Philips 9664 problem!

[Anonymous]

I bought a 42" 9664 last Saturday from Hi-Spek in St Albans (£1499 incl. 5yr warrantly), along with a Sony BDP-S760 Blu Ray.

I'd been deliberating over a flat screen for an age, reading every opinion and counter opinion, and was thinking of waiting for the 2010 sets, but my hand was forced by my trusty CRT giving up the ghost. I had been thinking of a 9704 but as we all know they are impossible to find, plus I figured for the £300 I save I can pay for the BD player and benefit from the 2" larger screen, all for what seems to be a limited difference in quality between the 2 sets.

My impressions?

Great build quality, including the remote, and an all round good design that stands out from the crowd (personal preference, I know)

Good sound - as has been commented on. Really quite impressive punch particularly on music

Menus look nice. I don't have any issues with the speed through the menus. I don't use the EPG as I have a V+ box so use that. The Philips sign at switch on is a little slow but we are only talking a few seconds. The screen seems to switch on and off with one touch of the button even though I was doing 2 originally as I'm sure that's what the guide says.

The picture. Now I was realistic in my expectation of what a full HD set can do with SD, so was expecting the picture to be imperfect. The reality? Well overall I'd say the SD picture is very good indeed. There is some noise around people, especially when the person is smaller when it's a distance shot, but overall this is me deliberately looking for issues (as one would for £1500). The general picture was not great out of the box but playing with the settings seems to have fixed most of the issues. I've no idea what truly is the best setting: I've gone with something that I got from another forum, after initially trying the WHF settings from this forum, To be honest you can tie yourself in knots - in particular it's hard to determine what impact the sub menu settings in the Pixel Perfect HD menu are having. From memory it's something like this for the TV bia my V+ box:

Contrast: 90

Brightness: 48

Colour: 52

Sharpness: 5

Noise reduction: Off

Tint: Normal

Within Perfect Pixel HD sub-menu

Perfect Natural Motion: Off

200Hz Clear LCD: Off

Advanced Sharpness: On

Dynamic Contrast: Min

Dynamic Backlight: Best pic

MPEG artefact reduction: Off

Colour Enhancement: Off

Light sensor: On

Picture format Unscaled

V+ set to 1080 as I assume that means the V+ does the upscaling, as I read the Philips upscaler isn't the best

It's true that the TV really does show up poor broadcast quality.

I haven't tried the Blu Ray yet beyond a quick spin of a DVD, which looks tremendous. The charecters in a film looked almost like they were popping out of the screen - almost 3D like.

The screen itself seems to have no issues i.e. to my untrained eye I cannot see any banding or patchiness or any such issues - it all looks uniform. I've no idea what panel it is as I can't figure out howe to get in to the Service Menu (I beleive it's a series of digits then the Info key but excuse me for being dumb but typing the digits is just like typing a channel number so it gets to the 2nd 3rd digit (can't remember how many) and then I get nowhere. I'm sure someone can educate me).

It connected to my wireless network with no problems. Being able to watch Youtube is great; obviously the typing is slow but it's nice to have the option.

I got the firmware upgrade from the Philips site last night and uploaded via USB. It kept saying there were no updates when I asked it to upgrade via the internet but I read somewhere that the set can do this and it's best to load via USB. The firmware was dated 19 Feb so unless it somehow got loaded automatically when the set was first turned on on 20 Feb, I assume it wasn't up to date.

All in all very pleased and I'm sure I will blown away by the Blu Ray.

 

[Anonymous]

I purchased a 9664 in October 2009. Recently I started to notice what is best described as a "Dirty Filter" effect on the screen. This was most noticeable during scenes with a lot of white - (but also with solid blocks of other colours as well). It would appear as multiple black smudges on the screen. (See Pics located here where I have highlighed the problem areas in red: http://picasaweb.google.com/hennessyh/Philips42PFL9964Images?feat=directlink .)

