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Thread: Archive through November 29, 2007 |
    
New member Username: Pplenty
Post Number: 1
Registered: Oct-07
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| Posted on Tuesday, October 09, 2007 - 02:55 am: |
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Wow! You guys are amazing!! You did all my homework for me. This happened to our TV starting last night. 2004 Sony Grand Wega KDF-42WE655.
I panicked when I remembered we bought our extended warranty (which expires next month)at The Good Guys, which is now defunct. Luckily, GE is has taken over all their warranty administration. So we are starting our journey today with a service call to the tech service GE contracts with and awaiting a home visit. I will post our progress.
Again, thanks Patti |
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Relevant Product Info
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New member Username: Bwchambers
Winnipeg,
Manitoba
Canada
Post Number: 4
Registered: Sep-07
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| Posted on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - 01:21 pm: |
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Folks:
Just a quick update on my Blue Dot saga (which by the way continues to get worse on the KF-50WE610). I spoke with Sony Canada this morning and they have offered me the following:
KDL46S3000 (retail $2199) + 2 yr Extended Warranty
For $1150 plus taxes. As I figured it - The TV retails for $2199 and the extended warranty is $249, total $2448, which equates to basically a $1300 credit for a TV that I paid $5K for less than 4 years ago. Doesn't seem like a lot but it is at least a starting point. I'm not a lawyer, but by making an offer aren't they pretty much accepting/admitting fault for the issue. Now its just a matter of what is agreed to as an acceptable solution?
I have gone back to them and enquired as to what they could do on either the KDL52XBR4 or KDL52W3000. My thought process is that I spent $5K on a TV that I expected to last 10 years. Given the fact that we aren't even at the 1/2 way mark of the lifecycle, I'd like to see approximately half of my investment in credit towards a new TV. Make sense?
Thoughts, advice, comments would be truly appreciated!
Thanks! |
New member Username: Boxermom
Louisiana
Post Number: 1
Registered: Oct-07
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| Posted on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - 10:58 pm: |
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Well we had our optical block corrected today with a new light engine so no more green and yellow crap on the screen.
BUT............
Now we have PURPLE!
Oh yes! Rachel Ray was cooking with purple asparagus and purple green beans!
Sony was closed today for 'training' so the tech could not call them to see what is going on. He said this was the first time he has ever seen this and he has done 2 dozen optical block repairs so far. He said chances are it is a bad part,,,,which he has JUST replaced.
So he will call them tomorrow and get back with us.
We are so frustrated at this point I cannot even tell you!! |
Bronze Member Username: Edenney
Post Number: 47
Registered: Jun-07
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| Posted on Thursday, October 11, 2007 - 02:43 am: |
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Brad,
In most of the previous offers that Sony has made they've suggested that it was based on a 7 year life expectancy, so although it seems reasonable to expect a TV to last 10 years (and the old CRT TVs usually lasted a lot longer than that), Sony seems to have taken a 7 year position. You can go through old posts here to dig up evidence of this and use it in your efforts against Sony, since they shouldn't just be randomly making the rules up as they go along. In my estimation you should get about a 2K credit for your TV if you paid $5K for it 4 years ago, but Sony usually doesn't budge much from their initial offer once they make it. With prices dropping a lot in the last 4 years and these TVs being so problematic, your best bet is probably to take their offer and get into a new TV with an extended warranty. |
New member Username: Dawn_y
Post Number: 9
Registered: Aug-07
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| Posted on Thursday, October 11, 2007 - 11:26 pm: |
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Brad, I had the same TV and in getting prices I asked for prices on the recently discontinued models. We got the KDL46V2500 and it was $620 vs $1200 for the 3000.(These are US prices-our original unit was $3400)I paid $100 for the extended warranty plus tax but they paid shipping. Maybe you can get a better deal asking for last years models. |
New member Username: Bwchambers
Winnipeg,
Manitoba
Canada
Post Number: 5
Registered: Sep-07
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| Posted on Friday, October 12, 2007 - 12:09 pm: |
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Eric, Dawn:
Thanks for your feedback and assistance - it is appreciated! Well, I had a couple of calls with Sony yesterday and things didn't go very well. Eric - you were dead on with respect Sony not budging from their initial offer. They did however come back with two additional options:
KDL52W3000 - $2450 + Tax (3yr Warranty)
KDL52XBR4 - $2950 + Tax (3yr Warranty)
Basically - exact same credit off of retail price ($1050 + addl warranty) irrespective of the cost or retail price of the replacement product.
I ended up speaking with at least 2 different levels at Sony Customer Care yesterday and two comments were very striking - 1. Sony doesn't guarantee or state in any way that their products will perform beyond the products warranty period and 2. Sony is not in the business of negotiating offers and as such, no further offers/options will be presented. I have asked to speak to the next level mgr and am awaiting a call from them sometime over the next couple of days.
