Are Sony WEGA TVs Defective?
Recently, a consumer brought to UCAN’s attention a problem she has been having with her 2004 Sony Grand WEGA television. The TV has a blue blob that appears in the corner of the television and continues to grow overtime. Though she has approached Sony to resolve this issue, so far they have not offered to rectify the situation to her satisfaction.
While this sounds typical of any consumer-company dispute the consumer provided us with a vast amount of information pointing to the fact that her issue appears to be a known defect in all rear projection WEGA TVs produced by Sony between 2002 and 2007.
The problem is a defective optical block (though there are reports of other problems with these models as well as such warped lamp doors) which causes the blue blob. There are many consumer reports on the internet that repairing the optical block is only a temporary fix at best as the replacement part eventually has the same problem.
A quick internet search of this issue reveals countless consumer complaints, class action lawsuits, and even a Facebook group.
Despite the apparent prevalence and consistency of the problem with these TVs Sony has not issued a recall.
To truly understand the problem with the TVs, we recommend reviewing this website created by a San Diego resident who had this problem with his Sony WEGA. He recently won a judgment against Sony in small claims court over these defects.
So if you are having problems with your Sony TV review this website and be an active consumer to get a fair resolution to your problem.
TV image emailed to UCAN by Consumer.
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XBR50 Wega Plasma problem
I have been reviewing all the sites and it seems the blue blob/yellow tint, etc. that was covered by the class-action suit were projection sets. I have a 50 inch plasma purchased in 2005 for nearly $10,000 (I know how stupid that was) model KDE50XBR950 with a blue/white/pink line down one side. I called Sony and they sent out a repairman that never appeared but called and after discussing the issue said that it would be $8000 to repair. Needless to say we opted not to shell out that kind of money and have been living with the problem. Does anyone else have similar problem and has Sony helped in any way?
Sony rear projection TV KDFE42A10 WGEA 2005
Well i just found out about all of this, had Sears repairman come out and didn't even have to look more than 3 seconds fe knew it was the optical light engine, big blue/greem blob middle of TV and mention that they have had problems with these. well after reading all about this and when it started Sony should have issue a recall and Sears should have also contacted us when they started to remove these from there stores. i would never have heard of this until i contacted Sony and the following day i was offered a replacement TV at a reduce cost. but only had a week to accept the offer, better than nothing i guess. but not happy i was also told this TV would last me a life time. Ed
green haze on Big screen TV
I just found out that the haze on the TV was identified and acknowledged by Sony as a problem and they did repair the problem at no cost, BUT the time frame is over and I am SOL. I never recieved a letter about the problem and an offer to fix it. They said that there was a mention on their website, and they had notified their authorized repair dealer. SO does that mean when you buy a Sony product you have to check their website or call their repair people daily to find out if your product has been declared defective? Car makers acknowledge their mistakes, repair them and there is no time limit. Spending that kind of money only to find out it was wasted on a product that is defective and now it seems want reliabily be fixed is horrible. Money is tight and we splurged and earned extra money to reward ourselves and take time to enjoy something special. Sony made sure that we are disappointed and our pleasure is gone completely!! They have no concern for customer Satisfaction. I found this letter on one site. These are only exerpts from a letter written to someone with a complaint about their computers problems.....
Sony takes pride in the quality of its products. .., a repair to ensure these units meet our high quality standards......
The satisfaction of our customers is our number one concern, and we will work diligently to ensure that your VAIO notebook is in top working order. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your support in this matter.
Sincerely,
Mike Abary,
Senior Vice President, VAIO
Sony Electronics Inc.
Do you think Mr Abary is really SINCERE? I don't think they really " apologize, work diligently to ensure top working order, high quality standards, Satifaction is our number one condern...." Do you?
Yes it is true that some
Yes it is true that some pieces of any electronic items get defective over time or over their manufacturing procedure so I think this is really disappointing but we cannot judge any product with only one complain.
Eviction Process
Sarah Kempler on FB also find her sony listens
Had many problems with the optical block replacement team at SONY. Was not getting any satisfaction from them to replace tv with one of equal size and value. Wrote Sarah K. on FB and she pretty much got the issue resolved within 24hours. Within 2 weeks of getting Sarah involved i had a new TV. Keep in mind make certain to check the tv they send, if it is also damaged or defective they will replace that one as well. I got one better then the original replacement. Way to go Sarah at Sony listens Dept. Also people dont backdown to them. But make certain to go to Sarah first before the optical block people, as if she is the first to work the replacement it happens faster.
i have a defective sony KDF-E60A20 tv.
