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Epson 8500UB 200,000:1 CR - Page 75

post #2221 of 3620
2/18/10 at 4:19am
Well...this takes the cake. While on my call with Epson for a replacement 8500UB (currently out of stock, with no in-stock date available), they take a credit card number to put on file should i not return my original projector after receiving my replacement.

I understand so give them the Visa number associated with my checking account, knowing it will never get charged because I have no plans on keeping both.

This morning I wake up and they've charged my Visa $2,069.10, putting my checking account in the negative.

I haven't called to scream at them yet, but this will incur banking fees, not to mention no access to my checking balance while they correct their error!

This has been only a 48 hour journey, but already a huge disappointment.
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post #2222 of 3620
2/18/10 at 4:24am
Someone made a big error. They are not supposed to charge your card unless you do not return the projector. Often car rental companies put a hold of a certain amount on the card but do not charge anything to be sure you have enough credit. They must tell you if they do this. Something is very wrong. Speak to second level support. I am betting that Epson will refund and charges from the bank.
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post #2223 of 3620
2/18/10 at 4:45am
Quote:
Originally Posted by rwestley View Post

Someone made a big error. They are not supposed to charge your card unless you do not return the projector. Often car rental companies put a hold of a certain amount on the card but do not charge anything to be sure you have enough credit. They must tell you if they do this. Something is very wrong. Speak to second level support. I am betting that Epson will refund and charges from the bank.

To the say the least. Essentially, I just had $2K removed from my checking account without permission all for the honor of having a malfunctioning projector and no replacement in my near future.

I will keep you all posted on how Epson handles this. Need to go calm myself, take a few deep breaths, then wait for Tier 2 support to get into the office.
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post #2224 of 3620
2/18/10 at 6:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by zzt View Post

To the say the least. Essentially, I just had $2K removed from my checking account without permission all for the honor of having a malfunctioning projector and no replacement in my near future.

I will keep you all posted on how Epson handles this. Need to go calm myself, take a few deep breaths, then wait for Tier 2 support to get into the office.

Sounds like you gave a debit card instead of credit card. There is no way to do a hold on a debit card so it becomes a charge. Epson should be able to reverse this!
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post #2225 of 3620
2/18/10 at 6:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by deathstroke View Post

Sounds like you gave a debit card instead of credit card. There is no way to do a hold on a debit card so it becomes a charge. Epson should be able to reverse this!

You nailed it. However, they can't "reverse" it. They need to cancel my order, refund the money and place a new order on a credit card. Ugh. I'm sure this puts me that much lower on the shipping list...which already seems delayed.

Tier 2 support isn't open yet, so I have to call back to get it resolved. Tier 1 seemed surprised that I wanted to cancel/reverse these charges to get my checking account out of the red, and didn't seem to understand my dismay that I was being charged the full amount for a projector I don't have yet. I was expecting more out of Epson CS. I suppose I have to take some of the blame for not knowing about the debit/credit card issue, but they should really mention that upfront. I can't be the only person who wasn't aware of this.

NOTE FOR ALL: Do NOT give Epson a debit card number (even if it's a Visa or MasterCard) to use as the "hold" card for your replacement. The full charge will go through and be debited from your checking or savings account.
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post #2226 of 3620
2/18/10 at 8:00am
Tier 1 is clueless. Be sure that the put you on to the real tier 2. Epson does care about its customers. Let them know that you will probably be charged by the bank for their error. I think tier 2 should be available very soon to fix the mess. Let us know.

I also suggest that you check your convergence and firmware number when the new unit arrives.
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post #2227 of 3620
2/18/10 at 8:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by rwestley View Post

Tier 1 is clueless. Be sure that the put you on to the real tier 2. Epson does care about its customers. Let them know that you will probably be charged by the bank for their error. I think tier 2 should be available very soon to fix the mess. Let us know.

I also suggest that you check your convergence and firmware number when the new unit arrives.

Update: I got a hold of Tier 1, who spoke to Tier 2 on my behalf. The long and short of it is that the replacement was already placed in shipping line (to be dispatched today), so my account can't be credited and the order can't be canceled.

rwestley: I saw a few pages back on this thread how to check the FW version, but there seemed to be some confusion over the correct steps. Can you, or some other wise forum member, confirm how I can do that? Which FW version am I looking for?

