Sony Addresses Its SXRD HDTV Reliablity Issue

April 24th, 2007 · 516 Comments · Microdisplay Rear Projection

Sony has responded to consumer complaints regarding it SXRD rear projectors. This issue has required the replacement of the “optical block, which contain the imagers within its light engine . This has been an expensive “out-of-warranty” replacement. Sony’s website now states
“As part of the Sony commitment to quality, Sony is announcing that it is extending the limited warranty (parts and labor), in the United States, on the optical block of KDS-R50XBR1 and KDS-R60XBR1 model SXRD Televisions until October 31, 2008, regardless of purchase date. This extended warranty does not apply to replaceable projection lamp and other parts that may be used in the televisions. All other terms of the Sony limited warranty continue to apply. Sony utilizes a network of hundreds of qualified independent third-party servicers to perform in-home television warranty service. Sony, through its authorized servicer network, will endeavor to repair your set within 30 days of your first contact. For diagnosis, warranty service, or if you are not provided a repair within 30 days, please contact Sony at 866-850-8674.In addition, Sony is announcing that for any owner of a KDS-R50XBR1 or KDS-R60XBR1 model television who paid out-of pocket expenses on or before May 1, 2007 for an estimate or repair service to replace the optical block, Sony will reimburse the customer by mail for the cost of the optical block and the labor expense to replace it, subject to certain conditions. To receive reimbursement, please follow completely the directions on the claim form for reimbursement attached HERE; all claims must be postmarked by December 31, 2007. See the claim form for complete terms and conditions.”

Covered Models

* KDS-R50XBR1
* KDS-R60XBR1

For more information go to http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/news-item.pl?

mdl=KDSR60XBR1&news_id=185
Problems have been noted by a number of consumers refered to as Yellow Blobs or stains in the image. There is a pending class action lawsuit against Sony regarding this issue.

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516 Comments so far ↓

  • Max Collinge

    My KDL-60A2020 is turning green…

    This week’s offer:

    KDL-55BX520 – $575
    KDL-60EX720 – $1375

  • albert

    I bought my KDL52z5100 TV from BestBuy in November 2009, after 1 year and a half the tv start showing a shade on 3/4 of the screen when I turn it on. It would clear up after 30 min but an horizontal black line would stay permanently on the screen.
    Contact Sony and they asked me to have an authorized technician from them to make an inspection and after that they’ll present me some options.
    I paid over 100$ from my money for the technician to come and not even touch the TV with one finger, just used the remote control to turn it on and then fill the paper with “LCD need replacement”, cost of replacement $2700. WHAT??!!
    Sony called me the next day to present me the “options” who suddenly became “the option”. The wanted to offer me a tv of an discounted price. So I still making payments on this TV and they wanted me to buy another one.Very convenient offer. Next step is to contact an attorney and open a law suit.
    The Uniform Commercial Code, fully adopted by most states, stipulates that most new consumer products come not only with an express warranty, but also with a so-called implied warranty of merchantability. That is an automatic, unwritten promise that your purchase will perform as commonly expected, including that it will last a reasonable amount of time given the nature of the item. In most states, implied warranties are in effect for four years, although that doesn’t necessarily mean a product must last that long. Implied warranties apply to retailers and manufacturers and may be broader than an express warranty.
    If anyone is looking to sue Sony you can contact me as well, I’ll join. My e-mail is heisler_albert at yahoo.com

  • Brian

    I just got off the phone w/Sony and they said they charge different amounts depending on what original TV you had. I had the 2nd gen 55″ SXRD. So they got me for $600. Oh well at least I’m getting a new TV for still fairly cheap.

  • Brian

    Sony made me pay $600 for the 55HX800. They are all over the board on that price for that model. I’m going to call ‘em back to negotiate b/c it hasn’t been charged or shipped yet.

  • Riley

    Hey guys,

    I you have a problem with your Sony RPTV I would recommend going to the Facebook site that was set up to help us with our defective sets.
    Just type in I Have A Defective Sony Tv. I just finished the process through them and dealt with Sarah Kepler and Amanda Maffei who were both very helpful. I called into customer service first which was a waste of time and had much better results.