I by no means am trying to be difficult in this situation. I understand the complexities of the technology industry with combined increases in technology and diminishing retail and manufacturer costs, but at the same time, as consumers, we buy products with a certain expectation. I understand that technology changes and that costs have significantly decreased, but at the same time, as a consumer, I purchased a product with certain expectations and if those expectations had been met or even reasonably close, this would be a non issue. Right or wrong, when I purchased this TV (which at the time was one of Sony’s premium products) I expected it to last 7-10 years. I certainly didn’t expect to have to be paying to replace it in less than 4 years. Furthermore, if this was a unique situation, or our usage was a direct cause of the problem, I could certainly understand Sony’s reluctance to adequately resolve the problem. However, based on my research, this is a very well documented and known problem and as such, as a consumer, I feel as though Sony should take responsibility for this issue and at a minimum, be a little more reasonable with respect to an adequate settlement or resolution.
In my opinion, right or wrong (again), manufacturers have to have some level of corporate conscience or responsibility if they expect consumers to continue to support their products and/or dealers. Its about correcting mistakes, problems and/or issues and accepting responsibility as a manufacturer that you stand proudly behind the products that you manufacture and sell.
That being said, when you combine the purchase price of the TV, the TV specific stand, a new bulb (purchased last year), applicable taxes and the cost of the service call from Quality Sonnx, I have over $6000.00 invested in this TV. To receive an offer from Sony of approximately $1300 (including cost of 2 year service contract) off of the RETAIL COST to purchase a new TV, isn’t in my opinion, a fair and equitable resolution to this matter.
This battle (for lack of a better term) is not something that I am going to walk away from. I am not prepared to settle for Sony's last offer as I truly believe (as noted above) that as consumers, it not unrealistic to expect a product to perform to a certain standard based on our investment in that product. Perfect example - a couple of years ago I bought a Sony DVD player for a couple of hundred $. It lasted about 2 years and when it died, I didn't have any issue replacing it as I believed as a consumer, I got decent value for the investment. It was in a sense "disposable" based on the investment and subsequent replacement cost. However, these TV's are a different issue. We've all made significant investments in the product and I as a consumer expect more from a $5K+ investment in a TV than I do in a $200 DVD player.
Furthermore, irrespective of the model of TV you have, all the issues, problems, etc., outlined in this forum, other forums, the class action lawsuits, etc. relate back to one defective component - Sony's optical block. You can't tell me that Sony isn't aware of the magnitude of the problem nor could you convince me that they shouldn't accept responsibility for the problems. Their reluctance, inconsistencies with respect to settlement and the hoops that they are making us all go through are absurb.
Fortunately, as consumers, we are somewhat protected under the law with respect to breach of contract and consumer protection legislation and if need be, as noted above, I am more than prepared to take this as far as I need be to get a fair and equitable resolution to this problem.
Its now far more than economics - its about principles.
Sorry about the soapbox!
Thanks again for everything! |
New member Username: Pkretz
Austin,
TX
USA
Post Number: 2
Registered: Oct-07
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| Posted on Friday, October 12, 2007 - 06:32 pm: |
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Brad... Amen... I think you'll find vehement agreement from most everyone else in this forum. You are absolutely right, and I don't mind at all reading your views.
You're in a position to make a decision if an offer of $1300 from Sony is reasonable, or if you want to pursue other options. Leaving out the product failure issues for the moment, a 52W3000 LCD flat panel for equiv price of approx $2200 is pretty sweet, if you like that TV... you need to get a new TV regardless. Contrast that however, with Samsung HPT5064 Plasma (very nice flat panel, currently about $1600 from various vendors) and it gets more complicated.
Also, compare your current status with mine - I described in post earlier this month. We have the same model HDTV, purchased at same time (7/04 for me), with the same specific problem, and followed the same escalation path with Sony for resolution. Unlike you, Dawn, and several others posting here, Sony has offered me nothing -- just advised that I'm out of warranty and we're done.
In my case, I have now written back specifically to CEO Sir Howard Stringer (with cc to Exec Review Committee) outlining my issue with apparent arbitrary and capricious response from Sony for this known and acknowledged defect in design or manufacture. As of today, I'm still waiting for a response -- we'll see.
Like you, I am ready and willing to take my case further -- perhaps to small claims court in Texas as has been recommended and outlined in prior posts. I don't know if your legal options are different in Canada. I'll post further updates as this proceeds for me.
I echo your comments... it is absurd, and unacceptable, that a company with Sony's reputation is putting us through this. It will certainly influence my future purchases, and what I tell family and friends... as it will for many, many others. Good luck with your decision. |
New member Username: Jackpiner
Post Number: 2
Registered: Oct-07
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| Posted on Monday, October 15, 2007 - 08:42 pm: |
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I also have Sony KF50WE610 purchased in November 2003, as with many others mine also has a defective optical engine. My screen is completely green. The cost for the repair is $1350, quite a large sum for a TV this old.
I talked to a level 2 Sony customer support agent and was told that there was no coverage for my problem, only the scribble pattern was covered under their additional warranty that expired 9-30-2007. My TV has no additional coverage.
