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.
Our green stain started out mild, and we moved the tv. Just the moving knocked enough dust or whatever into the optical block to where it went full green hue. It was extremely noticeable after that. But when we first starting working with Sony back in December, we didn’t have to send any pictures.
To play devil’s advocate, for the XBR 1 owners, the lawsuit filed and completed in New York extended the warranty into beginning of 2009. The downside of that was it also ended all lawsuits and legal obligations for Sony. Really, Sony is no longer legally obligated to repair or replace. They actually pulled that line on us early in the process, when we wouldn’t accept repair or check for $925. We told them if they wanted to take that stance, then we had no choice but to call our local television station’s call to action.
They didn’t throw that one at us again. But if Sony didn’t care about the consumer, they could pull that, and I’m not sure there’s much the XBR1 owners could do about it anymore. But, with as many consumers that are impacted, they’d take a huge public relations backlash.
@Sam
My yellow haze problem isn’t particularly bad yet either. I took several pictures with different colored backgrounds to try to highlight the issue, but it is definitely more noticeable in person than it was in the pictures. I sent the required info out today, so I should (hopefully) hear something next week. I will post here when I hear back.
They just ask for the serial number in my case and they never ask me for any pictures.
I think that the picture could be somehow irrelevant due that this particular tv set is known to cause the “hulk effect” and Sony should be somehow greatful instead of doubtful with their customers, even if you haven’t gotten the green tint on your tv. Know for a fact that it is going to happend eventually…no matter what.
Sony should be more thankful to its customers that they are even trying to get this solve in a civilized.
I SAY,
LETS STOP ASKING FOR THINGS THAT WE RIGHTFULLY PURCHASED IN GOOD FAITH, LETS STOP ASKING FOR THEM IN A WAY THAT MAKES sony LOOK LIKE IF THEY ARE DOING US (customers) A FAVOR, LETS JUST CLAIM FOR WHAT WE MANY OF US PURCHASED A $5000+ TV SET,I AM NOT CLAIMING ANYTHING THAT DOES NOT BELONG TO ME.
I PURCHASED A $5700 TV SET AND NOW THEY WANT TO REPLACE THAT ERROR WITH A TV SET THAT IT IS OF A LOWER VALUE THAN THE ONE I ORIGINALLY BOUGHT.
SURE TECHNOLOGY IT IS FAR SUPERIOR ON THIS NEW TV SETS BUT THAT IT IS A GIVING, RIGHT?
please guys act on it, this is USA sony!
Land of Capitalism..and not Japan land of Conformity!
My green tint is very mild and it is portions of the left hand side and top portions of my screen. I probably wouldn’t have cared if I wasn’t sensitive and suffered through one problem already. If I take a pic, it is barely noticeable but this is how my previous problem started a while ago which I got fixed under my extended warranty at the time.
How bad was the tint on the pics you sent in? I want to see how strict they are. I don’t want to peel off my Serial Number only to see them reject it.
@Bou
Yes, they asked me to send in a picture of the issue with my serial number tag.
@Bou
I called on April 1st and was offered 55HX701, 52EX701, 55EX501 and 46EX700. I took the 55HX701 tv offer and sent them S/N tag along with a picture with Event ID# and serial # written on a piece of 8.5×11 in paper clearly visible in the picture (marker works best). I got a confirmation that my TV is in shipping process. You will get all this information after you have accepted to take 1 of the 4 models they offer you. Make sure you mail first class certified to the Florida address for fast delivery.
This is legit. I have done it and Sony has processed everything through.
Has anyone been asked to send a picture of the issue on the screen with the S/N tag after an offer was given?
Thank Jay, I will keep calling them. It just does not add up to me why they dont want to give me that set when i know for a fact that many people have gotten this tv set, is it because of my previous offer???
well anyway i am getting sick of this crap.
