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I apologize in advance if there is already a thread regarding this problem. I tried going through the 60A3000 owners thread and searching within that thread, but did not find a description similar to mine. I recently purchased my KDS-60A3000 from CC 2 weeks ago. Everything seemed great - PQ was terrific...but there was something subtle....just couldn't put my finger on it. This afternoon, my finger found the source. I put on a B&W DVD (Anatomy of a Murder) and immediately noticed that the left side of the screen was a light rose color and the right side of the screen was a light green color. The screen was divided perfectly in half - as if a vertical line were drawn from top to bottom. There was no gradation to the shading effect. Everything was uniformly shaded rose or green. Thinking it might have been the DVD, I tried another B&W (W.C. Fields) and had the same result. The DVD player was connected via component cables. Next I switched to live TV (using Charter STB) which is connected via HDMI, turned the color setting all the way to "min", and voila! - same exact effect on every channel I tried. 2 different sources, two different connections = same result. Now somewhat satisfied that the 60A3000 was the problem and not the sources, I tried various picture settings, including Standard with all "extra" features "OFF". Same result. Next I searched AVS Forum for a solution. Didn't really find a similar experience, hence this thread.
Next, I called Sony Tech Support (800-222-7669). This was a bit of an eye-opener. I explained to the support person that the TV still had 2 weeks "grace period" through CC, during which time I can (1) Exchange the set for another identical model, or (2) exchange for a different model/brand, or (3) get a full refund and ponder my situation further. The tech support person wanted to set up a "case" and have a technician evaluate and attempt to repair the TV. I explained that I didn't want to begin my 2-week old HDTV ownership with an appointment for repairs. I asked about the frequency of callers that had the same problem I had described and he readily acknowledged that this was in fact "common to that model". I asked to speak to an actual technician and was told that Sony has all repair work done by authorized service centers. I asked for the name of the authorized service center in Kalamazoo, MI and he gave me the number for Qualx. I thanked him and called Qualx (866-856-9897). Turns out they are located in Massachussetts and serve as a clearinghouse for service calls. I asked them who they use in Kalamazoo, so I could call that company and talk to an actual technician. The Qualx agent couldn't give me anything more specific than ("we are nation-wide"). Helpfulness quotient - approximately 1 (scale of 10).
What am I trying to do here? I simply want to speak to someone who actually works on KDS-60A3000 sets - explain my problem, and determine whether it is likely a better decision to exchange the set, get the set repaired, or get out of the Sony ownership club.
I am hoping someone on this forum (if not here, then probably nowhere) can help me with this twofold problem:
(1) What might be the problem with this set and what is prognosis, and
(2) Where do I turn to get extended service that I can depend on - that will be local.
Thanks for your collective indulgence and for any advice or suggestions you may have. BTW, other than the bi-lateral tinting issue, I LOVE this set.
Next, I called Sony Tech Support (800-222-7669). This was a bit of an eye-opener. I explained to the support person that the TV still had 2 weeks "grace period" through CC, during which time I can (1) Exchange the set for another identical model, or (2) exchange for a different model/brand, or (3) get a full refund and ponder my situation further. The tech support person wanted to set up a "case" and have a technician evaluate and attempt to repair the TV. I explained that I didn't want to begin my 2-week old HDTV ownership with an appointment for repairs. I asked about the frequency of callers that had the same problem I had described and he readily acknowledged that this was in fact "common to that model". I asked to speak to an actual technician and was told that Sony has all repair work done by authorized service centers. I asked for the name of the authorized service center in Kalamazoo, MI and he gave me the number for Qualx. I thanked him and called Qualx (866-856-9897). Turns out they are located in Massachussetts and serve as a clearinghouse for service calls. I asked them who they use in Kalamazoo, so I could call that company and talk to an actual technician. The Qualx agent couldn't give me anything more specific than ("we are nation-wide"). Helpfulness quotient - approximately 1 (scale of 10).
What am I trying to do here? I simply want to speak to someone who actually works on KDS-60A3000 sets - explain my problem, and determine whether it is likely a better decision to exchange the set, get the set repaired, or get out of the Sony ownership club.
I am hoping someone on this forum (if not here, then probably nowhere) can help me with this twofold problem:
(1) What might be the problem with this set and what is prognosis, and
(2) Where do I turn to get extended service that I can depend on - that will be local.
Thanks for your collective indulgence and for any advice or suggestions you may have. BTW, other than the bi-lateral tinting issue, I LOVE this set.