What a bunch of B.S they know that this model has an inherent design problem but they refuse to back this product.
My next step is to write the review board and the CEO. But I don't anticipate a better outcome; Sony is not acknowledging any problems with this unit. |
New member Username: Gfranchu
Edmonton,
Alberta
Canada
Post Number: 1
Registered: Oct-07
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| Posted on Thursday, October 18, 2007 - 08:30 pm: |
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After reading about all the problems associated with the "blue blob" I contacted Sony Canada concering the problem with my Model KF42WE610, 42" LCD set and sent the following "This TV was purchased on July 18, 2004. At the time of purchase I also included the extended warranty for 2 additional years. Within the last couple of weeks the TV has developed the Blue Blob at the bottom of the screen and searching the Internet it appears that this is a common problem with your sets - the Blob occurs just after the warranty period is up. The label on the back of the set indicates that the unit was manufactured on April 11, 2004.
The Internet appears to indicate that the problem is with an optical block in the sets electronics and the cost of repair is substantial - in the area of $1,000. I am not impressed with having to pay this amount for a 3 year old set that cost $3,500 to purchase.
Is there any recalls/warranties on these problems?
At the time that this set was bought we also purchased a Home Theatre system that had to be totally rebuilt because of a defective circuit board within 2 years of purchase. It appears that during the time of manufacture the quality control at your factory or your component suppliers was not up to par.
Please advise if there is any rebates on the required repair to the TV."
Sony's reply was "Thank you for contacting Sony Online Support.
We are sorry that there is no recall on this Sony KF42WE610 TV. Based on the information provided, it appears that your unit needs a service. It takes rocket science to figure that out?}
You can obtain the location and contact for your nearest Sony Authorized Service Center on our website at:
http://www.sonystyle.ca/service
We certainly understand your concern regarding the service estimate you received. Although we work hard to keep our costs well in line with other electronic manufacturers, repairs can be quite expensive. We sincerely regret that you feel our costs exceed your expectations.
Thank you for the opportunity to be of assistance.
In plain language "tough luck", the cost of repairs is your problem.
I will not repair the set but will replace it with any brand other than a Sony and will advise anyone contemplating purchasing a new LCD TV and/or home theatre to buy anything but Sony as Sony appears to have very poor reliability factor. |
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Bronze Member Username: Edenney
Post Number: 48
Registered: Jun-07
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| Posted on Thursday, October 18, 2007 - 09:12 pm: |
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Glen,
Did you follow the same course of actions that most everyone else on this board has suggested and done, by contacting Sony's ERC and CC'ing Sir Howard Stringer CEO, or did you just contact the front line support contact for Sony? You won't get anywhere with the front line support, you have to write a letter to the ERC for anything other than the form response that you received. If you haven't done this there are excellent sample letters that others have posted previously on this board which you can practically copy word for word to save yourself time and effort.
On a side note...
I think at this point in time, the hundreds and thousands of us that have experienced this problem and found our way to this board, need to figure out an effective strategy to warn and stop people from buying Sony Rear Projection TVs. I guarantee you that if I had any clue that there was a problem of this nature with these TVs, how much it would cost to fix, and that it would happen almost exactly every 12 months (with as much as I use my TV), I wouldn't have touched this TV with a 10 foot pole, and I'd bet that almost nobody else would either. The problem is that people only find their way here when they search for something like "Blue Blob" + Sony, and they'll virtually never find out about this problem while just searching for a TV to purchase.
The only way that Sony's going to stand up and take notice of this problem is either A) A Class Action lawsuit (which is in the infant stages of development at this point), and/or B) a substantial drop in sales as a result of public awareness of this ongoing problem, which has STILL not been corrected in their new models after 4 years of cranking out hundreds of thousands if not millions of defective rear projection TVs.
I wish someone else had made an effort to make me aware of this problem before I bought my 55" TV at no small expense, and we really owe it to others to do the same. The fringe benefit is that if Sony sees an effective, active campaign to raise awareness of this problem with consumers, as well as a decrease in sales, they may finally take some real action and at least FIX the damn problem, which to date they apparently still haven't done in even the newest models (based on recent reports on this site).
Bottom line, someone's going to need to build a simple web page describing the problem, and register it effectively with all of the search engines so that anytime someone searches for a new TV (especially Sony and/or rear projection) they're going to have a good chance of seeing a link to this web page. Even if it's by subterfuge, with the search result link claiming to have the lowest prices on Sony TVs  . Whatever it takes to get prospective buyers to a site where we can raise awareness of this problem. Word of mouth is a very effective medium, and if we can start making the general public aware of this problem, and Sony's pathetic response to those who have experienced it, the word will start to spread. But at this point nobody's ever going to know until it's too late and they're stuck with the world's largest and most expensive paperweight in their home.