I try talking to them firmly and i got nothing in return…oh yeah and extension of 1 week to make up my mind on my crappy offer. Will try again “Will & Grace”style (not gay lol) let see what is the outcome. I will keep youn posted.
I dealt with probably a dozen different Sony reps over the entire time. Some were jerks, some were very helpful. Some kept strictly to the script and wouldn’t deviate at all. Others, I felt actually went to bat for me. If I got a real jerk for a rep, I would call back a few days later and get another person. Didn’t ever have the same rep twice. Out of the dozen, I’d say 2 were outright jerks and 2 were extremely helpful and kind. All the rest were in-between. I tried good cop approach and bad cop approach. I would say the nice approach probably worked better. They’re probably receiving tons of calls with a lot of angry customers. They’re probably numb to the strong-arm approach.
Checked back with Sony and they refuse my request for the 55HX701, they just said that they have giving me an offer already and that my 1 week was due and what they can do is to give me another week, this is BS I will call them everyday from now on.
Was any of you guys succefull? Did you get what you ask for? Could you guys post the name and ID of the representative that assisted you, please?
thank you
Based on the limited info I’ve seen, the HX701 model is not 3D. The HX800 is 3D capable, as are the LX900 models.
united we stand!
Great guys!
I will call tomorrow first thing in the morning and order my 55HX701 FOR $550!!!!
I knew i should wait,….hey! just a thought, maybe they are getting ready to upgrade to the newer models “nx800″
Anyway, does any of you guys know if the 55HX701 is 3D Ready???
I will keep you updated on how it goes tomorrow with Sony C.S.
Thanks Brian….I still got mine and I think I may do the same with my optical block when I get some extra money saved up.
Hey Everyone,
Just wanted to confirm what Brian just said. I called Sony today (this was my first call as I just started experiencing the yellow stain a few months ago and just found this thread yesterday). They offered me the 55HX701 FOR $550 as well. So, if this is the set you have been holding out to get, you may want to give them a call.
I am definitely anxious to hear about your results with Tri-State. I agree… $315 will be a great price to get a nice TV back up and running.
Steve,
I will keep you updated. I don’t how they will repair the block. I’ll call tomorrow and ask. The repair with shipping costs came out to be $315.00. Well worth it to keep such a beautiful TV working.
UPDATE!!!!!
Sony is currently offering the KDL 55HX701 TV.
I ordered mine today. I’m glad I waited.
Chris, I feel for you, I’m in the same boat, have an 60XBR1. I didn’t even get the 55″ offer as you can see by my post above…
I’ve decided to take the 52EX701. I called Sony several times trying to get the 55EX501 that others have gotten and had no luck. I am not brave enough to let the offer expire. It appears that the fequency of failure is getting bigger now and I’m afraid they’ll keep downgrading the offer, rather than improving.
We exchanged our 50 xbr1 and $550 for a 52ex701. Same thing happened to us back in Dec. when we said we’d exchange it for XBR9. Took our money and tv never arrived. After calling they told us they were out of stock.
We’ve probably received half a dozen offers over past 3 1/2 months. We didn’t like the offers and kept pushing for a better offer. Once the 2010s came out we wanted the NX800 or EX701. They’d give us a week. We’d call at end of week and request another week or two which we always got. Sent certified letters to head of Sony US. Never did any good.
Finally couple of weeks ago they offered the EX701 and HX701. Probably could of held out for the NX and maybe even the new 3D models in July, but wife was tired of watching Oprah with heavy green hue, so it was finally time to make a decision.
Chose the EX over the HX for energy savings, 3 yr warranty and anti-glare. Our tv room gets lot of sun, matte screen EX better for us over HX. To the naked eye, we couldn’t tell much diff between Motionflow 120 or 240.
Got it today and set it up. We got new Sony N460 blu ray and Sony/Monster calibration disk also. Picture looked good with default settings. 1080p is way better on it than 720. 720 actually looks worse than what we used to have. Tried calibrating it with calibration disc. Wasn’t much help, only focused on blacks/whites and hue. Didn’t cover color saturation.
