Then, of course they test in Taiwan (sea level), so even 1000 or 2000 feet above sea level, could make a difference in overheating.
Now they have firmware changes. That could be anything, they could lower the voltage to the lamp, it would not run quite as bright, nor quite as hot, they could push the fan speed, they could lower the default setting on temperature as to when the fan kicks into high gear, or the unit shuts down.

Bottom line. This isn't unusual. Now the threads (haven't been there, but seen comments on other threads) indicates that Optoma may be having some problems with the H78/H79 (there were none reported from my old company thru december, and they sold 15 - 40 H78/H79 a month. But who knows.

Panasonic has also had some sort of problem with lamps, and suffered a lamp shortage back sometime in the fall, people were waiting a few weeks because, Panasonic, like BenQ just couldn't lay their hands on enough.

The techonology/user demand for newer better every 12 months or so, certainly puts the crush on manufacturers, and limits the time to test "final product". Those of you may recall, that at last year's CES, everyone who made the BenQ booth saw the pre-productions 7700, the consensus was that it was inferior to the older 8700+, and that the Toshiba MT700 (which turns out to be the identical projector), looked much better (different generations of pre-production - no doubt).

Like most companies, I suspect early on BenQ simply ducked the issue, or pretended it didn't exist. Started looking at different lamps, etc, and hoped it wouldn't get out of control.

They've also changed senior management twice since the launch of the 7700, can't be helping, but the new batch of folks seem to be determined to make this problem (and the PR) go away.

Again, we can only hope. But the people I know at BenQ pretty much are on the same page. They know they have a PR problem. the forum folks might be a relatively small group of buyers, but, at the same time forum people are the "recommenders", early adopters, etc., and we all point our less crazy friends toward what we think are the best products. And a supportive technical crowd is free, unlike advertising.

So, we (again) can only hope.

Several PE7700 owners who have never used their units in anything but high altitude fan mode have still experienced lamp failures. You can't turn the fan up any higher than full speed, so don't consider any adjustment to fan speed 'the' answer. I believe that your Tosh fans have always run at a higher speed that BenQ's normal fan mode, yet that hasn't helped.

In a quick search, I see two mentions in the PE7700 thread of using High Altitude mode wth failed lamps: Steve4459 who ran exclusively in High Lamp mode and DennisMileHi who ran half in High Lamp mode and is actually at high altitude.

Neither of these simulate the temperatures at low altitude and low lamp, so *for me* high fan still seems like a possible solution. 34C vs. 50-60C is a hell of a temperature difference, both for the glass in the lamp and the components of the ballast and PSU.

That said, given BenQ's new lamp design "fix", I'm also assuming this announcement is BS until proven otherwise.

Well, ProjectorCentral must obviously have some kind of "commitment" with manufactures and dealers, since they sponsor the site. So it wouldn't be good for Evan if he made bad comments about any projector at his site. And so act most of the major A/V publications. A shame for them and a pity for customers...

I hate defending my competition (other reviewers in general), but here goes.

Do you notice that with the exception of Consumer Reports, reviewers avoid reliability, in almost any industry. Sure a car magazine might report that Toyotas are more reliable than Chevy's but, to some degree they'd probably rather not, but Toyota and other Japanese manufacturers point that out (in advertising) based on surveys from JD Power, etc., so they can't duck it completely. Still find another magazine or broad based online site, that tackles all the dirt. Not happening.

In part, readers bring it on themselves. Something for nothing. Subscriptions to magazines do not make magazines profitable, advertising does. Online sites - Hey, I could drop all advertising and spill all the dirt, if everyone who visited my site paid $1 for each review they read. But maybe 1% or 3% would do that.

I'd love to be able to do it. I've got 30,000+ unique visitors a month, and if I tried, selling reviews, I'd probably make $50 bucks a month.

Fat chance on survival.

The other aspect, in fairness is how to report the problem. As a couple of you pointed out, I have brought up the lamp issue, notably in my review of the 7700 that I posted last month, with the qualifier that BenQ says they have the fix, and that, of course, seeing is believing.

Since we review new or almost brand new projectors, we reviewers don't get lamp failures. We can't tell the size of the problem from following the forums, and the manufacturers sure don't jump up and say, 42% of our projectors are blowing lamps early, or 26% of our projectors have some level of vertical banding, or Yep, we make LCD HT projectors, and they suffer from SDE, so you might want to buy someone elses DLP instead, and (rainbow effect, in the other direction).

So we're stuck trying to A, provide good info for the consumer who visits our site or reads our magazine, and also present the manufacturer's products in a decent light.

Hey, ever see a magazine or online review that rates projectors on a 1 to 5 scale with 5 being the best, and find a projector rated as low as 3 (nevermind a 2 or 1)? Good luck.

If they have 5 catagories for rating, then you might see a 3 in one of them, but the final average is almost guaranteed to be somewhere between 4 and 5.

Its the nature of the beast.

And, you know what, most of these projectors are pretty good, but if I wanted to be 100% honest, I can think of at least 5 - 6 HT projectors that sell for under $5K online that I could say: Meiocre value, avoid like the plague buy this one instead. But I have to eat, too.

On the other hand, few projectors are so bad that they aren't good values for someone.

And besides all that, it still is one man's opinion. My regular readers know that while I think projectors like the Z4 and 900u are very good, I personally prefer the DLP picture, and I don't see those LCD units as even being in the game with Darkchip3 projectors, despite reading the contrary from one or two other reviewers.

Hey, its all about reading between the lines. Always has been with the press. Dont' believe me, watch a political story on CNN, then FoxNews. Same facts totally different presentation and conclusions.

I will try to do the best job I can to walk the line. That's why I have actively worked with BenQ on their intial 8720, and have been staying in their face about the lamps. At least I'm able to hammer home some things from time to time to the manufacturers.

BTW when I was still working for Alliant part time last year, it was about August before we (selling 30-50 7700's a month) were even aware that there was a real problem brewing. -

enough rambling, I should be finishing my Sony HS51A review, but I'm going out to party instead. -a


Oh, one PS. In biz projectors everyone wants lumens, so manufacturers inflate their ratings, in HT projectors you all scream for dead silence, so every manufacturer probably runs the quietest fan speed they can get away with. If everyone was happy with 32 db, lamps would last a lot longer.

Art, I just want to say I (we) appreciate your posts in this forum. It is comforting for someone "in the know" to be on our side. It is also comforting to know that we are not crazy as both BenQ and Toshiba (at least up until now) would have us believe. Again, I have had about a half dozen conversations with Toshiba, and they will not even admit to a problem. We all need to stick with this until both BenQ and Toshiba solve this problem. We can not let them walk away from it.

I hope that they continue to try to find a "fix", and that when they do they make it available to their customers. Certainly, we are not asking too much.

Has anyone spoken with Toshiba to see if they will follow with BenQ in "recalling" this projector to fix this issue? Or will it be more denial?

I'm not apologizing for the lamp failures, but Toshiba isn't denying a problem -- I haven't seen a post yet where they've failed to replace a lamp outside of warranty. My 2nd replacement lamp failed a month or so ago, and Toshiba had me send the projector to Tops. I sent it on a Monday and received it back Thursday of the same week with a new lamp and the new firmware.

Brenda from Tops called to say Toshiba confirmed that a problem existed and that the new firmware and lamp should resolve the issue. Having said that, I'd feel a lot more comfortable if Toshiba put something in writing.

Here's something to consider. Toshiba is in the middle of a huge format war, being the developer and main backer of HD DVD. Most of the CE industry and the majority of studios seem to be behind blu-ray. Toshiba / HD DVD will be 1st to market in April. They can ill afford bad press from people who own this or any other Toshiba product to jeopardize the success of HD DVD.

The debates (and attacks) between HD DVD & Blu-ray are quite heated at AVS and elsewhere, with some arguing the price of Toshiba's entry HD DVD player (HD-A1) at $499 is too low to be a quality product.

Therefore, it's very much in Toshiba's best interest to do at least as much as Benq does to solve this issue for their customers. For my part they have continued to provide very good service, and my MT700 continues to throw a great image.

In a quick search, I see two mentions in the PE7700 thread of using High Altitude mode wth failed lamps: Steve4459 who ran exclusively in High Lamp mode and DennisMileHi who ran half in High Lamp mode and is actually at high altitude.

Neither of these simulate the temperatures at low altitude and low lamp, so *for me* high fan still seems like a possible solution. 34C vs. 50-60C is a hell of a temperature difference, both for the glass in the lamp and the components of the ballast and PSU.

That said, given BenQ's new lamp design "fix", I'm also assuming this announcement is BS until proven otherwise.

I believe that Dennis has had 2 lamps blow, and the second was used with the high altitude fan exclusively. If I remember correctly, he only used normal fan mode on the first lamp (when the projector was new) for the first few hours, switching to high altitude for the remainder of that lamp's short life.

I may have kept my 7700 despite the lamp reports, but I became very concerned with the temp it was running at. With my IR thermometer, I consistently measured 200+ degrees at the exhaust, with peaks up to 209. The top of the case would reach 154 degrees during operation. The rather hearty sticker (where the SN is printed, etc.) bubbled as a result of the heat, and I only put 11 hours on my unit. BenQ's techs told me that I'd be fine with the fan in normal mode as long as I was under 6500'. I'm at about 5700'. I couldn't live with the unit in high fan mode, so I returned it.

I think there are many people who have been running in High Altitude Mode. I got my 2nd bulb around July and I beleive the Service Menu code came out about the same time.

Once I saw the temperatures were above 50C in regular mode, and about 30-35C in High mode I ran in High mode ignoring the louder noise. Nonetheless my 2nd bulb failed in December after about 150 hours.

I got my 3rd bulb in January and I continue to run in High Altitude mode. I don't think the FW could do anything to fan speed more than what I am already doing by going to High Altitude mode.

Uhp bulbs should have a surrounding area temp of no greater than 55c for long safe operation, that itself speaks to the failures.

Voltage fluctuations of -+10% contribute as well, like the ballast deal, maybe the bulb flicker is a voltage irregularity that shaves the gap to the point of failure...who the hell knows.

But, bulb problems are staining many runs of PJs at this point.

TJ

AFter sending my unit to repair in Ma. for a flickering issue after receiving my 2nd bulb (new) I am still having flickering issues. Actually this is my 3rd bulb because at the time they repaired the unit they put in a new bulb.

