Update #7: User Eric provided an update link to learn more about the class action coverage and which sets are effected:
Update #6: Leo called Sony demanding a replacement and Sony replied that they only thing they could offer is a repair. Upon further pushing Leo was told that he could write the Executive Review Committee with his concerns. Here is the contact information courtesy of Leo:
Executive Review Commitee
12451 Gateway Blvd.
Fort Myers, FL 33913.They asked me to include the following:
- Request to commitee
- Model and Serial number
- Copy of bill of sale (or note on letter that I cannot provide one)
- Reference number (i got this from CS) and
- Telephone, email and home address.
The hope being that if enough people write with their complaints of the settlement, Sony might rise to the occasion and do something more (offer replacements?)
Update #5: The pending terms of the settlement were posted by long time reader DOBI below:
I just read the pending Class Action settlement on Sony’s website; http://esupport.sony.com/sxrdsettlement
This is really good for us who have these problem TV’s… Did you realize that SONY has extended all in home warranty service until June of 2009? And, if you own or received one of these XBR50 or XBR60’s you are part of the Class Action. You needn’t do anything to join it. You can Opt out of the Class Action, but who in the world would want to do that?
OK..
Look at the benefits;
What benefits does the Settlement provide?
- A5. Currently the Settlement is still pending final approval by the Court presiding over the case. If approved, the Settlement provides for Sony to offer the following benefits, with proper documentation:
- An extension of the limited warranty to provide in-home service or replacement of the optical block in your Television until June 30, 2009, and special benefits in fulfilling this warranty extension.
- The refund of expenses incurred to replace the optical block in your Television.
- The refund of money paid after July 15, 2006 for an extended service plan for your Television from Sony or its extended service plan provider, Service Net Solutions, and cancellation of that extended service plan, if you so choose.
- The refund of money paid to Sony for the exchange of your Television for an XBR2, A2000, or A2020 SXRD model television, if you required more than one repair of the optical block in your Television.
I have read on this Blog that some of you had your sets exchanged for another model and you had to pay a cash differental… Guess what.. You get your money back if I’ve read the Settlement correctly.
The best thing to me is, that SONY has extended service on these stinkers until June of 2009. We had our first OB replacement just a couple of weeks ago with the new improved OB.. Lets hope?
IF things go sour again, we have more time to contact SONY about it..
Read the Settlement, I didn’t know it exsisted until last night!
Original Post:
More information on the green discoloration issue on the Sony SXRD sets, it seems there is a class action lawsuit against Sony for this! I feel this is a good move, it is too easy to find a set having this problem for it to be a fluke and so far the only word from Sony about the issue that is reported over and over and over again by users and warranty technicians is that “there is no issue” or the most they acknowledged is so far as is a “warm up issue”, sorry, no it’s not.
Anyway ’sourcery’ was given permission to post the lawyer’s contact information to the Sony A2000 thread that is handling the class action lawsuit, his information is as follows:
Robert I. Lax, Esq.
Robert I. Lax & Associates
535 Fifth Avenue
21st Floor
New York, New York 10017
Tel: (212) 818-9150
Fax: (212) 818-1266
rlax (at) lax-law (dot) com
According to ’sourcery’ Robert is most interested in speaking with Sony technicians or folks that have spoken to Sony representatives about the green blob issue to hear how it was described from Sony’s perspective to the person or technician.
If you suffer from this problem or have information for Robert, feel free to contact him. (Digg this)
Update #1: Sony have a QA process problem? Yes it seems so. Sony was the producer of all the batteries that Dell just recently had to recall because a few of them were blowing up. Keep up the good work Sony.
Update #2: Robert Lax, the lawyer handling the Class Action Lawsuit has sent notice that the website is now online: http://www.sonysxrdtvclassaction.com/
Update #3: John W. has posted a new Sony Support URL for their FAQ system that declares extended support for XBR1 sets as well as Sony reimbursing any out-of-pocket expenses owners may have spent fixing their XBR1 sets.
Update #4: Ken has updated the comments to say that his XBR2 is already showing a yellow stain. So it seems the verdict is in and the XBR2 did not completely correct the issue.