That's my 2 cents... |
New member Username: Gerardlambert
Las Vegas,
Nevada
USA
Post Number: 1
Registered: Oct-07
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| Posted on Sunday, October 21, 2007 - 01:39 am: |
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I have a Sony KDF-E50A10 manufactured February 2006. I have had the set now for about 18 months.
My problem started happening the other day and has not stopped. I am currently waiting for an authorized Sony repair serviceman to grace me with his pressence.
Whenever I turn my tv on it runs for about 2 minutes perfectly fine both picture and audio then both audio and picture abruptly turn off and the green power/standby blinks continuously with no pattern for about 30 seconds or so and then the tv turns back on. This cycle continues like this for as long as I have had the patience to sit to see if it would just stay on. My patience ran out at an hour.
I called Sony service and they said a patch had been issued to solve this sort of problem. However, my serial number did not match units that needed the patch. We even unplugged the tv so it could reset to no avail. The Sony operator quickly gave up and directed me towards a repair outfit.
Being a self proclaimed know it all...I decided to try to self diagnose the problem. I thought that maybe the unit was overheating and turning itself off then back on so I cleaned the fans and gently vacuumed any dust I could see. I even removed the lamp and carefully cleaned it and the chamber it sits within. That would of been too easy and of course it did not resolve the situation.
I even tried the self diagnosis of (display, channel, 5, volume minus, then power) to only tell me there was one problem noted with the lamp. I don't understand this because my picture is perfectly fine when it is on.
I read on another blog that turning on and off with continuous blinking in between meant 'no reply from the jungle IC301 (data bus is busy, shorted to ground, or held high), IK video path is defective'. What the hell does that mean???
In the meantime I have given up and will be waiting for the repair man to tell me my unit is broken and will require a lot of money to fix.
If anybody has any answers I am all ears. |
Bronze Member Username: Edenney
Post Number: 49
Registered: Jun-07
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| Posted on Sunday, October 21, 2007 - 04:00 am: |
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Gerard,
You didn't say anything about replacing the lamp yet and your symptoms perfectly match those of a lamp on it's death bed. You might have also noticed that when the TV turns back on the picture is dimmer than usual, and may or may not brighten up before it turns off again and the cycle repeates. They usually last 12-18 months give or take (up to 8000+ hours) depending on how much you use the TV and how often you turn it off and on. There's a way to see how many hours the lamp has been used but I forget how, though I'm sure someone else on this board can tell you.
You're outside the warranty period for everything but the Optical Block so you're going to have to pay for the service call which isn't cheap, so I suggest cancelling it and replacing the lamp if you haven't already done that before you waste your money. The lamps run around $200 give or take as I recall depending on where you get them. You can find and order them online and it's easy to replace yourself, you definitely don't need a tech to do it. By the way, if you had an extended warranty it would most likely cover the lamp replacement which obviously isn't cheap, so it's another good reason for purchasing an extended warranty with any new rear projection TV. |
Bronze Member Username: Slinke
Post Number: 25
Registered: May-07
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| Posted on Sunday, October 21, 2007 - 01:44 pm: |
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I have instructions on how to check lamp hours and cycles in the service menu for at least some Sony rear-projection models on my Sony optical block problems web pages. Look under the "Sony Service Menu - Checking and Resetting Lamp Hours" link there. |
New member Username: Gerardlambert
Las Vegas,
Nevada
USA
Post Number: 2
Registered: Oct-07
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| Posted on Sunday, October 21, 2007 - 02:02 pm: |
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Eric,
Thanks for helping out a HD rookie and saving me money! I'll give it a try and let you know. |
Bronze Member Username: Edenney
Post Number: 50
Registered: Jun-07
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| Posted on Sunday, October 21, 2007 - 07:52 pm: |
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No problem, that's what we're all here for. The first time my TV started exhibiting those symptoms I freaked out too. A TV endlessly turning off and on accompanied by a slough of blinking lights sure doesn't seem like the kind of behavior you'd expect when a lamp is reaching the end of it's life cycle, but that's what these Sony TVs do. Like you, I thought for sure I had some major problem with my TV, but I have no doubt that you just need to replace your lamp, especially since your diagnostic indicates that there's an issue with the lamp (which I didn't even notice until after I replied to your message).
You should follow the instructions on Steve's web page for checking the number of hours the lamp has been used, just so you know how many hours you got out of your first lamp and so you'll have an idea of when you'll need another one. You can buy a lamp from a local store or repair shop for a little more money if you want it fixed faster, or order it online for cheaper and wait slightly longer for it to arrive. Let us know when you've got it resolved. |
New member Username: Pkretz
Austin,
TX
USA
Post Number: 3
Registered: Oct-07
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| Posted on Sunday, October 21, 2007 - 09:25 pm: |
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Update on my blue blob status, with KF50WE610. As posted previously, I've reached no resolution through escalation process with Exec Review Committee. I wrote back to CEO, Sir Howard Stringer with specific request to consider the arbitrary responses Sony is making to many of us with this problem. Jose from ERC called me back... this time, as a good will gesture, he offered that Sony would pay for 1/2 of the cost of a replacement Opt Engine part. While I appreciate any gesture (vs. complete denial), they are once again consistently inconsistent.
