SONY admitting backlight bleed as production issue.

[cmf]

here is a section of another review site's communications with sony .

"Following my review of Sony's new KDL-40V5500 LINK REMOVED BY MODS for house rules violation a few weeks back, in which I pointed out a troubling inconsistent backlight issue, two things happened.

First, the step-up W5500 sample I'd been expecting to receive was
mysteriously delayed. And second, just a few days ago, I received a
letter from Sony that first queried whether I'd set up the V5500
correctly, and second suggested that possibly the backlight problem was
the result of my being sent a pre-production sample rather than a final
production line unit.


My answer to the first part of this letter was that I definitely had
set the TV up correctly, using the same test signals I use for every TV
I test. And I'd also tried out all the TV's various presets for good
measure. But none of my efforts had been able to completely remove the
backlight pooling issue."

how many of us have been sold "pre-production samples" ?

 

[ElectroMan]

Hmm, seems they're only admitting it's a pre-production issue.

I'm also surprised this thread hasn't attracted loads of comments yet!

 

[Anonymous]

that just clarifies everything , if you get a sony tv with backlight bleed , its faulty , and obviously sony or the retailer will refund , replace .. mmmm , i think forum power is working , so many posts from people who wont risk a sony ... but what about whfi review test set (kdl40w5500 ) ???? not faulty ?? i still dont know how they knew , thought that ....... puzzling ....

 

[Anonymous]

ElectroMan:
Hmm, seems they're only admitting it's a pre-production issue.

I'm also surprised this thread hasn't attracted loads of comments yet!

if a pre production set is deemed faulty because of bleeding then why wouldnt a thumbs up given production set be faulty if it had the same problem ?? i reckon a lot of folks will be referring retailers to that review if they have problems with their w5500 , kinda sets a precedent ...

 

[Big Chris]

I don't understand how Sony appear to be getting worse in some areas with their LCDs. My Sony is as old as the hills, but I don't have this problem. In fact my picture overall is very good. (My parents prefer my TV to their 40V4000 with TV, and are only slightly more impressed with theirs with Blu-Ray. Not a set-up issue as I've done both mine and theirs.)

If Sony can't bring their quality control into line, the damage to their reputation could take ages to erase from the consumer's memory.

 

[Anonymous]

if they just came out and said , we will replace sets with problems , then you could buy with confidence anyway , ok , some people might have to make a trip or two back to the retailer , but if you really want a sony ( lets face it they are a huge brand ) , you wouldnt have to worry ...... honesty is the best policy ......

 

[Anonymous]

I personally wouldn't buy a sony tv right now, just because i'm worried that if there was a problem with it, they wouldn't recognise it and i'd be stuck with a faulty tv. I know this is off topic, but I had a 3-4 year old xbox 360, and a month ago I got the 3 red lights, and it died. Obviously the 12 month warranty had expired and I had no extended warranty. I spoke to xbox people on the phone and they told me they had extended the warranty for this problem. They picked up my xbox and 2 weeks later I received a parcel with a letter and working unit informing me that they had replaced my xbox free of charge. My next games console will be an xbox (if there is one, and it's good). This is the sort of service I think builds brand loyalty.

 

[matthewpiano]

There really is nothing to worry about. Sony are not admitting there is a production issue. (According to the site quoted) they are stating that a pre-production set was sent out for review and that it seems to have suffered from some issues. Occurence of problems on Sony TVs is actually very very low in comparison to the massive numbers of sets sold and every time I speak to the repair agents and ask them for an update on reliability they state that Sonys are still the most reliable TV sets on the market. We have still not come across backlight problems on ANY of the many 4500 and 5500 series sets we've sold or had in the shop.

Buy from a proper retailer/dealer who cares about customer service. Discuss your concerns with the sales person and make sure, before you purchase, that they are prepared to go the extra mile to look after you in the rare event of something being wrong.

Most of us are determined to look after our customers and, consequently, to discuss quite openly any concerns you might have before and after purchase. If you find a retailer who isn't prepared to do this just walk away and find one who is.