Don't worry, convergence will be scrutinized, but I can't wait too long to return one...they've got my $2k hostage until I do!

Thanks for your input!
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post #2228 of 3620
2/18/10 at 9:36am
How to check firmware:
1. To verify the version of firmware on the PowerLite Home Cinema 6500UB or Pro Cinema 7500UB, first power on the projector. It is the same for the 7500 & 9500 models.

2. Once the projector is powered and projecting to a screen, use the following button sequence to access and display the After Service Menu:

• Press and hold the Menu button on the remote control or on the projector’s control panel for at least 5 seconds, then release.
• Within 4 seconds of pressing the Menu button:
a) Press and release the ESC button twice,
b) Press and release the right button (right arrow on remote)
c) Press and release the left button (left arrow on remote)

3. At the bottom of the After Service menu, you will see a string of alphanumeric data—see examples below:
PowerLite Home Cinema 6500UB - P: 8Y00316477WWV100
PowerLite Home Cinema 7500UB - P: 8Y00316478WWV100

The last three digits (see numbers in red) denote the firmware version currently installed on the projector.

I believe the firmware is the last three numbers under P. Some seem to have 101 others seems to have 102.

It can be a little tricky to get into the special menu. You must follow the directions as stated. Sometimes it takes a little practice.

I suggest that you compare the firmware you currently have on the unit you are sending back with the new one when it arrives.

Good luck.
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post #2229 of 3620
2/18/10 at 9:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by zzt View Post

Well...this takes the cake. While on my call with Epson for a replacment 8500UB (currently out of stock, with no in-stock date available), they take a credit card number to put on file should i not return my original projector after receiving my replacement.

I understand so give them the Visa number associated with my checking account, knowing it will never get charged because I have no plans on keeping both.

This morning I wake up and they've charged my Visa $2,069.10, putting my checking account in the negative.

I haven't called to scream at them yet, but this will incur banking fees, not to mention no access to my checking balance while they correct their error!

This has been only a 48 hour journey, but already a huge disappointment.

They did the same thing with me. Currently i have 4200$ reserved on my Visa for Epson. I already sent one replacement back, but they did not lift the hold yet. They hold that amount ($2069) for security reasons until you send one unit back.
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post #2230 of 3620
2/18/10 at 9:40am
Quote:
Originally Posted by rwestley View Post

How to check firmware:
1. To verify the version of firmware on the PowerLite Home Cinema 6500UB or Pro Cinema 7500UB, first power on the projector.

2. Once the projector is powered and projecting to a screen, use the following button sequence to access and display the After Service Menu:

Press and hold the Menu button on the remote control or on the projector's control panel for at least 5 seconds, then release.
Within 4 seconds of pressing the Menu button:
a) Press and release the ESC button twice,
b) Press and release the right button (right arrow on remote)
c) Press and release the left button (left arrow on remote)

3. At the bottom of the After Service menu, you will see a string of alphanumeric datasee examples below:
PowerLite Home Cinema 6500UB - P: 8Y00316477WWV100
PowerLite Home Cinema 7500UB - P: 8Y00316478WWV100

The last three digits (see numbers in red) denote the firmware version currently installed on the projector.

I believe the firmware is the last three numbers under J. Some seem to have 101 others seems to have 102.

It can be a little tricky to get into the special menu. You must follow the directions as stated. Sometimes it takes a little practice.

For step 2 this should read "Within 4 seconds of releasing the Menu button:"
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post #2231 of 3620
2/18/10 at 3:58pm
Hi. I'm a newguy on here and during the past week I started looking for my first front projector. I have a Pioneer 50 inch rear projection TV that I bought new 22 years ago and my kids (19 & 22) said it's time for something new...and big! I read some reviews and decided on the Epson 8500ub. I haven't purchased anything yet though as I am a little concerned as to what I have been reading here. Sounds like there are a few issues when these units were released and Epson is currently working to resolve them. I was wondering about the Panasonic Pt- AE4000. Sounds like that is a pretty good model too. I have never seen any of these projectors up close and was wondering how these pictures compare to some of the 55 or 60 inch LED TV's or an 82 " DLP? I figure I can project on a 120" diagonal screen and I see there are alot of rubberized DIY screens on ebay that are fairly inexpensive. Right now I can control the lighting in my basement to having it just about dark during the daytime. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
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post #2232 of 3620
2/18/10 at 4:04pm
Both the Epson and the Panasonic are very good. The big thing with Epson is that they will take care of most any issue with a replacement. The issues that early buyers had seem to be fixed. Check out the Projector Reviews site and look at his blog on the red band issue that some have had.
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post #2233 of 3620
2/18/10 at 5:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mh55 View Post