Net is, that Sony offered to pay for 1/2 of $1350 part cost (I know, that is too high but was my official estimate), for total of $675. My net status would then be, that I would have to invest additional $1275 to repair a 3 yr old, $3000 TV. I declined their offer.
My next step, as discussed in prior posts, is to pursue in Small Claims court - this has now become a "civics lesson" for me. There are specific procedures that apply to Texas Small Claims courts, including filing no sooner than 60 days after my demand letter, finding a specific name and address to name in filing (registered agent), etc... but this is (sort-of) interesting. I'll advise of status.
I am investigating further about implied warranty of merchantability, which I think forms a reasonable basis for claim - i.e. Sony recognizes this defect and has extended service coverage in many similar models (50WE620, for example), and has chosen to offer accommodation (noted in this forum) to others in same specific status.
I appreciate comments provided from others in this forum so far. If anyone has specific Small Claims experience, or is also choosing to take this path now, I would be happy to talk further - send me a private follow-up. |
Bronze Member Username: Edenney
Post Number: 51
Registered: Jun-07
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| Posted on Sunday, October 21, 2007 - 10:15 pm: |
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Good luck with your small claims case Peter. You will be the first person from this board to actually take their case to small claims, since most everyone else has received and accepted what they deemed to be a reasonable offer from Sony.
I believe you were the one with the insane $1950 repair cost, about $600-$800 more than anyone else on this board has experienced. With the ridiculous amount that facility is charging for labor and parts, I can understand why you wouldn't be satisfied with Sony just paying for half of the part cost. Under normal circumstances where a company is typically charging no more than $1200 for the entire repair, 2/3s of which is the part cost, having Sony pay for half of that $900 part isn't entirely unreasonable.
Still, in my opinion Sony should be paying the FULL expense for the replacement of this CLEARLY defective part (which they've knowingly continued to use in over a dozen models for 3+ years) for the reasonable life of the TV, or offering a pro-rated trade in value based on at least a 7 year life span.
I have no doubt that you will be vindicated in small claims court where this case belongs (in addition to a class action lawsuit). As you go about your case, please post any information that would be helpful to others here who are considering the same course of action. It sounds like you've already done some preliminary research on the subject, be sure to visit NOLO.COM and utilize the excellent literature they provide for anyone wishing to represent themselves at any level of the court system. |
New member Username: Gfranchu
Edmonton,
Alberta
Canada
Post Number: 2
Registered: Oct-07
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| Posted on Monday, October 22, 2007 - 12:52 pm: |
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For anyone having to replace a lamp on their Sony LCD the best thing that I found was to find the lamp number (in your user manual)and then look for it on Ebay. There are a number of companies that sell the lamp only - not the lamp with the case/holder as Sony does. Sony's charge for an XL-2100 lamp with case is $315.00. I got an identical lamp without the case for $135.00 on Ebay and its extremely easy to remove the old lamp and install the new one in the case/lamp holder - just remember to wear gloves so you don't touch the new lamp with your bare hands as the old on your hands causes early failure. For that price I now have a spare so I don't have to wait when the next lamp goes.
My first lamp went in about 2 1/2 years and contrary to what some say NO ONE covers lamps under warranty for much over 30 to 90 days. Extended warranties do not cover lamps. |
New member Username: Butwhydoitalk2u
Cutler bay,
Florida
Post Number: 1
Registered: Oct-07
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| Posted on Sunday, October 28, 2007 - 11:40 pm: |
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i just started having a problem with my kf50we610. it has blue vertical lines every inch or so across the entire screen. What can be the cause, the optical garbage? |
Bronze Member Username: Slinke
Post Number: 26
Registered: May-07
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| Posted on Monday, October 29, 2007 - 01:09 am: |
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By any chance, does anybody have any web material from Sony's former "stationary scribble/random line pattern" extended service coverage web pages? They seem to have removed it, as links to it no longer work. For example, I am interested in an image (PDF, screen capture, etc.) of the main page and the claim form that was linked there. The sample photos are actually still there, and I found that everything is still on the Sony Canada support site. I just wanted an archive of the Sony US web site, as people have started to report this problem cropping up after the expiration of the coverage.
I have updated my web page to reflect the removal of the Sony US support page. |
Bronze Member Username: Slinke
Post Number: 27
Registered: May-07
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| Posted on Monday, October 29, 2007 - 01:15 am: |
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Roberto, one of my failed optical block replacements, had a series of vertical lines, but they were multi-colored and were very tightly spaced such that I could really see much behind them. Your problem sounds different, but in my case, it was yet another problem with the optical block. I wouldn't be surprised, though, if this sort of problem could also arise from a bad circuit board, as well. See this post for a photo of my problem. |
New member Username: Dawn_y
Post Number: 10
Registered: Aug-07
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| Posted on Tuesday, October 30, 2007 - 11:46 pm: |
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Steve, Go back to June 23 post from Greg Belloni. He has a couple of links to Sony about extended service. If I remember correctly there were several others in that time frame also. |
Bronze Member Username: Slinke
Post Number: 28
Registered: May-07
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| Posted on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - 02:17 am: |
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Thanks, Dawn. I found a link to the old claim form in Greg's post, and I added it to my web page. |
New member Username: Zach12
Miami,
Fl
Usa
Post Number: 1
Registered: Oct-07
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| Posted on Friday, November 02, 2007 - 01:03 am: |
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Hello All,
I'd like to thank every one on this forum!
