Official Sony XBR2 (60" & 70") Owner's Thread - Page 394

Well, after many years of good service from my 60" XBR2 SXRD set, I finally started to get the green haze. First noticed it when I couldn't calibrate the color on my Mac Mini correctly. Then I went to the login screen in OS X Lion and saw just how bad the green had become. Checking with Sarah Kepler via FaceBook to see what kind of discounts are available now. Will keep you all posted.

They're going to offer you a 55"' at $575 or $675. And a 60" at $1375 or $1475. Both are bottom-of-the-line models, unlike that SXRD when you bought it. They will offer discounts on some other models if you send them what you are interested in.

Look at some replacements from other manufacturers too. Even with the Sony discount and so-called accommodation, there's not great value in purchasing their inferior products. They're very overpriced when compared to their competitors. Check out LG and Sharp, and check out their repair history as well. I think you'll be surprised at the differences.

On an extended warranty (ESP) for the 65HX929 that was a discounted replacement for my 70XBR2, I also ended up going with El.Warranty.com. After getting transferred to 3 Sony departments (Warranty, Customer Care & Sony Listens) and then transferred back around to each also (ugh) and each of them saying another dept. would know if a Sony ESP would include a comparable replacement vs. just the price paid, it became obvious there was not a consensus and I should just assume the worst case scenario. Also, Sarah never responded to my message & Pat said to contact the Warranty dept. (I'm not doing that again). Too bad...I really tried to give Sony an opportunity to sell an ESP.

Hi Homie,

I decided to skip the discounted replacement units and purchase a Panasonic VT30 65" plasma set. Should be delivered today.

Sony did not offer me discounts on any of their TV's. Instead the offered me a gift card worth $1500 to be used on ANY TV as long as I purchase it at a sony store or from their web site. Also they state that there is no expiry date so I can buy a TV whenever they might become more reliable.

Hmmm, what's wrong with this picture. (WhiBal neutral gray card at the bottom).

I'm sending my info into the contact mentioned on the Facebook page, any recent experiences on what I can expect?

This makes 2 Sony RP HDTVs that went bad in 3-4 years, I'm not sure I want another even with a discount.

Yep, looks like you got the OB greens (blues? ).

Sony will first offer low-end models. After you've refused that and contacted Sarah asking about high-end models you will probably be offered around 50% discount on an HX929. If your XBR is 60" the best you can do is a 55HX929; if it's a 70" a 65HX929.

If you search for my posts you will see all the details on my adventure from 70XBR2 to 65HX929. The set is very very good, not perfect, but then nothing is. Discount I got made it an exceptional deal. I do wonder how long they are going to keep offering such discounts.

Good luck.

OK I got my case number and about to call tonight for my offers for my 60XBR2 bought in nov 2006.

Question on the 60NX720? I see that is no longer available to purchase on the sony style site. Do you think that means it is out of stock and I wont be offered that model. I hope they offer it. That is the model I have my eye on.

I guess the only way to find out is ask tonight but thought someone might have inside info on the status of this model.

Well the 60NX720s are no longer. Went with the 55HX929. Sony seems to be going either 55 or 65 with their models now. No real choice for a 60 for me other than the low end models.

Now I have to take the picture and remove the serial number with a hair dryer.

Great price 1320. Sony did good my me. I didnt think they even had to do this. Thank god for this forum or I would have not even known about this program. Thanks!

You will love the HX929 I have the 65" HX929 I did have the 70" XBR2 and still do of wich I fixed and it too is great again!

Can you tell me how you fixed it? Did you buy the optical blocker and put it in yourself? Just want to know what to say on ebay. Because I aint fixing it and selling it for 50 bucks or more...lol..

I removed the old OB from the set; sent it to tri-state had it rebuilt they then returned it to me I reinstalled the rebuilt OB back into the set, and it’s like having a new 70XBR2! It cost $299 but it’s worth it! It is very ease to do also. It took me about two hours to take the OB out and about one hour to put back in. The kids are now using it in the family den for their games and things where the 65HX929 is in my theater room for the adults to use.

Thanks. I'll put that in my ad. I'll report back what it goes for so other members have an idea what a bad 60XBR2 is worth...

I am sending off my serial numbers tommorrow so hopefully have my new set in a few weeks...yahoo...

What was the turn around time on the repair??

Hello, it was a little over four weeks to get back the rebuilt OB.

Micro,

I don't suppose you have a log (with pictures, hopefully) of the steps to remove the OB (like adrian has here http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...8#post17464028 for the xbr1)? Or did you use his instructions as a guide? Or did you just wing it on your own?

