Archive through February 16, 2006

 

Unregistered guest
Boy, after just getting home tonight after a very long shopping trip, I decided to do a Google search of 'Sony KDFE50A10 LCD TV testimonials' and fortunately I found this site. It was the Sony model that I had come very close 2 hours ago to buying and intended, being buoyed by expected rave Google reviews from my search (after all it was a SONY) - to return home with tomorrow afternoon...
Thanks everyone for information such as this. I feel for the many of you who have experienced problems with Sony, their LCD products, and especially their customer service with their insistence that they are not marketing flawed LCD products.
I'm not quite sure where I will go from here in my new large screen TV quest, as I can't afford a plasma type unit - having already talked (shopped) myself up from a Samsung 50" DLP type unit to what I thought was a better quality company and product in the KDFE50A10 deal... Maybe I'll just go back to the Samsung DLPs - they were cheaper and just about as good picture-wise with far fewer problems posted about them other than the lamps, which I have heard into '06 will be open to generic production since the patent on them lapses and the price should plummet.
Again - Thanks for all of the great info...

To SONY...(if you guys read these site reviews) - "Your poor customer support record and products almost had another one - but thanks to this site and the power of the honest and informative people on it, you'll have to try someone else, as I'm outta here"... Randy
 

Silver Member
Username: Jimkw

Columbus, Ohio USA

Post Number: 101
Registered: Jun-05
I have the 50A10 now for a little over a month and still no problems. When you search the internet, you will find problems with any set out there, including the Samsung DLP's. I got the 50A10 for the exact same price as the HL-R5067. I did buy a four year extended warranty though, which is something I have never done before. If you go to avsforum.com you will see many many posts about the Sony xxA10's. They are not the ones with the roadmap problem. Not yet anyway.
 

Unregistered guest
Below is a message I tried to send to sony but then there site crapped out. Please someone tell me how to send an email to thier corporate office.


My 61" television just stopped working abut 1 week ago. I called Sony and I also called the store that I purchased it from. I purchased the extended warranty and it just ran out earlier this year (of course). I believe the TV's origianl cost was about 4,000.00 and I purchased it 4 years ago. I had a TV repair person come out and look at it. He told me that he had to take the entire TV with him. Mind you, it is huge. I was not comfortable with that as I was told by other's that it sounded wrong. I then had to pay the fool 70.00. I then called another recommended TV repair person and he came out the other day. I had to so far pay him 50.00 and he told me two boards are bad and have to be sent back to Sony for repair. He gave me an estimate of 700.00 without the cost of his home visit. So, so far I am out about 820.00 plus probably another 150.00, that's 970.00. Why would an expensive Sony TV die after just 4 years. That's nonsense. I would like someone from sony management to call me as I believe I shouldn't have to pay this huge expense. And, I am now without a TV for so far Christmas and now the new year's ball will be something I won't see drop unless I go out somewhere and endanger my and myhusbands life with all the crazy drivers on that evening. Please respond.
 

New member
Username: Njgizmo

New york, New york Usa

Post Number: 1
Registered: Dec-05
Hello all, First post for me, but thank you for all the excellent advice, Too bad I didnt see this forum before buying my 50" wega lcd, (which now has a permanent subway map in the lower screen)Hopefully my extended warranty is real.
I'll post my updates and good luck on the numerous problems here.This just shows me my old school thinking{SONY=Quality)is way outdated.
 

coriente
Unregistered guest
I purchased a 42" rear projection LCD (KF-42WE620) 10 months ago and recently noticed a blue circle (1 1/2" in diameter) appear when shutter the tv off, when the screen is grey. More recently, while watching a movie, I noticed the blue circle during a scene that was very dark. Has this happened to any other Sony LCD's?
 

Unregistered guest
ANYBODY KNOW WHAT COULD BE MY PROBLEM????
RED AND GREEN LINES SPIKE ACROSS THE SCREEN
THESE LINES DO GO AWAY FROM TIME TO TIME.... AND I GET MY CLEAR PICTURE BACK"? SONY KF-42WE610

HELP HELP HELP



 

Marty in BC
Unregistered guest
Just wanted to say I have the same road map on my 42" and am glad to hear that there are others with the same problem . Thanks to everyone with there advice as how to deal with sony and i will keep you informed as to the status of them paying for the parts.
 

New member
Username: Trenchrun

Post Number: 3
Registered: Jan-06
what about a bluish corner on black screen..shoudld the screen be perfectly even when on a black screen or is a bluey corner normal? when anything other than pure black is on the screen it look great! should i try and get a new one or just live with it? when you guys put the tv on a "dead" input...how does the black screen look to you? lit perfectly or faint hazy areas and colour tinges?
 

MikeEystad
Unregistered guest
RWILSON - I have a similar problem with the Sony KDF-E42A10. I received the TV on December 14th or 15th and set it up on December 24th and it was awesome - for a half day. I get a checkerboard display of red or green squares all over the screen, very tightly spaced. I am able to watch an upconverted 720p DVD signal, but the screen still has narrow vertical lines. On 12/26/05 I contacted Sony and the internet dealer Vanns.com where I purchased the TV. A week later I am still waiting for Vanns to respond to my request to return the TV in exchange for a new one. They are supposedly making the shipping arrangements. I hate the thought of paying $400 for an extended warranty, but sounds like it may be necessary.
 

komah
Unregistered guest
check EW prices here.
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/EW_ViewExt endedWarranty-Detail?CategoryName=CE_TV&TabName=Pricing&Telesales=
 

jorstin
Unregistered guest
I have a kf50we610 with the same needle point screen problem, someone needs to get sony for this I have had it two years
 

SkiSwami
Unregistered guest
All of this makes only one thing very clear:
Anyone who doesn't buy their RP television from COSTCO is out of their minds.
 