I really like this projector when it working right, and of course would love to use this till 1080P units come down to $3500 or less, but I may have to look for a replacement. Any suggestions from someone that has gone from a 700 or 7700 to another projector and gotten better image quality without spending 50% more?

Someone should tie in a meter to the bulb leads and see if voltage fluctuations are causing the flicker or it is a wear/tollerance issue causing it..

That would be interesting, a lot of times flicker is caused in a new bulb as the gap betweenthe filaments wears in to a even level, the gap needs to "seat" to an even level before no flicker.

If you run on high for a while and switch back it stops that, if not then it more than likely is in the supply circuit.

I don't believe the bulb, even if faulty, could exhibit extended wear symptoms so early.
As I said 2-3 months ago, my money is on the balast and supporting circuits.


TJ

I too have been getting a faint flicker on two of the new design bulbs. The first at about 150 hrs. The second bulb is exhibiting this at about 20 hrs. The flicker goes away immediately as soon as it's switched to high then back again. On the first bulb I tried another test where I put it on high for a while (3 or 4 hours) then back to economy again. It's not always consistent. However, the flicker still comes back every now and then. I normally run economy. For now this is a minor annoyance.

Another time I did have a single isolated instance where the lamp appeared to pulse from low to high then back again at a regular interval once every second.

I never had flickering on my old design bulb.

AFter sending my unit to repair in Ma. for a flickering issue after receiving my 2nd bulb (new) I am still having flickering issues. Actually this is my 3rd bulb because at the time they repaired the unit they put in a new bulb.

I really like this projector when it working right, and of course would love to use this till 1080P units come down to $3500 or less, but I may have to look for a replacement. Any suggestions from someone that has gone from a 700 or 7700 to another projector and gotten better image quality without spending 50% more?

I went from the PE7700 to a Panasonic AE900. With the exception of a slightly higher black level, the 900 compares well.

Art compared the two and documents the differences very well. Bottom line is that the 900 meets or very slightly exceeds the 7700 in many critical PQ areas, to include color saturation, image detail and noise levels. Check it out over on projectorreviews.

I'm watching the new crop of 'budget' 720P DLP units. I've ruled out the Optoma and Mits, so I'm now keeping an eye out for the InFocus and Sharp. The InFocus should be available in a few weeks, with the Sharp following about in about a month. I'm not sure that I'm going to make a switch to recapture that additional 5% black level, but either projector may be worth the wait if you can.

Do we have to wait for our bulbs to blow before we send our Toshiba in for the firmware upgrade?

Please, can you post the version # and date of the firmware release your MT700 has been uploaded?

You said in a previous post of yours that Toshiba has issued a hardware upgrade kit made of PSU, ballast and mainboard: is it for free, due to the bulb troubles? do they do this hard upgrade to everybody which make a request or only to those users who have had the bulb problem?

Thanks
Hi firefreak:

Do you have news? it would be great... thank you very much

From the PE7700 thread, Benq has posted on their website acknowledging the lamp problem, and that it can be "corrected or repaired" by their technicians. Hopefully Toshiba will follow suit with an official acknowledgment:

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

Do you all think Toshiba has the exact same fix as BenQ? In other words, does Toshiba have the same firmware upgrade and will they replace the same internal partes as BenQ?

You need to read the FAQ carefully. All that BenQ is promising to do is to "replace the lamp," and "update the firmware."

They have not claimed they will replace any parts.

They have said they aren't replacing any parts. Perhaps, but very unlikely, Tosh has different parts that do need to be replaced. Perhaps they tried replacing parts to accomplish what BenQ did with the new lamp and firmware. In any case I think you should get your projectors updated.
warren

When my 2nd replacement lamp failed about 3 weeks ago Toshiba had me send it to Tops, which updated the firmware when they replaced the lamp. I'd venture a guess that I already have the "official" fix. Brenda from Tops confirmed nothing else was done. Certainly no other parts were replaced.

When my 2nd replacement lamp failed about 3 weeks ago Toshiba had me send it to Tops, which updated the firmware when they replaced the lamp. I'd venture a guess that I already have the "official" fix. Brenda from Tops confirmed nothing else was done. Certainly no other parts were replaced.

I am thinking of sending mine in. Do you see a noticeable difference in the picture, and about how long did it take?

I sent it on Monday and got it back Thursday of the same week. I use the settings that MikeSRC posted a while back -- standard mode, increasing gamma on each color to 71, and selecting the warm color setting, then backing down from red gain a few notches. Applying that to the new firwmare the picture looks the same -- which is to say very good.

I'm hoping somebody with some test equipment with either a mt700 or the pe7700 can post a review and recommended settings after getting the new firmware.

Send your projectors in. Send them in now. Call Toshiba and tell them you're unhappy with the projector's performance and you know a bunch of people getting better picture quality. Don't lie. Stretch the truth. Get it in there!

Send your projectors in. Send them in now. Call Toshiba and tell them you're unhappy with the projector's performance and you know a bunch of people getting better picture quality. Don't lie. Stretch the truth. Get it in there!

Why? Is the picture better?

The new firmware gives a picture as if you had the projector calibrated. I had to switch my black level to 7.5, but that may have been my dvd I hear. The picture looks amazing now. I was suprised a firmware update could make it look so much better. I guess I should have had it calibrated before. If you have had it calibrated it won't help that I guess. There is some guess that the new firmware helps bulb life though.
Warren.

Warren, are your results with one of the pre-defined settings? I didn't see a change with my updated firmware when using my user-defined settings (and then a calibration with AVIA).

Yes, with the projector just how it came from the factory it looked better than before. The improvement would be for those of us who don't calibrate. I am sure I am not the only one.
Warren.

I don't have a MT-700 but I do have the MT-200 but there was no forum on that so I'm posting my quesion here. I have had my projector for awhile shooting the picture on my wall. I recently bought a 92" fixed frame screen. To make a long story short, the left side of the picture is about 1/2" shorter (top to bottom) than the right side. The top of the picture is level, and I can match up three of the four corner's on the screen but the bottom left is killing me. Any idea's on how to fix this?
PS. it is ceiling mounted.

You are aiming the projector a bit right of center. Rotate the projector to the left till the two sides are the same height then adjust the screen again.
Warren.

Steve,
With the new firmware, are you still using "Japan" setting in the user menu?

Thanks Warren I will try that.

Jeff, I use only the HDMI connection. Having said that, I had previously changed the setting from US to Japan with a component connection. The same setting "stuck" with the new firmware.

What's interesting now is that there is a new "HDMI" set up option, where you can choose from either a HDMI or DVI input signal. Choosing DVI increased black level quite a bit, and would have required a new calibration. The HDMI setting (which is how it came back to me) appeard to be equal to how it was previously. Both my HD and DVD signal are DVI, but again the HDMI selection looked best.

That's unusual.. Why would there be a difference at all between the two transmission/connection standards?

Oh this black level issue just gets more and more complicated.

Digital video uses two black standards (not to be confused with the 0 IRE and 7.5 IRE black level issue). One standard is for computers and uses digital luminance levels 0-255 to define full black to full white; the second is for video, which uses digital luminance levels 16-235 for full black to full white.

As indicated by their names, digital video black levels (16-235) match HDTV and DVD video and PC is for computer images (D-OH!).

More advanced projectors allow you to select between video and PC black levels.

The Optoma H78 and H79 has this feature with the HDMI connection, but they hide it in the re-sync button. Hit the re-syn once and you get digital video black levels (16-235); hit re-sync again and you get PC black levels (0-255). As a result, customers were always changing their black levels and messing up their images until they learned about this "feature."

My educated guess is that the HDMI setting is for digital video black levels because the DVI connection originated, and will remain, in the computer domain.

Thanks Kevin, that make's sense.

Hi all,

I was finally able to get Toshiba to buy my TDP-MT700 projector back after they were unable to replace my lamp after 4 months of trying. The funniest thing happend last week, a Lamp which I order in October arrived at my house!

1 month after I returned my projector!

So, instead of returning it I thought I would offer it for sale here for what I paid for it $479 plus $15 for shipping.

It is still in the original Toshiba Box. It is a TLPLMT70 from Toshiba America Consumer Products.

Please Email me at boweryboy@yahoo.com. I prefer Paypal for payment.


Hopefully I can help someone out here who may be waiting on a lamp for their TDP-MT700 like I was.

I'd return it if I were you.

Why would someone pay $500 for a lamp that may last 100 hours?

Hi all,

I was finally able to get Toshiba to buy my TDP-MT700 projector back after they were unable to replace my lamp after 4 months of trying.

They never got you a lamp? They've sent me two, no questions asked.

They never got you a lamp? They've sent me two, no questions asked.They sent me one and I bought one. I totally forgot I bought this one until it showed up. I have been out of the loop since I bought an Optoma (which is totally awesome!) so if the lamps are very available now forget it and I will try and return it. I was just trying to help.

I know I was just frustrated as hell when I could not get one and I would have paid 500 for a few hundred hours of usage when my toshiba was down for 4 months!

I have unfortunately joined the blown bulb club. i had about 225 hours on a 'new' designed bulb with the original firmware. I just called Toshiba and got the run-around that the bulb is out of warranty. I explained that I was aware this was a common problem and supposedly there was a fix involving firmware and maybe hardware but that didn't seem to help. I asked to speak with a supervisor and I am currently waiting for a callback. Does anyone have a Toshiba contact that I can calll directly to resolve this issue. It's amazing that after all these reports they still won't acknowledge the issue. Greatly appreciate anyone's help!

glowkiss, please see my response in the other thread you posted to. No need to ask in two places.

After talking with a 2nd CSR and his superviser toshiba asked me to send in my receipt and now they are shipping me another bulb. I explained to everyone that I was aware of all the issues with this projector and that supposedly there was a firmware update and possibly a hardware update to correct the bulb issues. No one new anything about the firmware or hardware updates. They are shipping me a newly designed bulb, even though i told them my current bulb was supposedly of the new design. oh well, at least I am getting a free bulb outside the warranty period. Guess I'll be going through this all over again when the next bulb blows, hopefully by then this problem will be cleared up with a well known fix.

