AVS › AVS Forum › Display Devices › Rear Projection Units › Official 2005 Sony KDSR-50/60XBR1 SXRD Owner's Thread
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Official 2005 Sony KDSR-50/60XBR1 SXRD Owner's Thread - Page 705

post #21121 of 23944
11/20/09 at 11:50am
this thread is depressing, hundreds of pages of nothing but replaced optical blocks and swapping for other TV's.

well I've had my 60" xbr1 for 4 years now, and the thing has been just dandy. not perfect, there are some temporary image retention problems that annoy me sometimes, but still the picture is always guaranteed to look stunning for my tv shows, movies, and games. guess i'm lucky, or possibly less picky? ignorance is bliss?

anyway, finally my first bulb blew last night, so i need to get that taken care of asap. i see there are two brands available, the original philips, and the osram knock off that would save me about 20 bucks. anyone have experience with which bulb i should get? i'd rather pay the 20 bucks extra if the philips bulb is superior, but if they're the same then of course, times are tough and every double sawbuck helps.
Reply
Reply

AVS Top Picks

post #21122 of 23944
11/20/09 at 12:15pm
I recenlty replace my bulb with an OSRAM bulb and have not seen any difference in picture quality. I ordered mine from a company in Indiana and had it within a couple of days. I think it was around $90 (can't remember exactly).
Reply
Reply
post #21123 of 23944
11/20/09 at 2:29pm
i just ordered a philips bulb for $99 with free shipping off ebay. it was only $14 more than the osram.

can't believe this stupid little bulb costs a 100 bucks -_-

not sure how much time was on the bulb, i think i checked like a year ago and was at 5k or 6k hours... so im guessing around 7-8k when it popped. it was 4 years old though.
Reply
Reply
post #21124 of 23944
11/20/09 at 5:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ed3120 View Post

When I look at the screen from 12 inches away, I can clearly see the green and the red splitting off into different directions at the edge of each pixel.

Thats the screen matting texture, the small bumps are like a small magnifying lens used to improve off angle viewing and glare
Reply
Reply
post #21125 of 23944
11/21/09 at 7:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ed3120 View Post

When I look at the screen from 12 inches away, I can clearly see the green and the red splitting off into different directions at the edge of each pixel.

Ha! That sounds like something someone would say after eating a batch of pot brownies. )
Reply
Reply
post #21126 of 23944
11/21/09 at 3:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ed3120 View Post

When I look at the screen from 12 inches away, I can clearly see the green and the red splitting off into different directions at the edge of each pixel.

How does it look from normal vieweing distances? Anyway, yes, there is a kind of "convergence" in the SXRDs. You can go into the service menu and adjust the alignment of the colors, both horizontally and vertically, using a cross-hatch pattern. I did it with my XBR1 and then A2020 a few years ago. Can't remember the sequence though but its posted in this thread somewhere. Try taking a look at post #1.
Reply
Reply
post #21127 of 23944
11/22/09 at 5:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by maskibbs View Post

Exactly what I'm doing, I'm debating between the Samsung 58" PN58B650 ($1850), Panasonic 54" G10 ($1400), or the Kuro 50" KRP-500M ($1800)... Sony can't compete with those.

I went with the 58" V10... Getting delivered tomorrow

Green POS XBR1 is going to start pulling duty in front of an elliptical machine.
Reply
Reply
post #21128 of 23944
11/22/09 at 9:34pm
In Canada you are out of luck. No offers from Sony for anything. They won't acknowledge their past offer ending June/09. I called my nearest service centre today (Audio Video Tech Services, Comox BC) and they want $2600 to fix my TV. The quoted price on the OB was $1500 and labour was $1000 What a ripoff. I tried to explain to her that was a rip as I have prices from the internet (this forum). She told me, "Don't believe everything you read on the internet".

I called Sony today and $667 is the price for an OB either side of the border.

I sent Sony service the link to this page.........
Reply
Reply
post #21129 of 23944
11/23/09 at 11:52am
Best Buy sent me an offer to extend my extended warranty. $365 for 3 more years. Seems like a great deal IF Best Buy actually does OB replacements. It also includes 1 free bulb replacement.

