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Thread: Panasonic LCD Television lamp (TY-LA1000) life issue petition |
    
New member Username: J77jf
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jan-07
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| Posted on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 - 02:47 am: |
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Have a question. My lamp light never came on but 2 days ago the Temp light kept flashing now everytime I try to turn on the TV the green light just flashes for about a minute then turns off. Is this a lamp problem? |
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Relevant Product Info
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New member Username: Gdm
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jan-07
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| Posted on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 - 06:55 pm: |
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I'm eligible for the replacement after 3 failures, but the TV is in a custom built entertainment center that won't accommodate the 56" model. I thought of asking Panasonic for a deal to keep me in bulbs for "x" years (thinking it might be a win for both parties - other than having a black out in the middle of the Super Bowl last year, I like the TV). Now reading the comments on the 56" picture, I think I'll press Panasonic for my "deal" - any thoughts? |
New member Username: Lkg_luver
Post Number: 4
Registered: Sep-06
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| Posted on Friday, February 02, 2007 - 03:15 pm: |
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Garrick,
You sure it won't fit? the replacement is actually narrower, even though it's a 55" because the speakers are not on the sides.
50" is 55.8" x 35.3"
56" is 51.6" x 37.6" |
New member Username: Lkg_luver
Post Number: 5
Registered: Sep-06
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| Posted on Friday, February 02, 2007 - 03:19 pm: |
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Peter,
Are the purple spots tiny dots? (the size of a pixel) If so, most likely have a burned out pixel(s). I have one on mine two, only it's green, right in the center, |
New member Username: Claudia50954
San jose,
Ca
US
Post Number: 1
Registered: Feb-07
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| Posted on Friday, February 02, 2007 - 03:27 pm: |
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I got my 81 yr old parents a 50" Toshiba DLP TV and they tell me the sound is "flat." They had Best Buy down to adjust it, to no avail. They adjusted bass and treble with no appreciable improvement. Is there another adjustment they can make? Do they need a different TV? Speakers? Hearing aids? (kidding) Best Buy is going to service the TV again and bring a different TV to exchange if this adjustment fails. Any suggestions for replacement TV? |
New member Username: Lkg_luver
Post Number: 6
Registered: Sep-06
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| Posted on Friday, February 02, 2007 - 03:42 pm: |
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Claudia,
I'm not saying this to be mean or anything, but ...at 81 years old...you sure it's the TV?..Have you heard this problem yourself?...My parents are approaching that age too...and it's not only their hearing thats starting to slip....good luck.. |
New member Username: Cudapac
Lincolnton,
NC
USA
Post Number: 1
Registered: Feb-07
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| Posted on Saturday, February 03, 2007 - 09:32 am: |
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Charles
The green pixel in the middle of the set is stuck open so it is visible. This should be repaired under warranty by Panasonic. I bought my set through Tweeters in Charlotte NC and bought the extended warranty. They have replaced two lamps, repaired and upgraded the ballast and will repair the stuck open pixel in about two weeks. |
New member Username: Gdm
Post Number: 2
Registered: Jan-07
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| Posted on Saturday, February 03, 2007 - 02:39 pm: |
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Charles,
Thanks; yep, it's that extra 2 inches height that's done me in. I'll just have to see if I can take something off the bottom of the TV when it arrives. (otherwise I'm going to have develop some keen cabinetmaker skills fast...) |
New member Username: Gdm
Post Number: 3
Registered: Jan-07
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| Posted on Saturday, February 03, 2007 - 02:45 pm: |
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FYI,
I called Panasonic and was told the conditions of the settlement forbid them from making any other settlement than what's described in the settlement announcement, including replacing (or even selling at a discount) the lamps over time. Too bad; I have no other complaints about the set myself. Must be nice to have more money than sense... |
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New member Username: Steven_fisher
Post Number: 1
Registered: Feb-07
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| Posted on Tuesday, February 06, 2007 - 12:37 pm: |
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Had the same problems, 3 lamps in less then 2 years. I went to an independent dealer/servicer who only sold Sony tv's. They not only knew of the problem but highly recommended LCD over DLP for numerous problems with the DLP format. They took the time to show us picture differences and higher set reliability. The dealer had a data sheet of all the sony's they sold. In 6 years time of over 1500 Sony TV's they sold 11 had failed. Purchased a Sony LCD to replace the panny. Sony is almost 3 years old, not a problem yet. Picture quality is better than the panny, which I gave away. Don't care what happens to it now. Sony lamp is still kickin strong. I'm done shopping at big box stores who just want to sell you something and don't know or care about service problems. |
New member Username: Misbitski
Post Number: 1
Registered: Feb-07
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| Posted on Saturday, February 10, 2007 - 09:54 am: |
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Need some advice guys...