Amalia
Unregistered guest
Anyone who got Sony to pay for the part (Optical Assembly) can you please let me know your information as the Manager at Customer Service said that they would extend the offer to me as well if I had some details on other people who have got Sony to pay for the part. I am prepared to pay for Labor and Service. I bought a 42 Wega 2.2 years ago and I have an awful blue thread line (road map) on the lower left side of the screen. Please advise so I can get the offer.
 

tvshopper
Unregistered guest
Amalia,

I'm confused. Why do you have to prove that the offer was extended elsewhere? Don't they admit that you've experienced a pre-mature failure? Why won't the customer service manager stand behind their product? Sony has become the scourge rather than the leader in the electronics industry. I would tell them that you believe this to be a pre-mature failure and that you will take them to small claims court if they refuse to supply the part. What judge isn't going to believe that the main guts of a TV shouldn't last longer than 2+ years?
 

MikeEystad
Unregistered guest
Thanks komah - sonystyle.com online price for a (5) year extended warranty is $280 vs. $400 at vanns.com
 

komah
Unregistered guest
No problem..I'm planning on extending mine in about six months(purchased Dec2005) I'm loving my Sony so far.
 

A DLP Future Now
Unregistered guest
I was intending to buy a Sony 50" Projection LCD today. It was a new SXRD model, but I am shelving that idea after reading this forum. I work in IT and I have fielded many legitimate hardware complaints from users of Sony laptops and then watched as these complaints went unresolved. What was I thinking... I almost let a salesman and a gorgeous picture smooze me! Thanks all for saving me (and possibly my marriage too!) a lot of time and aggrevation. Still the same old company. Still the same B.S.
 

We are Devo
Unregistered guest
And still the same old uninformed (or is that psuedo informed) public. The SXRD is not a projection LCD. It's a Completely different animal than the sets being discussed in this thread.
 

Anonymous
 
i have the 60we610 and it does have the same problem with the yellow grid pattern on the middle of the left screen.tried to unplug it for two days,left it on for two days,and guess what:the problem is still there.my wife and i saved up for almost 6 months just to buy this tv.i called and a mgr from "2nd level support denied sony has any knowledge of the problem,i the refered her to this site,she printed it uot and attached to my id#.the local service tech will be at my house in sacramento,ca next tuesday to "evaluate" the problem,and if he or she "thinks" that more people have the same tv with the same problem,then sony will take care of both parts and labor.well,i just hope sony will take care of not only me,but other customers as well.by the way,i got this tv since 10/03.but when i spend 3850 plus tax for it,i expect it would last longer than 2 years.the service guy charges me $75 to come out to the house.
 

Unregistered guest
Problem with SONY KDFE42A10 - turned on today and all channels were in Black and White. Not cable (Comcast) because other tv was fine. Checked connections and they were fine. Turned TV off then back on then the color came back. Have had this TV since 8/05. Has anyone had this Black and White issue?

Thanks,
SC
 

New member
Username: Bambam

Post Number: 2
Registered: Jan-06
Sony projection lcd is flawed. There are too many problems too list. If anyone buying one today thinking they will still have it in 5 years, they are sadly mistaken.
 

Unregistered guest
I also have the "road map" problem on my 50" Sony Grand WEGA Proj LCD TV. I bought model KF-50WE610 back on 11/02/2003 from CC. I first had a projection-bulb failure (after only 6 months). Now, after a little more than 2 years (26 months), I have this optical control problem. It looks like a pink/magenta-colored road map.

I love the TV overall, but I'm very concerned that so many are having this same problem. It must be an engineering/manufacturing defect.

Fortunately I purchased the CC extended warranty (the technician is coming first thing Monday morning -- 2 days from now). I never buy the extended service plans, but I was concerned about the new technology.

I'll try to include pictures in my next post.




 

New member
Username: Mfleck_us

Post Number: 1
Registered: Jan-06
Included below are pictures of my "magenta colored roadmap". It changes shape a little each day, but basically stays in the same general area of the screen.

I'll update the board after the technician performs his diagnostic visit in 2 days.

Upload
Upload
 

New member
Username: Tinnergod71

Aurora, Co USA

Post Number: 2
Registered: Jan-06
For a 600.00 Extended warranty they should replace it! Not send you to a service center!!
 

Silver Member
Username: Helpful_smurf

Post Number: 154
Registered: Jun-05
I think he said the tech is making a housecall in 2 days. They will be replacing the Optical Light Engine, wicked expenive repair. Look over this thread and breathe a sigh of relief. Your EW is about to pay itself off about 3 times over if not more.
 

BAO
Unregistered guest
i too have a two year old kf-we610 sony tv.the same yellow grid as others have described is on the screen now for almost a week.call sony second level supprot and spoke to a manager named magarett,and she said to call a sony authorized service tech to look at it (i will have to pay for his visit $125,and if he tells her others have the same problem,then she will authorize the repair including both part(s) and labor.based on what i have read so far,it seems like the majority of this model (all 42,50,and 60 inches) that were manufactured about two years ago have the same problem.the think is when i called,the sony rep(s) all denied knowing of this problem.i referred them to this site.i also printed out the pictures that others have posted here and their comments and will give copies to the service tech when he comes.hope to let you all know what he will tell me afterward.regards.
 

New member
Username: Mfleck_us

Post Number: 2
Registered: Jan-06
Yes, I have on-site service as part of my extended service plan. Though it was expensive, I had gotten an extra 10% discount on top of a sale-price for a purchase price of ~2700 (at a time when this TV sold for $3200 just about everywhere). The extra 10% was given by the CC manager because they had a power-outage the day I was getting a demo of the TV. They also had a rebate deal where they provided me a $300 CC merchandise card (so my net purchase price was $2400 in Nov 2003).

I also wrote a note to Sony customer-service to express my concern about this issue.
 

New member
Username: Mfleck_us

Post Number: 3
Registered: Jan-06
The in-home service people called this morning. The tech is sick today (or so they claim), and they have rescheduled for Wednesday.

I'll provide an update after he visits on Wednesday.