Has anyone gotten BenQ to replace a spare lamp they bought for thier MT700? Mine blew at 95 hours while waiting for Toshiba to send me the "fixed" version. They want me give them the PE7700 Serial Number, which I don't have. I told them I was at work and would have to read it from the projector later, just so I could get a case number without calling in and having to listen to thier BenQ song again. I need some advice. BTW, Visual Apex told me to call BenQ.
-Tom

Can anyone cofirm that if I send my Toshiba projector back that I will even get the firmware updated???

Can anyone cofirm that if I send my Toshiba projector back that I will even get the firmware updated???

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.

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.

They're hamstrung by BenQ's lack of urgency to fix the 1 year old root problem causing the constant lamp failures. Heck, BenQ is expending engineering resources on the 7700's PQ firmware when they should be resolving its lamp problem. That ought to tell us where their priorities lie. :rolleyes: The updated PQ has already received a highly favorable review, so it will serve to move more projectors (to the uninformed and/or unsuspecting). Got to give their marketing department credit, even if their intentions are disingenuous.

Toshiba may have had a hammer with BenQ to get the problem diagnosed and resolved with at least the MT700, if not the 7700, but they lost pretty much any leverage they had when they dropped BenQ as an OEM supplier.

When I called in January after blowing my 2nd lamp, they wanted me to send the projector in, but I insisted to just send me the "new" lamp, because I knew there was a design change. At the time we were told that the bulb was the final fix not the projector. But from what is being said by BenQ, it looks to be at least a firmware update and new bulb together.
I too am getting upset with Toshiba... :mad:

-Tom

When mine went recently they asked me to send it to Tops electronics, which updated the firmware.

I was watching the PJ tonight and *poof* black screen. Green light on the PJ was still on but no picture. Turned off PJ, waited a while, then restarted PJ. The lamp came on but went out again after about 10 seconds. Green light still stayed on, but I already knew I had joined the blown bulb club. Just for fun, I waited a while and powered back up. No-go.

Call me "lucky" because I got significantly more hours than many other early bulb failures (but I'm still a good bit away from the rated life). I guess I can't complain too loudly, considering Toshiba's lamp performance reports thus far. :rolleyes:

With the number of hours on the lamp, I'm sure my chance of getting a replacement out of Toshiba is slim. (Doesn't hurt to ask though)

I will be requiring Toshiba to perform the firmware update, so it looks like Topps will be seeing my projector again. I'm having withdrawals already. :o

I was watching the PJ tonight and *poof* black screen. Green light on the PJ was still on but no picture. Turned off PJ, waited a while, then restarted PJ. The lamp came on but went out again after about 10 seconds. Green light still stayed on, but I already knew I had joined the blown bulb club. Just for fun, I waited a while and powered back up. No-go.

Call me "lucky" because I got significantly more hours than many other early bulb failures (but I'm still a good bit away from the rated life). I guess I can't complain too loudly, considering Toshiba's lamp performance reports thus far. :rolleyes:

With the number of hours on the lamp, I'm sure my chance of getting a replacement out of Toshiba is slim. (Doesn't hurt to ask though)

I will be requiring Toshiba to perform the firmware update, so it looks like Topps will be seeing my projector again. I'm having withdrawals already. :o

How many hours did you have on the lamp? (approximately)

How many hours did you have on the lamp? (approximately)


Just over 1200 I believe.

Man I hate this. Watching a 32" screen is weak! :(

Man I hate this. Watching a 32" screen is weak! :(

Amen! :p I had just turned on an NBA game in HD when my 4th lamp blew...32" in standard def just ain't the same!

I know what you mean. My wife totally complains of watching our 32" SDTV now, and even her friends that are regulars for Timberwolves' night are starting to get picky.. :)

Im on my second bulb and the other night noticed the screen flickering quite badly. Set the bulb to high mode and have watched it like that for 2 days, and still flickering!!!

Not good im expecting this one to blow again now and only 300 hours on it! this sucks and the UK toshiba people know nothing compared to what some of you are getting the US peeps to admit.

For those of you who sent your projector into TOPS - how long did it take for them to return it?

TOPS has been pretty good with returns, but I've found that I have to call them or I end up with a FEDEX note on my door. Their numbers are 978-374-9871 and 978-420-1085.

Now for my BIG news.


The Background:
My first lamp failed in July of '05 at 125 hours.
The 2nd lamp failed on 1/20/06 at 295 hours
The 3rd lamp just failed yesterday (2/27/06) at 86 hours

Resolution (maybe)
I called Toshiba today explained the situation mentioning that I had heard about the "fix" (psu/ballast....per firefreak) and demanded a supervisor. Five minutes later Toshiba tells me to FAX a copy of my sales receipt and they will provide a return of the PJ and issue me a FULL refund.

I can only guess that because of the FOUR times I've had to box this up and send it back since May and the tone that I used when I called ("Fix this F#$king thing!"), that Toshiba just decided at the moment to authorize the refund. They also may be implicitly nodding their concurrence that there is a big design flaw and just "throwing in the towel". I don't think that my threat to take them to court is what swayed them.

So, if all works out, I'll get a full refund. I won't believe it until I cash the check AND it doesn't bounce...hee hee.

So, I am in the market again for a PJ. I'm not sure if I want to look for a BENQ PE7700 (since I have a spare lamp), or an upgrade (INFOCUS 7810). Any ideas?

Chazmo, did Tops upgrade the firmware in January, or just replace the lamp?

I'm glad you're getting a refund. Is it for the full purchase price?

...So, I am in the market again for a PJ. I'm not sure if I want to look for a BENQ PE7700 (since I have a spare lamp), or an upgrade (INFOCUS 7810). Any ideas?

Please, tell us you're just joking about the BenQ 7700. :eek:

The new InFocus 76 should be out in a matter of weeks. It sounds like it will be worth the wait. After all, you have been without a projector numerous times anyways, as have many MT700 and PE7700 owners. ;)

Chazmo,

Did you say anything else to get them to give you a refund? If my next bulb goes I will ask for one as well.

[QUOTE=ssj2]Chazmo, did Tops upgrade the firmware in January, or just replace the lamp?
[QUOTE]

I'd like to know too. Toshiba is still denying there's a firmware upgrade, even when numerous AVS forum members have reported receiving an update after sending their PJ in for repair.

I've called Tops twice and they're supposed to be talking with the tech to see what the firmware update addresses. Honestly, if it doesn't address the bulb issue I'm not hung up on the getting the update; however, there's numerous reports that the firmware update helps. Read the BenQ FAQ on early bulb failure as an example.

Maybe I should ask Toshiba which option they'd like....1) upgrade my firmware and perform any "hot" fixes related to early bulb failure, or 2) I'll do it at my own expense and file a claim against Toshiba to recover the costs.

I have the extended bulb warranty through Repair Master, but they still think the bulb is under the 2 year PJ warranty. You would think they'd have this straight by now since I know for a fact mine is not the first to be replaced by their warranty.

Chazmo,

What is pretty good? Does that mean 2 weeks or 2 days?

I was just belchin' out loud about the 7700. Although I really did like the quality I got. BUT I really don't want to get into that "You better wait for this to come out in 2 months." I want to buy something that I know I can depend on. I can be jsut as happy with a 7205.

Now, concerning Toshiba. When the 2nd bulb failed in January, Toshiba told me that a firmware update had been performed and the bulb replaced.

Tops got the unit on a Tuesday and overnighted it back to me on Wednesday. Unfortunately, no one told me this until I called to check. By then I 'd had two visits while I wasn't home from FEDEX.

Maybe I hit Toshiba at the right time. I basically kept my anger in check, but as I explained it to the young lady, I started getting more and more enraged to the point that I dropped the F bomb and said that I would be calling the State Attorney General's office to communicate to them the issues I was having. It was at that point that she put me on hold to get her supervisor (after I demanded to speak to one). She then got back to me to tell me that they were refunding the FULL amount.

So far I'm having no luck locating a bulb. I thought the supply issue was fixed?? Everyone's saying backordered. I even tried to get a PE7700 bulb, but no luck there either.

I broke down and called Toshiba Direct, who transferred me to National Parts Depot. Seems that the PJ model TDP-MT700 doesn't exist in their system or on Toshiba's website.

I'm about ready to snap on Toshiba. :mad:

Mine is on the way back with upgraded firmware and a new bulb. Can anyone give us any information as to what the upgraded firmware does. I asked the representative at tops and she was clueless.

So far I'm having no luck locating a bulb. I thought the supply issue was fixed?? Everyone's saying backordered. I even tried to get a PE7700 bulb, but no luck there either.

I broke down and called Toshiba Direct, who transferred me to National Parts Depot. Seems that the PJ model TDP-MT700 doesn't exist in their system or on Toshiba's website.

I'm about ready to snap on Toshiba. :mad:

Yeah...at TOPS they thought my projector was a TV???

Can someone tell me how to check the firmware version on my projector? Also, is the 48 the latest like the BenQ or is the Toshiba version named differently?

chazmo -- If I were in your shoes, I'd opt for the Optoma H78DC3 (it's better than the 7810, IMHO, and less money too). The AVS member that I bought my MT700 from, got the H78 and is real happy with it.

SJK, it's in the service menu, but I can't remember the exact menu option. Sorry I can't give more info, but I hope that helps guide you in the right direction.

The service menu access is "menu-up-down-up-down-up-down-menu".

I just checked my firmware, which was updated in January by Tops when they replaced my 2nd lamp. The version is "PLUS Version .029,A00 Released Date 7,19,2005.

I think you can also tell because the new firmware has two HDMI settings. Is that correct?

New design bulb blew over the weekend at under 200 hrs. Sending PJ to Tops today. This is trip number four. Man its getting old. This better be it.

Would think the firmware "upgrade" should be dated sometime around Dec/Jan since BenQ/Toshiba didn't even acknowledge a firmware fix till then.

Will report back with my edition date.

I think you can also tell because the new firmware has two HDMI settings. Is that correct?

Correct. Under HDMI there are two settings now. Also, there is an overscan setting in the regular menu.

Just called Toshiba support. This is my 3 blown lamp. They wanted me to send it in back in November but I said I wanted the new bulb because of the new design. This time I am sending it in. Here is the strange thing. They are sending me a new bulb to put in my projector so then I can send it in to TOPS with a new bulb. He also said put in a note of what's going on with mine. So I am going to add a note to upgrade the firmware! :D

-Tom Z

I am in the same situation -second blown light bulb and Toshiba is reviewing my stuff to send me a new light bulb before I can send my projector in. It seem a wasted step to me but what can I do. I am almost ready to throw in the towel and move on to another projector. Wonder can I sell this projector if I include 3 brand new light bulbs?