I submitted my claim paperwork to be reimbursed for a bulb failure. I actually had another bulb go immediately after, but because it was so closed to the original purchase, the seller gave me a replacement for free. About a month ago I finally received my reimbursement cost for the bulb. Last week, the bulb went yet again, bringing the grand total to 3 bulbs that have blown in the TV over the 2.5 years I've owned it.
Am I screwed now, or am I still able to get a replacement set under the terms of the settlement? Panasonic said to talk to the settlement group, but I'm not sure if I'm supposed to be filing another claim or what. I haven't actually purchased a 3rd replacement bulb yet. The set is just sitting there collecting dust.
Any suggestions? |
New member Username: Gdm
Post Number: 4
Registered: Jan-07
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| Posted on Saturday, February 10, 2007 - 11:39 am: |
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Mike,
The way I read the settlement, and as it was explained on the phone by the settlement group, we're entitled to both bulb reimbursement and set replacement after 3 failures.
If you have had a third failure that hasn't been fixed yet, you are also covered, but it must be confirmed by a Panasonic rep.
You should call the settlement group. Their number is 888-579-1850 in case you've misplaced it. |
New member Username: Misbitski
Post Number: 2
Registered: Feb-07
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| Posted on Wednesday, February 21, 2007 - 07:23 pm: |
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Panasonic was definitely not much help. They said anything related to this TV has to go through the settlement group. I tried the 888-579-1850 number, but it's an automated system. The best I can do is leave a voicemail. Is there any way to get a hold of someone directly? |
New member Username: Gdm
Post Number: 5
Registered: Jan-07
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| Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 12:01 am: |
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Mike,
If it's any consolation, I did get a call back when I left a message. Took a couple days, and she didn't offer much help... |
New member Username: Misbitski
Post Number: 3
Registered: Feb-07
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| Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 10:55 pm: |
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Sigh...I got a call back from the settlement group. You are correct, Garrick. They said I should be covered, but it can take up to 2 months to get a replacement. 30 days for them to process, and 30 days for Panasonic to pick up the old set, evaluate it, and then ship me a new one. Given the fact that it's a DLP set, I figured I'd elect for the $1000 rebate instead. Like an idiot, I bought a 42" HP from Circuit City tonight. I didn't realize it's only good off the purchase of another Panasonic TV. YAY!
At least I left it in the box. So it goes back I suppose. The real topper is my SUV died on the way home with the new TV. AAA had to tow me to a local dealer...wonder what that repair bill will be. lol.
Has anyone opted for the rebate? What are the terms of it? I'm curious whether I can buy a replacement Panasonic set now and then just send in the rebate form when they finally send one. My gut is telling me it probably has some dumb clause saying it has to be purchased 60 days from the date of issue or something, at which point I'd be screwed. |
New member Username: Gmenrule
Post Number: 1
Registered: Feb-07
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| Posted on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 - 09:14 pm: |
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Well I am on my second blown bulb, called BB and awaiting the service call. I doubt I will get a third one by May 07 so I will probably be out of luck on the CAS but I have another problem. I read about the green dots (dead pixel) well I have a red dot, is that the same thing, dead pixel and can it be repaired? This is a great place for info.
Bart |
New member Username: Beaubeau
Post Number: 1
Registered: Feb-07
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| Posted on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 - 09:47 pm: |
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I got the notice to replace my bulb today for the first time on my PT-50LC13 and in researching came across this thread. Most seem to be focused on the replacement part of this settlement but I'm looking for clarification on the reimbursement and/or extended warranty remedy since I obviously don't qualify for replacement.