One thing that I have noticed is that the "road map" effect changes the longer the TV is on. It starts with a section that has lots of grid lines (looks like a lot of "side streets" for an entire city). The longer the TV is "on", the "side streets" begin to disappear. After many hours of operation, it becomes a long jagged line (looks more like a lightning bolt) as the "large grid of lines" begins to thin-out.

 

Unregistered guest
I have had my 50" Sony for about 2 yrs. Like at least one other person in this forum there are times when I attempt to turn the TV on but nothing happens. There is no picture or sound just a green light at first followed by 5 red flashes on power/standby followed by constant red light on power/standby. Other times it works, but it has become hit or miss. Has anyone confronted that issue? If so, what was the cause and what is the remedy?

Thanks
 

New member
Username: Mfleck_us

Post Number: 4
Registered: Jan-06
The projector light circuitry has some type of delay/sensor that prevents the TV from being turned back on immediately after being turned off. I believe it has something to do with protecting/maintaining the life of the projector bulb. If you try to cycle it too quickly, it will flash for awhile, and then final turn back on again.

I'm not an expert, but that may be what you are experiencing. I have had it happen to me a few times. Normally, I try to be careful to not cycle too quickly (if I turn it off by accident, I'll wait several minutes befor trying to turn it ack on again).
 

New member
Username: Mfleck_us

Post Number: 5
Registered: Jan-06
Also, if you look in the owner's manual, I think it provides some diagnostic info regarding the flashing on/off light. It could be that your projector bulb is getting near the end of it's life.
 

New member
Username: Mfleck_us

Post Number: 6
Registered: Jan-06
RESPONSES FROM SONY CUSTOMER SERVICE

I'm disappointed with Sony's "form letter" responses to my efforts to contact their Customer Service people. I wrote several emails complaining about the problems/failures with the Optical-Control/LED unit.

From "Sony Style" customer care, I got:

Response (Nohel B) 01/11/2006 07:31 AM
Thank you for contacting Sony Style Customer Care.

I apologize for the issues you are experiencing and regret that I am unable to assist you in this matter. For assistance, please contact Sony Technical Support at 1-800-222-7669.

For a complete list of Sony support options use the link below.
www.sonystyle.com



From Sony Tech Support I got the following response:

IV. How do I contact Customer Relations?

We apologize for any difficulties you are experiencing with your SONY
television. Unfortunately, the SONY E-mail correspondence department is
not involved in the resolution of Customer Service issues. All customer
service issues are handled by telephone only. Please contact the SONY
Customer Information Services Center for assistance. They may be reached
at the following:

Phone: (800) 222-7669
Mon - Fri: 8:00 a.m. - 9:45 p.m. (EST)
Sat & Sun: 10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (EST)

NOTE: Contact with one of our customer service representatives is
not a promise or guarantee of favorable resolution, but only
a point of contact with the correct division of SONY for these
issues. We provide this contact information as a courtesy
only. No warranty policy alteration or promise of support is
expressed or implied.

*********************************************************************


I've replied requesting that they forward my email to someone within Sony management. I'm not anxious to call some low-level customer-service rep on their 800#. This is an issue that needs to get much further up the management chain.
 

New member
Username: Mfleck_us

Post Number: 7
Registered: Jan-06
Latest update on my extended Warranty repair. The tech came this morning. It took him about 2 seconds to diagnose the problem -- he says "yup, I've seen this before". Assuming my wife translated his diagnosis correctly, it's related to a crack within the LCD display mechanism. I assume it's a crack in the reflector/mirror itself, since the pattern does change a little as the unit heats-up.

Anyway, he'll call once they receive the part. Like everything else, he estimates that it will take about "2 weeks" to get the part and complete the repair. Hopefully it'll be fixed in time for the Super Bowl.
 

JALCO
Unregistered guest
Add one more to the list... KDF-55WF655
I had the 40" Sony XBR picture tube set, and ended up have problem after problem, so after speaking with Sony a ton of times, they agreed to replace the tv. I paid an additional 1000 to get this set, now 2 weeks outside of my warrenty I have the yellow "road map" Called Sony, have to do the routine, set up a tech to come to the house and see where it goes from there... We'll see what happens.

 

Anonymous
 
Spoke with level 2 Sony support and they are having me get ahold of a service person to come to the house. The lady with Sony seemed to have an idea of this problem.

I called the service guy and he was well aware of this problem. Said that they have a service bulletin on this problem, and that after speaking with me about the problem, he would not even need to come to my house, that he would just call Sony and get things in motion.

So now I just need to see what happens next. If this get fixed, then I hope and pray it will be good for a number of years, not 1 to 2. At least I have history with Sony, since this set was a replacement to the 40" XBR glass tube set. This LCD set came from Sony with me giving them a bit more of my money, so I hope that will help my case. I'll keep you all posted.
 

lt. mitchell
Unregistered guest
hi,i am the guy that owned the kf60we610 tv with the "yellow road map".the tech came over and looked at the tv and told me it was the optical eingine that failed.paid him $75 for his "visit".when he was there,i called sony and spoke to a lady named March (trust me,sony reps need to take a lesson how to talk to people)and the tech informed her that in the last 3 or 4 months,he had fixed at least 12 we510 and we610 sets with the same problem like mine.march told me another lady named magaret would contact me.well,magaret called the next day to tell me sony would sell me the optical light engine for $850 and i would have to pay to fix it.the estimate from the sony tech was 1700 for the light engine and $395 for labor.i paid $3600 plus tax for this piece of crap on 10/24/03,and now,if i have to spend another $2000 for it,then i would be out over $5500 for this tv.i requested to speak to magaret's supervisor whose name is laura,laura called me back and listened to what i had to say,told me she would call me back within two hours,and now it has been 10 hours since i last spoke with laura.i told all of them that i am an ambulance medic,and i do not make their kind of money.any time laura,magaret,march,guy,and tony hear an ambulance siren,that would be on of my "brothers" rushiing to save a life.it is a hard job and we are under paid,but it is my profesion and i respect it.please just help me out,accept that fact that sony knew the problem and take care of customers.i also asked her to place herself in my situation and how she would feel.over $5500 in two years for a sony tv.i told her that sony now sell a "like version" of my tv for less than $3000.well,i hope a big company like sony would be more "human" and sensitive toward it's customers.i donot know how to talk sony into taking care of me.maybe one of the local television reporters would love to call sony on our "little guys" behalf and air a segment about this model and sony customer service,maybe,just maybe,sony then will take care of all of us little guys.regard.lt. mitchell,metro fire engine #27.reagrds.thank you all to read my post and stay away from sony products.
 