I just got mine back from TOPS. I sent mine in with a bad bulb. They returned it with a working (new?) one. Maybe TOPS is out of new bulbs. When i talked to the representative there they thought my projector was a TV. She also said that they were getting a lot of these back. I told her there was a manufacturing defect in these units - but she knew nothing about it.

That is just bizarre that Toshiba wants to send customer a new lamp and then send PJ to Tops. Toshiba has told me in the past that Tops takes care of this.

SJK, what is your firmware version?

I assume there is a shortage of lamps, especially with BenQ handing them out freely. Would you rather they send a lamp to TOPS and hope you get it before someone else? It is kinda sucky, but not the worst thing.
Warren.

Jeff,

I have not checked the service menu yet but it is the one with the two HDMI settings and the overscan setting. BTW what is that for?

overscan is for then you get static on the edges of your image (usually when watching sd material) it gets rid of that.
Warren.

Damn, I don't have an overscan setting from my trip to tops (2nd bulb awhile back). I asked them to update the firmware, but i guess the new one wasn't ready then. Oh well, time to take it down again :p

I don't want to speak for Tops here, nor do I want to put them on the hook for anything, but to hopefully answer some questions I'll relay what I found out while trying to find someone at Toshiba who could help me. During all of this, I actually called Tops and spoke with the (or one of the) Toshiba MT700 technicians. Between Tops and Toshiba, here's what I've gotten:

Toshiba still says there is no firmware update. In their eyes, this is probably true. If everyone here checks their firmware version the latest you'll find is probably around the July 2005 timeframe. The bulb problem was supposedly fixed with a new bulb design around October. Therefore, the firmware upgrade probably does not help the bulb failure problem. If there is a firmware newer than July, Toshiba and Tops are apparently not aware of it. The firmware update appears to be your standard "in process" update that manufacturers will pull over the life of a product.

If you need a new bulb, call Tops. Nobody seems to have them in stock and Toshiba's own authorized parts house (National Parts Depot) can't find anything on the MT700. When I talked to Tops last week, they had quite a few of the new style bulbs on hand.

I have it on good authority that the firmware update is user-installable if you know the correct process. Someday soon all AVSers who are interested may be able to upgrade their firmware to the latest on their own.

With that said, my PJ should be arriving in MA as we speak for delivery to Tops tomorrow morning. I've asked for the firmware upgrade (in spite of what I've learned) and for a complete check-out of the PJ for any other issues that might cause early bulb failure. I have to say that once I explained my situtation to Toshiba they were quite helpful in getting a case opened for me. I simply explained how unhappy I would be if I had to repeatedly buy bulbs every 8 months or so because they failed at 50% rated life. They were understanding and didn't give me any grief. I think I got lucky because it really seems to be luck of the draw on who you get to answer your call. Hopefully I'll get my PJ back later this week good as new. ;)

benchobi,

I hate to beat a dead horse here, but if the new firmware isn't supposed to do anything and the new bulb design is burning out just as early as the originals .... where does that leave us?

I Hopefully I'll get my PJ back later this week good as new. ;)

Hopefully, when I get mine back, it will be BETTER than new. :)

Wonder can I sell this projector if I include 3 brand new light bulbs?

I doubt it, but there is probably an excellent chance of you selling just the light bulbs. :)

Has anyone who has spoken to TOPS/Toshiba mentioned the BenQ FAQ stating that they are upgrading both bulb and firmware? If they are still scratching their heads at T/T, maybe this will help them understand that there is more to the picture than the lamps. Of course, we haven't yet established that the firmware is the fix either....

where does that leave us?

I wish I knew. I guess I'll be looking to upgrade the PJ when the Toshiba and Repair Master bulb warranties have run out.

Has anyone who has spoken to TOPS/Toshiba mentioned the BenQ FAQ

Anyone I talked to at Toshiba seemed to be reluctant to admit the MT700 = the PE7700. If I understood Tops correctly, they are aware of the BenQ FAQ and they're trying to get a response from Toshiba based on the FAQ.

Based on this and the PE77000 thread, Toshiba/Tops does not have the latest firmware upgrade so I can pretty much guarantee at least one more visit to Tops. Will try for refund should this next lamp blow.

In meantime will monitor the other thread to see if indeed the BenQ .48 version upgrade works.

Has anyone who has spoken to TOPS/Toshiba mentioned the BenQ FAQ stating that they are upgrading both bulb and firmware? If they are still scratching their heads at T/T, maybe this will help them understand that there is more to the picture than the lamps. Of course, we haven't yet established that the firmware is the fix either....

They should. I sent a COPY of the web page into TOPS when I sent my projector in. It was stapled to the letter explaining the problem with the burnt out bulb and requesting the latest firmware upgrade.

If they aren't upgrading firmware why is Tosh sending people bulbs BEFORE they go to tops for the firmware? Sounds like an aweful mess. The BenQ firmware upgrade is dated jun 06??? Back to the future I guess.
Warren.

They should. I sent a COPY of the web page into TOPS when I sent my projector in. It was stapled to the letter explaining the problem with the burnt out bulb and requesting the latest firmware upgrade.

I'm going to do the exact same thing; and will encourage others to do this as well. The last thing we need is ignorance of an available firmware upgrade to prolong this situation.

I'm also not certain if I believe the reports that actual service techs have spoken with owners of these projectors regarding specifics such as firmware upgrades. If I were a skilled tech, I would much rather be working on hardware than trying to talk down some upset customer. :) I'm not suggesting that our fellow forumites weren't told that they were talking to the real expert; just that it may have been the janitor, intern or bosses kid being given something to keep them out of the way.

I'm also not certain if I believe the reports that actual service techs have spoken with owners of these projectors regarding specifics such as firmware upgrades. If I were a skilled tech, I would much rather be working on hardware than trying to talk down some upset customer. :) I'm not suggesting that our fellow forumites weren't told that they were talking to the real expert; just that it may have been the janitor, intern or bosses kid being given something to keep them out of the way.

That might be the case if you were dealing with Toshiba, but Tops is a 3rd party service center who Toshiba chose to be their authorized repair center.

I can tell you that either I talked to a technician or someone else who was very knowledgeable about the MT700. I doubt a janitor could hold a conversation very well where the subject involved how to build a cable and flash the EEPROM with an updated firmware, along with various other topics which require in-depth knowledge of the product.

I also doubt the boss’ kid would be able to tell you how to disassemble the lens barrel to clean dust out of the light path. I believe another forum member received instructions on how to do this from Tops.

A company with a good customer service attitude will certainly allow a skilled tech to take 10 minutes out of his day to assist a customer who has technical questions. :)

I am a senior software developer for my company. On occasion I do talk directly to customers. I think it is good to be in touch with customers once an a while. My supervisor doesn't like it much, but I am in the school of thinking the customer should be made happy and not just the stockholder. That is the failing of the stock market. Forcing short minded management to think only about the bottom line.
Warren.

well fellas, i am back. My new design bulb has just blown under the same ~150 hr range. This was my 4th bulb. I will be calling toshiba tomorrow and wont be as polite anymore, going to get my money back one way or another.

this piece of crap...

well fellas, i am back. My new design bulb has just blown under the same ~150 hr range. This was my 4th bulb. I will be calling toshiba tomorrow and wont be as polite anymore, going to get my money back one way or another.

this piece of crap...

Did you have the new firmware installed?

Good god! It seems like this is getting worse, not better. I'm starting to be paranoid now. I'm well out of both the 90 day and 500 hour warranty on my 3rd lamp, so maybe I'm ok. Sounds like I'm still one of the only Tosh owners to have the ballast replaced, hope that means something.

benchobi,
If you got such info from your conversation with a tech, can you post some details about what updating firmware requires?

...Sounds like I'm still one of the only Tosh owners to have the ballast replaced, hope that means something...

How much you wanna bet that is what ultimately must be done with all of the 700/7700's in order to fix the problem once and for all??

Spiky,
At this point there maybe a corrulation between ballast replacement and bulb life. I do not know of anyone else who has reached the 500 hr. mark.

Spiky,
At this point there maybe a corrulation between ballast replacement and bulb life. I do not know of anyone else who has reached the 500 hr. mark.

This is something I've thought about before. From a statistical standpoint we forum members likely represent a small fraction of MT700 owners -- especially those of us who continue to post vs. all those originally involved in this thread.

Something we'll never know is how many people have had no problems with their lamps. (I'm not suggesting there are many). Conversely, there are likely many more people who don't read the forums and purchased replacement lamp(s) already, not knowing of a defect, and assuming no help would come from Toshiba as they were outside the lamp warranty.

I pity those possibly having purchased 2-3 lamps in the past 8-10 months. You think there are people angry at Toshiba in this forum, with Tops replacing at no charge each and every time!

Tops has been stellar. I pity those people as well - the must be steaming mad. The BIG question remains - how long can the status quo go on?

Tops has been stellar. I pity those people as well - the must be steaming mad. The BIG question remains - how long can the status quo go on?

That is the $100k question.

In the meanwhile, how about this: http://www.audioholics.com/news/pressreleases/toshibaET20projectorDVD.php
Tosh launching a new DLP PJ (no resolution announced) with Realta's HQV chip plus integrated dvd player and 5.1 processing for U$ 1.900,00...

There is already a topic for that new Toshiba projector. As I stated there, this is big news that Toshiba is "getting back into" the HT projector market, assuming they ever officially left it.

The resolution of the new projector, according to the other discussion, is 852x480 or 856x480.

The Toshiba CSR told me to send my MT700 into:
Toshiba LCD Projector
105 Ward Hill Ave.
Haverhill, MA 01832

Is this right? "LCD"?

-tom

The Toshiba CSR told me to send my MT700 into:
Toshiba LCD Projector
105 Ward Hill Ave.
Haverhill, MA 01832

Is this right? "LCD"?

-tom

That is TOPS and it is where I sent mine. They received it on a Mon. ad I got it back on that Fri. with a new bulb and upgrded firmware.