Will the settlement provide a free replacement bulb in my case? Do I have to purchase one a file a claim for reimbursement? Should I contact the settlement group or Panasonic directly? |
New member Username: Cudapac
Lincolnton,
NC
USA
Post Number: 2
Registered: Feb-07
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| Posted on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 - 11:24 pm: |
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Bart
I just had a green pixel, which is stuck open and visible, repaired last week. The repair was initiated by the tech who had came three weeks earlier to repair the ballast. He informed me that Panasonic would have to authorize and they did so he was back to replace the entire "engine" which includes the red, green, and blue elements. So yes the red pixel would be replaced. I'm glad I got the extended warranty as everything so far has been replaced at no charge. It's been a pain in the butt not having a HDTV set to watch waiting for 2 bulbs, a ballast, and finally the engine replacement. I have purchased a back up bulb on Ebay so hopefully I will be set for a while as the picture is great.
Ron |
New member Username: Floatn1
Post Number: 2
Registered: Jan-07
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| Posted on Saturday, March 03, 2007 - 03:33 pm: |
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Got my replacement tv today. If I remember correctly I sent in my claim form Jan 21, not bad from what I've been reading. Trying to get a call back from the claims people was difficult, never happened. They did email me back quickly though. I gave them a good month before I emailed them asking about it. Over all very satisfied with everything. |
New member Username: Brianmoh
Post Number: 1
Registered: Mar-07
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| Posted on Saturday, March 03, 2007 - 10:03 pm: |
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i just started to fill out the paperwork for the settlement and gather the numerous service orders - on my 5th bulb since jan04. i purchased the extended warranty from PCrichard (thankfully) do I still qualify for the new tv? anyone know as there seems to be alot of research done - thanks for the help! |
New member Username: Floatn1
Post Number: 3
Registered: Jan-07
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| Posted on Sunday, March 04, 2007 - 09:09 pm: |
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You do still qualify for the replacement TV even though you purchased an extended warranty. I got my new TV yesterday and I had an extended warranty from Best Buy that covered all my replacement bulbs. The process took less than 2 months from sending in my paperwork to getting the new TV. |
New member Username: Speqtre
Post Number: 1
Registered: Mar-07
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| Posted on Tuesday, March 06, 2007 - 07:12 am: |
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Jason,
Which exact model did you receive as a replacement set?
Did they collect your old set?
Thanks! |
New member Username: Lkg_luver
Post Number: 7
Registered: Sep-06
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| Posted on Tuesday, March 06, 2007 - 09:26 am: |
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I had sent my paperwork in, waited a month, then sent an email, asking what the wait time, notification process and so on was. I got a reply in 4 days, stating they had no claim from me. Furious, I requested another claim, filled it out, copied all the reciepts and documentation, and sent it "certified" this time.
Within a week, I got a call from the local TV retailer, stating my exchange set was ready for delivery. I got the PT56DLX76, with the 1080i native resolution. I have to believe it was a result of the first claim, not the one I had just sent 1 week prior certified. Still waiting for the check for the $750.00 in bulbs I bought though. Overall, I'm happy with the new set, it's 6" bigger, looks better and has a better picture, I think. Although it doesn't quite fit on the stand for the old 50" the way it should, (the clamps and slots to clamp it down don't line up) it works and looks ok. While there were times I swore I'd never buy another panasonic product during this issue (espicially trying to get documentation for the warranty work done) I even threatened one customer service rep. with taking all my panny products (I have about 3 others)out in the driveway and running over them with the car and mailing them all to her and never buying another one again. And do ya know, when they exchanged the TV's, they tried to leave without leaving any documentation again. I refused to let them out the door with the old set without some paperwork (warranty issues on new set...not going through this documentation issue again)
Anyway, I thank this group for all the info and the Mills Group for their work on all our behalfs. Good luck to all of you...it's a nightmare I never want to go through again, but...in the end...I'm satisfied. |
New member Username: Speqtre
Post Number: 2
Registered: Mar-07
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| Posted on Friday, March 16, 2007 - 12:46 pm: |
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For those of you waiting to submit your paperwork:
If you Google "Panasonic LIFI" you can see what the next gen of Panasonic's RP HDTVs will be - this is probably what we'll end up getting once DLP RP stock is exhausted. DLP stock seems pretty low now, with most of the big online retailers being sold out of Panny DLP RP sets. These LIFI sets are scheduled for release in Apr/May.
