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GWIV owner thread - Page 136

post #4051 of 4081
10/6/11 at 8:29am
As I mentioned in a previous reply, I'm going through the process of trying to get my TV repaired or replaced due to overheating and optical block problems. I've already had a certified technician that Sony recommended come out and evaluate my TV.

My question is, how long has it taken for other customers with the oveheating problem to get a response back from Sony whether or not they will repair or offer replacment offers? Everything else up to this point has been a very quick turnaround but now it's been 2 1/2 weeks and they keep telling me that they're waiting on the report to come from the evaluators. Just curious if this is normal amount of time to wait.

I'm a little bit leary because intially they made me an offer which I accepted and then the next day, called me out of the blue to say that I had to have my TV evaluated first.

Thanks.
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post #4052 of 4081
10/6/11 at 4:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dawgdaes View Post

I'm in a very bright room with an HX. The glare is not a problem. The glare is an issue in stores when it is surrounded by spot lights and other tv's. The HX is amazing! Get it.

Sorry. It's not the brightness, but the source of the brightness. In my viewing room are many windows. I don't want to pull the shades to watch TV, so reflections from the windows are a problem. Also, room lights reflect in the evening. Some of them can be moved, but some are fixed.

So I believe my advise still is valid. If reflections bother you, then you may find the matte screens of the EX series more to your liking.

Greg
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post #4053 of 4081
10/11/11 at 10:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by dawgpound78 View Post

As I mentioned in a previous reply, I'm going through the process of trying to get my TV repaired or replaced due to overheating and optical block problems. I've already had a certified technician that Sony recommended come out and evaluate my TV.

My question is, how long has it taken for other customers with the oveheating problem to get a response back from Sony whether or not they will repair or offer replacment offers? Everything else up to this point has been a very quick turnaround but now it's been 2 1/2 weeks and they keep telling me that they're waiting on the report to come from the evaluators. Just curious if this is normal amount of time to wait.

I'm a little bit leary because intially they made me an offer which I accepted and then the next day, called me out of the blue to say that I had to have my TV evaluated first.

Thanks.

Are you going through the Sony Listens team, or customer support? I heard back within 3 days after having my set evaluated. I would email the Sony Lstens team with your event # and let them know whats going on. Have you checked out the "I Have a Defective Sony TV" page on Facebook yet?
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post #4054 of 4081
10/11/11 at 1:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by vando45 View Post

Are you going through the Sony Listens team, or customer support? I heard back within 3 days after having my set evaluated. I would email the Sony Lstens team with your event # and let them know whats going on. Have you checked out the "I Have a Defective Sony TV" page on Facebook yet?

I originally emailed the Sony Listens team and they replied back with a number to their support department. It's been quick replies up to my evaluation. I may try the email again as you suggested. Thanks for your reply.
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post #4055 of 4081
10/14/11 at 9:18am
I tried the Sony Listens email again with no luck, but the Facebook page was immediately helpful. I was contacted and everything is worked out and my TV is on its way.

Thanks vando45 for your suggestions.
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post #4056 of 4081
10/27/11 at 6:03pm
IMPORTANT NOTICE

I maintain the informational web site on Sony optical block and related problems with their 2002-2007 rear projection liquid crystal TVs. Sony had been running an "optical block program" for about 1-1/2 years in which owners of these failed TVs received discounts off newer direct-view LCD TVs in exchange for a legal release. This program was abruptly terminated today, and the "I Have A Defective Sony TV" Facebook page, with tens of thousands of customer posts, was turned off.