    I had a a KDS50A2000 replaced and if you had the bulb replaced within 12 months of your optical block there is a chance that you can get a credit towards the new set.

    KDL55HX800 for $465 + local sales tax
    KDL55EX720 for $295 + local sales tax
    KDL46NX810 for $295 + local sales tax
    KDL46EX720 for $40 + local sales tax
    KDL40EX720 at No Charge

    These were the sets/prices i was offered, keep in mind that the prices are after the credit for the bulb which was roughly $100. Sony will require you to send a copy of the receipt for credit.

    I hope this is able to help someone in the same situation that I was in.

    Good luck,
    Riley

  • Deb

    It depends on who you talk to and what you know before calling them. Our friend had the same TV as we did and it was a 60 inch. He was told no, he could not get the 60NX810 and settled for the 55NX800 for $575.00. We were offered the 60NX810 for $1100. Others were offered the same TV for $900. When I question Sony about this I was told it depended on what TV you had originally. The fact that our friend was offered something smaller proves that isn’t true! Know what you are talking about before you call and stand your ground!

  • Liz

    What do I have to do to replace my green tv? The article above has dates from 2008.

  • Steve

    I have the KDS R60XBR2. I have had the Optical block replaced 3 times and the green blob reappears after about 8 months. I contacted ‘sonylistens@am.sony.com. They hooked me up with a replacement selection:
    KDL55EX710 $210.00 + local sales tax
    KDL55HX800 $375.00 + local sales tax
    You have to submit documentation and a picture of the the tv screen which clearly shows the ‘green’ issue. Once processed, 3 weeks for delivery.

  • Jeremy

    Does anyone have any idea what sony’s replacement offer is as of 3-30-2011?

    Thx

  • Ryan

    Just curious what number everyone is using to contact Sony. I have been getting the runaround about my green TV.

  • Brian

    Any chance to get it fixed from a 5yr protection plan and also have Sony send a new Tv?

  • PDXer

    Brian,

    Sony will SELL you a discounted TV due to any verifiable green screen issue. They do not want further bad press on these problems over and above the class action suits with more and more of thier customers experiancing these problems very day. A lot of these problems did not arise until the suits were settled and Sony is doing the right thing. When you agree to a TV exchange (not really an exchange as you are BUYING the TV), you agree to hold them harmless from that point forward.

    However……if you have a service plan that you paid for you should still be able to get your existing TV fixed as per that plan since you paid for the 5 year protection. Sony doesnt want your old TV. Just remember that when they fix it it the optical block will eventyally fail again – sooner than later.

  • Brian

    Do you think I can get a new TV from Sony and also use my 5yr protection plan I purchased for my 50A2000 SXRD? Wondering if Sony would know I had a third party fix my TV through this protection plan. Any ideas?

  • PDXer

    I also selected a 55HX800 for $575.00 (no tax in Oregon), to replace my KDS-60A2000.

    I asked for the 60NX810 but they said no so I asked for the 55NX810 (built in wi-fi) but they said no.

    I am still happy with the deal and Sony’s quick action however they are just protecting thier brand because of all of the excellent competition they have now. They dont want a bad reputation in this market. Also thier 2011 models are hitting the market in May so they can afford to unload some of these TV’s.

    Collectively if all of us had let them know that many people were posting the offers and comparing them we probably could have swung even better (or more consistant deals). Nonetheless I can’t complain about my deal….except I would have liked a 60 to replace my 60.

  • Fred

    Follow up: I received my 55ex710 today. While I paid more then others did at $225.00, it was still a great deal that Sony made up for with the bad optical block that my kds50a2020 had. It only took 2 weeks start to finish to receive my new set. It is a great picture.

  • Bruce

    I have a “green” kds-r50xbr1

    today Sony offered
    KDL55EX710 $50.00 + local sales tax
    KDL55HX800 $375.00 + local sales tax
    KDL46NX810 $210.00 + local sales tax
    KDL60NX810 $900.00 + local sales tax

    I am happy as before I thought I was just buying a new TV at normal prices.

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