I bought this tv in 2005 and about a year or so later it started getting purple and pink spots on the screen. I've replaced the bulb in it about a year ago hoping this would solve the problem but it did not. Now my picture is going dark again and I still have the spots on the screen. Can I possibly get some help on this matter as this was a very expensive item to buy which apparently is a defect. Thanks Steve
Defective Sony Television - Defective Optical Block
Purchased a Sony KDF60XBR950 in December 2004 for $4080.00...Also purchased the custom stand for $1000+...One bulb change already done 2 years ago...Getting the infamous blue blob...Sent Sony an email...Got a call back (number blocked)..Was offered a KDL55EX710 for $225 or a KDL46NX810 for $410...Was told I would receive an email outlining the offers...One week later there is no email, no return contact information and no idea what the procedure to actually accept one of these offer is...Been a Sony consumer all my life...Hard to believe what I've been reading concerning these TV's and Sony's response to it's customer base...Hard to believe this high end a product only has a 4-6 year shelf life...Got other tv's in the house that have been working for way longer...Won't be making that mistake again
My experience with the replacement
If you go over and follow through on the “I have a defective sony tv” facebook page, they seem to currently (Feb 2011) be doing a pretty good job of following through with issues.
In my case I have a 2004 KDF50WE655 50” 3LCD set that started developing blue smears across the image. On 1/27 I sent an email to the Sony Listens email address. Received a call 1/28 with three replacement offers. Selected and sent an acceptance response 1/31. Mailed the required materials (serial number sticker from back of set and photo of problem) on 2/1. Tracking showed mail receipt on 2/3. On 2/6 sent an email query for status. On 2/7 received a phone call stating shipment would be 2/8. On 2/10 received email with shipment info showing it had shipped 2/8. On 2/11 the replacement set was delivered. 15 days start to finish.
In my case I went to a KDL55EX710 for $425.
As I see it, I got 6 years use out of the original set without any problems. Then, for $425 I got technology refresh that included (a) 5” larger screen. (b) better contrast and general performance., (c) switch from 768 line to 1080 line resolution (d) 4 HDMI inputs up from one . (e) The whole internet connectivity package. (f) LED-LCD thin profile unit suitable for wall mount if desired. (g) 120 Hz refresh (h) and many other tech improvements from 6 years of additional development. (I passed on the 3D set offer for a little more.)
All in all, I’m happy with the deal. It’s unfortunate that it took so long for Sony to become supportive…but they seem there now from what I can tell.
One key seems to be following their instructions carefully. Also, from what I read the emails are hit and miss. If you don’t get an expected email, send an email query with the event number. They seem to respond to those.
FWIW…that’s my experience with it. A relative followed my path by a couple days and had a matching experience. Good luck to all.
I too have this problem...
What choices did you have? I really didnt plan on spending any money on anymore Sony products. Hopefully there is an option for a free set.
Choices offered
what choices were offered? I was offered (in Jan 2011) the kdl55ex710 for $425, the kdl46nx810 (a 3D set, 46 inch LCD led unit) for 610, and a kdl40ex500 (40" LCD no Ethernet) for free.
Offers vary with the age and original price/screen size. Your mileage may vary. Good luck.
KDF-50E2000 - Orange Band
I have a 50" rear projetion G-Wega that worked great. Then it started popping a notice that the bulb needed replacement. I went out and got one sent to me from Sony ($$$) and followed the instructons and replaced it. The set work fine, the resolution was great (again) and everything seemed prefect. Then about 2 weeks or so into the new bulb, a 3" orange band appeared at the top of the screen. Nothing I could do would make it go away. I dont really want to call a repairman as it will cost at least $100 for the service call. Does this sound like it fits the criteria mentioned here?
Yes, that is one of the
Yes, that is one of the failure modes. See sites.google.com/sonylcdrptvproblems and you will see the color band problem illustrated. Go to the www.Facebook.com/I-Have-a-Defective-Sony-TV page to find their email and start the process.
We purchased a Sony Wega back
We purchased a Sony Wega back in 2007 and recently a blue blob has been growing on our screen, I called Sony @1800-222-7669 and explained what was wrong with the t.v. and they confirmed it was optical blockage. They are replacing my tv with a new one at no charge, I just have to send them the tag on back of tv and pictures showing the problem.
Hope this helps you
Sony Wega KDF E60A20
I purchased this 60in Sony Wega in April 2006. Four months after 2 year warranty ended.....there began to be a deteriation of resolution, the TV began to get very hot and would take a long time to turn on. In Oct 2009, it ceased to turn on. I was charged $453 for the replacement of the projection bulb and service call. At that time, the technician mentioned the bulbs were on back order and the Sony Wega has had chronic issues. The bulb was replaced and the TV once again worked however, the resolution never improved.
In Oct 2010, the TV was beginning to take an unreasonable amount of time to turn on and appeared to be slightly warm. In Jan 2011, the Wega no longer turns on and the lamp light flashed red six times, then then green on button turns to red.