Anyway, got it looking best as we could with Blu Ray and Scherlock Holmes BR movie. Looked great. Then, went back to 720 and 1080p channels and everything looked worse. Can’t imagine being any different, but the tv stations were definitely more saturated. Will probably reset to default settings and try again. Does anyone know good calibration settings for EX? I’d love to see them.
But, it’s been a long ordeal, and thought I was going it alone until found this great website and blog. Helped keep sanity.
Good luck everyone.
Brian…let me know how the tri-state block repair comes out. I thought about doing the same to my xbr1. Did you talk to them and see if they corrected the defect or is this just a band-aid to delay the problem til next year or so?
Hi Chris,
I have a 60XBR1 and last week the optical block went bad. I spent 3 hours last night tearing down the TV to take out the optical block and today I sent the block to Tri-State Module to be repaired. I also called Sony this morning and this is what they offered me:
KDL52EX701 $550.00 + local sales tax
KDL55EX501 $350.00 + local sales tax
KDL46NX700 $160.00 + local sales tax
I am going to call everyday until they can offer me the KDL-55HX701.
Hope I succeed
Hey Keith!
Yes Sony gave me a deadline of a week, i am going to dissregard their pushy ways into rushing me to make a decision.
I spoke (chat really) with Technical Support and i have ask them what if i do not reply to Sony in a week?…REPLY: “You might not be getting the same offer next time”….
GUESS WHAT SONY?!?!
I do not care!! i am going for the neck NOW, i will be not settleing until I get what i want or my $5000K+ back in form of a check.
I do not think it is fair that all of us who bought the 60XBR1 are getting the same deals as the ones that paid for the 50XBR1, i could understand if the models where the same but the money! I PAID OVER $1000+ for my 60XBR1 and i am supposed to paid or get the same?!?!…come on people we are getting screw AGAIN!!
Trust me when I said that I would love to talk to customer service everyday until they offerme what i want or better yet what i deserve, unfortunatelly i live in a different country at the moment (work) and to sit on a phone from here and listen to the “äwesome” telephone music until they desided to answer it will cost me way too much I called once and i paid $40 for that crappy offer.
So please if anybody resides in my beatiful USA make that phone call for FREE and post your results. I will keep trying somehow.
Thank you guys!
UNITED WE STAND!
There is a proposed settlement agreement in a class action lawsuit front for the Q006, XBR2, A2000, A2020, and A3000 SXRD models. However, it looks horrible to me. See my Class Action Lawsuits web page for details:
http://sites.google.com/site/sonylcdrptvproblems/
Hey everyone, Just wondering if Sony reps offered a different T.V. to you after the repair man verified it was the optical block or as soon as you called about the problem. The reason I asked is because they only offered to repair my KDS-60A2000 and even after bringing up that I saw others were offered a discount on newer models she said they would have to first verify it is the optical block, So I’m hoping that after they look at the T.V. they will make that offer. Thanks for any info.
Hello Chris, My original offer was:
KDL55EX500 for $250 (same as 55EX501 but only 1 year warranty.
or
KDL46VE5 for free.
They gave me 2 weeks to decide. I asked them if I could upgrade to higher models and they said no. I asked them what would happen if I let the offer expire. They said that they could not guarantee that I would get the same deal again.
Not wanting to take a chance and get nothing. I took the 55EX500 at the time. Gave my credit card number and sent in my serial tag a few days later. After Sony had received my tag, I found out that they were offering the 55HX701. I immediately called them and asked politely, since this new model was available and my order had not shipped yet, could I pay the extra money and get the 55HX701. The rep put me on hold and came back about 5 min. later and said that they could do that for me. I was shocked.
I don’t know why the 50/60 XBR1 owners are getting the same offers. Your right, it doesn’t seem fair that you paid a lot more for your tv and get the same offer.
