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Official Sony KDS-XXA3000 OWNERS THREAD! - Page 499

post #14941 of 15135
11/11/11 at 7:34am
Hello,
I too believe that the 55EX500 is one of the better Sony LCD TV's. I got one as a Replacement for my 55A3000 as well.

I far prefer the CCFL Backlighted EX500 to any Edge Lit LED Sony that I saw when deciding on what to do. Don't get me wrong, a fully LED Backlit with Local Dimming would be the best possible solution. However, they remain quite expensive.

Truth be told, I never in a million years thought I would ever use an LCD Panel in my HT. Prior to the EX500, I was so biased towards Plasmas that I could not fathom an LCD. However, LCD has come a long way over the past few years in terms of Black Level.

What makes the EX500 special is that it combines a very high quality Panel (Sharp for the 60EX500, Samsung/Sony S-PVA for almost the rest of the range with the exception of the 37 which uses a subpar AUO Panel) and a fully Backlit Panel. While thicker than the Edge LED LCDs, the juice is well worth the squeeze for not having to deal with much if any Flashlighting.
Sadly, Sony now only offers CCFL with super cheap Panels and the bulk of their offerings being Edge Lit LED's in the mid range.
Cheers,
AD
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post #14942 of 15135
11/11/11 at 9:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Audiodork View Post

Hello,
I too believe that the 55EX500 is one of the better Sony LCD TV's. I got one as a Replacement for my 55A3000 as well.

I far prefer the CCFL Backlighted EX500 to any Edge Lit LED Sony that I saw when deciding on what to do. Don't get me wrong, a fully LED Backlit with Local Dimming would be the best possible solution. However, they remain quite expensive.

Truth be told, I never in a million years thought I would ever use an LCD Panel in my HT. Prior to the EX500, I was so biased towards Plasmas that I could not fathom an LCD. However, LCD has come a long way over the past few years in terms of Black Level.

What makes the EX500 special is that it combines a very high quality Panel (Sharp for the 60EX500, Samsung/Sony S-PVA for almost the rest of the range with the exception of the 37 which uses a subpar AUO Panel) and a fully Backlit Panel. While thicker than the Edge LED LCDs, the juice is well worth the squeeze for not having to deal with much if any Flashlighting.
Sadly, Sony now only offers CCFL with super cheap Panels and the bulk of their offerings being Edge Lit LED's in the mid range.
Cheers,
AD

Interesting, thanks for posting. I just sent my pics and s/n sticker in to Sony yesterday. They offered the 55EX500 or 60EX720 with the 55 being quite a bit cheaper. I currently have a 60" A3000 and am a little concerned about going down in size but I assume it's something I'd get used to and not notice after a while. Not really interested in 3D or internet apps so that's not a factor.

I'll have to give this some more thought and research before making a final decision.

Thanks again....Barry

EDIT: and they've now given me the option of a KDL-HX820 for $200 less than the 60EX720.
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post #14943 of 15135
11/11/11 at 5:59pm
Well, looks like I'm going to get the 55HX729. It fits our cabinet, and the discount was generous, IMO. So, it's Merry Christmas early to us!

You know, I just have to comment. I went to 2 Best Buys and a Sears. I saw some models, but not the one I'm getting. All three, esp. the BBs, were refreshing inventory. I know that has to be done, but if I didn't have a clue as to the few models I wanted to see, I sure wouldn't have bought anything last night at any of the 3 stores.

Anyhoo, I suppose I won't have much to add here in a few weeks. I just have to fill out the paperwork, dot the "I" and cross the "T", so to speak. Good luck to everyone...hope some of you get many more years out of your A3000!
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post #14944 of 15135
11/13/11 at 3:40pm
Said goodbye to my A3000 tonight. I also took advantage of the Sony replacement program. I had some slight discoloration. I probably could have lived with it for another year or so, but why not get a new TV if Sony is making decent deals to us? I figured I could sell the A3000 now while it still looks halfway decent and I was right. It took no time at all to sell it on Craigslist. I chose the 55EX500 as well. Hopefully Sony gets it shipped out to me quickly because it left my main room TV'less.
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post #14945 of 15135
11/17/11 at 4:48pm
hi,

i'm wondering if anyone had their KDS-60A3000 or similar model fail in the same manner as mine, since i haven't been able to find a similar story here or elsewhere online.