It was also noticeable when the camera panned - it looked like the lens was covered by a dirty filter which would follow the camera pan. This was consistent across three separate/independent sources STB [Scart], DVD [Scart] and Laptop [HDMI]. I contacted Philips Support regarding the issue and they suggested the standard troubleshooting technique of switching off the TV for 10 Mins. and un-plugging all attached devices from the TV. Surprise surprise this had absolutely no effect at all. They then suggested that I contact their Engineering department to have the TV investigated further - which of course I did. The TV was subsequently collected for repair under Warranty. I contacted them today to see how the repair was progressing and was told that the complete LCD panel was faulty and required replacement - and that they were waiting on delivery of the replacement LCD panel from the Netherlands. I will ensure that they test the new panel before delivering the TV back to me. I would suggest that if you are experiencing the same issues to take the same course of action if your TV is still under its first year of warranty - which it should be.

One other issue - When trying to play AVI movies from a USB drive directly attached to the USB connection on the side of the 9664 TV - the movie will play fine for about 20 mins. - then "Lip Sync" delays start to begin. I contacted Philip Support regarding the issue but all they could suggest was to upgrade the firmware to the latest release - which I did - and which made no difference. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this particular problem?

 

[Anonymous]

By the way I dont think many people aware of the fact that Philips 42 and 47 inch panels are shared with LGs or actually coming from them. So I am not that terribly surprised about all those questions about actual quality of Philips products and constant complains about this and that. Hopefully when they switch to panels from Sharp things would get better.

 

[Andrew Everard]

I thought that was widely known, as Philips and LG Display set up a huge panel plant as a joint venture in Paju, South Korea. LG subsequently bought Philips out.

However, I'm less sure what relevance your observation has to the problems outlined above.

 

[Anonymous]

I think actually it is quite relevant, Andrew. The longer distance your panels are shipped the more chances for them to be treated in a non-friendly for them way. And in my opinion the majority of the forum complains about Philips products could be directly attributed to the poor panel quality, which are traceable to those huge LG plant, reinforcing my point once again. And as we both know Philips indirectly acknowledged this fact by switching to Sharp panels, which could be also verbally expressed as being bought out . What other prove do you need in acknowledging their mistake.I myself got two brand new 7404, which went directly back , hopefully to the very same plant, so worn out they were.

 

[Anonymous]

Update 09-Mar-10: Have received my repaired 9664 back today fitted with replacement LCD panel. Initial viewing it looks fine now with no Dirty Filter/Lens effect or black smudges - will see how it looks after running in for a while.

 

[Anonymous]

I received my third 9664 this week after my brief switch to the phosphur trailed word of plasma in between!!. I can see no immediate dirty screen as I could with the last two sets.

Result? I really hope so.

 

[Anonymous]

Two weeks in now with my replacment LCD panel and all is looking good. No issues to report.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Henno

my 42pfl9664 is going in for repair today, roughly how long did it take for them to turn it around. Cant believe it is going in 3 days before the world cup but the dirty image is worst when football is on but hopefully having it repaired will sort it.

 

[Anonymous]

I had the engineer round on Friday as my 42" 9664 has backlight bleed and I had contacted Philips. I was expecting a battle as it was a bright day and the room was very light and as such it was hard to see, but they gave it a cursory look and despite agreeing it was hard to see given the light conditions, after a cursory look they just said yep, you need a new panel. I'll let you know whether the new one is OK.

 

[Anonymous]

MLG,

my was just collected today, they didnt even see it turned on as philips advised me to have it boxed up ready to go. the engineer best replace the panel and not try to fob me off or there will be trouble. if it comes back with a scratch or finger print on the screen i will go ballistic.

let me know how you go on please

ta marc

 

[Deleted member 2457]

Wow, this is a worrying thread.

 

[Anonymous]

Mine appears to have the dirty screen effect again. It's my fourth set. To be perfectly honest I am through with the hassle and worry of arguing with suppliers as to whether it's a fault. The missus loves the set so I'll grin and bear it.

Not that worried though as our extension is nearing completion and it's soon to house a 102" projector!!

 

[Pindi]

Harmunt:

Mine appears to have the dirty screen effect again. It's my fourth set. To be perfectly honest I am through with the hassle and worry of arguing with suppliers as to whether it's a fault. The missus loves the set so I'll grin and bear it.

Not that worried though as our extension is nearing completion and it's soon to house a 102" projector!!

Lucky you!!

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Marchawke,

Sorry for late response only checking this forum today. To answer your question it took about a week if I recall - but I am sad to say I now see some black Blotches re-appearing ( two vertical ones about 3rd the way in from each side of the screen) I have raised another issue by e-mail with Philips tech department today. I am really disappointed with this TV - this will be second time in for repair within 12 months. That is simply not acceptable from product of this price and has put me off Philips TVs for life. Will keep you informed as to my progress.