Did Sony give you a timeline for making a decision?
Thank you for your feedback Keith and Kumar!!!
Now i am debating into taking this deal or not see…
My TV KDS-R60XBR1, is more expensive than the KDS-R50XRB1, RIGHT?!?!…sooo why i am getting this offers:
KDL-52EX701 $550.00
KDL-55EX501 $350.00
KDL-46NX700 $160.00
KDL-46V5100 FREE
…and they wont offer me the KDL-55HX701, Because they said that it is not available anymore!
So let me get this straight, I paid over $1000 more than some of the person that bought the KDL-R50XBR1 and they get the same deal as me and even get to pick on a model superior to the ones that they offer me!!! NOT FAIR!! WHY??…Because i call in late!?!?
Sony is dropping the ball AGAING!
I will keep calling, i’ll keep you posted guys!
I just got my 55HX701 replacement for my 50XBR1. The picture is awesome. The blacks are very deep for an lcd.(probably helped by the glass screen). I watched hockey and basketball and I did not experience any motion blur. Xbox 360 games are stunning. I was never a big lcd fan. But this tv is the goods! I know this tv is not being offered now.(probably because everyone took this tv in previous offers) I imagine that it will be offered again in the near future.
In response to the Chris’s offer. Here are my thoughts.
KDL52EX701 – Edge lit led lcd, Bravia 3, 120hz, internet video, 3 year warranty
KDL55EX501 – CCFL lcd, Bravia 2, 120hz, 3 year warranty
KDL46NX700 – Edge lit led lcd, Bravia 3, 120hz, internet video/widgets, 1 year warranty
KDL46V5100 – CCFL lcd, Bravia 2, 120 hz, 1 year warranty.
If it were me, I would choose the 55EX501 or call and see when they might be getting more of the 55HX701. That way your only going 5 inches smaller than your original tv. I’m not sold on edge-lit lcds yet. Full backlit led lcd’s are the best, but there expensive.
BigBen and frens
Do not mention it if you have an extended warranty (from sony or 3rd party) that did not expire yet. If you have sony, and they see that in your records, still argue that you don’t want a fix that won’t last, and want to be treated fairly, and equally as the other guys who are getting replacements, and not be punished for paying them to buy a longer lasting warranty. Threatening of complaints with the BBB, state, FCA might help too.
Chris
I have a 50 XBR1, I did some research, and I like HX900 the best… so I am holding off till June to see if they offer HX800/HX900/NX800… I am optimistic that they would, pricing is another issue though…
ok just spoke with sony and they offer me this:
KDL52EX701 $550.00+ LOCAL TAX
KDL55EX501 $350.00+ LOCAL TAX
KDL46NX700 $160.00+ LOCAL TAX
KDL46V5100 $0.00 NO CHARGE
This offer was given to me towards the KDS-R60XBR1.
What set would you guys recommend me, which one is the “best” one of these 4???
Sony told me that i had 1 week to decided what set to pick, what if i wait more??…will Sony cut me out of the deal??
tks guys
This site is bad ass and I appreciate everyone posting their experiences dealing with this mess…. Here’s my story
I bought a KDS-60A2000, Dec 06. Noticed the green tint mess about 6 months ago, now it covers the whole TV. I was just thinking that the TV was old and it was time for a new one, and was completely planning on shelling out the $$$ for one too. After researching the problem and finding this kick ass site, I probably saved myself $3000…
Though I didn’t get offered another TV at a discounted price, they are gonna fix my shit. We’ll see how long the fix lasts….
Here are some snippets from my conversation with “Amy” from Sony…
- asked how long tint was on screen
- asked how if any devices connected to tv
- asked if tint was on every channel
- after 5 min, looking at rep researching my options
- only repair and extended warranty
optiblock 90 day warranty, if it craps out again, call them back
- gave me #s to two Sony Authorized Dealers to fix my shit
video services of va
757.846.3772
color and sound
757.874.8818
I called the repair place and they have to verify my information with Sony tomorrow morning. I should be getting a call from the repair shop and they’ll order the part and hopefully in 1-2 weeks my TV will be fixed, just in time for playoff hockey!