New member
Username: Mfleck_us

Post Number: 8
Registered: Jan-06
After being persistent, I finally got a little more than a "form letter" reply from Sony. Basically they claim there is no known defect with these LCD-Projection TVs. They also state that they give NO consideration to problems/issues documented on "non Sony web sites". I seem to recall them saying that same thing with the now-infamous "projector bulb defect" that caused pre-mature failure.

Here's their reply:

Thank you for contacting Sony Online Support.

We wish to assure you that Sony products do enjoy an excellent reputation for reliability. However, please note that these products are not known by Sony to be defective in any way and we are not aware of an issue.

Sony does not address any comments published on, or quoted from a non-Sony website. We will document your dissatisfaction with this product and can only hope that your faith in Sony products be restored.

Thank you for the opportunity to be of assistance.

Your Sony Email Response Team

 

lt. mitchell
Unregistered guest
Hi there,this is lt. mitchell.i finally got the "top boss" her name is Laura to pay for the part:$1586 and i will have to pay for the labor $225 to fix my tv.any one out there that have the same problem,go ahead and call sony.make sure to request to speak to Laura and she will take care of you.best of luck to all.
 

Anonymous
 
For thoses that have had the "light eng." replaced, has anyone had this problem return ? If so or if not how long has it been ?

I've just started the process, since this was a replacement for my 40" XBR Tube set. I don't think Sony would swap it out again with a credit, but one thought I've had was just getting the 34" XBR Tube, and a Sony credit. Until LCD becomes more reliable.
 

tmb
Unregistered guest
Hi, I was about to purchase a 42" Sony Rear Projection LCD but after reading this post have reconsidered. I'm curious, has anyone had problems with the Bravia line of LCD's from Sony? It appears to be a good set but so did the rear projection. After reading this post I'm not sure I even want to deal with Sony.
 

jmjt9864
Unregistered guest
Hi .. i just bought the KFE50A10 and am finding the picture with regular broadcasts unwatchable. HD stations are better but not as good as in the store.

is there something to setting these TV's up properly since my HD receiver (from Bell) allows you to set up as 480P, 720P or 1080i?

I am within the return time and am considering it.
Thanks
 

sexymoo
Unregistered guest
Hey Anonymous,

I have had the light engine replaced on my KDF-60WF655 in november of 2005. See my earlier post if interested. So far no problems, but I'm crossing my fingers.

I will continue to check this bulletin board for curiousity and to add info when I have it.
 

worried in nj
Unregistered guest
kdf-e42a10 - just purchased this unit in November, and as i was watching today's nfl game, the unit turns off and i'm getthing the blinking red light on the power/standby indicator. has anyone experienced this problem from this model? is this a major problem (read $expensive$)? is there anything i can do on my own to remedy (sony is sending repairman 5 days from now)? please advise and thanks.
 

New member
Username: Tommer12

Post Number: 2
Registered: Jan-06
I have the same KDFE42A10.. i have not had any problems with mine so far... I'm holding out everyday after reading these posts that it will last.. ugg... but it was a good deal in November on Black Friday... $1499... anyways.. the blinking red light must be something with the bulb. On the right side of the screen is a plastic door. open it up and take the bulb out.. (TV OFF!) then reinsert it. See if that resets it. You may also want to just unplug the whole unit and see if it resets it self. Or unplug all your inputs ("naked" just your power is plugged in and see if it comes up. maybe you have a bad cable or input...

keep postin on here this board. It's great to hear the other stories!
Sony has the TV for one year under warr... after that.. it's up to you... but someone posted earlier at www.sonystyle.com then go customer support... you can purchase extended plans for $150.00 for 3 years.. pretty good deal if you ask me. I will probably purchase one before then end of 1 year mark to extend my service.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Patcooper

Staten Island, NY US

Post Number: 15
Registered: Jul-05
yeah i think u need to replace the bulb.
 

JALCO
Unregistered guest
Still waiting to see what Sony is going to do with my 55" LCD. Spoke with the repair guy and the light eng part for this he is saying is $1200.
 

Classy Action
Unregistered guest
Spitzer
 

Unregistered guest
I have a month old KDFE4210, all was working fine until one day the picture goes clear white then small colored lines then back to a regular picture. This happens every 10 minutes or so the first day. I have a service contract so I called the repair guys. well their scheduled to come and now it seems to working fine... anybody have any ideas what's going on ?
 

New member
Username: Tommer12

Post Number: 3
Registered: Jan-06
Small colored lines? I havent seen that in mine.. but I have had issues with HD cable box where my signal gets week and the picture gets pixelate and then comes clear again.

If it does not happen with the DVD player, i would have to say it is your dish or the cable box.
 

vantech
Unregistered guest
i am a television technician doing work for sony and a number of other manufacturers. light engines(lcd rear),dmd module (dlp rear), and panel(plasma) failures are comparable to crt failures (picture tube) of previous direct view televisions. they write off the televison. all digitally adrressed display devices(everything but crt) are relatively untested technologies. plasma so far is the most tested. still, a panel failure writes off the set. ludite i may be, but if you want reliability, buy a brick. the digital dispays produce exceptional images WITH THE PROPER SIGNAL. if you can afford a sony lcd rear, you should consider a plasma. your end purchase price (no repairs) is about the same when lamp cost is considered. they are a maintenance item, generally not covered by extended warranty, and fail more often than your salesman might suggest. the lamp issue applies to all lcd rear and dlp rear projections. however these may be your only solution if size is really really important. i wish you luck in resolving your problems.. remember: a squeeky wheel gets the grease, but an irate one will probably never buy another sony anyway. not alltogether true, they produce about a 1/4 of the entertainment content you consume. music tv movies. my 3-year old beckons
 

disgust
Unregistered guest
I got you all beat. I received my KDF-E55A10 yesterday and 1/2 hour later, while reading the manual,Iheard a pop and it quit. The power light flashes in intervals of 6. The manual doesnt address this code. Sounds like another
poor sucking bit the sony dust. I'll let you know what the 6 flashes code turns out to be.
 