 

[Anonymous]

We always review kit as supplied and reserve the right to do so. We have requested another set from Sony and will keep you updated on our findings.

As some of you have mentioned, concerns can be eased by getting a demo.

As a note, the new issue on sale 6th May will have reviews of two new sets...the KDL 46WE5 and the KDL 32E5500.

 

[Anonymous]

I'm really lost. Have Sony admitted that the W5500 that this site reviewed was faulty? If not all I can conclude is that there are still questions surrounding this TV which is why this tele still only receives 4 stars (and not 5).

I have been put off buying a 37W5500 because of this and am now eagerly awaiting the launch of the TX-L37V10. There must have been several QA checks performed on this tele before it gets sent to an influencial review company and I can't believe this wasn't flagged.

 

[professorhat]

hmtb:I personally wouldn't buy a sony tv right now, justÿbecause i'm worried that if there was a problem with it, they wouldn'tÿrecognise it and i'd be stuck with a faulty tv. I know this is off topic, but I had a 3-4 year old xbox 360, and a month ago I got the 3 red lights, and it died. Obviously the 12 month warranty had expired and I had no extended warranty. I spoke to xbox people on the phone and they told me they had extended the warranty for this problem. They picked up my xbox and 2 weeks later I received a parcel with a letter andÿworkingÿunit informing me that they had replaced my xbox free of charge. My next games console will be an xbox (if there is one, and it's good). This is the sort of service I think builds brand loyalty.

Of course it would have been better had they designed the Xbox so that it wasn't guaranteed to get this fault, but agreed, can't fault Microsoft for (eventually) admitting to their mistake and making sure all repairs are free.

ÿ

 

[matthewpiano]

Richard Melville:
We always review kit as supplied and reserve the right to do so. We have requested another set from Sony and will keep you updated on our findings.

As some of you have mentioned, concerns can be eased by getting a demo.

As a note, the new issue on sale 6th May will have reviews of two new sets...the KDL 46WE5 and the KDL 32E5500.

Please let me make absolutely clear that I wasn't questioning that at all. It is absolutely right that WHFS&V should report their findings accurately. Anything less would be a disservice to its readers. I only hope that Sony get another sample of the W5500 to you and that you find it to be better with respect to the backlighting.

All I am saying, is that any prospective buyers should seek out a good dealer rather than simply avoiding the Sony sets. After all, the E5500 models are actually W5500s in different clothing and there is no mention of backlight bleed in the review of the 32".

Anyway, keep up the good work.

 

[Anonymous]

what about the sony tvs that are purchased online ?? not everyone can afford high st prices , the 46w5500 here in ireland is 400 euros cheaper online than in shops , if you get a dodgy one online what chance of a quick no quibble refund ?? , sony need to make a statement regarding bleeding etc , its either a fault or not , if it is they should instruct any sellers to refund or replace sets with the fault , if they say its normal , then they must accept that the competitions standards are better and you take your chances , people are not stupid , so they ( or reviewers ) shouldnt advise turning down backlights to disguise a fault ... if it is a fault ...

 

[ElectroMan]

In the UK at least, any online/mail order purchase has a 7 day cooling off period. In fact, one HD site recommends buying a TV by mail order precisely because you CAN return it.

In fact, you're probably better off as a retailer may refuse to replace/refund if they don't accept backlight bleed as a problem, but you can return a mail order purchase within 7 days without having to give a reason!

 

[Anonymous]

thats interesting electro , i was thinking of buying a 46w5500 from an irish online retailer , komplett.ie , great price 1560 euros , but a lack of work has put that on hold , anyway , im not sure about the 7 day cooling off period here .. will check it out though ...

 

[ElectroMan]

It seems to be a European Directive, and applicable to Ireland too - see this

You can search for Distance Selling Regulations Ireland for more information.

Hope this helps ...

 

[Anonymous]

thanks ... now i just need some work ..