Anybody have any opinions on BB EW?

Also it seems a few posts show some success with Sony still honoring the OB replacement policy, while others say SOL. Is Sony still an option or are the emphatically done supporting XBR1?

Love the TV. No issues for 4 years (though some very faint discoloration).
Reply
Reply
post #21130 of 23944
11/23/09 at 12:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RBurks View Post

Best Buy sent me an offer to extend my extended warranty. $365 for 3 more years. Seems like a great deal IF Best Buy actually does OB replacements. It also includes 1 free bulb replacement.

Anybody have any opinions on BB EW?

Also it seems a few posts show some success with Sony still honoring the OB replacement policy, while others say SOL. Is Sony still an option or are the emphatically done supporting XBR1?

Love the TV. No issues for 4 years (though some very faint discoloration).

Seems like a good deal to me if you still like your set. If I were you I'd talk to someone to be sure I understand the details such as you've raised regarding the OB and and other parts. I would want to be sure if parts are no longer available at some point within the 3 year warranty period that BB replaces the TV with something else of similar value.

I bought my SXRD at Circuit City and my 4 year extended warranty expires in mid February, 2010. I think CC is now defunct and I don't think I'll be getting any warranty offers like you are getting.....I envy you.
Reply
Reply
post #21131 of 23944
11/23/09 at 1:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2fast4u View Post

Seems like a good deal to me if you still like your set. If I were you I'd talk to someone to be sure I understand the details such as you've raised regarding the OB and and other parts. I would want to be sure if parts are no longer available at some point within the 3 year warranty period that BB replaces the TV with something else of similar value.

I bought my SXRD at Circuit City and my 4 year extended warranty expires in mid February, 2010. I think CC is now defunct and I don't think I'll be getting any warranty offers like you are getting.....I envy you.

I did the same thing...another 3 years of peace of mind was worth it for me. And, yes...they will replace the set with another of similar price if they cannot fix or replace parts. That's why I got it. Plus, there's more that can go wrong with these 4 year old sets besides the OB...fans, for example.
Reply
Reply
post #21132 of 23944
11/24/09 at 1:04pm
So, I have an opportunity to get a 60xbr1 for ess than $500. The owner of the TV had the optical block replaced once already by Sony late last year. I'm trying to understand what the risks are for the optical block failing again. Are there a lot of people who have had multiple optical block failures? Did Sony do anything to the optical block to fix the issues, or are they just replacing them?
Reply
Reply
post #21133 of 23944
11/24/09 at 2:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bizychild View Post

So, I have an opportunity to get a 60xbr1 for ess than $500. The owner of the TV had the optical block replaced once already by Sony late last year. I'm trying to understand what the risks are for the optical block failing again. Are there a lot of people who have had multiple optical block failures? Did Sony do anything to the optical block to fix the issues, or are they just replacing them?

walk away, now!
Reply
Reply
post #21134 of 23944
11/25/09 at 6:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bizychild View Post

So, I have an opportunity to get a 60xbr1 for ess than $500. The owner of the TV had the optical block replaced once already by Sony late last year. I'm trying to understand what the risks are for the optical block failing again. Are there a lot of people who have had multiple optical block failures? Did Sony do anything to the optical block to fix the issues, or are they just replacing them?

We've read many times on this thread that Sony has "fixed" the problem causing OB failure. However, results are "mixed" at best. As for odds, I would guess that the odds are very high that the OB will fail in the future.

I've had two replacements. Last one was about 18 months ago. This one is still excellent; and our 60xbr1 is on around 14 hours per day. The picture is outstanding.

From my perspective, if you pay less than $500 for the set and it last only a few months you lost. If it lasts several years you got a great deal. If I really wanted a large (60 inches or more) HD TV and wasn't willing to pay $3k or more for a new one, I would probably roll the dice and see how long it would last.
Reply
Reply
post #21135 of 23944
11/25/09 at 6:53am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bizychild View Post

So, I have an opportunity to get a 60xbr1 for ess than $500. The owner of the TV had the optical block replaced once already by Sony late last year. I'm trying to understand what the risks are for the optical block failing again. Are there a lot of people who have had multiple optical block failures? Did Sony do anything to the optical block to fix the issues, or are they just replacing them?