A few days ago my KDF60XBR950 started with a
blue line on the bottom on the screen right side, I never had a pronlem with this TV until
March of this year, when the lamp burnt out.
I had it since Sept. 2005. That really wasn't a problem but no one ever told me about the lamps.
Okay fastforward to last week the blue line appears with some haze on the screen.
yesterday it got worse.
So I called customer service with my concerns,
the service rep. was really bad, barley spoke english!. After a 10 min. conversation???
I was told there was nothing they could do for me. Well that really PO"d me, So I went online
and found this wonderful forum! Let me tell you I learned allot fast. Today, I tried to turn on
the set and it clicked and the screen went blank,
then the lamp light came on. Well that was it now I was really mad at Sony. So after reading the information in here, I called Sony this time I was not so nice without being rude, after going thru the blah, blah, blah, I was told srry there's nothing we can do, my reply was this is unacceptable so when I got firm, they transfered me to customer relations a guy named Robert, armed with my info I told him, how could Sony have known about these problems and never notified their customers? he stayed quiet and then he told me to have my local authorized Sony look at the set! I know what the diagnosis will be! So here starts my jouney with Sony at the wheel.
My question is what is the best way to proceed from this point? or should I wait to see what they offer? I really don't want the set anymore
even if they fix for free or for labor only.
I think even if its fixed YV, it will happen again in 2 years from now! then what I'm sure Sony wont fix it again! so for the bargin price of $5000.00 plus including the sony stand. I will use this tv for ony 5 years only maybe?
What's that $1000.00 per year plus the lamps?
Please send any advice!
Zach |
New member Username: Pplenty
Post Number: 2
Registered: Oct-07
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| Posted on Friday, November 02, 2007 - 04:09 am: |
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We had the etch-a-sketch, optical block, yellow blob issue on our 2004 42" LCD Sony. For some unknown reason we bought the 3-year extended warranty (we never fall for that sales pitch at the electronics store). Thank goodness we did this time.
I guess the message is, until they perfect the technology, buy the extended warranty. It certainly was worth it for us.
We bought the TV at The Good Guys (which has since folded) and GE is now servicing their warranties. They came out, replaced the optical block, and the problem is gone. No charge, thank you very much. Thanks for all the info on this site. It really made us informed consumers on this apparently latent defect.
PJP |
Bronze Member Username: Edenney
Post Number: 52
Registered: Jun-07
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| Posted on Friday, November 02, 2007 - 02:52 pm: |
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Zach,
Sorry to have you as a new member to our club, but at least you have the benefit of our collective experiences. Sony sure hasn't proactively contacted any of their customers about this issue nor issued anything remotely close to a public statement about it. They've somehow managed to keep this completely off the radar from prospective buyers.
Anyway, your question has been answered on average about every 10th post or so, so just look back through recent posts and you'll find explicit instructions on what to do if your TV isn't covered by Sony's recent extended service bulletin for TVs that have the blue blob problem. If you don't want to look through them manually some good key words to search for are CEO, STRINGER, and ERC.
Good luck,
Eric |
New member Username: Sonycrap
Arnold,
MO
U S A
Post Number: 1
Registered: Nov-07
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| Posted on Saturday, November 03, 2007 - 05:49 pm: |
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Hello All,
Nice to meet all of you, sorry to be in this manner. We too have been fighting Sony over much the same defects that most of you describe. We have the KDF60S955 (60") that we bought in Dec '04 for Christmas. We first started noticing the blue blobs in the lower left corner of the screen that has now progressed to including the entire screen. As of this week the screen has now developed a huge black hole/blob in the major center of the entire screen. (SEE ATTACHED PICTURE) We too have contacted Sony Service, had a Sony authorized tech out (would be a $1380 repair), went through the customer service dept (what a joke!) and have just finally fired off our letter to the Exec Rev Comm, and are waiting for an answer.
My situation being a little bit different than most..... I have ZERO PATIENCE for this kind of thing.
So... I've bought a website and a guy is building right now. Sonycrap.com.
I also have set up email for receiving any emails related to our problem. Its SonyCrapUSA@yahoo.com.
My best friend is a partner in a large law firm and is starting a Class Action suit against them with respect to these issues, Sony's knowledge of these defective issues, and their reluctance to do anything about them.