The upside is you could potentially be getting an HDTV that you'll never have to replace the bulb in.
The downside is, instead of the 56" 1080p DLP that people are getting now, you'll probably get the 50" 720p LIFI instead, and AFAIK, these tvs are the first implementation of LIFI in consumer televisions... maybe you'll be involved in another class action in 3-4 years?! |
New member Username: David_d
Post Number: 1
Registered: Mar-07
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| Posted on Wednesday, March 21, 2007 - 01:06 am: |
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I just came accross this site and have questions. I just had my lamp light come on this will be the third bulb in the Tv. I am wondering what paper work i need to file a claim as far as recpits and such. I sent it out for warranty the first time it went out and havent had any troouble since then. I didnt get any paper work and bought the Tv at ultimate electronics which has gone out of business at least in this area any help would be grate |
New member Username: Misbitski
Post Number: 4
Registered: Feb-07
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| Posted on Wednesday, March 21, 2007 - 08:41 am: |
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David, you might want to scan the rest of the thread. There is a lot of useful info. I think people were able to get copies of their receipts for bulb replacement from Panasonic for warranty service. You'll need a copy of the original receipt for the TV too. If you paid for any bulbs under the warranty work, you'd be eligible for reimbursement. At the very least, you should be eligible for a DLP TV replacement direct from Panasonic or a $1000 rebate on a Panasonic TV of your choice.
Visit this link for more info and to submit for a claim form:
http://www.tvlampsettlement.com/ |
New member Username: Ncdeac
Post Number: 6
Registered: Aug-06
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| Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 - 09:52 am: |
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Sigh...we got the replacement TV in October of last year. This morning...the bulb blew. I am so over Panasonic and their inferior products. Now I get to look forward to spending the next couple of hours trying to get through the Panasonic customer service. Ugh!! |
New member Username: Ncdeac
Post Number: 7
Registered: Aug-06
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| Posted on Thursday, March 29, 2007 - 03:35 pm: |
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An update to the post above. For once Panasonic really came through. Since we had done our replacement TV directly through Panasonic, we called their customer service. I was on hold for just a couple of minutes (a miracle in and of itself). I explained the situation and was transferred immediately to a manager. In 10 minutes, while I was on hold, he called a local TV repair shop and scheduled an appointment for that afternoon. They came, they changed the bulb and ran a few "diagnostic tests". So we were only without a TV for a couple of hours. I have been the first to complain loudly about Panasonic, so I feel I should give them props when they did the right thing. |
New member Username: Wry791
Post Number: 1
Registered: Mar-07
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| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 02:17 pm: |
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Does anyone know how long it takes to recieve the $1000 rebate check if that option is chosen? I was thinking of buying a Panny TV from Costco/Sams getting the rebate and then refunding the TV....does anyone know why this wouldn't work? |
New member Username: Speqtre
Post Number: 3
Registered: Mar-07
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| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 02:38 pm: |
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You can't buy the TV until after you receive the rebate coupon, and I'd imagine you probably can't return the tv once you cut the barcode/serial number off the box, which is probably required for rebate submission...
but other than those two reasons, it may work? |
New member Username: Wry791
Post Number: 2
Registered: Mar-07
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| Posted on Friday, March 30, 2007 - 02:57 pm: |
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Can't you just say you threw away the box? You can return TVs at Costco/Sams long after the purchase. |
New member Username: Kgehrke
Post Number: 1
Registered: Apr-07
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| Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 04:22 pm: |
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I have the protection plan warranty. I bought it in 2004, moved since then to another state, and my second bulb went out Tuesday night. I called Wed for service, they couldn't find a repairman in my area so they are going to research who the repairman would be and get back to me. I really don't want to go through this hassle every two years. I am trying to weigh whether it is worth it to pay for the warranty every 3 years to replace the bulb every 2 years. The bulb is listed @ $284 on Panasonic's website. But if the pixels go out next, then what? They replace it? Any suggestions? |
New member Username: Speqtre
Post Number: 4
Registered: Mar-07
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| Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 05:10 pm: |
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Pull the bulb and look at it. (It's very simple to do, just make sure it's cooled down) If it's just the bulb, call them back and tell them you don't need a repairman just a new bulb.