I just spoke with Sony Client Relations and was transferred 3 times until I reached the National Client support Management associate
After thorough research, it appears Sony has had widespread problems with the TV that they promoted as relatively hassle free and no chance of failure like the flat screen LCD HDTV's.
So I finally spoke with Don Employee CQWQ who kindly explained that Sony would not provide any support on this TV failure. I was forwarded to write to: Sony Electronics Attn: Executive Review 12451 Gateway Blvd, Fort Myers FL 33913.....However, I have decided to file suit in small claims court and will forward my suit to: Law Dept Sony Electronic Inc 16530 Via Esprillo MZ 7180...San Diego CA 92127
Class Action
A Class Action lawsuit was filed against Sony on 4/15/2010 representing 9 Sony Wega rear projection model televions manufactured between 2003-2004. The suit references the melting lamp access door and the safety issue relating to the defect. Please see the link above for the website created by a San Diego resident. It contains a copy of the recently filed complaint.
TVs die move on!
TVs die, Move on.
Not to mention, RPTV are never meant to last forever!!
When $5,000 Sony TVs are
When $5,000 Sony TVs are dying in droves within 4 years, I would suggest moving on to another manufacturer. :-) Were RPTVs never meant to last forever? Probably not, but SonyStyle magazine from 2005 said, "In the past, the gradual loss of picture quality was just part of owning a TV. Once the picture got to a point where it was unwatchable, the TV was replaced and the process started over. Sony recognizes the investment in time and money that a TV represents. That is the reason that Grand WEGA comes with an ingenious user-replaceable UHP lamp. After countless hours of enjoyment, simply replace the lamp and your Grand WEGA is as good as the day you bought it. In fact, with Sony's renowned quality, Grand WEGA may be the last TV you ever own."
Sony and Sarah
Ok, I read your comments here, yes, some are favorable to Sony, but some are also favorable on the FB page. Like many of you I was very angry at the treatment I got from Sony to date. However along came Sarah from Sony who said she will listen and attempt to resolve each of our issues. I had little faith in that. But Sarah did call me as promised - I was out at the time (figures huh). I will be speaking with her on Monday. This tells me Sony is listening to its customers - finally - better late than never. As a die hard Sony customer, I have decided to take a few steps back to see how my TV issue is resolved. Sony should have managed this better, I think they know that now. So yeah, lets give them a chance now they have put someone in place who is prepared to REALLY listen.
I am not kissing Sonys a**, but they do deserve a chance after placing someone to deal with our issues.
THANK YOU
OMG!!! I just read Steve's site and acording to what he has posted, Sony only had to give me $350. I was contacted by someone at Sonylistens and got a brand new flat screen TV for $350. I just got back from Best Buy and saw the new ones are totally flat so I can get this big monster out of my living room.
Grand Wega
I for one am extremely satisfied. My optical block went out after my 4 year extended warranty was up. I went on the Facebook site and Sarah from Sonylistens contacted me and made me several very favorable offers for a new LCD TV. Sony didn't have to do anything, and according to Steve Linke's website, Sony went far beyond what our class action attorneys had agreed upon in a settlement. In short, they did not have to contact me, Sarah did not have to be so nice, they did not have to offer me a deal on a replacement....at least according to the settlement terms of the suit (read them...thank you Steve Linke for a wonderful site and than you Sarah for reaching out to me.
http://sites.google.com/site/sonylcdrptvproblems/sony-class-action-lawsuits
Wow, I saw that. This could
Wow, I saw that. This could have been a lot worse had I not been contacted by Sonylistens. Kewl.
Sony Wega KFE42A10
I also have a problem. Purchsed mine in Feb 2006. I am now on my third bulb and the OB is dead. Since I was stil under a in-store warranty Sony Canada said not there problem and I had to deal with The Brick (Transglobal) who sent a tech and the OB was replaced. They would not replace the buld although it is the third one in 4 years at $300.00 ea. When I asked the Tech how long this was going to last I was told "who know's, 6 months or six years"... I am truely dismade by Sony's lack of respect for it's customers. Another company out of Japan (the land of respect) that is screwing with the rest of the world and laughing all the way to the bank.
42" Sony Wega
KDF42WE655, purchased 2005, manufactured 2004. Optical Block failing by giant leaps over the past 30 days. Lamp door showing signs of scorching/warping. Sony states parts are new and "re-engineered", authorized service people state new parts are not available. New Optical Blocks are failing everywhere by consumers opting for repair. Sony states warping or melting lamp door not a safety issue. They will replace any warped or melted doors with new ones and fix any damage it may have caused. A new plastic lamp door will melt again as they are not fixing the cause of the melting in the first place. It's all band-aids and I'm not swallowing this at all.