what happens is that the lamp will spontaneously turn off and therefore no image is being projected & the screen goes dark. while the screen is dark the power light will blink 36 times. the lamp then turns back on. the lamp stays on for about 3-4 minutes then this process repeats. the problem is continuous except that it will occasionally go into remission and the lamp will stay on for a couple hours without this occurring. but that's rare.


i haven't had any miscolorations or anything, so i'm wondering if it might be a different problem than the standard optical block issue.

thanks
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post #14946 of 15135
11/18/11 at 12:38am
hey what does a better job of upconverting to 1080p (or1080i if thats all i can get), the a3000 or my Directv HR21 receiver? thanks
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post #14947 of 15135
11/18/11 at 7:11am
Upconverting what? If you upconvert 1080i, then both work equally well since you're only de-interlacing. Anything less is simply scaled by the tv, not upconverted. So the tv essentially just zooms in on something like 480, jaggies and all, with no interpolation. So you're much better off letting your sources (DirecTV, Blu-ray, etc.) do all the upconverting. Just compare for yourself and it will be obvious. Many insist on leaving their DirecTV box in native mode, but this gives terrible results on our sony's. Just set it to 1080i pillar box and forget it.
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post #14948 of 15135
11/18/11 at 7:10pm
The A3000 processing is not very good. It wasn't very good even when the display came out.

I once did some experiments with the display deinteracing 1080i to 1080p vs my Oppo and Panasonic 35 Blu-ray player. It was very noticeable on test patterns and real life material that the players did a better job. I have done scaling tests which indicate the same.

I have no idea of the capabilities of the Directv HR21 receiver, however.
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post #14949 of 15135
11/18/11 at 10:18pm
Can someone post a link on who to contact for the Sony replacement program? My A3000 is starting to show the green tint and am hoping it isnt too late to see what options are available for repair or replacement. Thanks in advance. I have a feeling it has already been posted but didn't show up in my search.
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post #14950 of 15135
11/19/11 at 9:10am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeynavy1 View Post

Can someone post a link on who to contact for the Sony replacement program? My A3000 is starting to show the green tint and am hoping it isnt too late to see what options are available for repair or replacement. Thanks in advance. I have a feeling it has already been posted but didn't show up in my search.

Start here.....

http://www.facebook.com/pages/I-Have...766612?sk=wall

I have a KDL-60EX720 on the way to replace my 60A3000.
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post #14951 of 15135
11/19/11 at 11:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DavidHir View Post

The A3000 processing is not very good. It wasn't very good even when the display came out.

I once did some experiments with the display deinteracing 1080i to 1080p vs my Oppo and Panasonic 35 Blu-ray player. It was very noticeable on test patterns and real life material that the players did a better job. I have done scaling tests which indicate the same.

I have no idea of the capabilities of the Directv HR21 receiver, however.

I own a 60A3000, and while I'm sure the processing is not as good as the Panny 35 BR Player or Oppo (it's deinterlace processing issues all well documented).. it's overall picture quality was/is very good, for a nearly half decade old Rear Projection TV.

My big concern with this TV is...since it's one of the last Sony RP/SXRD TV's made by Sony - what will the Sony Support picture look like down the road if/when more of the A3000 owners begin to run into image deterioration issues.

Knock on wood so far so good....the original lamp died this past July. I replaced it with a cheaper lamp purchased through Amazon - mistake. That lamp died last week. So ordered/installed a new Phillips lamp yesterday so we'll see how it goes. Of course the big fear is OB issues..only time will tell.

-mike-
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post #14952 of 15135
11/19/11 at 2:16pm
Hey guys I'm having a little issue here with my 50A3000

I turn it on today, and the picture is "foggy", like its too bright, but I didn't mess with the picture controls!

any idea why? help please?
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post #14953 of 15135
11/19/11 at 3:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by boiko View Post

I own a 60A3000, and while I'm sure the processing is not as good as the Panny 35 BR Player or Oppo (it's deinterlace processing issues all well documented).. it's overall picture quality was/is very good, for a nearly half decade old Rear Projection TV.