If you have a pending settlement with Sony for a failed optical block, you should probably try to resolve it quickly, as it is unknown whether Sony will be offering any future program. There is an alternative Facebook page called "I Still Have a Defective Sony TV" that can be used for general discussion/complaints.
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post #4057 of 4081
10/30/11 at 5:21pm
The "I Have A Defective Sony TV" Facebook page is back up.
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post #4058 of 4081
11/10/11 at 6:49am
I've been doing my best to over look the ever spreading blue spots on my 2004 Grand Wega but I couldn't take it anymore. I sold the TV on Craigslist for a laughable $100 just to get it out of the house. I had been a long time supporter of Sony and Sony products but they lost me over this one. Their price points continue to creep higher, but quality is heading down right along with their stock price. RIP Sony, your officially on my DO NOT BUY list!
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post #4059 of 4081
11/10/11 at 11:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by pixlpush View Post

I've been doing my best to over look the ever spreading blue spots on my 2004 Grand Wega but I couldn't take it anymore. I sold the TV on Craigslist for a laughable $100 just to get it out of the house. I had been a long time supporter of Sony and Sony products but they lost me over this one. Their price points continue to creep higher, but quality is heading down right along with their stock price. RIP Sony, your officially on my DO NOT BUY list!

Did you contact Sony Listens?
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post #4060 of 4081
11/10/11 at 4:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by vando45 View Post

Did you contact Sony Listens?

I didn't bother to contact them, I really don't want anything else to do with Sony or their products at this point. Just writing it off and moving on. May they stick their memory sticks where the sun doesn't shine.
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post #4061 of 4081
11/11/11 at 4:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pixlpush View Post

I didn't bother to contact them, I really don't want anything else to do with Sony or their products at this point. Just writing it off and moving on. May they stick their memory sticks where the sun doesn't shine.

Bet that the person who purchased your old Sony is going to use it to get a new, 3D flat screen at a significant discount. That can be the only reason I can think of for someone to purchase one of the old RPTVs.

I like my 55EX720 for 2D and I don't care about 3D. Was glad Sony was willing to sell it to me for a significant discount, even though my RPTV was several years out of warranty.

Greg
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post #4062 of 4081
12/4/11 at 1:19pm
I received this offer for an optical block problem on my Sony KF42WE620:

KDL40BX420 for $56
KDL46BX420 for $141

I only have one week to respond, like everyone else. Is this offer good enough? I did purchase a new light bulb last year for over $300 from Sony themselves.

I saw the tv yesterday, seems decent qualitym but only 60 Hz. I do not need 3D. Should i call them back and mention the bulb? Are those tv's fine or should i try and upgrade? I mostly watch HD cable and play some XBox.

Thanks!
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post #4063 of 4081
12/4/11 at 2:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Acadian View Post

I received this offer for an optical block problem on my Sony KF42WE620:

KDL40BX420 for $56
KDL46BX420 for $141

I only have one week to respond, like everyone else. Is this offer good enough? I did purchase a new light bulb last year for over $300 from Sony themselves.

I saw the tv yesterday, seems decent qualitym but only 60 Hz. I do not need 3D. Should i call them back and mention the bulb? Are those tv's fine or should i try and upgrade? I mostly watch HD cable and play some XBox.

Thanks!

OMG, the offer is so low-priced, it's practically free. if you want better, you might want to ask them but be prepared to spend more.
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post #4064 of 4081
12/4/11 at 3:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by steve ans View Post

OMG, the offer is so low-priced, it's practically free. if you want better, you might want to ask them but be prepared to spend more.

I know the offer is good price-wise, but this will be my main tv. I don't just want to say "who cares" and get either tv because they are cheap. Then have the need to purchase a brand new one and dish out $1000.

Will either of those tv's play bluerays smoothly? I know they had the EX500's which were 120 Hz, but they didn't offer me those.

