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AE700 Lamp Error @ 575 hrs

2316 Views 31 Replies 17 Participants Last post by dday_276, Jan 18, 2006

Magnet

Discussion Starter · Dec 16, 2005

Looks like I'm the newest member of this club. After relatively flawless performance since April, this AE700 is in serious distress.

15 minutes after turning it on last night, the screen went dark. I heard a small audible click from the projector, and the fan revved up (as it would normally do during an ordinary shutdown). My first thought was that I'd accidently turned it off by brushing against the remote (doh!).

A glance at the top of the projector showed that the "Lamp" LED warning indicator was illuminated, which has never occurred before. I waited for the fan to stop on its own, cycled the power switch, and tried to restart. I was surprised that the bulb lit, providing a normal picture. The LED Lamp warning was off. Being a lurker of this forum, I was aware of complaints about this projector's reliability, so the first thing I did was bring up the menu to check the run time: 575 hours.

It shutdown again within 5 minutes with the same symptoms. I repeated the cycle. The next restart lasted less than one minute before shutdown.

Today I've searched this forum looking for information - I haven't found any other instances where the projector could be restarted after the initial failure. Perhaps it's the power-supply problem some have noted.

This AE700 has been well cared for. Regular, and thorough, cleaning of the filter, almost always run at low-power, limited continuous run-times, plenty of ventilation, vibration-free mount, non-smoking household, etc. I've very disappointed. And we've got a house full of guests showing up this week.

My plan is to not deal with Panasonic (who's reputation seems to be suffering here), but to return it for a full refund to the warehouse club where it was purchased. At the time, I paid about $200 more for it than some vendors were charging. I was worried about getting one with bad pixels, and no one would warrant against that. Now I'm glad I did.

Humbug

PS: to those of you who've been claiming that problems with the AE700 are being blown out of proportion by a small minority of people unable to deal with normal manufacturing issues - don't be too smug.

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1 - 20 of 32 Posts

byancey

· #2 · Dec 16, 2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnet
PS: to those of you who've been claiming that problems with the AE700 are being blown out of proportion by a small minority of people unable to deal with normal manufacturing issues - don't be too smug.

But then again, you could just be part of the small minority.

In all seriousness, I feel for you. I've had a projector fail on me at the very moment I've invited guests over, and it's not a pleasant experience. In my case, it was a Mitsubishi HC900U that failed (main PCB Board died), so these types of issues are by no means unique to the AE700 (Mitsubishi warranty repair service was excellent, BTW). I was fortunate enough to have an Infocus 4800 on hand that I was getting ready to sell on e-bay, so I threw it up. That was more than enough to satisfy the guests...but I was disappointed about not being able to show off my "premier" projector all the same. Needless to say, I have since decided not to sell my 4800 (I can barely get the value of the bulb alone out of it anymore) and it now has a role as my permanent backup projector. One of those things you hope you'll never need to use, but you're glad you have it when you do.

Good luck on getting that refund, with 500+ hours on the bulb, it's nice you still have that as an option.

--

Bryce

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walkabt

· #3 · Dec 16, 2005

If you bought it from Costco.com they will take it back. I returned mine two weeks ago after 7 months of ownership. Same thing happened and I couldn't get a replacement bulb...every where is back ordered and Panasonic's store even said late January... I read all of the issues online here and packed it up.

They took it back without a question asked. The refund included the shipping. While I feel for Costco taking it back Panasonic was no help. I have a new and different projector and now my Panasonic S77 dvd player won't work...Sony 400 disc player and SA8300HD work over HDMI, but not the S77, it gives me a U70-2 error (which I translate into HDMI cable too long), which wasn't a problem before. So far no response in one business day from Panasonic's support - I would return that unit, but it wasn't bought at Costco and I tossed the box. Probably the last Panasonic product I purchase - 2 products in 1 year giving me trouble is too hassle to me. They'll need to step up to the plate for me to not discourage people from buying their products.

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Magnet

Discussion Starter · #4 · Dec 17, 2005

byancey wrote:
Quote:

But then again, you could just be part of the small minority.

Thanks man - I needed that.

and then he wrote:
Quote:

...so these types of issues are by no means unique to the AE700...

Yeah, I know. I'm unhappy in general about throw-away technology. I recently tossed out a Toshiba DVD changer that quit without warning. It would cost more to fix it than replace it.

After that, walkabt wrote:
Quote:

Probably the last Panasonic product I purchase - 2 products in 1 year giving me trouble is too hassle to me.

Sorry to hear about that. I hope it's not contagious. I bought an S97 at the same time as the AE700 (had to have that HDMI). And I recently picked up an ES20 DVD recorder from Socket City for a decent price. All Panasonic products.