Good luck to the rest of yall
So, I have been talking to Sony all day today with no luck. I have a KDS-50A2000. All they have offered me to this point is repair of the optical block. The biggest problem I have is that the first person I talked to claimed the root problem of the optical block issue has been fixed and that if I had one replaced, I would have a 1-year warranty on the new optical block. However, from what I’ve read, it doesn’t sound like they have been able to fix the defect in the optical block to prevent future problems, and when I called the local Sony service shop, the guy there even said they’re just rebuilt optical blocks.
Has anyone out there with a KDS-50A2000 or similar TV had any luck with an offer beyond the optical block replacement? It doesn’t sound like these particular models are getting the same treatment as some of the XBR’s
I purchased the KDS-R60XBR1 in 2006 with a manufactured date of Sept 2006. Tv is going stupid green, never had anything replaced, no lamp, no OB.
I moved to a different Country (Argentina), can SONY solve my issue??…for what i had read SONY is offering 3 models in exchange for mine.
I spoke with customer service and at the time (Dec 2009) they told me that they could repair my tv with a new OB free of charge here in Arentina!
Now i am not sure that i want this tv anymore after this whole issue, i am sure that many of you understand my point, I rather get a new tv even if it means putting some green on top (irony).
Will SONY have me covered anyway in Argentina for the replacement of the TV??
Can anybody tell me or direct me How to act toward this issue,please?? i am new to the thread, any help will be highly appreciated.
Thank you!
Wow….mine is a 60 KDSR-XBR2 and they offered me the 55HX701 for $1900.00 this morning. They say the 60″ are not available/out of stock, but when I called the Sony Style 800 number, they could ship it tomorrow if I buy today. I’m really angry because mine is still in the extended warranty plus I purchased the 5 year plan. All they want to do is “fix” this lemon. I’m writing my letter to corporate and checking my states laws on this.
I got the 55HX701 for $550 plus tax. It all depends on which model tv you have. I had the 50 KDSR-XBR1. I believe that the best offers are for the XBR1 series.
Keith, How much did you get the 55HX701 for?
I have a KDS-60A2000. Does anyone know if the problem with the optical block is inevitable and I’m simply sitting on a time bomb not knowing when it will go off? I’ve noticed very slight greeish tinge when viewing black-and-white movies, but as best I can tell, it has not worsened recently.
I was simply looking at Sony’s web site to help an elderly friend purchase a TV when I noticed their support announcement about the OBs and eventually got to this great website. I had no idea about these problems and it’s making me nervous.
Ah yes…..Round 2. On hold again. Just finished night shift and not in the mood for BS. I’ll let you all know how this turns out. Stay tuned…..
Has anyone tried replacing the optical block with the rebuilt ones from Tri-State Module?
First, thanks for this info. It’s been very helpful. The offer changes regularly. Today I called with my green haze issue. Here’s the offers:
KDL52EX701 $550.00 + local sales tax
KDL46NX700 $160.00 + local sales tax
KDL46Z5100 $50.00 + local sales tax
I have the 60″ XBR1 and not sure I could handle going down to 46″ or even 52″ which is the biggest I could get from them. They told me it’s based upon inventory.
The 52EX701 is the same as the 52EX700. Go to the Sony Style site for more info. The 55HX701 is only on the Sony Style Canada site. (www.sonystyle.ca) I think eventually this model will be available here in the states. Both models have Bravia 3. The biggest differences from what I’ve seen are:
52EX701 = Edge lit LED, 120hz, Bravia 3,
55HX701 = 240hz, Bravia 3. Has a glass type screen. Could have more reflections in bright room?