Thanks!
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post #4065 of 4081
12/4/11 at 5:29pm
I have a KDL40W3000 in the bedroom which is 60hz and very watchable. I also have a 120hz 52EX701 which was a Sony offer replacement. Yes, there is a difference but I can still watch my "W" and enjoy it. Your 60hz offers are the less expensive end of the spectrum. Remember, most LCDs were 60hz for a long time. If this is something you're going to be unhappy with, speak to the Sony team and see if they can offer you a 120hz set. If this is all that's available, take their offer and enjoy and when you can, upgrade the set yourself in the near future. These are practically free, after all.
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post #4066 of 4081
12/4/11 at 6:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by steve ans View Post

I have a KDL40W3000 in the bedroom which is 60hz and very watchable. I also have a 120hz 52EX701 which was a Sony offer replacement. Yes, there is a difference but I can still watch my "W" and enjoy it. Your 60hz offers are the less expensive end of the spectrum. Remember, most LCDs were 60hz for a long time. If this is something you're going to be unhappy with, speak to the Sony team and see if they can offer you a 120hz set. If this is all that's available, take their offer and enjoy and when you can, upgrade the set yourself in the near future. These are practically free, after all.

I realize they are as good as my Sony Grand Vega. I'm sure i'll be happy with the tv. I'm just asking if these tv's (KDL40BX420 or KDL46BX420) will play 1080P content to my liking (blueray, etc).

I don't have a blueray NOW, but i assume i will need/have one in the near future...and since i have to dish out $150 for the replacement tv, i might be willing to dish out a few bucks more, but only if it is necessary for 1080P content.

Thanks!
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post #4067 of 4081
12/19/11 at 11:02am
I also have a Sony Grand Wega TV (KDF-42WE655) that now "is no longer covered under warranty". After writing email to sonylistens, and speaking to them on sonysupport (800-222-7669), their only response was "...sorry to hear about your TV". We can help you find a Sony authorized servicer in your area. No more Sony electronics for me! If further class actions are started, include me in! My problem is the failing optical block...with resulting blue band at bottom of screen. I hope that anyone that shops for electronic equipment, be it TV's or other, will look seriously at brands other than Sony. I will discourage anyone from buying Sony -- DO NOT BUY SONY EQUIPMENT!!!!
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post #4068 of 4081
12/19/11 at 4:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ARBDIGG View Post

I also have a Sony Grand Wega TV (KDF-42WE655) that now "is no longer covered under warranty". After writing email to sonylistens, and speaking to them on sonysupport (800-222-7669), their only response was "...sorry to hear about your TV". We can help you find a Sony authorized servicer in your area. No more Sony electronics for me! If further class actions are started, include me in! My problem is the failing optical block...with resulting blue band at bottom of screen. I hope that anyone that shops for electronic equipment, be it TV's or other, will look seriously at brands other than Sony. I will discourage anyone from buying Sony -- DO NOT BUY SONY EQUIPMENT!!!!

Unfortunately, the Sony replacement program looks like it has ended. ALL RP TVs were problematic. Sony's micro LCD technology developed unforeseen problems, namely the optical block. However, they did run a replacement program for about 18 months after doing it a few years earlier. I don't think it's quite fair to be that angry. No other TV manufacturer went to the lengths Sony did to remedy this situation for many people. What if you bought a car that developed problems years after the warranty expired? Would you expect the manufacturer to sell you a new car for, let's say $1200.00? It is really unfortunate your issue didn't develop during the replacement program. I do understand your frustration. But your TV is now 7-8 years old. I had a 50WE655 and was lucky to get into the replacement program in 2010 but Sony had to draw the line somewhere.
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post #4069 of 4081
12/20/11 at 9:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ARBDIGG View Post

I also have a Sony Grand Wega TV (KDF-42WE655) that now "is no longer covered under warranty". After writing email to sonylistens, and speaking to them on sonysupport (800-222-7669), their only response was "...sorry to hear about your TV". We can help you find a Sony authorized servicer in your area. No more Sony electronics for me! If further class actions are started, include me in! My problem is the failing optical block...with resulting blue band at bottom of screen. I hope that anyone that shops for electronic equipment, be it TV's or other, will look seriously at brands other than Sony. I will discourage anyone from buying Sony -- DO NOT BUY SONY EQUIPMENT!!!!

Have you checked for heat damage? Did you email the Sony Listens team?
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post #4070 of 4081
3/9/12 at 6:24am
How to check for heat damage?

Is there picts showing it?