NOTE: Updates 5 & 6 are at the top of the post
Update #7: Greg Witham, in the process of writing his own script for a YouTube video of how best to destroy his Sony TV, provided a link to a YouTuber that has already done so… by taking it out into the desert and shooting it to death. While we wait for Greg’s video, here’s gwamba’s:
Update #8: Got sent this video from The Onion, for all the Sony-haters out there, it’s hilarious:
Sony Releases New Stupid Piece Of Shit That Doesn’t Fucking Work
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26. April 2009 at 6:35 am
So much for my great experience with replacement. I posted here on March 27 thinking we would get our TV fixed right away. The tech from local company Qualserv took weeks to get out to the house. Cancelled last minutes twice, didn’t show, broken promises to call back. Gave up a week ago Saturday and called Sony. They gave me another local company to work with. Before I could call them the service tech called and said he was on his way. Seemed like a nice guy. After the install I noticed some strange colors. Well, the green blob is back. Part of the screen is also pink now. Going to call Sony again to ask about replacement.
Word of advice. Make sure you go to grey screen after install and take a good look. If you have issues, tell them you want another optical block.
28. April 2009 at 11:50 am
what about those of us that purchased the sony kf50we610 please if there is anything happening with the dark smudge problem and the melting burning lamp covers and enclosures i would like to know. my e-mail address is billbob775@embarqmail.com
15. July 2009 at 2:47 pm
Add me to the Sony haters club. I have a 2 1/2 year old Sony SXRD KDS50A2000. I don’t have a small “green stain” problem. I have no blues. The blue on the light engine (optical block) is burned out. So is the green. The part is $3170 with a refund of $2270 after it is fixed. That makes a small plastic film part $900.00. The main bulb burned out after 13 months, ao I am already on my 2nd bulb. Sony has back orders for the optics block assembly (A-1203-196-A), but none in stock. I didn’t spend $3170 for the TV new. What a major rip off. My brother also has a large Sony projection TV with a similar problem, less than 5 years old, and Sony doesn’t even make a replacement part for his TV anymore. Lesson learned….never will we buy Sony anything again! Can we get in on this class action case?
15. July 2009 at 4:13 pm
Well i only had a few days until extended warranty on ob ran out. I called the repair shop (bypassing sony) This was my second repair of OB. They did not question me or ask for receipt or anything. They ordered part and came out and replaced it. My tv is working as well as it did when it was new. Much better then it looked after the first repair. I love this tv again. Can’t say how long it will last but for now i have a tv again. It looks fantastic. They asked for s/n and had all of first repair info on computer. Anyway, it looks great at this point.
15. July 2009 at 7:29 pm
Lisa,
Your situations sucks and is all to common — I think everyone here is going to pass on Sony hardware in the future.
As for the classaction, it was settled a while ago and the terms of the settlement are posted up in the original blog article at the top — you can contact the lawyer for the case to get more specifics if you need to. He’s been very responsive so far to questions/assistance with the case.
I’d say net-net, the settlement was certainly in Sony’s favor, don’t expect any free replacement *TV* or money back… as customers we get to “sit on it” as it were and get our optical blocks warranties extended to June 30, 2009 (yea, already expired).
Part of the terms were to refund you money paid for OB replacement yourself… that *might* be some relief if you did that. Otherwise, unless Sony will honor it (give them a call, see if they will) it’s probably time to shop for a new TV… talk about adding insult to injury
22. July 2009 at 3:30 pm
Called Sony July 16th on number off web site. The gave me the number for the “optical block team”.I called the OBT, who got my TV serial number etc. and reffered me to the local Sony repairman. Sony people said their people would replace Optical Block for free. I called local Sony repairpan Friday the 17th of July, and they said they would order the part Monday, and that the part should be in Wed. They came out today and took my TV apart…..and they had the wrong Optical Block. I was at work and left hubby to deal with it.(my bad) I got home from work and now I have a TV in pieces all over the frpl hearth, NO picture and haven’t heard back from the Sony guy. Blood is starting to boil now.
23. July 2009 at 10:12 am
Lisa,
I’m happy to hear that you got Sony to come out and fix the OB for free (technically it’s outside the bounds of the settlement for the lawsuit) but the repair group taking your TV apart all over the living room… that’s one I haven’t heard yet.
I’m also baffled how they managed to get the “wrong” OB — there was 1 OB for all these sets that are failing, I’m sure you gave him the model number on the phone… I declare shenanigans on them.
