PT-AX100 problem?

[paulb_30]

Originally Posted by muzz

Who pays for it?
Who should pay for defective eqpt.? Not me, the manufacturer that's who.
Maybe they won't have all these issues if they build it correctly..

No offense, I guess I see it a bit differently than you.

No offense taken and you make some good points.

Of course, Panasonic "eats" the cost, but where does the money come from? From sales of their products (well, I guess they could call their stockholders and ask for donations). Naturally, that takes a bite out of profits and, if the bite is too big, one way to remedy that is by increasing the profit on sales (which is most easily accomplished by raising prices). However, since that could have an adverse effect on sales, wouldn't it make sense to try to minimize warranty claims that were unnecessary?

Although I get your personal commitment to quality, if for some reason you had so many warranty repairs (particularly if they were for problems that customer's suspected or anticipated rather than actual problems) that they were draining your resources, you would probably consider raising the cost of your service so that you could pay your bills, stay in business, and make good on your warranty. Or maybe look for a way to reduce unnecessary repairs. (Granted that Panasonic has a lot more resources than you or me put together.)

Certainly I agree that a manufacturer should make a quality product and stand behind it. However, I do not believe that every projector that shows the faint blue above/red below on the test pattern necessarily develops serious problems later. But if everybody who saw that assumed that their unit was going to fail and preemptively sent it in for servicing, well, I think you can see where I'm going.

If a real problem has to develop however, it is definitely preferable that it show up while the unit is still under warranty.

[jdskycaster]

The red/blue shading that many report seeing on their AX100 seems to be very common to LCD projectors. It has also been posted in the Epson Home Cinema 1080 thread. What needs to be determined is at what point does it effect image quality and at what point is a unit out of specification.

JD

[muzz]

Like any business, they are in it to make $, no doubt but....

There are MANY divisions at panasonic, they probably have alot of smaller companies as well.....

Sometimes 1 division is raking, while another is not doing so well, this is just business as usual, MY company does this as well,I am bustin' tail right now, but there are some other folks doing basically jack, because we are waiting for a big project to kick off [and people MUST be already in place]...... it was the other way around when we had dreadful weather, and we weren't able to do as much, they had steady income coming in, essentially balancing things out.
Of course it is always best when ALL divisions are raking, but it isn't always the case, thats another reason to have more than egg in the basket.

I do understand your point though.

Sorry for the OT, please continue on as scheduled.

[harvey108]

I purchased the AX100 in February of 2007 and then in April it started going off after about one minute. I tolerated that until the end of May and sent it in for Warranty service and got it back less than one week ago and now the same problem has developed. Fortunately I purchased at "C" store before they announced the 90 limit on full refunds for projectors and they told me on the phone I could bring it into the local store for a full refund, which is what I am going to do, once I purchase and receive another companies HD projector.

[iggymama]

Originally Posted by harvey108

I purchased the AX100 in February of 2007 and then in April it started going off after about one minute. I tolerated that until the end of May and sent it in for Warranty service and got it back less than one week ago and now the same problem has developed. Fortunately I purchased at "C" store before they announced the 90 limit on full refunds for projectors and they told me on the phone I could bring it into the local store for a full refund, which is what I am going to do, once I purchase and receive another companies HD projector.

I would recommend that you hold off on returning the bad unit, and do what I did: keep your original receipt and buy a new one from them online. Return the bad one on the new receipt (90 day warranty). That way you always have that receipt with the lifetime warranty! Screw sending it for service if you got it at the "C" store! I've returned 2 bad units (one with the shut-off iris failure), and still have my original (lifetime) receipt!

[Greg_63]

Originally Posted by iggymama

I would recommend that you hold off on returning the bad unit, and do what I did: keep your original receipt and buy a new one from them online. Return the bad one on the new receipt (90 day warranty). That way you always have that receipt with the lifetime warranty! Screw sending it for service if you got it at the "C" store! I've returned 2 bad units (one with the shut-off iris failure), and still have my original (lifetime) receipt!

Another way to put the statement above, "I recommend that you cheat, lie and steal from the C store because they'll let you get away with it". No wonder they reduced their return policy.

[iggymama]

How is that cheating, lying and stealing? What's the difference which receipt you return it with? It sound like you're just pissed because you didn't buy from them! Get off it!

[Greg_63]

Originally Posted by iggymama

How is that cheating, lying and stealing? What's the difference which receipt you return it with? It sound like you're just pissed because you didn't buy from them! Get off it!

It's really simple. The first one that was bought falls under the previous return policy. The second one that was bought falls under the new return policy which is limited. By switching them you are lying when you return the old one using the new receipt because that isn't the one that was bought with that receipt. You are cheating Costco by tricking them into covering the new one under the old return policy. You are stealing by the same way that you are cheating them.