disgust
Unregistered guest
Sorry, A type o on the model.
It's is a KDF-E55a20

 

helpmepickoutatv
Unregistered guest
I purchased the Sony KDF-E42A10 6 days ago. Today, I was watching the AFC championship game for about 2 hours, the TV suddenly shut itself off. The Power/Standby Light was blinking red, 7 blinks in a row. The TV now turns off randomly. I will be returning this TV to Circuit City tomorrow. Can anyone suggest a reliable, high quality rear projection TV in the $2000 range? What brand is generally considered the best?

Disgust... I found the service manual for the E55A20 at tvtinker.com. It says 6 blinks is a "Low B Error", and the probably cause is "No 'DD 6V' Output (GM board)".
 

ritz
Unregistered guest
I own a kf-50we610 sony lcd rear projection tv. I've owned this set for less than a year and a half - three misfunctions and two trips into the repair shop. 1)- bulb burnt out at 4 months old, 2)- tv would not turn on, unpugging seemed to fix that problem, 3)- hazy pink splotches on screen (technition said the tv needs internal cleaning). At a major department store I recently saw a pile of these tv sitting in the isle marked CLEARANCE. SOny knows these tv's are crap and is in denial that consumers are becoming aware of the inferiority of their rear projection tv. I regret this purchase :$4000.00. DO NOT BUY A SONY REAR PROJECTION TV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

New member
Username: Sauce_dan

BC Canada

Post Number: 1
Registered: Jan-06
Hey there,
I am thinking of purchasing a new KFE42A10 Rear Projection Wega, but after reading some of these postings, I am not sure whether I should or not...I have also searched this forum and there are no problem postings about this particular model. Does anyone have information they can share with me about any problems with this model, or maybe just the pros and cons of buying it...purchase price = $1988 Canadian B4 taxes
 

disgust
Unregistered guest
The problem with mine,(6 red flashes from the power indicator), was the overtemp fuse mounted just below the lamp. It looks like a transitor. They replaced it with a upgrade, mounted closer to the lamp. He said he hasnt heard many problems from the KDF-E55A20, But will just have to wait and see down the road.
 

SonyTVer
Unregistered guest
Model KDF-E42A10. Purchased 8/29/05. Problem first developed 11/04/05. At random times the screen would go dark and the sound would quit about 10 seconds later. The green light on the front would begin to flash like when the set is first turned on. If you waited long enough the set would come back on. Designated service center guessed that it was a lamp problem and took 3 weeks to order and replace lamp. Five days later the screen went dark again. Service center once again guesses it's the lamp. Hope three $200 lamps (original + 2 replacements) every 5 months is not a sign of things to come.
 

Unregistered guest
Chalk up another KF-50WE610 50" owner with the "yellow" road/subway map (blotch) problem in the lower right hand quadrant. The TV is less than 2 years old. I was relieved to come across this site on a Google search. I have just submitted my complaint to Sony Canada via their online submission and will await their reply. Anyone else with this problem in Toronto, Canada?
 

Unregistered guest
Hello all, I have a KF-50XBR800, just over 2 yrs old, and I am not having the issues described so far, but I am having one I'd like any help with I can get. My TV just started cycling from "On" to "Standby" mode all by itself. It stays in "Standby" mode for about 30 seconds before going back to "On" for about 45-60 seconds. It just keeps repeating this pattern until I turn it off. When it is "On", everything works fine. I've tried unplugging it and changing outlets, but nothing works so far. The Sony-recommended service partner wants to charge me a flat $350 to fix the problem, not including any parts that will be needed. If anyone here can think of something I am missing, I'd sure like to keep the cash in my pocket. Thanks!
 

Silver Member
Username: Fyi

Dallas, Texas

Post Number: 588
Registered: May-05
Check the power button on the remote. Make sure it's not hung up under the housing.

Take the batteries out of the remote to see if it stops.

Place black tape on the infrared receiving eye on the set to see if it's the receiving eye.

Check for an overheating condition, restricted air flow, fan not running triggering a shut off.
 

Unregistered guest
Thanks FYI. I did check the remote and remove the batteries and tried covering the IR port as well before I posted, but those didn't fix it either. When it goes to "Standby" mode, the standby light flashes the entire time until it comes back on, so I don't think it's a power issue or a remote signal issue. The TV sits in an open cabinet with pretty clear margins around it for ventilation. It has been in that space for the whole time we have had it though, so maybe there is a filter or screen that could have become clogged that it restricting airflow? Anyone know where that would be on this model of TV, if it has one? Or where the fan is so I can check if it is running?
 

Anonymous
 
I bought a SONY KF42WE610 on Oct. 31, 2004. Fourteen months later, about twelve blue pin-head spots appeared (pixels) on the screen and more dots appear every few days. Did not get the extended warranty, but have talked to Sony and have to get a local Sony Authorized Service Rep to evaluate the problem and give me an estimate before I call them back. Will advise....
 