Let's see now. Toshiba's on my $hit list, Panasonic's losing ground fast. I'm still upset about the $1000 Sony S-VHS and Mitubisi 31" CRT that both are gone because of 50 cent parts in their power supplies burned out. Again, cost more to repair than replace. I guess if I was really serious about my complaints I'd get good at component level repair. But I'm not really serious - just sincere. Sincerely peeved. It was a nice day otherwise.

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Jay Kerr

· #5 · Dec 17, 2005

I think I may also be a part of the "small minority" with bulb failures. My projector started shutting off tonight after about 10 minutes of use.

The bulb would turn off, followed by the fan kicking into high gear and then the unit would shut off. I had a red blinking light on the top of the unit. The bulb would cool down and then the projector would start up again. This happened a few times and now my projector won't power up at all.

My bulb was up to 1647 hours. I guess I've been luckier than most. After 13 months of use I'm going to probably have to purchase a new bulb. What a drag.

dgkp

· #6 · Dec 17, 2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay Kerr
I think I may also be a part of the "small minority" with bulb failures. My projector started shutting off tonight after about 10 minutes of use.

The bulb would turn off, followed by the fan kicking into high gear and then the unit would shut off. I had a red blinking light on the top of the unit. The bulb would cool down and then the projector would start up again. This happened a few times and now my projector won't power up at all.

My bulb was up to 1647 hours. I guess I've been luckier than most. After 13 months of use I'm going to probably have to purchase a new bulb. What a drag.

Jeesh! Don't be to hard on it. If my bulb gets to 1500 hours I'll be dancing a jig and boasting to all and sundry! I started a bulb fund the moment the 700 went into use--Â£10 ($17) for every 50hrs. If the bulb goes any time after a 1000 it's paid for. I'm currently at a about 500hrs, so even now the bulb is going to be no major cost. Bulbs on these things are expensive consumables, like petrol in a car, and there no reason not to expect to pay.

Dave

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Magnet

Discussion Starter · #7 · Dec 17, 2005

dgkp pointed out that:
Quote:

Bulbs on these things are expensive consumables, like petrol in a car, and there no reason not to expect to pay.

I have to agree with that, but only to a point, beyond which I think is not reasonable or fair. I admire your discipline, setting aside funds regularly to fund an inevitable event (kind of like retirement - or a rainy day). But, using your example of petrol, in a car you can project a reasonable expectation of miles-per-gallon (kilometers-per-litre?).

Many (all?) of the vendors market their projectors specifying a number of hours of bulb life. Some consumers use that information in an attempt to make an enlightened purchase. Focusing on the fine-print, one learns that the specified hours are merely a projected estimate of bulb life - there is no binding agreement in the manufacturer's warrantee beyond an arbitrary time interval (like 90 days).

The ambiguity of the agreement between vendor and consumer leaves lots of room for assumption (that the vendor's product will deliver the goods for the specified number of hours) and disappointment (when the actual number of hours isn't even in the ballpark).

As consumers, we're often left having to fend for ourselves. In my case, I chose to make my purchase from a retailer who has made a contractual agreement with me, in good faith, to refund the purchase price if I'm not satisfied. I paid more at the time of purchase to ensure this protection. I'm protected, I feel I'm being ethical, but the whole thing still offends my sensibilities. Panasonic's specifying 3000 hours for the bulb; I got 575. I didn't even get a kiss.

Projection bulb technology is not particularly modern - it's been around for quite a while. The manufacturers could use bulbs that were relatively more reliable, if they were motivated. I'm sure the economics calculated by the bean-counters are contorted to make the current approach seem reasonable in theory.

At this point (industrial economics), I'm completely out of my element, and reduced to an emotional expression of my thoughts. This situation is lame lame lame.

Now if you'll please excuse me for ranting ineffectively, I'm ready for more abuse; I have to start shopping for another projector.

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rickster904

· #8 · Dec 17, 2005

"I'm ready for more abuse; I have to start shopping for another projector. " - This says it all.