How long is your protection plan good for? I don't think you can extend an extended warranty, can you? |
New member Username: Kgehrke
Post Number: 2
Registered: Apr-07
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| Posted on Thursday, April 05, 2007 - 07:32 pm: |
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I am pretty sure it is the bulb. I didn't know if it would hurt my warranty to change it myself. It is good until 2009. Just renewed it. |
New member Username: Swede2675
Post Number: 1
Registered: Apr-07
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| Posted on Saturday, April 14, 2007 - 05:03 pm: |
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I just received the replacement TV for the Panasonic TV Settlement. I had the PT50LC13 LCD and the replacement was the 56DLX76 DLP. If the bulb problem never existed the LCD would easily be the better TV even though it was 720p and the DLP is 1080p. The picture on the DLP is definitley not as clear as the LCD and my wife and I frequently see distortions in the background objects. I was happy to find out that the DLP will fit on the stand from the LCD, just not as perfect as the LCD did. If I could do it over I might think twice about taking the $1000.00 rebate. |
New member Username: Max_tv
Post Number: 1
Registered: Apr-07
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| Posted on Friday, April 20, 2007 - 09:17 pm: |
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HELP Can someone please let me know if I can put a claim in? Let me try and make a long story short. I bought this TV (PT-50LC13) on 12/27/03. On about 11/01/04 less then a year from when I bought this TV a pixel (green in color) appeared almost in the center of my TV. Called Tweeter the place I bought the TV from, they came out and told me that I will need to replace the light engine and it will take about two months to get it shipped in and then schedule to have installed. No problem I can still watch TV. It was covered under warranty at no charge. About a year ago the same thing happens green pixel, this time green dot is on the upper center part of the TV. Called Tweeter and Panasonic and tell me out of luck because I am out of warranty. If I want to have it fix I am looking at paying about $1500. I guise I will have to live with the green pixel. On 2/01/06 the infamous bulb decides blow. That was about $300 + tax. Last week I go to turn on the TV and it don’t light up, checked the bulb looks ok, not shattered like the last one. The only thing happening is the power ON button is blinking 5 times about every 4 seconds red in color. Now I am mad. Now here is were I need some help, I called the Class Action Settlement group, which I had signed up for last year thanks to this forum. And they tell me that I do not qualify for this settlement because it ONLY involves 3 or more bulb failures and nothing else. I told her that I was informed if I had 3 or more failures, no matter what the problem was that I qualify for this settlement, She told me that is not correct only bulbs is part of this settlement. Is this true? I know I read somewhere on this forum that any 3 failures qualify. If someone can please tell me if this correct, or what else can be done I would appreciate. It stinks staring at a dark gray box in my family room.
PS I tried calling Panasonic for help but just get put on hold for ever or transferred to the wrong department, finally get this woman who thinks she can help me over the phone but needs the serial number from the back of the TV. Keep in mind I am at work during the time I reach her, she gives me her direct extension to her phone with an other number to dial threw more quickly. I call that number tonight finally get threw, they never heard of this women. I GIVE UP
George |
New member Username: Cudapac
Lincolnton,
NC
USA
Post Number: 3
Registered: Feb-07
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| Posted on Sunday, April 22, 2007 - 02:59 pm: |
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George
Your current problem of a gray box sounds like your ballast needs repaired. This is a replacement of two samll resistors that also helps the lamp premature problem as well. Refer to my post of Feb 07 and you will see that we have had very similar problems. Knock on wood but my set has been working great since I have had the engine and ballast repaired. I'm very pleased with the color and can't wait for the Charlotte stations to go all digital and get more HD content.