Let us know if you hear back from them and get your TV put back together… that’s really unbelievable.
4. August 2009 at 11:18 am
I purchased a Sony in April 2006 my OB lasted until July 29,2009. I could not get any help from Sony because of the drop dead date of June 30,09 so I called the Attn Robert Lax from the earlier post and he did give me another website to be added to another list for a Class Action Lawsuit. Vow to never buy another Sony anything again. If any one needs a Lamp I have one that I ordered and did not need, will sell it to you 1/2 off. (KDL-60A20) I do not have the part number handy.
5. August 2009 at 9:17 am
Yeah, My TV is back together and the picture looks great. I’d forgotten how much I like blue! The local Sony tech was very nice and came out and put the TV back together when the correct part didn’t come in. A green TV is better than no TV. The correct part was installed the following Tues., and the picture looks wonderful again. I don’t know how long the new OB will last, but at least Sony replaced it at no charge (no extended warranty either).
5. August 2009 at 10:32 am
Lisa what number did you call?
7. August 2009 at 3:41 pm
Unfortunately I am one more on the I hate Sony list. I have had the same issues as everyone else, the huge purchase with the expectation of a superior product, the fall of the “superior” product and the absolute disappointment with Sony and the customer service!!! And now I’m having more issues with the TV, and again, they are not standing by their product. I would really like the information on the new class action suit so I can join and actively pursue retribution from Sony for this unacceptable TV. Carla
10. August 2009 at 4:12 pm
I bought the sxrd kds 50a2000 with an extended wnty. I have replaced the bulb twice.The OB just went green after year two.The tech brought the wrong one with him to my house so there must be more than one.I haven’t been charged becouse of my extended wnty i purchased for $400.00 Little did i know how much i would use it.
19. August 2009 at 8:35 am
Hi i purcahsed my 55A2000 SXRD in 2007, its now 2 years old and i have no extended warranty.
My picture is completely green and has been like this for 6 months talk about depressed i don’t know if i can get it fixed or how much i’d pay for this.
Can anyone please tell me if i could get this replaced at Sony’s cost?
This TV could be having a trip to the junk yard £2000 gone in 2 years.
20. August 2009 at 7:03 am
Darren,
Your TV is one that should be fixed free, not replaced. You have until June 2010 to get it fixed, but I won’t wait. Look above for a link on a March 26, 2009 post from me and it will take you to the correct Sony page. If you know the service center that will be called out to fix your TV, call them and they should handle most of the process. If you don’t, call the number in the article.
Good Luck.
21. August 2009 at 6:58 am
Hello every one. My neighbors got a KDS-R60XBR1 for free from a friend with the expected problem and they were going to pay me to fix it. this was the first time I had seen or heard of this type of set. So I figured it was just a damaged color wheel (not knowing the TV’s structure) or bad filter or something simple. after tearing it apart and doing a Google search of the Sony SXRD chips I learned of it’s apparent flaw and of the lawsuits. That is when I realized that it was going to take more than glue to fix it. But I do believe I have a way to fix it for the do-it-your-self-er who didn’t make it in time for a refund or for the law suit, but I haven’t tested it yet.
OK, so, firstly I would like to explain what I believe happens that kills these sets. I think that the light cast on these chips chemically alters them after a while do to the chips small size and the optical density. And either the liquid crystal on the chips surface, or the electronics of the chip gets “burned” by this light, rendering it useless. But it’s only the one chip that seams to get fried, the blue one I believe (it ends up looking green in the end). I think this “choice-of-target” is due to a combination of inadequate UV filtering and by the way the colors are separated that causes this problem. That would explain why the blue chip is attacked, and not the others. Again, having no blue can make it look greener or even yellow (the next most common color that pops up)
In any case, after examining the LCoS “engine chips” them selves. I have concluded that a chip for one color, *should* be able to be used as the chip for an other color. In other words, two dead engines *may* be able to make one good one. All that need be done is the bad chip from one dead optical block be replaced by one of the good chips from the other. To any one who has repaired their share of junk, this would seam like a no-brainier. But of course, you knew it wasn’t going to be that easy.