When I had the first OB taking out on Sony's dime I watched the tech very closely and he explained what he was doing; but, when I did it I just did it and kept a log of where all wires and screws went. It's not that big of a job, just take your time.

Dave,


Good for you, I had my XBR2 replaced with a NX720. Nice picture but my replacement failed within 2 weeks as it had major banning issues. They replaced the KDL60NX720 with another unit and basically another one arrived and I had similar issues as the first. Now they want me to take another picture and start this process all over again. Fricking frustrating as hell as my history goes like this:

1.) XBR1 replaced 3 months into using it Optical Block issue. Repaired 2
times and failed twice.

2.) XBR2: Was used as a replacement, it took several years and an extended
Warr but then it green donut issue showed up again.

3.) Replacement Program process started and a KDL60NX720 was purchased
at a nominal fee. TV showed up and problems with LEDs.

4.) Replacement for Replacement shows up another KDL60NX720, LEDs
intermittently showing issues of going out.

Now the Sony people that have been dealing with the replacement(s) have been good, but now I am to the point they should cough up a decent TV for all the time and money I have spent dealing with this BS. When I mean a decent TV a 65" 929! Why should I have to pay for an extended Warr, as I am not confident that they can make TV that works!

Sony finally agreed to replace my greenish KDS-R70XBR2 with a XBR-65HX929 and an additional wad of cash.

TV arrived last week and looks very good (note cautionary tone). Trying to get an extended warranty coverage now from a third party. Suggestions welcomed.

My contact was Sarah Kepler at Sony Cares. I believe Sony did more than any other manufacturer would - BUT original OEM failure / cause, fix, improved replacement parts etc. are not available - just the replacement set and more $$. Looks like Sony is RUNNING as fast as they can away from their SXRD experiences. I hope responsible parties inside Sony for this design flaw were ... fixed.

Trying to find a reasonable repair now for old XBR2's original light engine via TSM. Replacement engine plus removal / reinstall could be high $$ total. Waiting on more input there. Part is $299 at TSM. Root cause of the greenish tint seems to be undisclosed by Sony

LCD panel failures due to heat are discussed widely. More ventilation air could help a heat problem during any rebuild unless the heat is radiant. There possibly only material improvements are only possible via the MFR - and so far nada.

Thanks for all inputs. Any additional comments or suggestions are welcomed.

I hope this string can help / advise others as well. Final on the rebuild is only pending so far

SP

Anyone want to tell me this isn't what I think it is?



Used a Gray 50% test pattern. There appears to be no discoloration on colored or white test patterns. XBR2 itself isn't calibrated.

I've had good experiences with both Service.net and Squaretrade.com.

I am NOT an expert - just fully loaded with other peoples input(s). My summary of best inputs / conclusions / experiences follows:

Problem is a Sony design error with the Blue LCD and an acrylic IR filter lense on that inside the light engine.

Sony Cares' says no new parts (sorry) just a replacement set so I got a new XBR-65HX929 for $2500 plus tax to my door. Picture is great so far. One half the weight of the 70" XBR2 and only a little smaller screen.

My Sony Repair Center (local) says a NEW light engine with the design fixed (correct glass IR filter lense and blue LCD) is $1300 (all new parts - everything ... the whole light engine) plus come out to install - another $400. This seems like we need a new cam so repair desk suggests a short block. Sounds familar. It is also LESS than the new XBR-65HX929 I just paid for.

'Sony Cares' says "no replacement parts". Sony Repair channel says "a fix is available" - albeit a totally new light engine inclusive of the design fix.

Repair your own light engine via http://tristatemodule.com/default.aspx is about $300 if you send in YOUR existing light engine. They advise no fixes made to the design - just replacement of failed parts from older used light engine parts. My guess it will happen again w/o a fix. They have said as much.

Other actual fixers for existing light engine with the updated engine design via sites or repair places are unknown to me but I sure would like to find a GOOD place to FIX my XBR2 light engine with the (now?) correct Sony design, glass IR filter and new blue LCD. Good specific directions for the
70XBR2 would help too on removal and reinstall of the light engine assembly.

So there you have where I am.

Anyone know a verified fixer with the correct OEM pieces as outlined?

SP

Folks thanks for the invaluable information being provided on this thread over the years. I've followed it since my first 60 xbr1. After replacing the bulb recently my 70 xbr2 is experiencing the beginnings of green globs. I was offered lower models than the 65hx929 which I feel in my opinion is the one that should be a match to what the 70 xbr2 was considered the flagship model 5 years ago. With info. from the thread I managed to get the 65hx929. I still had a hard time accepting and then spending the extra cash on a TV after buying a whole new HT setup days before replacing my bulb. The TV will be here on Monday. I'll hold on possibly getting the 70's optical block replaced. For now the kids get a top notch 70 inch Wii display....