Thanks.
They told me to wait and send it in to them with a new bulb. So I am sending mine in a few minutes.
-tom

The Toshiba CSR told me to send my MT700 into:
Toshiba LCD Projector
105 Ward Hill Ave.
Haverhill, MA 01832

Is this right? "LCD"?

-tom

That's the address I just sent mine to as well. I asked the Toshiba rep "do you really mean LCD since this is a DLP?" He confirmed that as correct. They should have mine Monday morning. I'm anxious to get it back.

.....just that it may have been the janitor, intern or bosses kid being given something to keep them out of the way.

Okay, it looks like a few folks may have taken this way too literally.... My point (poorly expressed as it may have been) is that we can't necessarily take something that someone at TOPS told us over the phone as the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. The forums are littered with instances of people being given sunny scenarios that we all KNOW are not correct. The same could certainly be true of negative scenarios such as "firmware? what firmware??" :D

There is already a topic for that new Toshiba projector. As I stated there, this is big news that Toshiba is "getting back into" the HT projector market, assuming they ever officially left it.

The resolution of the new projector, according to the other discussion, is 852x480 or 856x480.


I'm very very curious how basic the feature set of the HQV chip is in there to hit the price point they did. I would love to see MT700 image quality/resolution backed up by HQV. Oh yes.

benchobi, If you got such info from your conversation with a tech, can you post some details about what updating firmware requires?

Honestly, I didn't ask the details of how to update the firmware. I asked if firmware update addressed the bulb issue and the person I talked to was pretty sure the answer is "no" due to the timing of the new design bulb release as compared to the latest firmware release they have at Tops. I also asked if there is a hardware update associated with the firmware update as speculated earlier in this thread. I was told that no hardware change is required and an end user with the firmware, comm cable, and correct "flash loader" software could install the firmware. I would have been glad to update the firmware myself and save Toshiba the shipping and service fee, but since they chose not to provide the info on how to do this, I had no choice but to send the PJ to Tops.

On another note, I just re-installed my PJ (sent off on Monday and received back today - nice!). I have a new design bulb and updated firmware. Firmware revision is now "PLUS Version 0.29, A00" dated July 19, 2005.

Now let's see how long this lasts.......hopefully until a 1080P projector hits my budget range. :)

I still cant get hold of a manager at toshiba. Everytime he/she is "on the phone" or they will call you back, which of course never happens.

Will give it another week, then going to file for small claim in nj court. I have all my blown bulbs, receipt, their ad about how long the bulb suppose to last, will print copies of this thread and the mt700 lamp thread and go from there.

SJK, no i did not have the new firmware ugrade and i am not jumping through anymore hoops for the "possibility" it will fix the issue. First there was bad batch of lamps, then there was new redesign, now firmware upgrade. All bunch of BS to drag out your warranty. If toshiba really wanted to fix the problem, they would ask you to send in the projector and do a complete hardware upgrade/replacement.

As a programmer, I have no illusions all those fixes so far are just for PR. If your computer randomly crashes due to cpu/motherboard conflict, no matter how you code your software(or replace the cooling fan) it will do absolutely nothing until you replace your mobo. This is what toshiba is doing - releasing some firmware that oo made the color look better, and shut everyone up for another 3 months (when the lamps start blowing up again) by giving us some false hope it will fix the issue. THINK ABOUT IT, how could a software upgrade fix this kind of hardware issue.

ok sorry, /rant off

I would like to post some settings I took from the service menu thermal test. How do these compare to those of you with the new and older firmware?

Firmware: Plus Version 0.29, A00 7-19-05
Main: +25, +1600
DMD: 0, 0
Blower: +31, +3150
Power: +26, +1550
Inlet Temp.: +2300
Ballast Temp.: +5825

These were taken after watching a movie for about an hour.

PJ returned from Tops yesterday, having mailed it Monday. New lamp and firmware. PQ looks great. Lamp timer on zero. Just have too wait and see.

SJK, those ballast temps, etc. are unchanged from the old firmware. Will monitor mine and post if different (unlikely).

Jeffcom - what is the date on your firmware?

I am not sure if this has been answered, can anyone shed some light on whether the Toshiba Firmware: Plus Version 0.29, A00 7-19-05 is the firmware FIX that BenQ is claiming? I am having trouble understanding the 7-19-05 date and when I spoke with Toshiba they seemed clueless.

BenQ firmware update is .48 version according to the thread. My version is the same as SJK. I think the Toshiba firmware is not as current as BenQ. Would like to see the ballast temps on a PE7700 with their new firmware to compare. No change to Toshibas ballast temp.

I just emailed Toshiba and asked for a public acknoledgment of the lamp problem, and whether or not the Plus Version 0.29, A00 7-19-05 firwmare is a fix. And, if not, what their intended solution is. I also wrote TOPS to ask if the firwmare was an intended fix.

I spoke to Brenda at Tops on 3/8. A tech by the name of Tom was suppose to call me back on the very issue Steve has inquired about, but he never made the call.

Steve, hope you are successful in getting through.

My PJ will arrive at Tops tomorrow. In addition to the note explaining my problem, I also attached a printout of the BenQ "FAQ" page and stated in my letter that BenQ has been claiming that a firmware upgrade is necessary to fix the lamp problem. I'll follow up with a phone call on Tuesday if someone can provide me with their phone number.

Since I'm sending it in, I also asked them to clean some dust blobs and try to remedy a darker line along the upper portion of the left edge of the image. I haven't heard this reported here, but it almost looks like some delamination along the edge of a mirror. The image is still there, just not as bright. I am looking forward to getting it back - fixed or just patched.... :)

NMJack,
Tops number is 800-972-8677. Press 0, then 0 again. You should be connected to Brenda. She will have to refer you to a tech.
Good luck.

I just emailed Toshiba and asked for a public acknoledgment of the lamp problem, and whether or not the Plus Version 0.29, A00 7-19-05 firwmare is a fix. And, if not, what their intended solution is. I also wrote TOPS to ask if the firwmare was an intended fix.

Please let us know what you hear. I certainly hope we are or will be included in the fix.

Well, I guess I'm kind of lucky. After the third lamp failure (86 hours) I called to ask for a supervisor. I explained to the rep. that I was sick and tired of mailing this thing in, that I knew there was a ballast/PSU issue causing the lamp to fail, and that I was prepared to go to my State's Attorney General's office to report Toshiba as being non-responsive to a fatal engineering flaw in the PJ. I also told them that I would refer the appropriate officals to the numerous threads talking about the lamp failures.

After being put on hold for five minutes, Toshiba immediately authorized a return with a full refund. So they've issued me an RA number (they call it an MC #) and sent me a label with "Refund" annotated on it.

Based upon some reviews and a good deal, I switched to an LCD (please don't hurt me, DLP enthusiasts). I bought a Sanyo Z4 for a great price from a vendor listed on this site. It has a 3 year warranty, a rebate for a free lamp and was $800 cheaper. I'm very pleased with the performance and compared to DLP, the contrast is acceptable (to my eyes). The review on Projectorcentral (http://www.projectorcentral.com/sanyo_plv-z4.htm) along with the shootout with an Optima H79 (http://www.projectorcentral.com/plv-z4_h79.htm) was impressive also. :)

Good for you chazmo. If my 2nd replacement lamp fails I'll be asking for a refund as well.

I think we all will be. I wonder why they are not employing the FIX like BenQ. Don't you think Toshiba knows there is a problem and if they do, that they would get the FIX from the OEM?

It make no sense for them to be upgrading firmware to new firmware that has the same problem???

It make no sense for them to be upgrading firmware to new firmware that has the same problem???

Remember.....most reports indicate Toshiba is not acknowledging there is a firmware update. I had to call three times and finally got someone who was willing to open a case for me to send my PJ in for an update. The scoop I got was that Tops has the July 2005 firmware and as a customer courtesy they'll update the firmware while the PJ is in the shop.

If Jeffcom or NMJack get to talk to Tom maybe they'll relay back what they hear. Should be the same thing I heard since it's coming from the same source. :)

FWIW,

I just got off the phone with Tosh CS. I informed them that my 3rd lamp had blown, the CSR acknowledged that there was a bulb problem (duh! note the was though) and asked if I wanted to send it in to their repair facility which "specializes" in fixing these. I told the CSR that others had sent them in with no fix, and that I didn't want to deal with it anymore and that I wanted a refund.

CSR said he had all the info needed (I'd been through CS twice already with other bulbs) and he would note my 3rd bulb blew and forward it to the returns department and that I should expect a phonecall in two business days.

We'll see.

Good luck, Stranger....crossing my fingers.

does anyone know if you are suppose to get a rma # before you send it to tops for servicing? all i got was the fedex account and shipping address. Kind strange i didnt get an RMA #

also does anyone know tops phone number?

The CSR got me with "if you never sent it in how do you know our tech cannot fix it?" so the deal is i will send it to tops to get fixed, if it blows up again i will get the refund.

gaga

You won't necessarily get an RMA # when sending to Tops, just make sure you have the tracking info.

Now:

Courtesy of Jeffcom:
Tops number is 800-972-8677. Press 0, then 0 again. You should be connected to Brenda. She will have to refer you to a tech.

Now, about the problem, this is from a post that firefreak submitted:
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.

does anyone know if you are suppose to get a rma # before you send it to tops for servicing? all i got was the fedex account and shipping address. Kind strange i didnt get an RMA #

also does anyone know tops phone number?

The CSR got me with "if you never sent it in how do you know our tech cannot fix it?" so the deal is i will send it to tops to get fixed, if it blows up again i will get the refund.

gaga

Your situation leads me to wonder if they are fixing these without telling us what they are doing. In other words, maybe they are replacing parts and not telling us. They say they are going to fix it but they are replacing bulbs with new bulbs that reportedly also fail and they are upgrading our firmware to a pre-fix version. I just do not get this????

There is the chance that Toshiba has this figured out better than BenQ and are actually fixing something. For whatever reason, they may feel it is just better for their image to play it low key and quietly make the fix. I will admit that when I called to report my latest problem, they seemed to have a scripted response strongly encouraging me to send the PJ to TOPS for them to "look at."