Firstly, those chips have to be PEARFECTLY aligned. Other wise there will appear to be a second slightly tilted picture over the main one that has a different color form it. Also, *if* the chips are comparable and *if* they can be easily aligned. There will still be the problem of too much light, which will kill the new chip just as fast as the last one (more than likely faster actually). PLUS there is no telling if the other chips are even any good to reuse.
Any way, I would like to try it just to see if it is doable. But I only have access to the one TV set. If there is any one who has two identical sets. I would be happy to write up the the exact steps to make it work If you want to try it out. Or if there is any one out there with a dead set that they were planing to trash that they would like to donate to the cause. I would be happy to take the optical block before you junk it. I live in WA state so consider that before you reply as the shipping costs from say, Australia would be cost prohibitive for such a “maybe project”.
Also, does any one know how to get the OB for these units without using a warranty? What I mean is, Does any one know where (if it’s even possible) to buy one and how much it costs? Or where to get just the chips? Because, even if I can’t get my hands on a used/dead OB unit. I would still like to fix this set for the neighbors if I can. Again just for clarity, It is the original “KDS-R60XBR1” unit.
Well, that’s all I have to say for now, I will be watching this blog to look for new developments so just post a reply and let me know what you think and I should see it. (except I’m supposed to go some where soon that may or may not have internet access, but that’s a whole other story that I won’t get in to here) oh, and sorry for the insanely long chat.
-Charlie
21. August 2009 at 11:56 am
Bought a kds-r60xbr1 in 2006 no problems until last month when the “green blob” struck. Called Sony and they offered me a huge discount on a new set. I took the offer, ordered a new optical block for my old set(they let me keep it)part #A-1168-494-A, installed it myself and everything looks good. My question is does anyone know where I can get my old optical block refurbished? Sony said they would not do it. If the blob returns, I would like to have a good optical block waiting so I can change it out and start the process all over again.
22. August 2009 at 9:59 am
Your not going to refurbish that pos sorry to say nor should you bother. Get a new tv and let the old one go to the junk yard where it belongs. Learn from your mistake that is the key.
5. September 2009 at 12:38 pm
Angela, I called the number Sony gave me for the “Optical Block Team”. It is 1-888-649-7669. I did not have the extended warranty on my KDS50A2000, but they shipped a new optical block to my local Sony technician and it was installed for free. I did not pay a dime. If you talk to the “Optical Block Team”, make sure you tell them that you know about the class action lawsuit. I wasn’t making much progress tell I brought the lawsuit up. I was told the drop dead date for my TV was June 3oth, 2010. I have a great picture again, but I have know idea how long the new optical block will last. It will probably go out in July 2010. If it does, I will have another fight with Sony!
24. September 2009 at 8:31 am
Eric, Question: My TV’s OB (KDF50WE655) went out in April of 2007. I had to send a letter to the ERC, but it was repaired by Sony at an authorized repair center. It’s now Sept 2009 and I am having the same problem. Obviously this is outside the June 2009 deadline in the settlement, which I am not sure was accepted at this time. I now have a new Sony E# and they have requested that I have Sears come out, write up an estimate and then send it by fax. Any other suggestions that I should do at this point?
24. September 2009 at 11:28 am
Ryan,
Since you asked me directly, I’m responding, however, I don’t know if your TV was ever part of the recall (for either the June 2009 or June 2010 TV dates). I would suggest you get Sears to come out and give you an estimate on how much it will cost to repair and send it in to the ERC. If Sony then says that they will fix it, great, but if it will cost more than a new TV set, don’t bother. If however Sony will not fix it, or it costs more than a new set, look for a new TV set, anything but a Sony!
24. September 2009 at 3:26 pm
Thanks for responding. It was part of the recall, but it was a 2004 model (purchased Nov 2004), second generation. They extended the warranty and included it in the warranty recall that expired in Sept/Nov 2007. I explained to them very patiently that they fixed it under an agreement (at the time) to try and stave off a class-action lawsuit but that the part they put in was equally defective since it lasted roughly the same amount of time (2 yrs 3 months give or take.) They tried to deny me any satisfaction until I pressed that they put in the same defective part. The CS member told me from one side of her mouth that they only guaranteed the replacement part for 90 days after they put it in (April 2007), but then the other side of the same CS memeber’s mouth told me to send in an estimate from an authorized repair center before they would discuss any satisfaction.