FURTHER updates soon.

An actual optical block REPAIR is in the works!

Maybe a few weeks with actual results / details.

SP

MRMOTA, can you write up your experience and how it went for reference? And snags hit?

Secretplayer, keep us updated as well.

Looks like I'll probably be in the same boat as both of you real soon once I can scround up some extra cash.

http://larchive.avsforum.com/www.avs....php?t=1318875

Look into the thread above on others people experiences.

Mileage will vary.

I just provided details on my history with the XBR line when I sent the email to Sony Listens. I received a reply with a case number and there support line. I called and after being offered lesser sets by the original support tech I was made aware that his offer was what he was authorized to make. I made a request for the 65hx929 and he had to get a supervisor to get on the call and see what if anything else they would be able to do. I prepared myself, but to my surprise as soon as the supervisor got on the call the offer was made and what I would have to provide for the 65 to be shipped to me. I was sent an email with the offer details and what I would have to provide if I accpted the offer. The email also stated that I had 7 days to accept or decline the offer. I accepted the offer on the fifth day after talking it over the wife.

Before the TV is shipped you'll be asked for a picture with the issue visible and the case number taped on the bottom of your set. You can find examples on the thread above of the format being asked for on the picture proof. You'll also have to peel the serial # sticker on the back of the set and send it in. I carefully removed all the stickers around the serial # sticker to be on the safe side. Go real slow when removing them as they can tear. Since they were still sticky I adhered them them onto a standard sheet of print paper. In total I sent a color picture proof with the case number in the picture. The sheet with the sets stickers. Lastly I included the sheet I had written the case number that was in the picture. The third item wasnt asked for, but just figured I would included. Once they receive the materials they'll aprove your proof and put in for a purchase order to be created. Only when the TV is set to be shipped will they charge you the agreed price. If your using your bank account to pay for your set I'd recommend you calling your bank ahead and see if your daily limit for purchases needs to be raised. This added an extra week since after they had received the proof, put in for shipment my bank declined the transaction. It took Sony roughly another week to resubmit for payment.

From intial email to set arriving with an extra week due to bank watching out for me was two weeks. One thing that really surprised me was that i was charged on Friday morning and I recieved the email within an hour with tracking info I figured it be a few weeks for delivery. Well at about 5PM on Friday I recieved a call from CEVA that they would be at my house on Monday morning. It actually got pushed to Wednesday as the TV didnt arrive until Monday afternoon to the local depot. When the TV arrived I paid the crew 20 bucks and some sodas for them to unbox and lift it onto my TV stand. They went ahead and also did the intial setup to check that the TV was fully operational.

The sets is amazing, but it is not perfect. Some of the issues described in the thread above are present but unless Im looking for them it really doesnt deter. I dont have any dead pixels and no blooming. Minimal banding and some halo, but nothing extreme. If I were paying 6k you bet I'd be trying set after set. I didnt pay close to that and am willing to live with it until I go 4K in 5 years.

If any of you guys are interested and know how to fix the light engine I have my 60" on ebay now for only $50.00. I am in Connecticut. Pickup only. Just look up 60XBR2 on ebay.

Just shipped my 70XBR2 OB to Tri-State today. I'll post my results when the time comes.

My best current fix for the old 70XBR2 was found via with Steve Linke.

We have spoken directly and it IS an actual fix to the light engine configuration to repair the OEM design flaw (check my posts above).

After I get 4 or 5 friends over to move the existing 70XBR2 beast so I can get at the light engine - it will be a few weeks after that to turn around the modified (fixed) light engine via Steve.

He advises 10,000 hours of fixed operation after the fix. For the cost I am going for it.

Updates as possible.

Actual life quality of the fix would depend how many hours we watched the (now secondary) set. If it were 1000 hours per year it would take a decade to confirm all.

If I could squeeze another five years out of the old 70XBR2 without green I would be ecstatic!


SP

Just to add to the data, I called today (out of the country for a while) on the unit I posted above.

The initial offer was a 55BX520 for $700 and a 60EX720 for $1375. After the (seemingly typical) request for a model comparable to my XBR unit, they escalated to someone else who had to check on availability and call me back The 65's are still reserved for customers with 65/70" units, but I received the same XBR-55HX929 for $1,320 offer as noted above.

I'm quite satisfied. Even though I'm on a string of two consecutive defective Sony big-screens (previous 57" also went bad), I have too many remotes/automation tied in to Sony codes to start over and will probably be taking this.

Thanks all for this great source of information.