The fact that people can't see this or don't want to see this shows a lack of moral character. This same lack of character is what forced Costco to change the best return policy in the country.

[iggymama]

Whatever! You have your opinion, which I don't agree with. If I was lucky enough to buy this exact same projector with the lifetime return policy, then why would I be stupid enough to give up that receipt for a 90 day return receipt when this projector has had so many damned problems?

I paid $50 a year for membership just because of the generous return policy that they have had for MANY years, plus paying hundreds more for the projector that I could have paid elsewhere, including a 3 year extended warranty! It makes no sense to me that I should just give that up just because they are getting less generous.

They changed thier policy because they had too many returns, and decided to jump on the bandwagon with all the other retailers, probably because they are selling products (like this one) that have a high failure rate, not because people return things that are working correctly!

Do what you want, but don't be so high and mighty judging others who happen to be luckier - and maybe smarter - than you!

[harvey108]

Originally Posted by iggymama

I would recommend that you hold off on returning the bad unit, and do what I did: keep your original receipt and buy a new one from them online. Return the bad one on the new receipt (90 day warranty). That way you always have that receipt with the lifetime warranty! Screw sending it for service if you got it at the "C" store! I've returned 2 bad units (one with the shut-off iris failure), and still have my original (lifetime) receipt!

It appears that "C" store has removed that item as I just did a search "projectors" and got 40 hits and none of them are the PT-AX100. So that would make the argument moot.

[iggymama]

Wow! You're right. It doesn't even show up using the part number 148644 any more! No exchanges either. I guess they got tired of all the returns!

[j-bo]

They changed thier policy because they had too many returns,

I guess they got tired of all the returns!

Apparantly there are more people like you that are a bit on the dishonest side. Sheeeeesh.

You nailed it Greg.

[bluesdrummer24]

Just wondering how long the turnaround from Heartland is. After 611 hours my iris has finally began sticking. Would greatly appreciate a reply. I need to decide wether it is worth digging my old television out of storage based on service time. Also has anyone succesfully fixed this problem themselves?

[mommacux]

Originally Posted by bluesdrummer24

Just wondering how long the turnaround from Heartland is. After 611 hours my iris has finally began sticking. Would greatly appreciate a reply. I need to decide wether it is worth digging my old television out of storage based on service time. Also has anyone succesfully fixed this problem themselves?

Two to seven business days from the day they receive it.They are giving this model priority as this is a known defect.

Don't know if anybody has fixed this themselves.However,that's not a good idea as that would void the warranty.That's not to say someone will not in the future.

Tom

[paulb_30]

Originally Posted by bluesdrummer24

... Also has anyone succesfully fixed this problem themselves?

Aside from the fact that the standard fix for this problem seems to be removal and replacement of the entire iris unit, there is another advantage to sending it in for repair: the unit will be thoroughly checked for any other problems or adjustments that may need to be made.

[j-bo]

This may be somewhat silly, but I wonder where all these problem PJ's were bought from? Like did a majority buy from projector people and they had a bad run of them? Is there certain serial number ranges that have the problem? Etc. Are they mostly from early buys? Any bought in June with problems? Yes, that's not a long run time so they might not show the iris problem for some time.

My plan is to buy the end of June. I wish there was a date code or something that could up my odds.

I still plan on the panny as it fits my needs. Yes, I'll even use it 5-6 hrs a day, almost every day as my main source.

[Bart_R]

Originally Posted by j-bo

This may be somewhat silly, but I wonder where all these problem PJ's were bought from? Like did a majority buy from projector people and they had a bad run of them? Is there certain serial number ranges that have the problem? Etc. Are they mostly from early buys? Any bought in June with problems? Yes, that's not a long run time so they might not show the iris problem for some time.

My plan is to buy the end of June. I wish there was a date code or something that could up my odds.

I still plan on the panny as it fits my needs. Yes, I'll even use it 5-6 hrs a day, almost every day as my main source.

Received mine yesterday. May manufacture date. Bought in the Netherlands. And I already noticed some problems. So, it's a safe bet this goes all across the board (read: globe) and not much has been improved since the launch.

[VegasJeff]

Originally Posted by bluesdrummer24

Just wondering how long the turnaround from Heartland is. After 611 hours my iris has finally began sticking. Would greatly appreciate a reply. I need to decide wether it is worth digging my old television out of storage based on service time. Also has anyone succesfully fixed this problem themselves?

I fixed it myself. I was going to post instructions on how to do so, but after thinking about it I decided that might not be a good idea. I wouldn't want to encourage someone who has no business inside the unit to attempt this.