Your situation leads me to wonder if they are fixing these without telling us what they are doing. In other words, maybe they are replacing parts and not telling us. They say they are going to fix it but they are replacing bulbs with new bulbs that reportedly also fail and they are upgrading our firmware to a pre-fix version. I just do not get this????

sjk, it's all smoke. They just want to drag this out and hope the next time you call it wont be him answering the phone. My conversation went something like this:

me: Sending it to tops is useless, all they do is replace the bulb not the cause of the issue, you and i both know that..

csr: how do you know it wont get fixed if you didnt send it in? i am not doing a refund until you send the unit in and let our tech look at it

me: just do search on google: mt700 lamp/bulb failure, or look at avsforum's mt700 thread

csr: internet are not reliable source of info

me: yes but dont you think when you get 10 pages of hits on google and almost every mt700 users on avsforum posting about blown bulb, there MIGHT be something wrong with this model?

csr: there are also 500 people who posted they saw elvis on the internet. Sir it's not a reliable source of info, there is nothing wrong with mt700. Send in your unit and we will find out what's wrong with yours

basically every response to my argument is sending your unit to get look at first. And since i havent done it yet, i decided just to give up and send it in ONE LAST TIME as the conversation was not going anywhere.

gaga

Well, this is my first time sending it to TOPS, but I must admit it was remarkably easy. There's a FedEx facility in my area and I've saved a Word file with the to/from info for a large Avery label. From now on, I plan to send it in every chance I get. Either they'll fix it or give up and buy it back. At this point, I'm good either way.

gaga,

That's my point. For what reason would they want to see it if they weren't going to try to fix it? Maybe they know or are doing something they are not disclosing.

sjk, it's all smoke. They just want to drag this out and hope the next time you call it wont be him answering the phone. My conversation went something like this:

me: Sending it to tops is useless, all they do is replace the bulb not the cause of the issue, you and i both know that..

csr: how do you know it wont get fixed if you didnt send it in? i am not doing a refund until you send the unit in and let our tech look at it

me: just do search on google: mt700 lamp/bulb failure, or look at avsforum's mt700 thread

csr: internet are not reliable source of info

me: yes but dont you think when you get 10 pages of hits on google and almost every mt700 users on avsforum posting about blown bulb, there MIGHT be something wrong with this model?

csr: there are also 500 people who posted they saw elvis on the internet. Sir it's not a reliable source of info, there is nothing wrong with mt700. Send in your unit and we will find out what's wrong with yours

basically every response to my argument is sending your unit to get look at first. And since i havent done it yet, i decided just to give up and send it in ONE LAST TIME as the conversation was not going anywhere.

gaga

It sounds like they were given some script to follow so you would send in the projector. I have done tech support. That whole internet rebuttal from Toshiba sounds a little to "smart" for a tech person to belt out. So either they have talked to other MT700 users and this is this person's line or they were told to counter act the whole "check the internet" that people will give them. I bet they don't want any refunds and this is the only way to get us to send it in for a "fix".
If that is the case, let's hope it is the final fix. I am. I sent mine in 3 days ago.
And I never got an RMA number, they were adament about me putting a description of the problem and the reciept in the box.
-tom

Well im just about to put my 3rd New Bulb into this unit. I contacted Tosh UK 01/03/06 about the bulb flickering like mad and that i expected it to blow like the last one did any day. Without a second though i was told a new bulb would be on its way to me.

I said just replacing bulbs every 3 months isnt going to hel;p with all these listed problems and so i was told he would refer it to a Tech.
Yesterday this Tech rang me and told me it was a bulb issue and that i would receive a NEW DESIGN BULB. (3 months ago they hadnt heard of these). I told him about the psu/ballast probs and firmware update, and he hadnt heard anything about that at all. Again he said i probably knew more about this unit than he did, which isnt encouraging at all!!!

Anyway he said that this should cure it and that if it happened again in the next few months he would look at it again then!!!

...... guess ill play the waiting game again huh!!

gaga,

That's my point. For what reason would they want to see it if they weren't going to try to fix it? Maybe they know or are doing something they are not disclosing.

they are not doing this to try fix it, but to drag it out further. They will put in a new bulb and send it back to you. It will buy toshiba another 2-3 months, and this will continue until you are out of warranty.

although i hope you are right, but chances of them actually trying to fix the cause is very slim.

they are not doing this to try fix it, but to drag it out further. They will put in a new bulb and send it back to you. It will buy toshiba another 2-3 months, and this will continue until you are out of warranty.

although i hope you are right, but chances of them actually trying to fix the cause is very slim.

Then why don't they just send us the bulb? It would be a lot cheaper than next day FedEx freight back and forth.

Then why don't they just send us the bulb? It would be a lot cheaper than next day FedEx freight back and forth.

because that will not give them the excuse not to refund my money. Right now the excuse is "why dont you send in your projector so we can fix it + how do you know we cant fix it if you never sent it in".

If they just offered to send me another bulb, i would said we alread tried that 3 times and it didnt work, now give me my money. If you scroll above, those who got their refunds back had already sent in their projectors multiple times so toshiba had no excuse not to refund left.

That's the mistake i made, should asked to send in my projector every time instead of just letting them give me a bulb.

Also dont assume the CSR actually cares about the cost. They care more about not be the person on record for doing the refund. If a csr issues too many refund, i bet he/she will be under review. Sending projectors back & forth using toshiba's fedex account cost them nothing.

More of my two cents:

Firefreak says (and I believe it) that it is way cheaper to replace a bulb, then larger internal components like a PSU or ballast. The jaded part of me would believe that they'd rather string it out hoping that the warranty would expire so they could say TFB. Just MHO.

I sent my PJ back three times and this would have been #4. I think my tone AND hitting the right combination of CS people at Toshiba at the right time got me out of this nightmare.

hey chazmo, do you know when they are sending you the check, pls let us know when you have the check in hand.

I don't see how the expiration of the projector warranty will make any difference. They have two blown bulbs on record from me before the expiration of the projector warranty and both after the expiration of the bulb warranty. I think they will have a tough road saying that this problem is a POST warranty issue when they have had all of the problems PRIOR to the end of the warranty. I think those that think the end of the warranty will make a difference are wrong.

I just emailed Toshiba and asked for a public acknoledgment of the lamp problem, and whether or not the Plus Version 0.29, A00 7-19-05 firwmare is a fix. And, if not, what their intended solution is. I also wrote TOPS to ask if the firwmare was an intended fix.

Here's the response I just received from Tops. The email was signed, but I'm not going to give the person's name (it wasn't Brenda).

"The firmware version you received (Plus version .029,A00) is the latest version supplied to us by Toshiba. I do not believe it is intended to remedy any problems with the lamp. Toshiba has indicated to us that the premature lamp failure problem was due to defective lamps. All MT700 lamps we have installed since the end of December 2005 have been the new improved version.

I have already forwarded the "lamp fix" information from BENQ & forums to Toshiba, and have not yet gotten any new resolutions. "

By the way, I do not believe Toshiba is stringing us along until our warranties run out. Many of the lamps they have replaced have been outside the lamp warranty.

gag,

I've been told that the process will take about 4 weeks once they receive the PJ to check issuance. We shall see.

SJK,

You are probably right. If it is indeed documented that there was a prior issue, I guess they will have to own up to it and do the right thing even if the warranty is expired. But by then, some folks might be ready to upgrade anyway, since the technology is moving so fast. ;)

The warranty states 2 years from original purchase. If they are stringing us along, it's a very long string. If, heaven fordid, that it is not resolved a year from now, I would still have 3 months left of the warranty. I would then ask for my money back, if chazmo really gets a refund. By that time, my $2500 would go a long way to buy another projector.
-tom

Toshiba has indicated to us that the premature lamp failure problem was due to defective lamps. All MT700 lamps we have installed since the end of December 2005 have been the new improved version.


And we already know the new lamp design didnt fix a damn thing. Another indication they are just patching instead of fixing. (not directed at you ssj2 just in general)

Guys, by dragging out the warranty i dont mean at 12 midnight the day your warranty expires toshiba will say "go away" They are hoping to keep replacing the bulbs up to a point when owners stop going back. That's a proven market trend especially in the electronic area, sure there will be a few persistent individuals (like us) who will keep going back. But the overall picture will look something like (just made up #s to illustrate my point): 1 year from now, RMA regarding mt700 will be at 70% of current volume, 2 years 40%, 3 years 20% etc. It will die down, and the more refund they can avoid along the way, the better.

on an unrelated note, i learned my lesson of never buying expensive items without using my amex card..

Well got a call from a supervisor (or something). Not surprising but the refund wasn't going to happen. Considering my PJ had never been in, I'm not surprised, and not really complaining either.

So as of about 6 CST it's off to MA, will be there in the morning per FedEx. Supposedly 24hr turn around so hopefully it will be back Friday. And hopefully it will have a new PSU/Ballast since "they test the whole thing".

We'll see. If/when it dies again, this way they'll not have much recourse. That or I'll be a happy camper with a properly functioning MT700.

Can you guys recall - have there been any reports of failures AFTER a projector has been in to TOPS?

Can you guys recall - have there been any reports of failures AFTER a projector has been in to TOPS?

My PJ went to Tops three times:
1. May '05 to fix stuck mirrors (dead pixels)
2. July '05 to replace first failed lamp
3. Jan '06 to replace second failed lamp (they also did a firmware update)

Then the 3rd bulb failed and that was all she wrote. :)

on an unrelated note, i learned my lesson of never buying expensive items without using my amex card..

I agree. With the small number of us complaining, they will drag it out.
I bought mine on my credit card too. I believe they have the "double the warranty" on it and other stuff. But also, if I or we, don't get some satisfaction from Toshiba, either in a properly running projector or a refund, can't we go to our credit card company and get a refund or anything like that? I have never done it, I have only heard about people doing it with other purchases.

-tom

on an unrelated note, i learned my lesson of never buying expensive items without using my amex card..

How would Amex protect you in this case? Are you thinking of the +1 year extended warranty Amex provides?

I happened to buy mine on an Amex and want to make sure I'm aware of all the benefits.

I don't think the idea that we will eventually "go away" is accurate. Most of us paid in excess of $2000 for these projectors and if/when we have to start forking out $400 per bulb every couple hundred hours - they (Toshiba) will have some IRATE customers. NOT customers that will go away. $400 is enough to get any of us upset.

Question - are the new bulbs made in Germany?

Another update from Tops. I just got this follow up today:

"I was told today by Toshiba that the firmware countermeasure from BENQ does not apply to the MT700.:

I wrote back asking whether Toshiba felt the new firmware wasn't necessary and/or if they were using a different lamp (since Tops said the lamps since Dec. were new).