Bronze Member
Username: Patcooper

Staten Island, NY US

Post Number: 16
Registered: Jul-05
i got a Model KDF-E42A10 in december and i have yet to have a problem with it. knock on wood. great picture and sound i have and will continue to recomend them.
 

watdaheck!
Unregistered guest
I bought this Sony Grand Wega LCD rear projection tv KF-50WE620 on 05/14/2005. I turned on my TV and it now has a "Magenta Roadmap" on the lower left side of the screen similar to the pictures on this thread. After going through these threads and seeing the horror stories with Sony's customer service and since I bought it at Costco, I am going to return it since and try to to get a full refund and exchange it with another TV. I called Costco and they told me I just needed the receipt with the TV, remote, and manual. What a piece of crap this is, Sony should step up and replace these sets that fail within a year. I for one am not going to pay a single cent more to repair a set that Sony should take responsibility for. If Sony doesn't step up and do something about this problem with their products, they suck blue whale! I am curious do their newer 3 LCD sets have the same problem?
 

watdaheck!
Unregistered guest
Screw it!! I am gonna return this 50" Sony Grand Wega Hunk of Junk LCD to Costco and get a Plasma TV by Panasonic which seems to be around the same price range and has better picture quality. I don't think I want to deal with the crap that Sony customer service dishes out (per the posts on this board). I thought Sony stood for quality and reliability. I guess not. See ya sony!!!!
 

Anonymous
 
I'm all set to purchase the Sony E50A10 - then came across these horror stories.

Are all these complaints legit? Any happy customers out there?
 

omarko
Unregistered guest
Hey Anonymous,

...read my post from Dec. 13/05....
....so far, so good....

omarko
 

nowegas
Unregistered guest
We have the same problem. I just got off with Sony...after trying a couple of different people. They still deny this is a problem...or that they've even heard about it once. "An isolated issue" I was told. I did ref. this site, and after about 4-5 min of them saying they're "checking" the information, they come back and say they can't view third party sites.

I will post a picture as well. Our TV is about 2 years old.
 

HateSony
Unregistered guest
I have the same road map problem (60"). The TV is out of warranty and Sony offered to sell me the part at cost (Lamp Engine at $500). Once I pay for labour Iam back to $800 for a TV that could go at any second. I've always bought Sony products, but going forward, I will never buy a Sony product again. Perhaps this is the only way we can get payback! Unless someone has started a class action lawsuit?
 

omarko
Unregistered guest
Everyone that claims to have a 'roadmap' problem with their tv should post a picture here.....sony most likely pays attention to this website forum as many of you have referred them to it.

Sony people see 2 or 3 pictures posted and the rest are just unfounded complaints. Same thing when people call them....you call, you talk/complain, BUT no proof/picture is seen of the problem by the sony person on the other line.

Sony really needs to see many pictures of the problem to actually see that the problem exists. Pictures don't lie. Pictures say more than words. Post your pictures!!

omarko

 

nowega
Unregistered guest
Here are the pictures.

<p><img></p>
 

New member
Username: Nowega

Post Number: 1
Registered: Feb-06
Here it is....you need to register to post pictures.....

Upload
Upload
 

Slam
Unregistered guest
An update on my January 28th post... The problem was the lamp. The TV has a "Lamp" light that is supposed to come on when the lamp needs to be replaced, but apparently the behavior I had (repeatedly goes between "On" and "Standby" with the "Standby" light flashing the entire time it is in that mode) also indicates a new lamp is needed. Of course, Sony customer service told me they had no suggestions for me after we tried unplugging it for 1 minute and that I had to call their contract service center. The service center wanted to charge me a flat $350 fee, not including any parts, to fix the problem. I called around and had a technician tell me I should replace the lamp and it would be fine. I did, at a cost of $200 for the lamp, and all is fine again. How can Sony customer service not know the symptoms I had meant a lamp replacement was needed? Why do they have to make it so hard to do basic repairs or replacements on their products? So, if I would have just listened to Sony, I would be out over $600 to replace a light bulb. This will be my last Sony TV. It's a shame really, since this is my third Sony TV and they used to be the best quality you could buy. Sony, even though you say you're not listening, you just lost another customer...
 

Sony Rep #20506
Unregistered guest
Dear former customer,

Don't worry about us, we'll be fine. We already got your money three times and our reputation for "quality" will carry us for decades. Look at how well Bose is still doing and their products have sucked since the 80s.

As for internet posts affecting our business, there's little danger of that as our demographic for televisions only uses the internet to forward cartoons and jokes to their friends and family. Now if you could figure out a way to get a derogatory cartoon out in circulation incorporating both the highly technical nature of the optical block failure mentioned in these posts AND a funny punchline then we might actually be in trouble.
 

New member
Username: Tommer12

Post Number: 4
Registered: Jan-06
oh-o. Looks like Sony Rep #20506 is going to get the beat down.
 

Anonymous
 
I have a the Sony Grand Vega model: KF-50WE620 and purchased it 13 months ago at Future Shop. I've been seeing golf balls in 3 different areas of the tv screen. On the left side is a red golf ball, right side lower corner blue and lime green. Does anyone have this problem? Luckily -I purchased the 5 yr warranty which at the time thought I got sucked into!! Called Future Shop with problem and still waiting to hear back!!! Let me know if anyone else havaing this problem???
 

New member
Username: Reeki8

Post Number: 3
Registered: Jan-06
Hello everyone and let me express my extreme sympathy for all of our problems with this product. I had a optical block just installed on Friday Feb 3rd. It appreared to look ok at first. We hardly use the SOny Wega tv. I thought I had better watch it last night and found that the side where the yellow blob was in now a faint yellow. The other side of the tv is now a faint purpleish color. I have no idea what to do. It is not acceptable viewing. Plus I keep thinking what if the color saturation gets worse? This is a nightmare. I understand that the optical blocks that Sony send out are remanufactured?? It is so disappointing. As some state may be a CALS is the only way to resolve this issue. Please all keep us updated on your atempts to have your sets fixed.
 

New member
Username: Reeki8

Post Number: 4
Registered: Jan-06
Update: I have sent a email to Robert Herron of Digital Life TV, hoping to understand what a "Optical Block" is and what is really happening. I have also contacted Qualxserv who told me I had to contact Sony to have the repair order reopened. Now Sony tells me...I have to wait once again for Qualxserv to recontact me. I found out that the remanufactured part Sony sent is only quarenteed for 90 days. Imagine that. I would think that a new part should have been sent...not someones old issues. I took a picture of this optical block. It is a strange little plastic part. I will upload if anyone is interested.
 