When I opened the unit I could see the iris cycle during power up. After the cycle it would not return to the full open position.

The assembly consists of two "blades" each mounted on a steel post. Each "blade" rotates about 90 degrees. One of these blade assemblies is mounted on the post with a ball bearing unit at top and bottom. The other is mounted directly to the post (no bearings) this is the blade assembly that sticks.

I removed that assembly from the post and found the grease had turned to a varnish and was sticky. I cleaned that up and applied a small amount of high quality grease and reassembled.

It's only been a few days since I did this, but so far my iris problem is gone. I was at 3-4 power cycles before it would stay on. Now it stays on the first time and the Iris has a white OK in the service menu.

Again I don't want to post detailed instructions on how to do this for the above mentioned reason. If there is any interest I could post a picture of the iris assembly and indicate what needs to be cleaned and greased.

Jeff

[HenrikDK]

I purchased one of the earliest PT-AX100Us. Sent it in to have it repaired for the "shut-downs" back in February. Had about 450 hours on it.

Now, four months later, it has started again. Last week powered down after about a minute. Requires one hard reset to start up again.

I have noticed no other problems with the projector, but this is troubling...

[karlsch]

Originally Posted by VegasJeff

Again I don't want to post detailed instructions on how to do this for the above mentioned reason. If there is any interest I could post a picture of the iris assembly and indicate what needs to be cleaned and greased.

Jeff

Please do this.

[buddahead]

Originally Posted by j-bo

This may be somewhat silly, but I wonder where all these problem PJ's were bought from? Like did a majority buy from projector people and they had a bad run of them? Is there certain serial number ranges that have the problem? Etc. Are they mostly from early buys? Any bought in June with problems? Yes, that's not a long run time so they might not show the iris problem for some time.

My plan is to buy the end of June. I wish there was a date code or something that could up my odds.

I still plan on the panny as it fits my needs. Yes, I'll even use it 5-6 hrs a day, almost every day as my main source.

This has been talked about before.But a FP should not be used as a main TV in your home.They are just not made to use all the time IMHO.I only use my FP maybe 2 times a week for 1 movie sometimes back to back on kids night and never over 5 hours in one night.Not that I afraid of it breaking but to me it is more fun to have a special night for a movie on a large screen.Does one go to the movie's everynight.No it gets burn out.I never watch regular TV on it except a NFL HDTV game once in a while.I got my ax100 when it first came out and I just past 200 hours,Still working greata with no problem's YET!Just my advice.BOB

[j-bo]

So your opinion to not use it everyday is because of the "special night" factor?

I've done a search and can't seem to find the discussion on the everyday use of FP, do you happen to have a link? I'd be very interested in the debate.

One would figure the cost of replacing the bulb as a prime factor, which I think I can live with.

I won't go into more concerns in this thread, but would really like to find the one you are talking about.

Thanks!

Oh.. the reason I'd be using it as everyday, is I don't see the point in buying a 65" plasma AND a PJ for my situation. It's either one or the other, and for the $$, I would think the PJ would suit me better, but I need to read more too before I pull the trigger. I have to have a main TV mounted over a fireplace, as it's the only place to really put one of any size for the 19'x20' room and the 16' viewing distance.

[karlsch]

j-bo, I use mine as my regular TV, too. I want every night to be a special night.

I'm willing to pay the bulb expense.

Also, I don't see how you will get more total hours out of your projector if you don't use it very often. How does the projector know if it has been turned off for 4 hours or 1 day or 1 week?

I suppose it's possible that running it 12 hours straight might have an effect, but I'm not sure.

[susu2k]

in fact, it's the same thing as with computers... you should even not shut them down. it's better to use a projector for a long time than several times just 4 a short period like 1 hour etc... it's not a tv!

i just ordered mine. how big is the c hance that i will have probs with it?

[Bart_R]

Originally Posted by susu2k

in fact, it's the same thing as with computers... you should even not shut them down. it's better to use a projector for a long time than several times just 4 a short period like 1 hour etc... it's not a tv!

i just ordered mine. how big is the c hance that i will have probs with it?

Well, good luck with it. I really hope your unit will be flawless or close to it. It's hard to give figures, of course, but I'd say the chance for a small problem cropping up is pretty big, I'm afraid. The discoloration is a problem many report, for instance. The thing is, it can be very severe or very mild and anything in between. If it's very slight, chances are you will not notice it 95% of the time while viewing films. So it's up to you if you'll settle for that. I don't think you should expect something flawless though, or you're about to be disappointed. But again, I hope your unit will be a great one! Let us know how well you do with your AX100.