If anyone wants to be a part of this, you can email your name/contact info along with your particular model, a very brief description of the issue, a picture of a screen shot showing the problem if you can, the date or approximate date of purchase, and how you've tried to resolve the problem with Sony to my email address listed above (SonyCrapUSA@yahoo.com).
My web site will have all of this in form style to make it easier to be used as a database.
You will receive an email confirming its receipt and you will kept informed of its progress. At the appropriate date and time, I'm sure you will be contacted by the firm for more legal information. That will be out of my hands and will be through the attorneys.
Sony can blow each of us off, one at a time, but lets see how they side step hundreds or a few thousand of us in court or on 60 minutes ! ...and yes that call has been made too.
Together in the fight for whats Right,
R. Firebaugh
 |
Bronze Member Username: Edenney
Post Number: 53
Registered: Jun-07
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| Posted on Saturday, November 03, 2007 - 07:13 pm: |
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Rick,
Welcome to the not so exclusive blue blob club. I've never seen anything like the picture you posted, though I have no doubt at all that you're suffering from the same blatant defect with the Optical Block that the rest of us have experienced, some of us more than once like myself. I'm guessing that the hole in the middle of the screen is just what happens when the blue blob problem progresses far enough, but it's possible that it could be something else entirely. Most people get their TV repaired before the blob completely consumes the screen because it's hardly watchable long before that happens, so we rarely get to see anything as bad as yours.
The tack you're taking is exactly what I espoused should be done not too long ago on this board. The problem is that the CONSUMERS aren't aware of this issue and it's STILL HAPPENING with the new Sony rear projection TVs, so they've completely failed to resolve an obscenely blatant problem for at least 4 years now, and it affects virtually all if not all of their rear projection models. It's great that we have this board here as a resource for the unfortunate souls that go online and search for Sony + blue haze or blue blob and find their way here, but nobody has done anything to date to try and reach the consumers BEFORE they buy a new Sony TV.
When you register your website, try to use as many keywords as possible that people searching for a Sony or any HD/rear projection TV would use for when looking to buy a new TV. They're going to get flooded with links to online retailers, but if you use the proper keywords your site might pop up high enough that you can capture some of the consumer traffic and spread awareness about this problem.
The other thing that's essential to getting Sony to really do something about this problem is getting the Media involved and consumer advocates groups. We're literally talking about millions of dollars here that are being wasted on these Sony TVs which will be nothing more than 100 lb. paperweights in 2-3 years time, and you can't unload them with a bad optical block to save your life. I'm not really sure where to go with this but 60 minutes is a start, though I doubt they'll pick up the story since it's not particularly sexy.
By the way, there is already another law firm that has started the class action lawsuit process on this issue. They've been working on it for several months at least, but I haven't heard anything new about it. The fact that Sony decided, after an overwhelming number of owners contacted them with this problem, to extend the warranty on this part until Dec. 31 2008 for selected models, helped to put a little water on this fire. A LOT of owners that have this problem were not included in that extended warranty though and they're very unhappy about it, fortunately I'm one of the lucky ones that's covered.
Anyway, way to be proactive and I hope your efforts bear some fruit, you certainly have nothing to lose.
Eric |
New member Username: Zach12
Miami,
Fl
Usa
Post Number: 2
Registered: Oct-07
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| Posted on Saturday, November 03, 2007 - 07:29 pm: |
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CLASS ACTION SUIT LONG OVER DUE!
Rick, I totally agree with you 100%
Class action suits made Toshiba Laptop division learn their lesson.
Things are very differnt now with them.
If Sony gets hit hard with a large class action they will change. I really don't think a partial repair or free parts will do or is fair, atleast not for me, I'm really stupid when it comes to these type of things, I live in Florida here when you file law suit against anyone, if they lose the case, they must pay your attorney's fees!
I've learned this from personal and business expierances. I'm the type of moron that will spend $10,000 on a lawyer to recover $5000.00
When I feel I've been cheated, principal and pride always et the best of me.
So, I will see what they offer me on monday, when the unit is inspected by repairman. When I call Robert from customer relations if he starts the free parts crap with me, I will ask him to put in writing and fax it to me,and I have to think about it??? Then i'd be happy to join you and the others with a class action suit.
WE ALL NEED TO TAKE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST SONY!! THIS WILL SEND THE MESSAGE TO SONY!!!!
THANKS TO ALL AGAIN!
ZACH |
New member Username: Pkretz
Austin,
TX
USA
Post Number: 4
Registered: Oct-07
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| Posted on Sunday, November 04, 2007 - 05:50 pm: |
|
Thanks for your update, and your further actions Rick. I've posted my status previously... KF50WE610, mfg July04, with same blue blob problems. I'm not covered under extended service coverage (50WE620 is covered!)... have pursued through all of the channels described in this forum. After many letters and calls over 30+ days, ERC finally offered as a "good will gesture" to cover cost of 1/2 of the part for optical block. I would still be out additional $1200 to fix a 3yr old TV, for a known and acknowledged problem. I declined... sigh...