Hi. I'm a newguy on here and during the past week I started looking for my first front projector. I have a Pioneer 50 inch rear projection TV that I bought new 22 years ago and my kids (19 & 22) said it's time for something new...and big! I read some reviews and decided on the Epson 8500ub. I haven't purchased anything yet though as I am a little concerned as to what I have been reading here. Sounds like there are a few issues when these units were released and Epson is currently working to resolve them. I was wondering about the Panasonic Pt- AE4000. Sounds like that is a pretty good model too. I have never seen any of these projectors up close and was wondering how these pictures compare to some of the 55 or 60 inch LED TV's or an 82 " DLP? I figure I can project on a 120" diagonal screen and I see there are alot of rubberized DIY screens on ebay that are fairly inexpensive. Right now I can control the lighting in my basement to having it just about dark during the daytime. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

mh55 I don't want to discourage you from considering this projector. When operating correctly, it's picture is truly amazing at this price point. My friend recently bought the Panny 4000 and while he has no complaints either, I can tell you I'm glad I got the Epson instead. Both are great, but I feel the Epson has an overall more inviting picture. Take that any way you want.

You won't be disappointed with either choice, and both are HUGE steps up from what you've got now...so go for it...and enjoy!
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post #2234 of 3620
2/18/10 at 7:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by rwestley View Post

Both the Epson and the Panasonic are very good. The big thing with Epson is that they will take care of most any issue with a replacement. The issues that early buyers had seem to be fixed. Check out the Projector Reviews site and look at his blog on the red band issue that some have had.

Agreed. I've had some projector problems, but Epson support is awesome. I called Tuesday night and the replacement projector arrived Thursday morning. Its a minor pain to have to swap out projectors, but its nice to know they are ready and willing to send out replacements until I'm completely satisfied. I can't really say that about any other electronics item I've ever owned, including a 3 month old Panasonic plasma with elevated black levels.
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post #2235 of 3620
2/18/10 at 8:55pm
Does anyone happen to have a Stewart Firehawk screen for their 8500? Is the upgrade from a cheap 150 dollar elite scree worth the money? For those who have a Firehawk, does the screen come apart so that it can be packaged and shipped? I only ask because I found a guy in Texas who has a 106" Firehawk that Im considering buying. However, I dont think that the screen would fit into the back of my truck without rolling up or coming apart.
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post #2236 of 3620
2/19/10 at 6:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by scoobygt68 View Post

Does anyone happen to have a Stewart Firehawk screen for their 8500? Is the upgrade from a cheap 150 dollar elite scree worth the money? For those who have a Firehawk, does the screen come apart so that it can be packaged and shipped? I only ask because I found a guy in Texas who has a 106" Firehawk that Im considering buying. However, I dont think that the screen would fit into the back of my truck without rolling up or coming apart.

I now have a Stewart and not only is the picture overall better than my cheapo portable screen, but it is fixed so it doesn't start curling at the edges. It can't be removed from the frame unfortunately.
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post #2237 of 3620
2/19/10 at 6:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by deathstroke View Post

I now have a Stewart and not only is the picture overall better than my cheapo portable screen, but it is fixed so it doesn't start curling at the edges. It can't be removed from the frame unfortunately.