I expect them to offer a discount on another TV (and probably not much of one) in which case I will decline – no more Sony TV’s! I will probably go with a Samsung LCD/LED backlight. If, however, they offer to repair again, I will do that and get a new, different brand TV and keep this one in the bedroom until failure, again. From what I read, though, it seems as if they finally solved the OB part defect after my last repair in 2007. I just can’t get over the fact that they had the recall, for 4 years worth of TV’s, put the same defective parts in some of them, and then try to act as if they have no responsibility. I am frustrated and very jaded at this point. Sorry for the rant.
On a side note, my local authorized repair center declined to work on the TV, citing that Sony doesn’t pay them much at all for warranty work. They refused to even come out and look, which is why Sears repair was brought into the mix.
28. September 2009 at 1:15 am
Hey All,
I just started experiencing this problem about 2.5 month ago and I had no idea about the the problem or the class action suit until I found this website. I am going to call the numbers tomorrow and see what help I can get… My tv is an KDS-R60XBR1… so I know I am past the date… I was never contacted by anyone concerning this matter.
If anyone has any additional info that may help me please post… especially if you have had assistance while being past the “drop dead” date..
Thanks
29. September 2009 at 4:20 pm
HI, I have just started my run around with Sony a couple weeks ago. We have the KF-60WE610 that has a recall for the lamp door until March 31, 2010 for my model. The recall also says that it will replace any other damage caused by the defected part, but I can’t seem to get anything out of them at all. You know, a $3350.00 television should last more than 5 years. I did get an estimate for repairs at $1400.00. Any suggestions would be great….anyone know of a lawsuit going on for this. It needs the lamp engine replace, along with the door, ballast and lamp. The techincian said that the inside has melted and he is not sure why is has not caught on fire….Help!
2. October 2009 at 7:33 am
Not sure if i mentioned this but i live in the UK, i went to the sony shop i purchased the set from and they said they were just a distributor and i should phone Sony directly.
This didn’t go well, firstly they said they didn’t do parts for this set anymore then went on to say the problem i have with the green picture couldn’t be linked to the sets in the US as different parts were used in the UK to the US.
What a joke as this is same set same year same problem KDS55A2000, they said i should pay for an engineer to come out and have a look but made no promises to fix the problem even if it ended up being the optical problem as in the blog.
I may be the only person in the UK to have bought this set as it dissaperead out of the shops within a month of me buying it.
Talk about David and Golieth what chance to i have?
2. October 2009 at 8:59 am
I also have the KDF-E50A10. I just replaced the projection lamp and now the yellowish blobs are so noticeable that I can hardly watch the set.
I would also like to weigh in on including this TV in the class action.
I’ll be calling Sony this morning to see what they’ll do.
11. October 2009 at 10:31 am
WOULD THIS INCLUDE OR DO YOU HAVE ANY INFO ABOUT BLUE HAZE, NOW BLUE DOTS ALL OVER THE SCREEN. MODEL# KF50WE610. THANKS RUSSELL
17. October 2009 at 8:02 pm
I have a Sony Wega KDF-50WE655 that has a blue haze and periodically cuts off. When I last called Sony, they acted like they had no clue what I was talking about and suggested sending out a tech. Is this model part of any class action lawsuit?
28. October 2009 at 8:53 pm
I just wanted to let everybody know that, on 10/23/2009, Sony issued warranty extension alerts for all of their 2007 rear-projection TVs. Now, every Sony rear-projection model ever produced (2003-2007) has been the subject of a warranty extension, a class-action lawsuit, or both. See my informational web site for links and additional information:
http://sites.google.com/site/sonylcdrptvproblems/
This also reveals a disturbing, but perhaps not surprising, reality related to the class-action lawsuit Sony settled for the 2005 SXRD models. The “Opinion and Order” in that settlement stated on page 4 that Sony had fully resolved the yellow stain issue by September 2006, and that no TVs or replacement optical blocks manufactured after that date should have problems with green or yellow discolorations. Yet, I have emails from owners with SXRD models manufactured in 2007 that got the yellow stains, and this latest warranty extension suggests that it is another widespread problem.