For those keeping score, I've had two responses from Tops already, and none from Toshiba.

Another update from Tops. I just got this follow up today:

"I was told today by Toshiba that the firmware countermeasure from BENQ does not apply to the MT700.:

I wrote back asking whether Toshiba felt the new firmware wasn't necessary and/or if they were using a different lamp (since Tops said the lamps since Dec. were new).

For those keeping score, I've had two responses from Tops already, and none from Toshiba.

I don't mean this for you ssj2 - but what does that mean? That is just more vague information that tells us nothing. Does that mean the Toshiba doesn't have the same problem as the BenQ? Does it mean that the newer Toshiba firmware does the same thing as the newest BenQ firmware? Does it mean that the bulb alone will solve the Toshiba problem....?

well sjk, you already know what i think it means but lets not beat a deadhorse :)

about the amex card, yes i am talking about doubling your warranty. So if you purchased your projector and it fails after the toshiba warranty, wouldnt amex cover it? never had to do it myself either, but that's what the card said..

anyone have experience with the amex double warranty feature?

Another update from Tops. I just got this follow up today:

"I was told today by Toshiba that the firmware countermeasure from BENQ does not apply to the MT700.:



That is interesting (if it's true). Despite the fact that these projectors are physically identical, it may be that both Toshiba and BenQ finalized their own firmware to make the Projectors behave the way their marketing folks were guiding them. I'm beginning to think that the original lamp failures were more a symptom than a root cause. They all failed at the top of the lamp (the weakest link). My first new lamp also failed, but the redesigned lead at the top of the lamp was still intact. That suggests that the new design just shifted the symptom to the next weakest link, which is apparently within the lamp itself. Does that make any sense?

That is interesting (if it's true). Despite the fact that these projectors are physically identical, it may be that both Toshiba and BenQ finalized their own firmware to make the Projectors behave the way their marketing folks were guiding them. I'm beginning to think that the original lamp failures were more a symptom than a root cause. They all failed at the top of the lamp (the weakest link). My first new lamp also failed, but the redesigned lead at the top of the lamp was still intact. That suggests that the new design just shifted the symptom to the next weakest link, which is apparently within the lamp itself. Does that make any sense?

It may. What are you getting at - that there were, in fact, 2 lamp re-designs?

It may. What are you getting at - that there were, in fact, 2 lamp re-designs?

It's probably just wishful thinking on my part, but that's how I read the most recent response from Tops.

It's probably just wishful thinking on my part, but that's how I read the most recent response from Tops.

ssj2,

Did they respond verbally or did they send you an e-mail. If it is an e-mail can you post their exact words?

It may. What are you getting at - that there were, in fact, 2 lamp re-designs?

No; actually I was approaching the conclusion that the lamp redesign failed to address the true root cause - thus its failure to really fix things. At this point, I haven't a clue what the real problem is. Maybe the revised firmware speeds up the fan, extends the cooldown period and slightly reduces lamp brightness. This could be the answer. On the other hand, maybe it is merely settings and features and does nothing to help. Time will tell.

ssj2,

Did they respond verbally or did they send you an e-mail. If it is an e-mail can you post their exact words?

They were emails, and my prior posts were their exact quotes -- added again below:

1st email) "The firmware version you received (Plus version .029,A00) is the latest version supplied to us by Toshiba. I do not believe it is intended to remedy any problems with the lamp. Toshiba has indicated to us that the premature lamp failure problem was due to defective lamps. All MT700 lamps we have installed since the end of December 2005 have been the new improved version.

I have already forwarded the "lamp fix" information from BENQ & forums to Toshiba, and have not yet gotten any new resolutions."

2nd email) "I was told today by Toshiba that the firmware countermeasure from BENQ does not apply to the MT700."

Hmmm. It sounds like I should go ahead and see if I can get one of the "new improved" replacement lamps. I wonder if their lamp still is the same as the "new" BenQ lamps, or if Tosh has a different version (or source) for them.

I bought my MT700 used, from an AVS member. He has said that he will help me any way he can, but Tosh may have different ideas, and I'm not sure that Warrantech has any idea which end is up.

Both my Oppo DVD player and Dishnetwork HD receiver's DVI outputs are connected to the HDMI input of the projector (with the appropriate cable) and work flawlessly.

I was at Best Buy yesterday and picked up a Toshiba 4980 HDMI player. The player's set-up screen came up instantly on the projector, and I was able to play my AVIA DVD & calibrate the input. However, when I tried to play any other DVD (all commercially produced), I would get flashing/scrolling blue horizontal bars on the screen, with no image.

I'm puzzled because I was able to get AVIA to play -- just nothing else. Although I could hear the audio. Is this an HDMI "handshake" issue", or was it a bad plaeyer (already returned). Any thoughts?

WOW. I sent my projector in Friday and got it today. It looks as if they upgraded the firmware, as I requested. But that looks about it. No notes or letters saying what they did. Well at least I gave them a chance to fix it. My note said I had 3 blown bulbs so please fix it. And also update firmware. I am being optimistic now. From other accounts, maybe there is a third version of the bulb. So this should be it. But this is definitely the first and last time I send it in for bulb issues. Good luck to everyone.

-tom

Tom - I would also like this to be my last time, but I intend to keep sending it back until it is either fixed once and for all or they give me my money back. At a certain point, it changes from an annoyance to a mission; and I intend to hammer it as long as necessary. I hope others do as well, so they can't at some point choose to bury their head in the sand.

Now that I have the new firmware with old psu/ballst. Should I run in high altitude or just leave it alone and run it normally? ie. high lamp, normal alt. What are others doing?

-tom

I'm with NMJack. Have just over one year left on the warranty so might as well use it. Besides the current comparable DLP PJ's have either a huge offset or are more expensive like the Infocus IN76. Am not ready to give up on my Toshiba nor ready to change my HT setup after just 11 months. If I wasn't so pleased with the damn PQ, would be a different story!

Tom, just leave fan on normal. Why tolerate the increase noise. Mine sounds like a "jet engine" in high altitude.

Mine should be back tomorrow. I'm just going to run it normal, and if it blows my 4th bulb after it's been in to Tosh, I'll be getting a refund.

I agree with Jeffcom and NMJack as well. Mine's a 7700 but it applies here I think. We should run it in the mode it was designed for and that suits us, unless of course you're in a high altitude situation. If it can't take it, it's a defect and should be rectified.

I ran my original lamps on economy, but they blew just the same. At this point, I may run in normal (high) just to see how it does. If it's going to blow anyways, I might be ahead of the game to have it happen sooner. Now that it's been to TOPS, I'm curious what Toshiba will say next time.

I really hate to report this, but my 3rd lamp just failed -- the one which was replaced in January. Toshiba wanted to send a new lamp, and when I got it I was to send the projector in to Tops to see if they can "fix" the problem.

I refused saying the projector was just at Tops, and unless Toshiba can tell me what Tops will be doing, I didn't want to run the risk of just getting the projector back with a new lamp -- again. Nothing against Tops. They're first rate.

After refusing to accept the proposed solution I am supposed to get a call back within a couple days from the "Pending Exchange Department" regarding my options. The CSR refused to state whether my options included a refund.

By the way, I run in economy mode and normal altitude.

I really hate to report this, but my 3rd lamp just failed -- the one which was replaced in January. Toshiba wanted to send a new lamp, and when I got it I was to send the projector in to Tops to see if they can "fix" the problem.

I refused saying the projector was just at Tops, and unless Toshiba can tell me what Tops will be doing, I didn't want to run the risk of just getting the projector back with a new lamp -- again. Nothing against Tops. They're first rate.

After refusing to accept the proposed solution I am supposed to get a call back within a couple days from the "Pending Exchange Department" regarding my options. The CSR refused to state whether my options included a refund.

By the way, I run in economy mode and normal altitude.

How many hours, and was firmware updated?

ssj2 - sorry to hear of your problem. You may wish to reconsider not sending it in to TOPS. None of us know where this will wind up, but I think we increase our chances for ultimate remedy (buy-back) each time we send it to TOPS. When Toshiba requests that we send it in for service, it is an indirect admission that there is a problem. In other words, I have a much stronger case for refund (or other remedy) if they have failed to fix it five times than if they fail once and I, in turn, fail to give them another chance. Mine just came back on Thursday (new firmware, blah, blah, blah...) and before I stored the box I patched it up and put another shipping lable for TOPS on it. Next failure, I just stick it in the box, wrap some tape around it and head for the fedex facility. I can call Toshiba on the way!

(reminder to self, set-up Toshiba's number for speed dial :) )

ssj2 - sorry to hear of your problem. You may wish to reconsider not sending it in to TOPS. None of us know where this will wind up, but I think we increase our chances for ultimate remedy (buy-back) each time we send it to TOPS. When Toshiba requests that we send it in for service, it is an indirect admission that there is a problem. In other words, I have a much stronger case for refund (or other remedy) if they have failed to fix it five times than if they fail once and I, in turn, fail to give them another chance. Mine just came back on Thursday (new firmware, blah, blah, blah...) and before I stored the box I patched it up and put another shipping lable for TOPS on it. Next failure, I just stick it in the box, wrap some tape around it and head for the fedex facility. I can call Toshiba on the way!

(reminder to self, set-up Toshiba's number for speed dial :) )

How sad that we are now relegated to finding faster and more efficient ways to get our projectors to and from Toshiba everytime they break.

SSJ2 - I hope they provide a speedy refund this time instead of hoping for another speady trip to and from TOPS.

How many hours, and was firmware updated?

About 80 hours on the lamp, and the firmware was updated when last in (jan). However, the Tech from tops said the firmware update was not for any lamp issues.

Mine's back, haven't tried it yet. How do you know what they did to it?

There was no indication of what they did to mine, other than the obvious -- replacing the lamp and updating the firwmare. I called to see if there was anything else done, and there wasn't.

Two questions:

1) Has anyone noticed bad macroblocking/false controuring/dithering in dark scenes with the new firmware?

2) Has anyone watched Zathura, does it have said problem?

I haven't noticed it on any other movie/DVD so I'm leaning toward a disc problem, but I've never seen anything like this, and the only reviews I can find of Zathura say it's a good encode...