Well Ive just got a 120" pull down elite screen right now so the curling at the corners shouldnt be an issue, but Im sure a stewart screen will look much better. But if you cannot remove the screen from the frame how are you supposed to ever transport the screen? Im guessing that the frame is assembled and then the screen mounted into it? Surely the frame much come apart somehow
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post #2238 of 3620
2/19/10 at 6:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by scoobygt68 View Post

Well Ive just got a 120" pull down elite screen right now so the curling at the corners shouldnt be an issue, but Im sure a stewart screen will look much better. But if you cannot remove the screen from the frame how are you supposed to ever transport the screen? Im guessing that the frame is assembled and then the screen mounted into it? Surely the frame much come apart somehow

I asked my installer how to remove the screen from the frame and he said it can't be done. Has anyone here actually done so without ruining it?
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post #2239 of 3620
2/19/10 at 7:05am
Hmm, I called Stewart and told them it was a Firehawk and the folks there told me that it is a snap on screen.... ie the screen material snaps onto the frame, and the frame comes apart into 4 pieces. However your installer told you it cant beremoved so idk what to think... I basically have till tonight to decide if I'm going to make the 2.5 hr trip up to get the screen. Dont really wanna waste the trip if I cant even bring the screen back.
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post #2240 of 3620
2/19/10 at 7:19am
Quote:
Originally Posted by scoobygt68 View Post

Hmm, I called Stewart and told them it was a Firehawk and the folks there told me that it is a snap on screen.... ie the screen material snaps onto the frame, and the frame comes apart into 4 pieces. However your installer told you it cant beremoved so idk what to think... I basically have till tonight to decide if I'm going to make the 2.5 hr trip up to get the screen. Dont really wanna waste the trip if I cant even bring the screen back.

I'd believe Stewart. My installer did tell me about the buttons to snap it on, but I was pretty sure he was referring to the connection of the frame to the mounting bracket, but that's probably not correct. I've seen the snap buttons you're referring to, and they are indeed on the back. I would just ask the guy who's selling it to try unbuttoning it and see what happens? I think it's a reasonable request.
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post #2241 of 3620
2/19/10 at 7:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by rwestley View Post

How to check firmware:
1. To verify the version of firmware on the PowerLite Home Cinema 6500UB or Pro Cinema 7500UB, first power on the projector. It is the same for the 7500 & 9500 models.

2. Once the projector is powered and projecting to a screen, use the following button sequence to access and display the After Service Menu:

Press and hold the Menu button on the remote control or on the projector's control panel for at least 5 seconds, then release.
Within 4 seconds of pressing the Menu button:
a) Press and release the ESC button twice,
b) Press and release the right button (right arrow on remote)
c) Press and release the left button (left arrow on remote)

3. At the bottom of the After Service menu, you will see a string of alphanumeric datasee examples below:
PowerLite Home Cinema 6500UB - P: 8Y00316477WWV100
PowerLite Home Cinema 7500UB - P: 8Y00316478WWV100

The last three digits (see numbers in red) denote the firmware version currently installed on the projector.

I believe the firmware is the last three numbers under J. Some seem to have 101 others seems to have 102.

It can be a little tricky to get into the special menu. You must follow the directions as stated. Sometimes it takes a little practice.

I suggest that you compare the firmware you currently have on the unit you are sending back with the new one when it arrives.

Good luck.

The replacement is due here today. I checked the FW on my current 8500 and it's got 100. I'm guessing that's not good...hence my issues.

As soon as the new one arrives, I'll be checking the FW and checking for convergence, red wavy lines, etc and will report back.
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post #2242 of 3620
2/19/10 at 7:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by deathstroke View Post

I asked my installer how to remove the screen from the frame and he said it can't be done. Has anyone here actually done so without ruining it?

I have sold two fixed-screen Stewart FireHawks (successfully). The point of caution is the screen material as you don't want it to get any folds. Hopefully the installers left you the original packing material which includes a cardboard tube and thin sheets of foam both used to roll up the material. The frame itself has four bolts (one at each corner) and takes only a few minutes to disassemble/assemble.

The material unsnaps from the frame and should be rolled with the image side inwards so the backside is exposed as it's rolled. If you don't have the original foam you could place a cotton sheet on top of the image surface before rolling. If you don't have the tube I would get one from a fabric store that is at least three or four inches around. Never fold the material (roll only) and you should be good to go. If there are any roll creases they should stretch out once you reassemble the screen.
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post #2243 of 3620
2/19/10 at 7:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mh55 View Post