New member
Username: Reeki8

Post Number: 5
Registered: Jan-06
Yup can do that!

Sony reps should have compassion, willingness to help it's customers mixed with intelligence. I know that they are on staff. I have spoken with some. I can not imagine that Sony would approve of this post about it's customers.

I am sure that the post for a "alleged" Sony Rep is not really a Rep for a company like Sony would never sanction this.

Please refer to Sony Rep 20506

I will be sending a copy to Sony headquarters..and no..there will be no comic and it will be by snail mail. You know what happens when you assume. If you do not look it up on Google.
 

cbtaber
Unregistered guest
I hate to be the voice of dissent but I recently had a good experience with Sony's customer Service. I have a KDF-60WF655 I've had it for about 6 months and I recently noticed a faint green blotch about twice the size of a silver dollar on the screen, It's only really visible when the screen is black. But I don't want my TV to have any problems so early in it's life, so I called right away. They dispatched a guy to take a look, he said there may be dust in the optical block, but instead of taking apart the TV and seeing if that was the problem, he ordered a new optical block. A week later he came over with the part and replaced it. I couldn't be in the same room as he took apart the TV because it would drive me nuts. But after an hour all was fixed. Total cost to me $0.

The customer service reps were very nice, I even had a slight case of the sniffles and the rep suggested an obscure over the counter drug that has worked for her and her family. I find that if you're patient with them they'll be great to you. But if you call and start yelling at the rep right away, you will get back the service you deserve.

I highly recommend purchasing a 5 year extended warranty through Sony for your TV. The technology obviously isn't perfect yet and many of these problems we have will no longer be an issue in 10 years. We are, unfortunately the guinea pigs for the first generations of LCD/Plasma TV's. The more problems reported be it unusual or common, the better it helps companies improve their products in future generations.
 

watdaheck!
Unregistered guest
Success! I was able to return my 50" KF-50WE620 Sony Grand Wega Hunk of Junk to Costco and got a full refund and turned around and purchased a pioneer 50" plasma also from Costco (with costco who needs to buy an extended warranty). It seems this technology is unproven and sony is using cosumers as beta testers. Good luck to all who have to deal with this design flaw in Sony TVs.
 

JALCO
Unregistered guest
I finally was able to get ahold of the tech. rep who took care of me 1 year ago when dealing with our 40"xbr set. Was disapointed that every time I would call Sony it was like starting from the very beginning. Funny, my tech. support friend from the past, said that the last tech. support person had closed the case. Anyway, she said that even though I was out of warrenty, by only less then 30 days, it should be no cost to me. She also was aware for the "light block" etc. problem. She further said that yes it would be a remanufactured part, but that she would warrenty it for 180 days. Also said that if it failed after the 180 days, within reason, that I should call in and contact her. So we'll see what happens. I am happy that Sony so far is taking care of me, but I worry about this issue in the furture. I wish I would have purchased it from Costco, I think I'll do that next time around. She also did say that she was not aware of any history of major people having issues once a new light eng. was installed... so we'll see what happens.
 

R Councell
Unregistered guest
I have a Sony KF-50WE610 just under two years and have the "magenta colored roadmap" on the upper left screen. Called Sony and they are giving me the same run around as the rest of you.
 

R Councell
Unregistered guest
I have a Sony KF-50WE610 just under two years and have the "magenta colored roadmap" on the upper left screen. Called Sony and they are giving me the same run around as the rest of you.
 

Anonymous
 
http://swega.blogspot.com/
 

Sony Cartoon
Unregistered guest
http://swega.blogspot.com/
 

Sony Cartooon
Unregistered guest
Responding to Sony Rep

http://swega.blogspot.com/

"As for internet posts affecting our business, there's little danger of that as our demographic for televisions only uses the internet to forward cartoons and jokes to their friends and family. Now if you could figure out a way to get a derogatory cartoon out in circulation incorporating both the highly technical nature of the optical block failure mentioned in these posts AND a funny punchline then we might actually be in trouble."
 

Sony Cartoon
Unregistered guest
Response to Sony Rep 20506

See message in quotes

http://swega.blogspot.com/

"As for internet posts affecting our business, there's little danger of that as our demographic for televisions only uses the internet to forward cartoons and jokes to their friends and family. Now if you could figure out a way to get a derogatory cartoon out in circulation incorporating both the highly technical nature of the optical block failure mentioned in these posts AND a funny punchline then we might actually be in trouble."
 

New member
Username: Cutie_patooty

Boston

Post Number: 1
Registered: Feb-06
Hello-I hope my situation can help you.
I have the same etch a sketch problem on my KF60WE610. Blue lines/road map problem started in lower right hand corner of Tv about a month ago. I have owned the TV for 2 years-no ext warranty. I had the tv examined by my local TV dealer where I bought the tv and he said it was an optical block problem and needed to be replaced. The replacement part and labor cost was $1400.00 I called Sony and opened a case file. I then faxed them a proof of purchase and the estimate from the local tv repairperson. After a week, I followed up with Sony service to check on the status-I reiterated what was recommended here by you kind folks that I was happy to pay for the labor but was not willing to pay for the parts since the TV broke through no fault of my own. I got a call back from the supervisor at Sony service and they have agreed to pay for the parts as long as I pay for the labor. My Tv will be fixed as soon as my local tv repair person gets the part from Sony-They said in about a week. I just wanted to thank you all for your help and advice. If it wasn't for this message board-I would not be able to fix my tv since I couldn't afford it. Thanks again!
 

Jonny Frustrated
Unregistered guest
I purchased my KF-42WE620 on 1/20/05 and after 2 months the tv wouldn't display a picture after turning it on, there's sound but no picture. So I turn it off and turn it on again after 30min and it was fine. 2 weeks after that I turn it on and the whole picture is blue.. A lil worried I call Sony and they tell me to unplug it for 20min and turn it on, it works yet again. Since last March now the tv has no picture at least twice a week when I go to turn it on, so I have to wait 20min to watch tv/movies. Now since yesterday afternoon there has been no picture, tried turning it off for 20min to no avail, then unplugging it for 30min, still not workin. Anyone have any idea what the deal is here? It's a lil frustrating to keep putting up w/ this problem.
 