Ronald |
New member Username: Slukman
Post Number: 1
Registered: Apr-07
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| Posted on Monday, April 23, 2007 - 01:32 pm: |
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Does the original Bulb count as one of the bulbs? If so I will be on the third bulb with two failures. I have the PT-50LCX63. This weekend I just had the second bulb blow and it was well under the 10000 hours. Called Panny and got them to send a free replacement bulb but the replacement TV sounds much better. From what I have been reading, these failures must happen on or before November 2007. What the hell happens after that date, we all go back to spending $300 a bulb again? |
New member Username: Folgersnyourcup
Post Number: 1
Registered: Apr-07
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| Posted on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 - 06:12 pm: |
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I am so confused... I have owned this television since the day it came out and am so upset. My first bulb lasted 4 months. I purchased the service plan at Circuit City, and they replaced the bulb and the ballast under it. It took them 2 months to get the bulb and ballast. The second bulb lasted 8 months. This time the replacement bulb took about a week to come. It died during the NHL playoffs though and I was highly upset. I called, and they again replaced my bulb. This bulb lasted right at 6 months... I have gotten roughly 6-800 hours on each bulb. This is preposterous. I have now been without the use of my television since early August, which was when I found out about www.tvlampsettlement.com
I was scared to purchase another bulb at this point as I realized that this is a very widespread problem with this television. I was not able to go through Circuit City again because the service plan on my television had expired. It seems that the bulbs go out in under a year in most cases...
I am trying to sort out exactly what I am supposed to do with this issue. I called Panasonic after doing a google search, finding this forum, and seeing posts where users said that they were being offered and sent new 56 inch dlp sets from panasonic as a replacement. Panasonic told me they could do nothing and that I had to call the Class Action hotline and they would probably ask me to fax them all of my service call info, etc. Is this what I should be doing? Should I press to talk to someone higher up at Panasonic?
I wasted thousands of dollars on this tv and am angry. Please help!
Thank you! |
Bronze Member Username: Sjones1
Post Number: 12
Registered: May-07
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| Posted on Wednesday, May 02, 2007 - 08:10 pm: |
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I know it's not the solution you're looking for...but you can get a replacement lamp for $199.99 here:
http://www.discount-merchant.com/Panasonic-Replacement-LCD-Projection-TV-Lamp-Bu lb-p/panasonic_ty-la1000-lcd-lamp-1.htm&Click=1466
S. Jones |
New member Username: Slukman
Post Number: 2
Registered: Apr-07
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| Posted on Wednesday, May 02, 2007 - 08:42 pm: |
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I actually called tech support today at panasonic and reported that the second bulb that I just received is giving me problems. My TV had a great picture before the bulb blew and not I am getting ghostly green lines that keep scrolling up the screen. She told me that with this problem I would fall under the three "performance problems" solution and I am now searching for my receipt for the other bulb I bought a year ago. She told me that the original bulb or the one that came with the TV counts as the first bulb and that the receipt for the TV counts towards that bulb. It is probably going to take me a week to sift through all the old mail to find it. |
New member Username: Ovadoggvo
Post Number: 6
Registered: May-07
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| Posted on Thursday, May 03, 2007 - 02:51 am: |
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Stephen,
A lot of those panasonics have that issue with the lamp. It is caused by a faulty ballast. You should ask the tech support if there have been any revisions on the ballast for your model TV. I know panasonic has had many revisions on the ballast of some models of their projections sets. Its not as simple as changing the ballast either, the set needs to be reprogrammed to the latest firmware to suppor that ballast. I've personally done it to tons of the 50LC13 models.
But first and foremost, make sure your replacement is not an aftermarket bulb made by LTI or OSRAM... Panasonic makes their own OEM lamps with the distinct M logo on the side of the bulb. M stands for Matsushitsu (Panasonic). |
New member Username: Luke04
Miami,
FL
USA
Post Number: 3
Registered: Aug-06
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| Posted on Wednesday, May 09, 2007 - 04:54 pm: |
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I have had three problems with my PT50LC13, the first problem I had to have the projection unit replaced, then a lamp light went out, and now my lamp light is out again. The girl at the Settlement number said she does not Think that I qualify. She said the multiple failures had to be specifically the lamp light, but she is not sure.