I bought an older model Panny with 3000 quoted hours. I said to myself at the time "if only the lamp can last 1500 hours I'll be happy". LOL after more than two years and 1600 hours the lamp died. I "happily" replaced the lamp. I have since bought another pj as well. (It's an Optoma but the purchase has nothing to do with the lamp failure.) IMO front pj technology gives you so much more than other technology a lot of people are willing to accept the early-lamp-failure risk, so much so that one is happy even when the lamp lasted only half of its quoted life. It's just bad luck that you're at the far left of the bell curve.

n0s

· #9 · Dec 17, 2005

I do feel for you, i have an AE900 and am just praying that it is improved in lamp failure aspects compared to the AE700, i guess only time will tell, but 1600 hours isnt that bad, but in your case only 575 is a serious issue. As you say, it is a great shame that bulbs that last longer and can withstand all the possible scenarios one throws at it arent being used. If i get a good year and a half or two out of mine, even if the lamp did go, id just sell it without a lamp and get a new machine. Then again, i am fortunate to be able to do that so i guess thats not an option for everyone. I hope things work out for you.

n0s

tvted

· #10 · Dec 18, 2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnet
dgkp pointed out that:

But, using your example of petrol, in a car you can project a reasonable expectation of miles-per-gallon (kilometers-per-litre?).

I understand and sympathize with your situation but your analogy can be viewed another way.

How expensive is it to run a car for 575 miles when maintenance and Insurance costs are factored in? How many of those miles were pure pleasure? A PJ is just that - pleasure and leisure time. I spend more on beer and wine a year than a bulb every 500 hrs, and frankly neither have ever given my family as much joy as the movies we've watched. As to a car for 500 hrs - very little of that is what I would call something I do for pleasure. For many this is a hobby as well - hobbies generally do entail ongoing expenditure.

Currently, I've about 700 hrs on this bulb. In the new year I plan to get a new one and the existing one will be put aside as a backup until the new one dies. Much of contemporary money is spent entertaining ourselves, is a dollar or two per hour that much money to spend for simple joy? Certainly there are many other "joys" that require more on an hourly basis.

My thoughts are not meant to dismiss your situation btw. I just think we have to amortize these things over time and determine their true value to us. For me its the best investment I've made in a long time.

ted

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dgkp

· #11 · Dec 18, 2005

Not sure If I've been quoted out of context above... Anyway, I agree with Ted. But also, when I bought the 700 I had read a lot of the bad experiences on this thread--hence the immediate bulb fund. I never belived the 3000 hrs, and I'm still only hoping for half that whilst expecting less. Like Ted I'm ordering a new bulb in the New Year regardless.

Dve

Magnet

Discussion Starter · #12 · Dec 18, 2005

Quote:

My thoughts are not meant to dismiss your situation btw.

That's okay tvted, I've dismissed my situation. I know that the time I spend analyzing purchase options, trying to squeeze out the best value, often returns dubious results. The extra money I spent on a protected purchase from the warehouse club would have nearly purchased a new bulb. At least all that thinking keeps me busy and off the streets. Tires me out too, so I sleep better.

But before moving on tvted, are you suggesting that we should consider applying "true value" to the joys and happiness in our lives. Slippery slope that is. Have you considered what consequences that might lead too? People expecting to earn what they're worth - healthy lifestyles - even turning off the TV (shudder) and going for a walk when nothing good's on, my gosh, who knows what would happen? Please think twice before offering such dangerous, subversive ideas - our nation's economic well being is at stake.

And dgkp, sorry for any out of context quoting - I'm in agreement with everything you've said. Same goes for tvted (except maybe for his value-oriented independent-thinking anarchist tendencies).

I'm ready to move on now - I'm choosing a new Smilie

New topic - which should I buy: AE900 or Z4?

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Joe Schwartz

· #13 · Dec 20, 2005

I'll add another data point. I bought my 700 about a year ago and have only 315 hours on it with the lamp on low power. Over the past few weeks it seemed slightly dimmer, but yesterday it got much dimmer -- it's almost unwatchable now. I wonder if recently manufactured lamps are any better than the early ones?

dgkp

· #14 · Dec 20, 2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Schwartz
I'll add another data point. I bought my 700 about a year ago and have only 315 hours on it with the lamp on low power. Over the past few weeks it seemed slightly dimmer, but yesterday it got much dimmer -- it's almost unwatchable now. I wonder if recently manufactured lamps are any better than the early ones?

There were many reported problems with early lamps.

Dve

mvv

· #15 · Dec 20, 2005

Magnet,

Dude! Have you not been reading your own thread? I considered the Pany700 last year while it was all the rage here on AVS. I'm glad I chose differently and would be steering clear until the track record improves.

Just a thought.

wilme2

· #16 · Dec 21, 2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Schwartz
I'll add another data point. I bought my 700 about a year ago and have only 315 hours on it with the lamp on low power. Over the past few weeks it seemed slightly dimmer, but yesterday it got much dimmer -- it's almost unwatchable now. I wonder if recently manufactured lamps are any better than the early ones?