The newly covered TVs are:
KDS-50A2020 (KDS-50AL120)
KDS-55A2020 (KDS-55AL120)
KDS-60A2020 (KDS-60AL120)
KDS-50A3000
KDS-55A3000
KDS-60A3000
KDF-37H1000
KDF-46E3000
KDF-50E3000
28. October 2009 at 11:01 pm
Steve, much thanks for sharing that info here for anyone that might be effected.
4. November 2009 at 9:30 pm
I have not one but two Sony TV’s(KDS-R50XBR1 & KDS-R60XBR1). Only one has a problem, the one we use most. Sony so far won’t even send replacement parts because they claim the problem will come back.
They wanted to sell me another TV! I will probably move on and purchase another name brand but never ever again a Sony.
5. November 2009 at 12:07 am
Glenn, I would like to hear more about Sony’s acknowledgment that the problem will recur. Did they give a reason? Did they state it in writing? Feel free to send me an email at the address at the top of my Sony Optical Block Problem web page (click on my name above).
15. November 2009 at 4:32 pm
I just found out about this when i went to purchase a part. I was told that sony had a class action lawsuit that they lost/I purchaced mt sony back in 2004. The blue blog started about 2 tears laters. I thought it was the bulb,called sony and was told a buld replacement would cost $500.00 Noway was i going to pay that so i put it down thw family room and fiured in 2 years the part would be a lot less cheaper. My cousin told me he bought one anr it cost only $129,00 for his samsaug Thats when i called for my sony and was told that that they should pay for it. when i contacted sony they said the warrenty forI me ran out. I told them they never even contacted me about this,I just thought i needed a bulb. if they they had its a no brainer i would of had them come fix it the damn tv cost $2400,00 Im calling back they are responcible as far as im concerned. IM I right
27. December 2009 at 1:35 pm
Of course now that my product service plan has expired. I now find myself searching the net for all the issues, because well i’m ticked off. I have experienced all the issues with this tv. Ie: two color wheels,a fan, and I’m on my 5th bulb, the last one being right after last color wheel replacement and just after psp ran out.$200 bucks .I have a KDS-R60XBR1 model serial# 9006545,manufactured 10/05.Now I think I know why best buy wouldn’t junk the tv. Sony covered it HA!! That’s why they were not qualifying repairs. I’m on a streak of bad sony, I mean luck. Ha. Sony dreamsystem shot craps, no parts available. BD drive in first playstation3 shot craps too. I don’t know about sony anymore.Samsung maybe?
1. January 2010 at 3:37 pm
I bought my KDS60A2000 back in August of 2006. Had 3 years of great picture with no problems. Then in September 2009, the picture went black. I needed a replacement bulb, which cost me $200. Just a few days ago, my set started showing signs of the “green haze” issue. After some research and reading forums like this, I learned the Optical Block in my HDTV needed to be replaced, which is known to be defective in these sets. I found Sony has extended their warranty to June 2010. I plan to contact Sony on Monday to see what course of action needs to be taken to get my TV fixed.
http://www.kb.sony.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?cmd=displayKC&docType=kc&externalId=http–esupportsonycom-perl-news-itemplnewsid277templateid1regionid1KSMFlag7370&sliceId=&docTypeID=DT_NEWS_ALERTS_1_1&dialogID=82614236
6. January 2010 at 4:06 pm
OK guys. I’ve got a 3 year old Sony (POS) KDS-R60XBR1 that has the green haze problem. Does anyone close to me in Texas want to attempt repairing this set? I am loading up my M-14 and getting ready to shoot this POS if there are no takers. Never ever buy Sony again! They have wasted my trust!
7. January 2010 at 10:08 pm
My SXRD was about 2 1/2 year old when the screen turned green. I did not buy the warranty. I called a local repairman and he told me it was the optical block and it would be about $3,200 up front to order the part (while doing without my main TV) and that I would then be refunded all but $900. This wonderful man then mentioned that there may be a lawsuit and maybe I should do some research. I did and found this site. When I called Sony I was polite, but firm. They gave me the run around until I mentioned the class action lawsuit. As soon as they were aware that I knew about it, the became very helpful and gave me the number for the optical block team (they have a whole team for this LITTLE problem). I called the OB people and they sent out their local Sony guy, who ordered the part and had it replaced within about 10 day, at no charge to me. It’s been about 9 months now and the picture is still very good. I didn’t realize how much I missed the color blue until I got it back when the TV was fixed. I am also on my second lamp. I suggest that when you talk to Sony, make sure they know you are aware of the class action lawsuit, and that the problems are growwng bigger with time, and you are joining in any lawsiut you can. I think I might even have mentioned putting some information on Facebook about the problems with several Sony TV models,the class action lawsiut, and the contact info of the attorney involved. I guess you could say I was really PO’d! If the optical block goes out again, even after June 2010, I will not go quietly into the night! lol Good Luck PS: I really love my flat screen Samsung. PSS: A cheap place to get a replacement bulb for you Sony SXRD (in the housing) is online at A Matter of Fax. I think I paid about $200 for it and my husband put it in himself (and he is not real tech savy). Sony haters unite!!!!!!!
