Martin Gman:Clare Newsome:
We know there was at least one dodgy review unit doing the rounds, but the numerous samples we tested here - and the shop-bought sets we've subsequently seen in homes of family and friends - have been absolutely fine.
We will continue to ask for multiple samples of sets, and get out and about and see the sets in action, plus persist with team-testing in a range of lighting conditions.
We will also continue to host and react to threads on this Forum, which will feedback into our reviews and general coverage.
Is there anything else people would like us to consider?
Claire did you personally view your family and friends LCDs in VERY low light conditions? I am being reasonable here Claire, did your reviewers view the LCDs in very low light to pitch black conditions?
I can honestly say that if you put any Plasma and any LCD side by side in a pitch black room wired up to the same Blue ray player, you will see backlight bleed in 'some' form or another (on the LCD).
I have a three year old LCD - KDL-40W2000. I often watch films in darkness (both sets of curtains closed, even the door closed and I don't see any backlight bleed. Now, I'm not going to say that plasma is better or worse than LCD. What I will say is that not all LCD's are rubbish and obviously the new top Sony sets are not all riddled with backlight bleed and clouding.
If I bought a new screen and it had problems, I would send it back.