Mine did the same thing three weeks ago at 495 hours. (As I have ranted about on other threads...). The new bulb I bought from a Japanese site is definitely brighter than the original bulb was when it was new, and that was at least a small consolation for having to sell out 31,000 yen. Then again it will be another 500 hours before I know if it really lasts longer...

Magnet

Discussion Starter · #17 · Dec 21, 2005

mvv wrote:
Quote:

Dude! Have you not been reading your own thread?

Yes? What did I miss?

Sounds like something... obvious and self-evident, maybe. Are you referring to my inclusion of an AE900 as a possible successor to the late AE700? Or is it something else?

Quote:

I'm glad I chose differently and would be steering clear until the track record improves.

Okay then; what did you choose, and why?

wheel301

· #18 · Dec 22, 2005

I think there are reasonable perspectives on the AE700 lamp issue that trend toward both extremes. One is the risk associated with any purchase, particularly when the relatively brief warranty for the lamp is spelled out. At the other extreme is the frustration and seeming lack of reason in getting less than 500 hours for a product that's estimated to last 3,00 hours. My perspective is closer to the latter category.

Estimated lamp life is a significant factor when choosing a projector. It's reasonable to expect the estimate to be grounded in something approaching reality, paticularly in light of the purchase price, not to mention that the cost of the bulb exceeds the price of many 32-inch tvs.

I suspect that the headlights on my car have exceeded their estimated lifespan by a hefty margin. Hopefully that luck will carry over to my projector. Fortunately, the expected lifespan for other bulbs in my house (refrigerator, track lights, etc) doesn't keep me up at night. Watching my ae-700u isn't keeping me up at night, since it's now in the shop. I think it's a power supply issue, though the repair shop cautioned that it could be the bulb (365 hours on it so far; purchased in March, 2005). It's ironic to me that the estimated retail price for the projector was right around 3,000 (dollars) as well. I would have been much happier if the actual price had been around 10% of the estimate, instead of the bulb life. Perhaps the people that are getting 2900+ hours on their bulbs are so busy watching TV and movies that they don't have time to post their results in this forum.

My next projector purchase will give much more consideration to warranty, customer support and service, and down time in the event of a failure. In addition to picture quality, and estimated lamp life, of course.

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mvv

· #19 · Dec 22, 2005

Magnet,

You just finished telling us how you had had a poor experience with one brand and in the same thread you want to buy it's successor from the same manufactuer. Unless your brand loyalty is based on something not discussed here, I'd be shopping elsewhere.

I chose to save the difference and get a PB6210. I realize it's not considered to be in the same class your AE700 and if I was shopping today as an experienced PJ owner there would be many others I'd look at first, but for what I paid I'm pleased with my purchase. At the time it was half the cost of the AE700. The 6200 was pretty popular here for a while and had a solid history of relibility.

-Mark

snguyen

· #20 · Dec 24, 2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnet
Looks like I'm the newest member of this club. After relatively flawless performance since April, this AE700 is in serious distress.

15 minutes after turning it on last night, the screen went dark. I heard a small audible click from the projector, and the fan revved up (as it would normally do during an ordinary shutdown). My first thought was that I'd accidently turned it off by brushing against the remote (doh!).

A glance at the top of the projector showed that the "Lamp" LED warning indicator was illuminated, which has never occurred before. I waited for the fan to stop on its own, cycled the power switch, and tried to restart. I was surprised that the bulb lit, providing a normal picture. The LED Lamp warning was off. Being a lurker of this forum, I was aware of complaints about this projector's reliability, so the first thing I did was bring up the menu to check the run time: 575 hours.

It shutdown again within 5 minutes with the same symptoms. I repeated the cycle. The next restart lasted less than one minute before shutdown.

Today I've searched this forum looking for information - I haven't found any other instances where the projector could be restarted after the initial failure. Perhaps it's the power-supply problem some have noted.

I had exactly the same problems. The night after the shut down incident, I managed to watch about 2 more hours when the bulb popped quite loudly. It shattered on the inside.

I've taken the thing in for what will likely turn out to be a failed attempt at a mercy warranty fix - 10 months old. But come on, 390 hours? That's close to a $1/hour of use!

So my questions are, has there been a recall on the bulbs supplied with the PT-AE700; are there any legal actions in play; has anyone else been hosed with a bulb that blew after less than 500 hours of use; does the mfg. actually perform MTBF analisys on these things or are the estimated hours generated by comparing brochures; and why do we as consumers tolerate such crap?

I spent thousands of dollars on my HT system and I expect it to work better than a $50 TV coupled with a $199 Sylvania HTIB system. I have no worries with the audio, but the projector is a serious problem.

Steve

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