:confused:

-edit

After playing a bit, it definitely looks like it's the projector... I took some screenshots (I drive it with my HTPC) and the screenshots don't show the macroblocking, so it's not the movie...

Well, that's not 100% true, on very close inspection, the macroblocking is there in the original, but it's very subtle, unlike via the 700 where it's plainly obvious (my dad noticed it even). It appears to be an interaction of the source with the new firmware.

My suspicion is that the gamma curve (for lack of a better term) has been changed in this firmware such that the steps at low levels are very large, which makes the subtle macroblocking in the tranfer plainly obvious on the screen.

So, the question is now...

Anybody got some tweaked settings for the new firmware? Are the originals posted from last year still the best advice?

I have the gamma for each color set at 71 -- MikeSRC's previous calibration posts indicated this was the correct gamma setting. After my firwmare was updated I did notice more macroblocking and dither than I previously had (even with the "correct" gamma and a calibration with AVIA).

I managed to resolve both the macroblocking and dither by reducing green offset from -1 to -2 or -3.

I'll have to give that a try.

Anyone have experience with the amex double warranty feature?
I used it to get my first replacement bulb. The bulb warranty is 90 days, and mine died after 4 months or so. I bought a new one from Visual Apex, and Amex credited the cost to my account after I faxed in some documentation.

Question - are the new bulbs made in Germany?
I think the "old design" ones were made in Germany, and my "new design" bulb was made in the Czech Republic. There are more details in the "Bulb Life III" topic.

You'll never guess what I got from FedEx today....

A lamp. Yup, I just got my PJ back from Tosh last friday with new lamp and firmware (presumably they "fixed" it), and today, I get a shiny new lamp. So now I've got 2 good lamps.

Go figure...

First post on the forum; but given that my second lamp blew out on Saturday and I spoke with Toshiba this morning, I thought I would throw in some feedback...

Bought the project in May of last year. The first bulb went out in August after about 200 hours of service. The second bulb died after roughly the same amount of service. I told the Toshiba CSR about the issue and about the background information I had gleened from this board.

He provided me with a Fedex number and asked me to ship it to TOPS. I expressed my doubts, given the fact that there doesn't seem to be a permanent fix available at this point. He said that they need to go through the process to try and fix it before considering a refund. I've got another 15 or so months of warranty left, so my guess is that it'll go down again before the warranty is up.

RCC

Why...why...why will they they not to grips with reality?

Why...why...why will they they not to grips with reality?

Toshiba is a big company. This may not get resolved until such point that the bean counters can demonstrate to the decision makers that we're spending $xx every month on failed service attempts and it would be smarter to just spend $yy to refund the small minority that still refuse to accept the status quo. It probably wouldn't hurt them to have the marketing types chiming in that the ill-will being generated is costing them $zz in future sales.

What can we do to help?? Just keep doing what we're doing: a) giving TOPS and FedEx plenty of business and b) keeping this and similar threads active. :)

I really hate to report this, but my 3rd lamp just failed -- the one which was replaced in January. Toshiba wanted to send a new lamp, and when I got it I was to send the projector in to Tops to see if they can "fix" the problem.

I refused saying the projector was just at Tops, and unless Toshiba can tell me what Tops will be doing, I didn't want to run the risk of just getting the projector back with a new lamp -- again. Nothing against Tops. They're first rate.

After refusing to accept the proposed solution I am supposed to get a call back within a couple days from the "Pending Exchange Department" regarding my options. The CSR refused to state whether my options included a refund.

By the way, I run in economy mode and normal altitude.

****I just received a call back from Toshiba and they will be refunding my purchase price. I already have the return autorization number.****

Congratulations Steve. Thanks for sharing the update. It's good to know that Toshiba will go to these lengths to take care of the situation. I think that helps the rest of us feel better about the situation. Personally, I will probably ride this horse a little longer before pushing for a refund. The free replacement lamps are great and, when it's working, the PJ is very enjoyable. It's a shame that they can't seem to figure out a fix that will stick. Do you know what you will be buying as a replacement? I think that is an on-topic suggestion (if kept relative to the MT700) since many of us are probably contemplating the same question. We all bought the MT700 for certain operating characteristics (resolution, price, throw, brightness, off-set, etc.) and will likely be looking for similar characteristics in a potential replacement. The AE-900 seems to be a popular choice for those who jump the MT700/PE7700 ship. :)

In my case, I'm on the third lamp and it's been to TOPS once. If I'm reading your message correctly, with one more failure I'll be exactly where you are at. Is that correct?

Congratulations Steve. Thanks for sharing the update. It's good to know that Toshiba will go to these lengths to take care of the situation.

You should go read the Optima H7x Lamp threads in the >$3500 forum, makes me feel somewhat fortunate I have an MT700, Tosh has been quite good about my issues.

Do you know what you will be buying as a replacement?

I know I'm not Steve, but before I sent mine in (when I was hoping for a refund, note I don't fault Tosh for having me send it in vs a refund) I was just about set to get a Samsung 710 as a replacement.

In my case, I'm on the third lamp and it's been to TOPS once. If I'm reading your message correctly, with one more failure I'll be exactly where you are at. Is that correct?

I'm on my 4th lamp with one trip to Tosh. The way it looks to me, is that once it's been to Tosh, and it still fails, there's not much they can do but accept if you request/demand a refund.

Thanks guys. The lamp which just failed is the 4th one. It had just come back from Tops in January, so I'm sure that helped with the refund. I have to say that while I certainly don't appreciate the lamp problems, Toshiba has been very good, up to and including the refund (when it comes). Other manufacturers have not been as supportive.

I have my eye on either the Panasonic AE-900 or the just released Infocus IN76. I'll be doing quiet a bit of research now. I'm thinking it's going to be hard to be the Panasonic for the price.

Another bulb bites the dust. This is also my fourth one. I hope Toshiba is open tomorrow so I can demand my refund. I would like to stick with DLP. I need to see how the IN76 is doing (and what the AVS pricing is.)

NoThru22, keep us posted how the refund process goes. I had to overcome the objections of the CSR I spoke with, but it paid off for me, and I'll be getting my return authorization papers shortly. The downside is the expected 4-6 weeks for delivery of the refund check.

The Infocus IN76 does look promising. Too bad the Mitsubishi and Optoma both have such large offsets.

Ouch. Sorry to here that man :(

If I lose another couple of bulbs I may do the same thing...I'd hate to see this PJ go though...I love it so so much. So dearly.

I'm going to go cuddle with it and hope for the best.

I'm starting to worry about you man. ;)

We all are...we all are...

:p

I can't remember. What is the default colorwheel speed in the service menu? Is it 4x or 5x?

Mine was 4x.

4x for the MT-700
5x for the PE7700

Thanks for the quick answer. Makes me feel a lot better about the IN76. The 1 year warranty doesn't, though.

ssj any tips on getting the OK to refund quicker? I sent it on Saturday and I'd like to call someone today. I need to hear back before I order the Infocus.

My last lamp failed Friday 3/17. A CSR that day promised a call back within a couple days from the "Pending Exchange" dept. I called again Wednesday 3/22 & received confirmation the refund was authoriztized. I'm supposed to be getting the paperwork in the mail any day.

What number did you call? The number I call has a ten minute wait, then they transfer me and it takes another ten-fifteen minutes.

i am not sure what tops did to my mt700 but the colors look a lot worse than before. Dark scenes like in The Shield i could barely make out whats going on and saw square pixels(??).

Also i noticed there are some kind of light leak? like during a dark scene i can see bright spots of light all over the outside of the screen on the wall and screen frames...

the sad part is, i dont even really care, as long as this thing doesnt blow up again in 2 months...

i am not sure what tops did to my mt700 but the colors look a lot worse than before. Dark scenes like in The Shield i could barely make out whats going on and saw square pixels(??).

I saw the same thing, I had to recalibrate mine, see ssj2's post above. It looks just fine now.

i am not sure what tops did to my mt700 but the colors look a lot worse than before. Dark scenes like in The Shield i could barely make out whats going on and saw square pixels(??).


I know what you mean. When mine came back with updated firmware the picture quality was terrible. I spent a few hours last weekend calibrating with Avia. It was so far off I couldn't even use the user menu to get it calibrated. For example, on the 10 IRE step pattern blacks and whites were crushed such that the 10 and 90 IRE steps were the same intensity as the 0 and 100 IRE steps. I had to use the factory menu to be able to adjust brightness and contrast to correct.

I know what you mean. When mine came back with updated firmware the picture quality was terrible. I spent a few hours last weekend calibrating with Avia. It was so far off I couldn't even use the user menu to get it calibrated. For example, on the 10 IRE step pattern blacks and whites were crushed such that the 10 and 90 IRE steps were the same intensity as the 0 and 100 IRE steps. I had to use the factory menu to be able to adjust brightness and contrast to correct.

Same thing happened to mine - I guess the May firmware is dumb (I had the original from March/April or so before that). It's really hard to see in the dark in halo. I haven't service re-calibrated it yet because i haven't had time. I should do that tonight.

I know what you mean. When mine came back with updated firmware the picture quality was terrible. I spent a few hours last weekend calibrating with Avia. It was so far off I couldn't even use the user menu to get it calibrated. For example, on the 10 IRE step pattern blacks and whites were crushed such that the 10 and 90 IRE steps were the same intensity as the 0 and 100 IRE steps. I had to use the factory menu to be able to adjust brightness and contrast to correct.

If you're using HDMI there's a setting in the user menu to change that.

OH! The NTSC Japan setting! I had forgotten! :)

If you're using HDMI there's a setting in the user menu to change that.

I am using HDMI for DVD only. I have the NTSC mode set to Japan for all sources. When using HDMI the NTSC mode is Japan and cannot be changed. In the HDMI menu I have the choices Standard or DVI. I tried both settings and settled on using standard as my starting point.

With these settings I was still getting white and black crush for all inputs. Was there another setting I could have changed?

A few clicks in the factory menu fixed it up, thankfully. :)

you have to change the NTSC setting to japan while under 480i or 480p, or else the HDMI setting lies - it'll say japan but it's really still on US.

I think. :p

What number did you call? The number I call has a ten minute wait, then they transfer me and it takes another ten-fifteen minutes.

I called this number: 1-800-631-3811. Very long wait times for me as well. By the way, I just got the return packing label in the mail today.