My big concern with this TV is...since it's one of the last Sony RP/SXRD TV's made by Sony - what will the Sony Support picture look like down the road if/when more of the A3000 owners begin to run into image deterioration issues.

Knock on wood so far so good....the original lamp died this past July. I replaced it with a cheaper lamp purchased through Amazon - mistake. That lamp died last week. So ordered/installed a new Phillips lamp yesterday so we'll see how it goes. Of course the big fear is OB issues..only time will tell.

-mike-

I wouldn't expect Sony to do anything. If I am not mistaken, the lawsuit only required them to do something small until very recently and that time has passed. These sets will be several years out of warranty, as well. If your set starts to get bad, you're probably just going to have to get something else.
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post #14954 of 15135
11/23/11 at 1:03pm
Well, looks like I'll be getting my new 55HX729 soon...Sony just posted a charge to my card for my replacement TV.

I'll try to sell the replacement bulb we only used for 2 wks. on Craigslist, and I guess it wouldn't hurt to see if anyone on Craigslist or Freecycle wants the non-working 55A3000 for parts. Otherwise...RIP A3000. I loved you while you lasted.

Maybe I'll love my new 55HX729 one day...

I wish you all the best with your A3000's that still work!
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post #14955 of 15135
11/30/11 at 7:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by amoocow421 View Post

Well, looks like I'll be getting my new 55HX729 soon...Sony just posted a charge to my card for my replacement TV.

I'll try to sell the replacement bulb we only used for 2 wks. on Craigslist, and I guess it wouldn't hurt to see if anyone on Craigslist or Freecycle wants the non-working 55A3000 for parts. Otherwise...RIP A3000. I loved you while you lasted.

Maybe I'll love my new 55HX729 one day...

I wish you all the best with your A3000's that still work!

I just had a pop-up on my screen that my bulb needs replacing.
Was coming on here to see if anyone knew the best place to get one...if you still have yours, let me know what you are asking!
thanks!
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post #14956 of 15135
12/2/11 at 7:48pm
The only true Phillips bulb (with housing) I could find on Amazon is listed for an kds-55a3000 but I have a 60a3000

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-Lighti...=5336055023-20

Will this work with my 60a3000 even though it's just listed for the 55a3000?

I guess I could alternatively order from electrified but I'm a prime Amazon customer and prefer to order there if possible.

thanks in advance for any help
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post #14957 of 15135
12/2/11 at 8:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hoopnoop View Post

The only true Phillips bulb (with housing) I could find on Amazon is listed for an kds-55a3000 but I have a 60a3000

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-Lighti...=5336055023-20

Will this work with my 60a3000 even though it's just listed for the 55a3000?

I guess I could alternatively order from electrified but I'm a prime Amazon customer and prefer to order there if possible.

thanks in advance for any help

The service manual says that the 120W XL-5200 lamp is used for the 50, 55, and 60A3000.
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post #14958 of 15135
12/3/11 at 2:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hoopnoop View Post

The only true Phillips bulb (with housing) I could find on Amazon is listed for an kds-55a3000 but I have a 60a3000

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-Lighti...=5336055023-20

Will this work with my 60a3000 even though it's just listed for the 55a3000?

I guess I could alternatively order from electrified but I'm a prime Amazon customer and prefer to order there if possible.

thanks in advance for any help

I have to wonder why they sell the same XL5200 Lamp with housing for only $90 here:
http://www.amazon.com/Philips-Lighti.../ref=pd_cp_e_1

Even though it states it's for the KDS-60A2000, I believe it's the same lamp.

Note that these are sold by Lamps Direct, LLC and fulfilled by Amazon, not sold directly by Amazon itself. They also have a 90% Positive seller rating (not that great), but the product reviews are good.

If you do get it, let us know how it works out.
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post #14959 of 15135
12/3/11 at 2:59pm
I have a Sony A3000 RPTV. When I bought the TV, I also purchased the Sony DAV IS10 (hereinafter "cube") which has a built in DVD player. It is probably more than three years old. It only has one HDMI and one optical.

Currently, I have a Cable/DVR box which runs HDMI to the TV and an optical to the cube. The cube and TV are connected via HDMI. It has worked well for me thus far.