Maybe I got a lucky one, or something, but so far I've had no issues with my KDF42WE655, bought Feb-2005, still on original bulb.
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post #4071 of 4081
3/9/12 at 6:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mtbdudex View Post

How to check for heat damage?

Is there picts showing it?

Yes, check this site. Be sure to scroll down through the pics.
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post #4072 of 4081
3/9/12 at 6:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaverJ View Post

Yes, check this site. Be sure to scroll down through the pics.

Wow, I'll check tonight but mine on exterior looks fine, and I've never felt heat from the door area.

Thx for quick response.
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post #4073 of 4081
3/9/12 at 8:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mtbdudex View Post

How to check for heat damage?

Is there picts showing it?

Maybe I got a lucky one, or something, but so far I've had no issues with my KDF42WE655, bought Feb-2005, still on original bulb.

You ARE lucky! I had a KDF-50WE655 that developed issues 2010.
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post #4074 of 4081
3/24/13 at 12:12pm
I have a blue line that goes across the screen. every so often in the lower left hand corner to half way across the tv.

I also just hooked up a Wii U via HDMI (video 8) and i am having serious overscan issues.

kdf-55xs955

any idea?

I checked the picture menu I am not allowed to select normal from the wide option menu.
i only get full
Also The Game picture is greyed out.

Any Help would be great.

Thanks!
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post #4075 of 4081
3/24/13 at 12:33pm
My most sincere reply is not meant to be condescending. Now is the perfect time to retire that TV since LED LCD TVs are at their all time lowest cost. Soon, new technologies such as 4K and OLED will be very expensive. I saw a 55" Samsung (I'm a Sony guy but...) at a famous brick and mortar store for $799 today.
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post #4076 of 4081
3/24/13 at 12:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ebucel View Post

I have a blue line that goes across the screen. every so often in the lower left hand corner to half way across the tv.

I also just hooked up a Wii U via HDMI (video 8) and i am having serious overscan issues.

kdf-55xs955

any idea?

I checked the picture menu I am not allowed to select normal from the wide option menu.
i only get full
Also The Game picture is greyed out.

Any Help would be great.

Thanks!

The Wii U's UI isn't designed well for rear projection TVs. There's a sizing option in the TV menu where you can set the display at -1, but the Wii U's text on the edges will still hang off because they are typed right at the edge of the screen.

As for the blue line, it's a known flaw with the optical block. The solution is to have it rebuilt, but there no guarantee it won't return. I agree with Steve, if it bothers you, the best fix is a new TV.
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post #4077 of 4081
3/24/13 at 2:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ebucel View Post

I have a blue line that goes across the screen. every so often in the lower left hand corner to half way across the tv.

I also just hooked up a Wii U via HDMI (video 8) and i am having serious overscan issues.

kdf-55xs955

any idea?

I checked the picture menu I am not allowed to select normal from the wide option menu.
i only get full
Also The Game picture is greyed out.

Any Help would be great.

Thanks!

That line for me was the start of my optical block going bad. Blue splotches and blue constellations followed. You may be in the market for a new tv before too long.
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post #4078 of 4081
3/24/13 at 5:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ebucel View Post

I have a blue line that goes across the screen. every so often in the lower left hand corner to half way across the tv...

See my web site (link below in my signature) for details on the optical block defect that results in the blue discolorations on your TV. All of their rear-projection LCD models had much higher than average failure rates due to optical block design. My web site contains information on how to get your optical block rebuilt, if you would like to get a few more years out of it for ~$300.

As far as the new flat-panel models are concerned, like most manufacturers, Sony now outsources production of most of its parts, including their LCD panels, and assembly of their TVs to third-party companies in places like China, so they are no more reliable. Shop around.
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post #4079 of 4081
3/25/13 at 10:51am
Yes, Check out Steve's site and contact Sony Listens. They MIGHT give you a deal on a new Sony.
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post #4080 of 4081
3/25/13 at 12:51pm
Do I really want a new Sony?
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