Does anyone know if I qualify for the replacement or $1000 credit. Panny is sending me a new lamp light.
Thanks |
New member Username: Bobbo
Salem,
Virginia
US
Post Number: 1
Registered: May-07
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| Posted on Thursday, May 10, 2007 - 09:43 pm: |
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I've been reading all the posts and I'm a little confused about the time frame allotted for the third 'failure'. I have a PT-50LC13 purchased Dec. '03. The first lamp failure was in Nov. '05 (approx 23 months). The second lamp failure was April '07 (approx 17 months). Note the total lamp time from factory new to now (timer wasn't reset at first lamp change) is 7113 hours, average of around 3600 hours/lamp (we just don't have it on much). So to my question. The way I read the settlement I have until November of 2007 for the third failure to count (because of timing on my first failure) and to submit my claim. Is this correct? Secondly, my interpretation is I can submit claims for the cost of the first two lamps without giving up the right to submit a claim for multiple failures if the third lamp fails. Do you concur?
Sorry for being long winded and thanks for any input. |
New member Username: Divbyzero
Post Number: 1
Registered: May-07
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| Posted on Thursday, May 17, 2007 - 06:26 pm: |
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I purchased a PT-50LC13 right after they first came out. I've been through four bulbs and a ballast, which fell under my extended warranty. I absolutely refused to get a DLP because the rainbowing effect drives me nuts, so I was wary about signing up for the TV swap-out remedy. Anyway, I was also getting really really sick of the horrible black levels of my PT-50LC13, so I sent in the paperwork about 5 weeks ago. I wish someone had posted an article like this before I made my decision.
Yesterday, while my 3-year-old son was watching his favorite show, the delivery guys showed up, walked in, quickly removed my old TV (freaked out my kid, BTW), and replaced it with the PT-56DLX76 DLP. I must say, I am very pleasantly surprised with it. It was delivered through a local TV service company, which doesn't do retail. I asked about paying the difference to upgrade, and it wasn't possible.
First thing, immediately turn it off of the "Vivid" setting...it's horrible and will totally skew your perspective.
The contrast ratio is sooo much better than the PT-50LC13 that I feel like a weight has been lifted off of me. I can watch dark scenes again!!!
HD images are more crisp as long as you can pump in 1080i/p, but if they're only 720p, I don't notice any difference. I've been watching "Into the Blue" and "Planet Earth" on Blu-Ray, and they both look spectacular.
For some reason I can't figure out, the dynamic iris is disabled on 1080p signals. Kind of annoying.
The old cabinet design was kind of an optical illusion that made the screen look smaller than it was. The new cabinet design plus the extra 6" in actual screen size makes a VERY noticable difference. The new cabinet is not any larger than the old cabinet.
The extra HDMI connector allows me to plug in both my HD Tivo and my PS3.
Extra filtering seems to have been applied to standard def inputs and it looks a bit softer. On SD DirecTV signals, it really helps remove the compression artifacts that were quite visible on the PT-50LC13. All in all, I greatly prefer th SD image quality on the new TV. Image quality from watching DVDs is more of a toss up (disregarding black levels).
Color accuracy isn't as good on the new TV, but it's not annoying. I got used to it fairly quickly. I plan on doing some more tweaking at some point.
The new TV has a 1-year warranty with a 18-month warranty on the lamp. Subsequent lamps only have a 12-month warranty.
The new TV also has discrete remote signals for power on/off and input select!!!  None for aspect ratio. 
Now here's the thing I was most worried about...rainbowing. All in all, I'm pleasantly surprised. Unless there is some text on the screen, I don't really notice any rainbowing at all. With text on the screen I notice it a bit, but I don't find it annoying. The worst is the menu system of my PS3. All of that crisp white text scrolling around on a black background at 1080p is my worst nightmare. Thankfully I don't entertain myself on the PS3 menu system.
I'm definitely glad I had my TV swapped out. |
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