Hi. I'm a newguy on here and during the past week I started looking for my first front projector. I have a Pioneer 50 inch rear projection TV that I bought new 22 years ago and my kids (19 & 22) said it's time for something new...and big! I read some reviews and decided on the Epson 8500ub. I haven't purchased anything yet though as I am a little concerned as to what I have been reading here. Sounds like there are a few issues when these units were released and Epson is currently working to resolve them. I was wondering about the Panasonic Pt- AE4000. Sounds like that is a pretty good model too. I have never seen any of these projectors up close and was wondering how these pictures compare to some of the 55 or 60 inch LED TV's or an 82 " DLP? I figure I can project on a 120" diagonal screen and I see there are alot of rubberized DIY screens on ebay that are fairly inexpensive. Right now I can control the lighting in my basement to having it just about dark during the daytime. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

Having a 60" & 70" lcd rear projection tv's, and a 58" plasma, I can advise that the picture on the 8500ub is not as clear at all times as the tv's, but the size of the image on a 120" screen is a pleasure to watch. Going from a 22year rear projecting I think you'll find any modern choice you make will be a real upgrade in image quality. Note, I find that complete light control must be kept (ie: dark) to secure the best picture.
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post #2244 of 3620
2/19/10 at 3:43pm
Just got off the phone with Epson. Gonna send me a new unit. Red lines affecting a small percentage!!
No eta...no real hurry anyway! Just hope it's good when I get it.
As a side note...I called the number for Epson support in Canada and ended up talking and dealing with a guy in California!
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post #2245 of 3620
2/19/10 at 8:21pm
Just a heads up for you guys. Received my new replacement today, it has the new 102 FW & pretty much perfect convergence.

I have to say , at this point i'm really satisfied with Epson's customer service. Really fast & very friendly. Now, i just hope the red line issue will not show up anymore.
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post #2246 of 3620
2/19/10 at 8:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mtommy79 View Post

Just a heads up for you guys. Received my new replacement today, it has the new 102 FW & pretty much perfect convergence.

I have to say , at this point i'm really satisfied with Epson's customer service. Really fast & very friendly. Now, i just hope the red line issue will not show up anymore.

I just got my 9500 replacement, also with 102 FW. The convergence is good, but the fan is noticeably a bit louder and has a habit of making a slight droning noise, but nothing too extreme. Turning on ECO mode makes it whisper quiet, but of course you lose brightness. I guess I will just have to ignore it, since it's only apparent when there is little sound from the program, like during conversations.
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post #2247 of 3620
2/20/10 at 4:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by OldSlow View Post

Just got off the phone with Epson. Gonna send me a new unit. Red lines affecting a small percentage!!
No eta...no real hurry anyway! Just hope it's good when I get it.
As a side note...I called the number for Epson support in Canada and ended up talking and dealing with a guy in California!

Identical experience - also from Canada. As soon as you talk about the red lines, they move you over to tier 2 support, and start setting up the replacement process. Epson service - gotta love it.

I hope the new one has a quieter iris. I suspect my existing projector is on the upper end of the range.
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post #2248 of 3620
2/20/10 at 4:47am
I couldn't hear my Iris over the vacuum cleaner like fan noise...
I hope the customs thing is not a problem.
I fear the whole duty and gst thing now being as it comes from outta country!
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post #2249 of 3620
2/20/10 at 5:27am
I received my replacement 8500ub and it looks great so far. I don't know how to check the version on the 8500 though. Convergence is much better than my first one. I think my fan is also a little noisier. Not too bad, but noisier.
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post #2250 of 3620
2/20/10 at 5:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by OldSlow View Post

I couldn't hear my Iris over the vacuum cleaner like fan noise...
I hope the customs thing is not a problem.
I fear the whole duty and gst thing now being as it comes from outta country!

Nothing to worry about. I received 2 replacement units already from Epson. Both came from the US (Epson America) & didn't get charged for anything (everything was payed already). The returned units will go to Toronto (Epson Canada).

I have 1 thing that i would suggest regarding about sending your unit back. Epson USA uses Purolator to send the unit to you, but uses Fedex for the return. Fedex has a pretty crappy service & don't have any "shipping stores" like UPS or Purolator. Basically Fedex will tell you to stay home (8-5) and call for pick up or drop it off in one of the "drop-off" locations (it could be a corner Chinese store & store will call Fedex), but the problem is they will not provide you any confirmation number or proof that you left the box with them. After going through that hassle and not feeling comfortable doing that, i called Epson back, explained my concerns and they were helpful enough to provide me their shipping # for Purolator and i was able to bring the unit to the shipping center & send the unit back with them (all covered by Epson).
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