(As for me, I just asked for someone from the webshop I bought my AX100 from to come pick it up tomorrow to exchange it for the Epson TW700. The problems aren't very severe (yet), but I know I'll get annoyed by them anyway. I also don't know what lies ahead and so the better quality control and warranty deal from Epson is much more comforting to me. I'll just have to settle with a teensy weensy bit of screendoor and more visible (film)grain, though. You can't win 'em all.)

[Greg_63]

I wanted an AX100 but not with the consistent problems that keep on coming up. If the fix would work then that would be great but it looks like it might just turn out to be a temporary fix.

In the mean time I got an Hitachi TX100 with a Da-lite HP screen and use it every day for many hours each day. If your PJ is a trouble free model then why not use it all the time? It doesn't make sense to buy the thing and then be afraid to use it because it might break! I am careful about when it's turned on and off. I keep the on off cycles to a minimum. This requires it to be on for a few more hours but turning it on and leaving it on is better then more on off cycles.

TV, movies and games all look great on a 133" screen If I have it I'm going to use it!

[Brewed]

Originally Posted by susu2k

in fact, it's the same thing as with computers... you should even not shut them down. it's better to use a projector for a long time than several times just 4 a short period like 1 hour etc... it's not a tv!

i just ordered mine. how big is the c hance that i will have probs with it?

I've had mine for over six months and it's been flawless. Got about 400 hours on it. The test screen is a bit off at times (it varies) but I didn't buy it to watch a white screen. Totally unnoticeable otherwise including the full "Thin Man" B/W movie series.

I've also read the main thread on this PJ since last September so I knew I may have "potential" problems.

HOWEVER, the iris thing is worrisome and I hope it rears its ugly head sooner rather than later just because of the warranty.

But at $1300-$1600 for a fabulous huge picture, I'm not losing any sleep over a "potential" (there's that word again) repair issue.

When your PJ arrives plug that sucker in and watch in Cinema1, enjoy and try to avoid this thread.

[VegasJeff]

Originally Posted by karlsch

Please do this.

Ok, here is a pic of where the iris is located in the projector and another of the iris assembly.

The problem is with the "lower iris" as marked on the pic. This sub-assembly is attached with a black plastic snap ring. Remove the snap ring and lift off the lower iris. There is a spring on the bottom side, don't lose it. (Also take note of the position of the gear teeth)

Clean the old sticky grease off of the post and the inside diameter of the sub-assembly. Apply new grease and reassemble. (Make sure you engage the gear teeth as they were, and don't forget the spring)

Be careful of the grease you use, it gets very hot in there. I used Metaflux 70-85. This has a temp rating of -180C to +1350C. It will not rub off, wash off or burn. It's expensive and hard to find. Google will get you a few hits.Update. Do not use this grease. In cooler temps it becomes to heavy and causes the iris to move very slow (stick).

If you attempt this please keep in mind that NO FORCE is required to remove the iris assemmbly. Everything should disassemble and reassemble freely.

WARNING: This voids your warranty!!! AND if you mess up you end up with a very expensive door stop.

Good luck, hope this helps.

Jeff

Update:
6/15/2007 Iris fixed. 782 hours on the projector.
6/22/2007 Still going strong! 815 hours.
7/22/2007 944 hours. Iris stuck twice last week. Before I go in search of another grease, or send the unit in, I'm going to try one more thing.
There is a small spring in the iris assemble that assists it's return to full open. I am going to increase the spring tension a little. I'll post the results.
7/29/2004 980 hours. Increased spring tension, NO GOOD this makes it worse, now takes 5-6 cycles before it will stay on.
8/13/2007 1011 hours. Tried dmi's fix of setting a stop to keep the iris from going to full home position. Powering up and staying on ok now.
9/15/2007 1180 hours. Getting cooler in Chicago, was a little below 60 in the house this morning and the pj would not stay powered up. Took it apart and found the iris was difficult to move. The grease was to thick at 60 deg. Cleaned off all of this grease and put on some very thin silicone/teflon lubricant. Powering up and staying on ok again. Don't use the Metaflux grease.

[buddahead]

The owners manual says do not use it for more than 5 or 6 hours at one time.Just for those who do not have one yet/BOB

[darthclem]

Originally Posted by buddahead

The owners manual says do not use it for more than 5 or 6 hours at one time.Just for those who do not have one yet/BOB

I just checked the owner's manual and I wasn't able to find any reference to run time. The only thing I could find about run time was on the limited warranty sheet which says: "This unit is not designed for continuous operation (such as 24 hour 7 days a week)."

If you don't mind, could you tell me on which page of the manual the 5-6 hour timeframe was referenced? Not that I typically run my projector that long at a stretch, but if this is something the manufacturer recommends against, it would be good to know. Thanks!