You have to make this decision for yourself, so I might put a little emphasis on what the folks in this thread have to say. I purchased my XBR1 in May 2006, and developed the green blob in July 2007. Had the OB replaced, haven't had a problem since, and the PQ is still fantastic.

I have plenty of friends who have purchased plasmas, LCDs, projectors, etc. Inside (obviously I don't say anything), I know my XBR1 still has a better picture. People come over to my house, and still comment that my TV has one of the best pictures they've ever seen.

I am currently shopping for a 32-37" inch for the bedroom, and my XBR1 has spoiled me. No matter what store I'm at, I can't find anything worth the price, that outperforms my XBR1.

This thread is one of the only public outlets for people to voice their frustrations, but you're not hearing from the [however many] people out there, who are satisfied with their sets.

I do not regret my purchase one bit.
Reply
Reply
post #21136 of 23944
11/25/09 at 11:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bizychild View Post

So, I have an opportunity to get a 60xbr1 for ess than $500. The owner of the TV had the optical block replaced once already by Sony late last year. I'm trying to understand what the risks are for the optical block failing again. Are there a lot of people who have had multiple optical block failures? Did Sony do anything to the optical block to fix the issues, or are they just replacing them?

If you are thinking, "Wow, .......... maybe I can buy a 60" HD tv for everyday use for less than $500 and live happily ever after (perhaps, 3 years)," I would say that you should forget it. A second - hand HD tv set is not a good gamble if $500 is a significant amount for you and the set is for daily and primary use. The chances are too strong that you will find yourself trying to replace this set within only a year or two, ......... minus the $500 that you have now.

If this is a 2nd set for occasional use, this could be a good gamble. If $500 is not a particularly significant amount for you ............ What the Hell! In other words, it is usually better in life to wait until you acquire enough money to buy a brand new version of whatever you want.

In any event, if you choose not to wait, take a long, hard and critical look at this tv set. If the picture is bright and clear with no trace of colored haze on a black and white program or a gray screen, you might be able to get a good year or two out of it.

Good luck, but use your best judgment.
Reply
Reply
post #21137 of 23944
11/25/09 at 12:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bizychild View Post

So, I have an opportunity to get a 60xbr1 for ess than $500. The owner of the TV had the optical block replaced once already by Sony late last year. I'm trying to understand what the risks are for the optical block failing again. Are there a lot of people who have had multiple optical block failures? Did Sony do anything to the optical block to fix the issues, or are they just replacing them?

You don't really need to read all 21,150 posts in 705 pages of this thread but if you at least read through the last few pages you should get the answer you need.
Reply
Reply
post #21138 of 23944
11/25/09 at 12:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ckeegan View Post

You have to make this decision for yourself, so I might put a little emphasis on what the folks in this thread have to say. I purchased my XBR1 in May 2006, and developed the green blob in July 2007. Had the OB replaced, haven't had a problem since, and the PQ is still fantastic.

I have plenty of friends who have purchased plasmas, LCDs, projectors, etc. Inside (obviously I don't say anything), I know my XBR1 still has a better picture. People come over to my house, and still comment that my TV has one of the best pictures they've ever seen.

I am currently shopping for a 32-37" inch for the bedroom, and my XBR1 has spoiled me. No matter what store I'm at, I can't find anything worth the price, that outperforms my XBR1.

This thread is one of the only public outlets for people to voice their frustrations, but you're not hearing from the [however many] people out there, who are satisfied with their sets.

I do not regret my purchase one bit.

I am of the same mindset. I was thinking of getting a new tv this Christmas and couldn't find a picture that I would consider a step up from the 60xbr1. It is stunning when there aren't OB issues. I had my OB replaced over two years ago and it is going very strong. Am I 100% sure it won't fail again...no way. I will likely go through the same thing next Christmas and if I have no OB issues might well decide that it has another good year left in it.
Reply
Reply
post #21139 of 23944
11/26/09 at 8:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stan54 View Post

In any event, if you choose not to wait, take a long, hard and critical look at this tv set. If the picture is bright and clear with no trace of colored haze on a black and white program or a gray screen, you might be able to get a good year or two out of it.