However, now that I have ordered a Sony Blu Ray (580), it is looking like I may have run out of connections to accomodate my needs. When I get the Blu Ray, I will connect it via HDMI to the TV. Will I be able to get sound through the cube without the ability to connect via optical since it is already being used by the DVR. I suppose I could manually disconnect the optical cable from the DVR and connect to the TV every time I want to use the BluRay. Is there any other way without having to do this? Would appreciate any help. Thanks
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post #14960 of 15135
12/3/11 at 9:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill WOW HD View Post

I have to wonder why they sell the same XL5200 Lamp with housing for only $90 here:
http://www.amazon.com/Philips-Lighti.../ref=pd_cp_e_1

Even though it states it's for the KDS-60A2000, I believe it's the same lamp.

Note that these are sold by Lamps Direct, LLC and fulfilled by Amazon, not sold directly by Amazon itself. They also have a 90% Positive seller rating (not that great), but the product reviews are good.

If you do get it, let us know how it works out.

I ordered my bulb from a similar Amazon seller. Like this one they had different listings at different prices for each Sony model even though they all use the same bulb. I went with the cheapest one.

The description said Phillips bulb in sealed Phillips box. What I received was a Phillips bulb but it came in a plain brown box that wasn't sealed. Inside the box, the bulb and housing was in an unsealed plastic bag. It works great but I have no way of knowing if it was really new.
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post #14961 of 15135
12/5/11 at 6:07am
I tried to return the $110 Phillips bulb but it was too late so I think I'll just go with that.

I previously bought the cheap $60 pseudo-OEM bulb which has been flickering -- so I'm returning that. Hopefully, no issues with the Phillips bulb.
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post #14962 of 15135
12/6/11 at 1:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hoopnoop View Post

I tried to return the $110 Phillips bulb but it was too late so I think I'll just go with that.

I previously bought the cheap $60 pseudo-OEM bulb which has been flickering -- so I'm returning that. Hopefully, no issues with the Phillips bulb.

My Phillips bulb flickers with power saving mode on. At least it didn't when it was first installed. I turned power saving off after that and haven't tried it again since.
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post #14963 of 15135
12/12/11 at 1:58pm
I purchased a 60 inch A2000 back in Feb of '07. Started getting green blob in November of that year. Went through the whole song and dance with Sony...including multiple repair attempts...ultimately got my 60 inch A3000 as a replacement in November of '07 after throwing a fit on a blog I threw together.

Other than burning through bulbs a bit faster than I like (I believe i"m on my third one now...the set seems to develop a flicker after awhile that is fixed by a new bulb) the set continues to be pretty solid with none of the color issues I saw on my A2000.

My set was VERY new....build date of 11/07 right before they dropped the rear projection business all together. Does anyone know if they made any late model improvements? We use the set pretty heavily...I'm a bit surprised that it's still hanging in there considering all the horror stories.
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post #14964 of 15135
12/13/11 at 10:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by billbillw View Post

Said goodbye to my A3000 tonight. I also took advantage of the Sony replacement program. I had some slight discoloration. I probably could have lived with it for another year or so, but why not get a new TV if Sony is making decent deals to us? I figured I could sell the A3000 now while it still looks halfway decent and I was right. It took no time at all to sell it on Craigslist. I chose the 55EX500 as well. Hopefully Sony gets it shipped out to me quickly because it left my main room TV'less.

how much did you sell your 60A3000 for?

I am in the same boat. I got offered the KDL55EX500, the KDL60EX720, KDL55BX520, KDL55EX720, KDL46BX420 (i asked for a smaller tv to compare)

I have a 55 NEC p551 in my bedroom that can replace the 60A3000 in the living room. I was thinking of getting hte KDL46BX420 and putting it in the bedroom.
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post #14965 of 15135
12/14/11 at 4:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by billbillw View Post

Said goodbye to my A3000 tonight. I also took advantage of the Sony replacement program. I had some slight discoloration. I probably could have lived with it for another year or so, but why not get a new TV if Sony is making decent deals to us? I figured I could sell the A3000 now while it still looks halfway decent and I was right. It took no time at all to sell it on Craigslist. I chose the 55EX500 as well. Hopefully Sony gets it shipped out to me quickly because it left my main room TV'less.