I think Sony has an obligation to its customers, and is demonstrating their "acceptance" of such through their extended service support for limited models and out of warranty accommodation for many others as described in this forum -- all for this very same problem.
I currently have a BBB complaint pending with Sony Corp America in NYC... not holding my breath. If that doesn't resolve my issue, I plan to next file suit in small claims court here in Austin.
I'll check out your website now, and will happily participate with you in any class action progress. I have all my records, documents, notes from phone calls, and pictures of my blobs...
In the interim, while it is ugly, I can still watch my TV... your pic is really disturbing about how I'll eventually end up. |
New member Username: Toddtvl
Post Number: 5
Registered: Mar-07
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| Posted on Monday, November 05, 2007 - 03:15 am: |
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Has anyone in Canada who purchased LCD in 2004, and has Blue Blob made any progress with Sony.ca ?
Also, does this blue blob burn the screen somehow, or is that all in the optical block; hence, a new OB will be like a new TV then?
My situation, is that I built this TV into the wall (there if very little dust getting in there, as a built an air filter on the air in/out vent. and I would like to keep it working. It was amazing as new, and hopefully I can get things going again. The blue blob is frustrating, for a new technology worth close to 4 grand. |
New member Username: Zach12
Miami,
Fl
Usa
Post Number: 3
Registered: Oct-07
|
| Posted on Tuesday, November 06, 2007 - 01:25 pm: |
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Help!!!!!!!
Okay guys are you ready for this one, after I was told by Robert in customer Relations they would solve my problem. I just received call repair service.
My KDF60xbr950 needs over $1600.00 in repairs
It needs the optical block, the fan assm, new lamp and the lamp door because it melted from fan failure.
What's my next step, do I call Robert back at customer reliations or start my letters to CEO and ERC ??????
Need Advice.
Zach |
New member Username: Zach12
Miami,
Fl
Usa
Post Number: 4
Registered: Oct-07
|
| Posted on Wednesday, November 07, 2007 - 04:24 pm: |
|
Hello to All
I want to thank everyone especially Eric,it
looks like I'm going to get taken care of by Sony.
they called me today and are going to help
me solve my problem.and that's all because of this forum,
and all who post here. THANKS!...
Keep up the good work, but most of all
thanks again!
Zach |
Bronze Member Username: Edenney
Post Number: 54
Registered: Jun-07
|
| Posted on Wednesday, November 07, 2007 - 05:07 pm: |
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Congrats Zach. Please post your eventual outcome so we can use it as further evidence of Sony's inconsistent handling of this problem, especially for anyone that needs to take their case to small claims court. |
New member Username: Evab
Post Number: 1
Registered: Nov-07
|
| Posted on Friday, November 09, 2007 - 12:32 pm: |
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We purchased our TV Jan of 2003 grand wega KF-50XBR800 we had to have the lamp replaced three times, on Sept 18 2007 we got the yellow stain I call it the lemon. I called Sony did some research was talked into following procedure at 189.00 for the evaluation fee then was denied by Sony to repair the optical block, I wrote a letter to the ERC received a call from Jose he offered to pay for half the repair bill of 1281.99 and nothing on the 189.00 evaluation fee. I then wrote to
Sir Howard Stringer
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
Sony Corporation
550 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10022
10-24-2007 today I received a call from Debbie I have been offered half the repair cost reimbursement of the 189.00 evaluation fee or exchange department for a discount on a new TV. I am disgusted about the runaround Sony gives all their customers pertaining to this known defect called the optical block. Check out my lemon.
Here are some other sites to help anyone. http://www.consumeraffairs.com/home_electronics/sony_tv.html and http://splinke.googlepages.com/sonyrearprojectionlcdtv-opticalblock
well I have to shrink my image first Ill be back. |
New member Username: Brianhalloran
Roseville,
CA
Post Number: 1
Registered: Nov-07
|
| Posted on Friday, November 09, 2007 - 05:17 pm: |
|
Attn: Zach
I have the exact same TV (KDF-60XBR950, build date 5/04)with the blue blobs and blue dots (no bulb issues...yet) and I just got shot down by Barry in the Customer Relations Dept. I had to pay the $99 yesterday to the service guy who spent 15 seconds looking at the screen, 10 minutes on hold with Sony, and 20 seconds writing up an estimate for $1615.00.) By the dates of your posts, it seems you didn't have to go through the letter writing campaign, right? What did you do to get them to kick down when most of us are getting the run-around?
Thanks to everyone for all of the info. |
New member Username: Zach12
Miami,
Fl
Usa
Post Number: 5
Registered: Oct-07
|
| Posted on Friday, November 09, 2007 - 08:20 pm: |
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Brian,
.Yes, I spent 4 hours writing a letters to ERC and CEO, follow instruction on the board postings and be presistent you will get something.
Everything you need is on this board..
Regards,
Zach |
Bronze Member Username: Edenney
Post Number: 55
Registered: Jun-07
| | |