You can use the "memory card" screen to view for "lack of color". It's a great gray screen that's available for just pushing one button on the remote. The grays should show no color "tint". However, if there is a color tint consistent across the entire screen, it can be corrected with the white balance adjustments (i.e., to get a proper grayscale). Finally, if the color "tint" is in patches, it can't be corrected with the white balance controls and is an indication that the OB is bad and will only get worse.
Reply
Reply
post #21140 of 23944
11/27/09 at 3:16pm
I hope this is the right place to post this question... my apologies if it isn't.

We recently got a used kds-r50xbr1 (for free) from some friends who had replaced theirs with their class-action settlement. It does have some color issues, but nothing that bothers us, and has been otherwise trouble-free until a few days ago, when it decided to turn itself off with a 4-blink status light error. I searched this forum, and found indications that the large fan on the left-hand side (looking at the TV from the back) was the likely culprit, so I opened it up, cleaned the fan (I did the little one that sits behind the tuner board, as well), and buttoned it back up. Of course, I realized when I was reassembling that I hadn't paid attention to the orientation of the large fan.

The upshot is that it works now, but it gave me an over-temp warning after about 30 mins. The way the fans are oriented at the moment, the little one is blowing out, and the big one is blowing in. Anyone know what is correct? I found a pdf of the service manual, and my guess from the pictures is that I have the big one oriented the wrong way around, but as far as I can tell it doesn't say which way it should blow.

Thanks in advance for any help.
Reply
Reply
post #21141 of 23944
11/27/09 at 7:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mdh13 View Post

I hope this is the right place to post this question... my apologies if it isn't.

We recently got a used kds-r50xbr1 (for free) from some friends who had replaced theirs with their class-action settlement. It does have some color issues, but nothing that bothers us, and has been otherwise trouble-free until a few days ago, when it decided to turn itself off with a 4-blink status light error. I searched this forum, and found indications that the large fan on the left-hand side (looking at the TV from the back) was the likely culprit, so I opened it up, cleaned the fan (I did the little one that sits behind the tuner board, as well), and buttoned it back up. Of course, I realized when I was reassembling that I hadn't paid attention to the orientation of the large fan.

The upshot is that it works now, but it gave me an over-temp warning after about 30 mins. The way the fans are oriented at the moment, the little one is blowing out, and the big one is blowing in. Anyone know what is correct? I found a pdf of the service manual, and my guess from the pictures is that I have the big one oriented the wrong way around, but as far as I can tell it doesn't say which way it should blow.

Thanks in advance for any help.

The sony logo on the fan should be facing out. You can see it on page 19 of the service manual (link below).

http://www.scribd.com/doc/16940552/S...ual-Kdsr60xbr1
Reply
Reply
post #21142 of 23944
11/28/09 at 12:33am
Hi There!

Because we have a little fella about to start crawling we have started to consider how to best make use of the space we have in our lounge. We have rearrange the TV etc but are starting to look at the merits of getting rid of the SXRD, and the
massive cabinet it's on, and replacing it with a projector since the SXRD was on my list of things to upgrade to a larger unit originally. It would give us a whole 8sqm of our room back which is a lot really!

I was wondering if anyone thought there were any projectors that would be comparable PQ wise at 80-85" with a decent pull down screen that I should consider?

I have not seen one bad review of the Panasonic AE-2000, 3000, 4000 and they are certainly within the price range I'd be considering. The Mitsubishi 5000 seems also very good value and so many great reviews from it.

Are these suitable replacements for what I have?

We are considering about 10K Max Net cost to get a projector, av cabinet, installation, and a good screen (perhaps motorized) after taking into account selling anything we don't need.