I have a 2007 Sony
I have a 2007 Sony KDS50a-2000 and I have replaced my bulb at least 4 times since owning it in 2007 and I have the awful green hue across the entire screen. The repair guy finally came after they said they didnt have a slip from Sony authorizing them to come. He has to submit a ton of paper work to Sony to get the repair done and the "new" optical block sent in. So I'm looking at another 2 weeks until my set is hopefully fixed.. not that I'm expecting the repair to last.
Sony Wega
Please visit the links provided on this blog. I too am suffering not only the optical block defect, but a warping and melting lamp door. The links are a wealth of information for you, as they have been for me. The repairs Sony is offering have been historically failing as you have experienced, and as you will see with other owners' posts. Sony seems to be digging in their heels with the consumers by trying to "sell" them replacement sets, or by denying the problem exists altogether. They are however acknoleding our existence on the internet and the pressure this has caused is seeing some little reaction so far. The more people who shout the better. Sony also constantly watches all the various posts on our Facebook page.
I agree, they are watching
I agree, they are watching our Facebook page. I've been contacted by a woman named Sarah who was really nice and offered me a great deal. Sarah Kepler on Facebook. FTWOE!
Sony lamp overhaeting
Hi what face book site is this since I have the same trouble with my tv an 60 kf60we610
SONY has not helped anyone
SONY has not helped anyone the way they should be helped. Obviously, you have not owned one of these TVs or are from SONY. I will never own another SONY product. Do yourself a favor, and buy from some other manufacturer. My Samsung LN40B650 runs circles around that SONY pos. Its nice to watch a TV and not have everyone appear as if they have jaundice.
Comments here showing up
Comments here showing up favorable for Sony in light of Sony's previous disregard to our plight, may actually be from Sony employees. While we can only hope Sony is actually correcting the error of their previous offers, there is doubt to the validity of some of these favorable posts compared to the night mares posted on facebook.
Sony inserts employees, who have been caught, into the Facebook page and disguises them, in some cases, as individuals receiving a great settlement.
Out of the over 1000 individuals posting just on the " I Have a Defective Sony TV" facebook page, there are less than 20 who have actually been helped.
Your comment "...may actually
Your comment "...may actually be from Sony employees." is certainly possible. However, as the poster above regarding my KDF50WE655 (18 Feb 2011) I'm here to state the story is accurate and I have no affiliation with Sony. I have personally referred 3 other people with similar technology sets to Sony since then and they all received attractive offers and replacements.
The simple fact is that anyone with one of these units should try and see what the offers are and make their own judgement. There is nothing to loose in contacting Sony through the facebook page and seeing what the offers are. The 55" unit I selected for $425 was selling at Best Buy for about $1900 at the time. And the visual performance of the new LCD-led technology is far better than the original set when it was new.
Good luck to all.
Steve is right
I believe Steve is right and I've pulled together a number of other websites he should look into:
http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/home.htm
http://911truth.org/article.php?story=20041221155307646
http://hubpages.com/hub/List-of-conspiracy-theories-and-UFO-myths-around-Area-51
Sony Employees and Conspiracy Theories
I am one of the unfortunate owners of a large blue-screened Sony Wega. Sadly, this post is just another example of how Sony employees have been abusing consumers who unknowingly purchased the many thousands of defective rear projection TVs that Sony produced from 2002 - 2007. These attacks have taken place on the Sony Electronics Facebook site (where, on December 1, 2009, complaining Wego owners were stripped from the site and banned), on the "I Have A Defective Sony TV" Facebook site and on other internet forums. Printed records of these actions are available and can be easily verified.
This page is the blog for a San Diego-based consumer action organization. The US headquarters of Sony Electronics--and its many employees--is located in San Diego. I advise any critically-thinking person to connect the dots.
When a consumer contacts Sony
When a consumer contacts Sony and describes their issues, they are immediately told they have "the Optical Block" problem. There has been no verification from a technician, as none is needed. The Sony representatives then inform most consumers that the cost to repair their sets does not warrant the investment the consumer will make (in most cases Sony will not pay for a repair). The fact is, there are many documented cases where a repair has failed at least once and issues of parts being unavailable The consumer is then baited with a carefully scripted puffed up description of the new flat panel LCD they will receive. The mere offer from Sony to Wega owners, to replace their products with new ones at a reduced price, is Sony's way of attempting to disguise the known latent defect with these products. The attempt by Sony to avoid a full recall through these practices borders on abuse to the consumer and appears to violate consumer law.
Sony's lack of reengineered parts to correct the latent defect, it's unavailable supply, and the failure of past repairs, agains calls attention to what appears to be violations of consumer protection law.
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