I took the 55HX701 offer. It is in the basement. The 52EX701 was not offered to me at the time. Even if it was, I would’ve too the 55HX701. Bigger tv with proven technology. Jury is still out on Edge-lit LED’s. Full backlit LED’s are better.
I have the Sony kdsr50xbr1 and just developed the same green blob in the lower right corner. I called the sony # posted above and they gave me 4 options for replacing the tv.
52EX701 LED 120hz $550
55HX701 CCFL 240hz $550
46NX700 for $460
46z5-100 for $50
I am not sure between the 52 or 55 TVs. Does anyone have info on either one of these TV’s?
Hi all. Great site!
I have a sony kdsr50xbr1 that was given to me from dear old aunt G. Of course it had the same problem as ya’ll’s.
Do any of you think I have a shot at any of this ..huh..”help” from sony??
Who do I contact?
thx
First, this site (and the tons of other info on the internet) have been great in helping me realize this is a HUGE problem…so, thank you!
I bought my KDS-50A2000 in Jan ’07. I have the 4-yr BestBuy service plan. Last year, I replaced the lamp, but then over the last couple I’ve heard from a few people that have come to visit that my TV looks greenish. I didn’t quite believe them because it was so gradual I barely realized it. However, it’s gotten infinitely worse in the last few weeks!
Right now, I have a repair request in with BestBuy and they’re scheduled to replace the optical block next week. After reading all of this, I’m wondering which route I should now take.
1. Should I let BestBuy repair it? Or, is there a possibility BestBuy will be open to replacing the TV altogether?
2. Should I contact Sony directly and get the wheels in motion for buying one of the discounted tv offers?
….from what it sounds like on here, contacting Sony forces you into a final decision on it within 14 days. Is that the case?
Good luck Pav with Sony. I had better luck with the company I bought the extended warranty from. They replaced my tv with a $1400 check, which I add about $220 more to that and bought a Toshiba Regza 55″ with. Very nice tv!! I still got the 60″ KDS60XBR1, with the yellow blob. I’m not sure what to do with it now though. It feels so wrong to trash a $4000 tv…
I purchased the 5 year service contact with my KDSR60XRB2 when I purchased it in 1/2007 (I was relieved when I found the contract as I thought it was only 3 years). Started getting the green tint/yellow blobs about a month ago. Googled it, and I found this site. Thanks for all the good details. Now that I know this a problem due to a defect that won’t go away, I’m going to demand a new tv. First contact with Sony extended warranty and they just want to repair it. Getting ready for a fight.
I have a 2 year, 3 month old 60a3000 with a bad ob that Sony replaced. Now Sony want me to pay $1350 for a 55EX500 or $1750 for a 55EX700. I told them no. This sucks. They replaced my bad ob with another one and I have to pay for a new tv?
Have a Sony 60A2000, I was plan to call Sony Canada for the optical block problem, but I am not sure if this TV is from Sony US or Sony Canada cause I recived this as a birthday present 2yrs ago(my girl friend bought at ebay). Any chance if Sony Canada will fix my TV if it is from US? How can I tell the serial number of the TV if it is from Canada or not?
Please Help!!
I asked the same thing about comparable models. They just said “these are your only choices”. With that in mind, I chose the 55HX701 with Bravia 3 and 240hz. This is one of their better CCFL sets. I asked about getting a 55EX700 (edge lit LED) but I was shot down.
What kind of bulb costs $400? I thought they were a little over $100.
KDL55HX701 $550.00 *+ local sales tax
KDL55EX501 $350.00 + local sales tax
KDL46VE5 NO CHARGE
I just called today… not too happy about all of this… I just bought a lamp thinking that it would fix the problem. $400 down the drain… Why can’t they offer a comparable model? XBR series?? Or is the 701 comparable? PS: is it just me who was pissed that it was not a true 1080p television. It was the ONLY reason I bought it at the time!!