Any experience anyone could share would be appreciated.
Reply
Reply
post #21143 of 23944
11/28/09 at 9:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Frohlich View Post

The sony logo on the fan should be facing out. You can see it on page 19 of the service manual (link below).

(url removed b/c my post count is too low)

Yes, that's the picture I was referring to. I opened it back up again and reoriented the fan that way, which makes it blow air out of the cabinet. I used the TV for a few hours last night after that change, and didn't have any problems. Thanks!
Reply
Reply
post #21144 of 23944
11/28/09 at 9:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bizychild View Post

So, I have an opportunity to get a 60xbr1 for ess than $500. The owner of the TV had the optical block replaced once already by Sony late last year. I'm trying to understand what the risks are for the optical block failing again. Are there a lot of people who have had multiple optical block failures? Did Sony do anything to the optical block to fix the issues, or are they just replacing them?

Buy it thats a ok price if the bulb is fairly new. my ob is 3.5 years old after replacement no problem. you'll be fine.
Reply
Reply
post #21145 of 23944
11/29/09 at 5:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nachosgrande View Post

Recently I have noticed that the 60XBR1 will go black for 1 second, and then the on screen TV input status bar will appear for a few seconds (as if someone has pressed the TV/Video Input button). Occurs while watching D* on Input 5 (component cable). Usually happens once after an hour or two. Has anyone observed this with their set or have an idea why this is happening?

My 50XBR1 has been doing the same thing for two weeks now. It occurs as often as twice per hour. It has happened when using the STB and the Blu-ray. I don't know why it is happening. My EW is good through November 2010 so if it continues I will request a service visit. I have had two OB's replaced, three bulbs, and all three fans replaced due to dust. The PQ is still terrific and worth the effort to keep the TV going.
Reply
Reply
post #21146 of 23944
12/1/09 at 10:46am
Just started to notice that the colors are not as sharp and picture not as bright. Is this a sign that the bulb is going? Set purchased in Feb 2006. Will getting a new bulb restore to prior greatness?
Reply
Reply
post #21147 of 23944
12/1/09 at 11:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Batmanda View Post

Just started to notice that the colors are not as sharp and picture not as bright. Is this a sign that the bulb is going? Set purchased in Feb 2006. Will getting a new bulb restore to prior greatness?

You can check your hours on the TV but if you have had this set for almost 4 years (depending on average use), it is probably due a new bulb and can certainly help.
Reply
Reply
post #21148 of 23944
12/1/09 at 1:04pm
How do you check the hours? And what's the magic number of hours?

Thanks!
Reply
Reply
post #21149 of 23944
12/1/09 at 1:08pm
Just started to notice that the colors are not as sharp (slight green tint - tried to adjust but didn't want to push it too red) and picture not as bright. Is this a sign that the bulb is going? Set purchased in Feb 2006. Will getting a new bulb restore to prior greatness?
Reply
Reply
post #21150 of 23944
12/1/09 at 2:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Batmanda View Post

Just started to notice that the colors are not as sharp (slight green tint - tried to adjust but didn't want to push it too red) and picture not as bright. Is this a sign that the bulb is going? Set purchased in Feb 2006. Will getting a new bulb restore to prior greatness?

Curious, have you ever had your OB replaced?

I ask because after I did my 1st replacement in June this year I've noticed that the picture is somewhat softer - not as sharp as before - although it still looks a hell of a lot better overall than right before the replacement.

This was also one of the symptoms detailed in the class-action verbage, when after the OB was replaced - soft picture.

I'd think bulb would definitely affect brightness but not necessarily sharpness/softness, but that could be an eye of the beholder thang.

My bulb blew after just about 2800 hrs over 2 yrs. So apparently for me it was not just the # of hrs but also # of power cycles, age &/or a defective bulb.

I got my set in Jan/2006 (around the same time as you), so like Frohlich said you could probably use a new bulb by now, if you never have replaced it; but, hopefully it's not your OB going bad - green tint is a bad sign.
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Rear Projection Units

AVS Top Picks

AVS › AVS Forum › Display Devices › Rear Projection Units › Official 2005 Sony KDSR-50/60XBR1 SXRD Owner's Thread