 

[Anonymous]

Can't believe this thread is still going.

Sorry to hear your new set hasn't solved your issues Harmont. I think the last time i posted i was onto my 3rd or 4th set and i said it was the best of the lot. Well I've been watching the world cup in HD and i can't say i have noticed any dirty lines at all, maybe the recent software upgrade helped or maybe my eyes just don't seek it out anymore. IMO the Philips 9664 stands as a stunning tv of it's time

On the other subject of the G10 u briefly had, i visited a friend who has one and i was quite impressed with the SD stuff he was watching but when he put it to HD the leap wasn't there that i see on the philips, possibly it's just more subtle.

One thing u can't take away from the philips is how good it looks as a piece of furniture (I know not a tv's main purpose) the Panasonic on the other hand.....black brick springs to mind.

Oh and talking of looks, saw an ad for the samsung 9000 series, all silver and as thick as a piece of paper, it looked very space age but my 4 year old would make short work of knocking that over

 

[Anonymous]

Hi Henno

thanks for getting back to me, mine has been with the repairer since the 9/6/10. At first they couldnt find anything wrong with the tv until i pointed out this forum and the pictures that an earlier poster had uploaded. this didnt fill me with confidence in them, they then said they had to consult philips who advised to replace the panel, which they then advised they would order. I phoned then on the 25/6/10 and they advised me that the panel is still on back order with an estimated delivery time of 4-6 weeks!! looks like im watching no world cup from the comfort of my living room. If it comes back with the same fault I will be contacting philips to seek a direct replacement or multi zone av who i purchased it from with a free 5 years extended warranty to seek an exchange as if i have to keep sending it back for a dirty/poor panel the repairer will end up having it for longer than i will. I am gutted as the tv is a wonder to watch until things start speeding up and it all goes pete tong. I agree with you, i saved to buy this tv and dont expect a 1400 quid tv to be made/designed faulty. to some this might not be a great amount of money but when you compare it to all the cheap supermarket tv's i could have bought for a lot less with possibly a lot less problems it is a lot of money. I dont believe it is a fault, just a poorly made tv that philips are trying to wash their hands of, be it poor software or poor panel issues it is just not good enough for this amount of money and whatever the outcome either another repair and another repair or a new tv i will never buy philips again.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I'm in the same boat, the universal smearing issues re Sports. Everything else with the TV is fine; however I bought this TV to have a great football viewing experience. I'm still under 30 days with Richer Sounds, the options are; a. take the TV back and get a non Phillips model b. wait an eternity for another panel with Philips or c. put up with it.

It's so annoying to spend £1250 on a "product of the year" and get these issues. My Brother in Law has bought the new Samsung 40C650 and I'm afraid it's blown this set out of the water (if you're a sports fan) - no smearing, sharper picture - motion not quite as good, just issue free - and it's only £720

Any advice on the route to go would be highly appreciated.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi all, wish I had seen this thread before forking out 1600 euro on my 9664

It is now back in for it's second repair over the same issues as highlighted above, horizontal and vertical bands on lcd screen that are most noticeable when watching football and golf when the camera pans. I can't watch football matches anymore over this problem. The first time I sent it back for repair they replaced an "SSB Card" and I knew when leaving the shop that it was not going to have fixed the issue. This time I will not be taking it home until they can prove to me in the shop that the problem has been fixed.

I have read through all of the above posts and the recommendations to try changing picture settings is very frustrating, if all of these settings are available it shouldn't be necessary to turn features on/off to fix screen issues, especially on a supposed top of the range tv.

This fault occurs on all sources so is most definitely not a source or cable issue. To demonstrate this issue to the sales guys in the shop I uploaded a flat green image from a memory key via the USB port and saved this as my Scenea image. I just created 1920x1080 images in MS paint, filled them in with different colour variations and selected the colour that best showed the fault. 3 salesmen in the shop were able to see the issue instantly using this approach. My screen shows a horizontal band across the middle of the screen, one vertical band on the LHS of the screen about 6 inches in and 2 vertical bands on the RHS of the screen again about 6 inches in.