Did Sony make you take the serial number off the back and take a bunch of photos?
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post #14966 of 15135
12/14/11 at 7:49am
Quote:
Originally Posted by AMartin56 View Post

I purchased a 60 inch A2000 back in Feb of '07. Started getting green blob in November of that year. Went through the whole song and dance with Sony...including multiple repair attempts...ultimately got my 60 inch A3000 as a replacement in November of '07 after throwing a fit on a blog I threw together.

Other than burning through bulbs a bit faster than I like (I believe i"m on my third one now...the set seems to develop a flicker after awhile that is fixed by a new bulb) the set continues to be pretty solid with none of the color issues I saw on my A2000.

My set was VERY new....build date of 11/07 right before they dropped the rear projection business all together. Does anyone know if they made any late model improvements? We use the set pretty heavily...I'm a bit surprised that it's still hanging in there considering all the horror stories.

Really interesting that there's a lot of horror stories. I bought my 50A3000 in November or December of '07. I changed the settings and turned on power saver and really never adjusted anything since. After a move and many many hours of video games, movies and tv watching, the original bulb finally burned out a month ago 4 years later. It's been replaced with another OEM Philips and looks just as good as the first time it was turned on. I still love this tv and have a top line 50" Samsung plasma as well. I wish everyone hadn't gotten away from the RPTV's, I like look of the screen even though I think the plasma has better color.
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post #14967 of 15135
12/22/11 at 5:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spiff69 View Post

About $400 via CL. Probably could have gotten a little more if I were more patient.

I just listed my 55A300 on CL with the Sony stand for $600.00. I hope it sells soon so i can get the next TV. If not, I am still very happy with the PQ of this TV.

How long did you have yours listed before it sold?
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post #14968 of 15135
12/27/11 at 5:15pm
I bought my 60A3000 from Crutchfield in Dec 07. I also paid for a 5 year warranty. I keep waiting for something to go wrong. I watch my TV quite a bit and I keep it on torch mode. I'm still on my original bulb (I have a backup bulb for when it eventually fails) and the picture is still very bright with great color. I realize it has to be dimmer than when I purchased it but I cannot tell it yet. When I compare it to a 40" Samsung LED that I bought for the bedroom, it is not as bright, but it is vivid and crystal clear and does not look "cartoonish" like the LED sometimes looks to me.

Oh Well..., reading all of these posts makes me realize the day is coming that this puppy will start acting up or just die, but I am enjoying the set until that day comes. I've looked and researched and just cannot justify "upgrading" just yet. I really WANT a new "better" set, but everytime I sit down and watch a Blu Ray through my OPPO, it just makes me smile.

Thank You for letting me voice my opinion.

Blessings,Brian
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post #14969 of 15135
12/29/11 at 10:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by AMartin56 View Post

ultimately got my 60 inch A3000 as a replacement in November of '07 after throwing a fit on a blog I threw together.

Other than burning through bulbs a bit faster than I like (I believe i"m on my third one now...the set seems to develop a flicker after awhile that is fixed by a new bulb) the set continues to be pretty solid with none of the color issues I saw on my A2000.

My set was VERY new....build date of 11/07 right before they dropped the rear projection business all together. Does anyone know if they made any late model improvements? We use the set pretty heavily...I'm a bit surprised that it's still hanging in there considering all the horror stories.

Mine is still going great. Manufactured 10/2007, I bought it first week of January 2008. Had none of the problems others had here. I'm on my 2nd bulb and it's NOT a crappy Philips bulb, which only lasted a little over 2k hours. The 2nd bulb -- again not a Philips -- has lasted longer and looks better than the original bulb. Thus I always laugh when I read people trying to get a Philips bulb. I have another spare bulb + housing ready for when I need to replace it.

Next week, I will have had it exactly 4 years. We watch TV, DVDs, Blu-Ray all the time. Picture quality is still great.

If it ever goes kaput, I'm getting another 60" at least. Can't go smaller. When I go to Costco I see some nice 60" Sharp LED LCDs. I'd probably go with Sharp or LG. But I can't justify getting another TV right now when this one is still working fine.
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post #14970 of 15135
12/30/11 at 2:42pm
Is yours the Osram bulb them...or another brand?
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