16. January 2010 at 12:40 pm
i have one of these lemons,optical block gone,spoke to Sony and offered me a new TV for 950 plus tax,i paid 3000 for this one three years ago ,been terrible picture for about a year or more,should i take there offer ..thanks
18. January 2010 at 11:19 am
Just called SONY OBT. My KDSR50XBR1 was purchased in 2005 from the Sony store USA HQ in Rancho Bernardo – my wife was a 6 yr employee at a the time. We have since moved and I thought like Charlie did in an earlier post that it was a color wheel issue, that it was knocked out of alignment in our move. My set started with a yellow-green line that crept across the lower portion of the screen. It is now across the entire screen and is very annoying.
So I called SONY OBT and was offered the the $425 off repair coupon or a deep discount on a replacement TV. I was very polite with the rep (it is not her fault after all), but she would not sway even after I mentioned the lawsuits or that folks have had their OBTs replaced at no charge. As I felt my blood pressure rising a bit, I made sure that I had my ref # and advised the rep that I was not willing to accept that offer. I do not feel that it is right.
My next step it to see if any of our old contacts in the TV group are still around and if I cannot make an end run. Baring that…will contact a family member who is an attorney to see if that can help. I just find it so messed up that a company will not stand behind one of their “top ot the line” products.
18. January 2010 at 12:00 pm
update: wife reminded me that we already had this issued looked at by a Sony Repair guy. He told us that it was the signal input and to call Dish. Sooooo….called back to SONY OBT. 2nd rep also went through the ‘offer” and when I stated that will not be satisfactory, that we had been part of the “Sony family” he offered to sent me to the customer relations group. Rachel there listened to my issues, than repeated the offer. Advised her that was not satisfactory, that I felt Sony had willfully disregarded the problem when we had a rep come to our home and that I guess moving up the food chain would be in order.
18. January 2010 at 2:38 pm
CWS, please keep us posted — I’m happy to hear that Sony is softening a bit on moving people over to the Customer Service group now that the scale of these calls is dampening a bit and the volume isn’t as high.
29. January 2010 at 9:43 am
I took Sony up on their offer to replace my KDSR60XBR1 with a KDL52XBR9 and payment of $550. After sending in the mfg serial number off the back of the old set, and paying $577.50 (inc. sales tax), Sony has now informed me they can’t send the model contracted for and they want me to take a KDL55EX500 which won’t be available for weeks. The new model doesn’t seem as good as the first model contracted for. The new model is valued at $1899, has a Bravia engine 2, and a refresh rate of 120Hz. The model contracted for was valued at $2399 at the time, had a Bravia engine 3, and a refresh rate of 240Hz. There are other differences. Sony refuses to give me a substitute model of the same or better quality than the only they initially offered. Has anyone else been the subject of this “bait and switch”?. I have complained to my state Dept of Consumer Affairs and am contacting the plantiff attnys in the class actions. What TERRIBLE customer service!!! It’s dishonest.
19. January 2010 at 7:33 am
CWS: Would you mind sharing the deep discount TV replacement offer Sony presented you with? Alot of us are now dealing with these “new” offers from Sony and I think sharing this info will ensure everyone gets more of a fair deal. Thanks.
JW
3. February 2010 at 1:16 pm
if you call the 8668508673 phone number, pray that you get Ian, only person so far that was helpful, or put any effort into the complaint. It appears that finally something is happening. I was bait and switched with the xbr9 as well, they are shipping me the 55EX500, not the same value, but they are at least beginning to take responsiblity for the screw up, not taking it off the website, etc. I just hope they double ship me.