Jonny Frustrated
Unregistered guest
I purchased my KF-42WE620 on 1/20/05 and after 2 months the tv wouldn't display a picture after turning it on, there's sound but no picture. So I turn it off and turn it on again after 30min and it was fine. 2 weeks after that I turn it on and the whole picture is blue.. A lil worried I call Sony and they tell me to unplug it for 20min and turn it on, it works yet again. Since last March now the tv has no picture at least twice a week when I go to turn it on, so I have to wait 20min to watch tv/movies. Now since yesterday afternoon there has been no picture, tried turning it off for 20min to no avail, then unplugging it for 30min, still not workin. Anyone have any idea what the deal is here? It's a lil frustrating to keep putting up w/ this problem. Oh and the lamp indicator has never come on either.
 

JALCO
Unregistered guest
Sony taking care of me. I have previous post, but here is update. KDF-55WF655, light engine needs to be replaces 1 year and 10 days old. Part $ 1,450, labor 250, total with tax $ 1,865.48. Sony has agreeded to cover 100% of this repair. They are also giving me 180 warrenty on the repair instead of the 90 days. So I'm happy, but still worried about what will happen in the future. Might sell after the repair, then get something at Costco. We'll see.
 

unclebuck
Unregistered guest
For those having problems with the screen not coming on, but getting sound. I had same problem with my Sony WEGA, they sent a replacement bulb (different manufacturer) and then three weeks later, the same. Instead of calling Sony again, I called Circuit City, where I bought it, and they asked if I had the TV plugged into a wall socket or a surge protector with other electronics. I had it plugged into a surge protector and they suggested plugging the TV into a wall socket alone. I did, it come on, and no problems since.....other than about 8 months ago I go the green roadmap blob on the screen everyone else now has!!!!!

And no, I've received no useful help from Sony regarding the roadmap issue each of the four times I've contacted them.

I used to love Sony products, now I look elsewhere.
 

Raptor09
Unregistered guest
Any idea if this affect the SXRD line ?

I just bought one and i'm now juggling with buying the extended warranty or not.

Thanks
 

sherlock
Unregistered guest
I bought a kdfe42a10 on 2/4/06. on 2/9/06 it was working, turned it off, about an hour later tried to turn it on and nothing. no picture, no sound, no flashing LEDs, nothing except a faint ticking sound from inside the tv. will let you know how it was resolved. I am disappointed in Sony's quality control. The Sony name was one reason I boughtt this model. It looked great until it crapped out
 

Silver Member
Username: Jimkw

Columbus, Ohio USA

Post Number: 107
Registered: Jun-05
Did you buy it from a local store? If so, exchange it and get a new one. You will have a 30 day exchange. That's why I bought mine from a store intead of over the internet. I have the KDF-E50A10 and have not had problems. If it would have quit in the first month I would expect a new one, not fixing it.
 

New member
Username: Tommer12

Post Number: 5
Registered: Jan-06
Hey everyone, this was posted on Engadget.com today:

If you recently purchased a Sony LCD or rear-projection television, you may want to check the model number. A problem in the firmware for these televisions means they will stop operating normally after 1,200 hours of use, according to the company. Read on for the full sorry tale.

The firmware problem causes the televisions to either not turn off or not turn on after 1,200 hours of operation, according to Sony. Customers who purchased LCD or rear-projection televisions in Asia, including China and Japan, or North America before Nov. 2005 are potentially affected by the problem, the company said. The flaw is not present in television models that were sold in Europe, it said.


The flaw may exist in 400,000 television sets, Sony said. It is offering free firmware upgrades to customers affected by the problem.


Sony advised those who have already experienced the problem to unplug their television sets from the wall for at least 30 seconds. The televisions should automatically reset and the problem will not occur for another 1,200 hours of operation, it said.


U.S. customers can check to see if they are affected by the problem by visiting the company's Update My TV website by clicking here.

http://www.updatemytv.com/

enjoy
 

Kyle Zimmerman
Unregistered guest
Add another tv to the list, my KF-42WE610 has a magneta roadmap in the lower right corner. I have had the tv for around 2 years, but have only used it for around 60-70 hours in that time.

I guess its time to start calling sony to see how much of the part cost I can get covered.
 

Mark Summit
Unregistered guest
One more and counting... I bought my Sony Grand Wega KF-50WE610 on Oct'03 and now just 25 months later I got this "beautiful" pink road map on my screen. I was not smart enough to purchase the extended warranty. Tonight I got Sony's final word from a Level 2 Supervisor at Customer Service: "so sorry, nothing we can do and thank you for choosing Sony!". It is evident that these sets have some kind of manufacturing or part flaw. I'm not ready to give up so easily so any suggestions you may have will be very welcome. Tks.
 

Hobbs
Unregistered guest
Add another to the list of the wonderful appearance of the "yellow blotch". Bought the KF42WE610 in Nov '03. In mid Jan '06 the blotch suddenly appeared... obviously well out of warranty (no extended warranty bought). Talked to the store where I bought the TV and they sent there tech guy to my house (also happens to be the same tech guy who is on contract for Sony (Canada)). He wrote up a big bill for about $1500 Can. and told me to call Sony to see what they would do for me. Thankfully, his visit was kindfully paid for by the store from which I had bought the TV. So... I called Sony and their offer to me was NOT to repair the TV (too impractical they said), but to offer me the new KFE42A10 for $750. Included with this "deal" was the 1 year manufacturer's warranty followed by another 4 years of SonyCare protection. As much as it sucked to fork out another $750 on top of the $3300 I had spent in Nov '03 I decided to go for it... it seemed much more practical than getting a repair with no extra warranty which would have cost me almost as much. After reading all the previous posts, it seems that dealing with Sony is a bit of a crap shoot. Good luck.
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