I can't believe that Philips have buried their heads in the sand over this issue, based on the number of people on this thread alone with this problem it is obvious to me that Philips have a big problem with this tv. My guess is that they are hoping that most people won't notice it or will decide to live with it. Well I won't be one of them. I'll update you all when the tv comes back in from repair.

 

[Juzzie Wuzzie]

I've had a 42" 9664 for a couple of months now. Purchased from Richer Sounds with a 5 year warranty. Almost immediately I began to notice "clouding" (lighter shades of black) in the upper right corner, irrespective of source. My girlfriend thought I was crazy, so I tried to ignore it. But, as much as I tried, it distracts from my viewing as I keep questioning whether it is there or not, or whether I am just imagining it is there.

Tonight, however, the girlfriend asked why the upper right hand corner was lighter than the rest of the screen, so I feel somewhat vindicated. However, I now have to decided what to do:

1. nothing - and constantly be distracted by the upper right hand corner; or

2. argue with Richer Sounds as to whether or not there is clouding and ask for a replacement set; or

3. do the above, get a new set, and then discover it is worse than what I've got.

Would appreciate thoughts and guidance.

 

[Anonymous]

You have to do 2, although from my experience it's Philips you have to contact (0800 331 6015), not the retailer (I contacted Hi Spek and they said speak to Philips. More detail on my situation below)). Maybe then 3 will happen but maybe not, and if it does, well I would say keep going until you are satisfied that you have got a set that is fit for purpose. I don't think 1 is an option: clearly it's going to niggle at you and let's face it, that's not what you wabt when you've spent c£1.5k. Or any amount, for that matter.

I speak from experience - I had backlight bleed from the corners, I lived with it for while and wrestled with whether I should just take it on the chin, but after 3 months I complained to Phillips, they sent someone round (they seem to sub-contract to a local company - it's not Phillips themselves that come round) and now they have my TV and a new panel is in order from Phillips, no questions asked. Let's see whether I face scenario 3, but I've got my fingers crossed. In the meantime I'm watching TV on a 15" portable, so it's something of a throwback! I'll let you know whether my new panel is OK.

Good luck, and don't put up with a faulty set!

 

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone, i have read this thread and other forums on the problems of the 9664 with interest.

I purchased the 9664 last year and have been really impressed with the picture....until i watched the world cup in hd and started to notice the 'dirty lines' effect others have experienced.

I have watched my tv through sky and never watched the built in tv tuner so i started to watch football through the 9664 built in tuner and the dirty lines problem is still there.

So a few weeks ago i contacted philips who played dumb (having read all the internet forums i cant believe they are not aware of it) and said they didnt know what could be causing the problem. i was told to do a software update and watch tv for a week to see if the problem is still there....i did this and called them back and was then told to do a factory restore and see how that goes.....hence i called them back a third time and the assistant on the phone continued the theme of knowing nothing of this dirty lines effect and tried to get me to do another factory restore and change my hdmi leads, i pointed out i had done an update and was watching tv through the built in tuner so the leads were irrelevant....eventually i was told to contact the retailer (Hi Spek - as MLG above) and ask them if they could replace the set as if phillips tried to repair the tv theres no guarantee they could solve the problem.

Could someone advise me the best way to go as i have a feeling if i contact Hi Spek they will probably deny theres a problem with the tv as phillips appear to be doing, what rights do i have as a consumer and do phillips really recognize this problem as many peolpe seem to suffer from it and im now seeing the problem on everything i watch and its doing my head in!

It would be good to hear from people who've had to go thorugh the process of contacting the retailer/phillips and also whf who know what the consumer is entitled to.

I called phillips two month prior to my 12 months warranty although i was informed by phillips its actually two years warranty!

thanks

 

[Anonymous]

Try to set asolutely all picture improvement features OFF, including the light sencor, intelligent backlight etc etc - all on OFF - except the TV set ofcause ;-)

 

[Anonymous]

Peter

Ive tried all that and been down that road, its definitely the tv not the settings as per other comments, i just wanted some advice on contacting retailers/phillips on how to resolve the issue, spending £1500 on a high end tv thats faulty makes you feel just a little frustrated!

thanks for your comments

 

[Anonymous]

Agree, if the lines are still there with all set to OFF, its the TV set / the model, if they cant fix the problem, I would claim a refund or a replacement TV set equal to the one you have - which would be a 9705.