Sony SXRD Lamp Blowout

[zschu97]

Any other SXRD owners out there extremely disappointed with the fact that the lamps in the KDS models are averaging less than 3 years life and 3000 hours? I think it really sucks that Sony releases this product and does not cover lamps under their warranty. Honestly, I probably wouldn't be complaining if the lamps were around $50, but $200 is just stupid.

All this said, I still believe that LCOS technology is still better than DLP, but I did notice that TI is providing a 2 year warranty on their light engines. So if i could have it all to do over again I think I would easily sacrifice the marginal increase in picture quality for the peace of mind that the damn thing isn't going to bonk out on me after a little over a year of light use.

Would like to hear comments of other SXRD owners.

 

[supervij]

You guys in the States have better warranty protection than we do in Canada, so it ain't all bad! I was told by someone at Sony Style Canada that if you can provide proof of purchase, Sony will replace a defective bulb within the first two years of ownership if it is the original one that came with the TV . . . free of charge. Call it a goodwill thing.

I've had my SXRD for less than fifteen months, but my bulb seemed okay, as okay as it could be, given what happened. Thirteen months into my ownership, my screen went black and I found out I had a faulty lamp driver. It took close to a month, but I got a new lamp and lamp driver installed, and Sony footed the bill 100%! Now that's customer satisfaction!

My reason for buying the SXRD was the phenomenal picture quality coupled with a low price. I didn't care about what technology the TV used; I just wanted the best picture. If I had it do over, I think I might have just gotten a flat panel. Having to replace a bulb every three to five years is nuts.

So as happy as I am with the pq, I try not to think about this set in any long-term way. It just depresses me.

cheers,
supervij

 

[trnqk7]

I've had mine for about 18 months now and no issues so far. The tv is probably "on" for 3-5 hrs a night, often just for background noise as we do whatever around the house (my wife is not a big fan of "quiet" sometimes...). I bought a rear projection tv knowing full well that I would have to replace the lamp someday...sort of figured it game with the territory. I thought most people would have considered this obvious as well. I do agree that it is frustrating that the lamps are $200 plus each, but it's cheaper than getting a new tv...plus, you get to keep your awesome pq and at least for me, 1080p capability!

 

[Bugbitten]

I have to admit that so far my SXRD has performed flawlessly for 15 months. I did buy a spare bulb to have just in case. Love the PQ.

 

[darien87]

I work for a label manufacturer that makes Sony's TV labels. At one of our vendor meetings a while back, they told us that Sony was doing away with SXRD. Do you guys know what the availability of bulbs will be in the future? Hopefully you guys don't get hung out to dry whenever you do end up needing to replace your bulbs.

 

[CaliHwyPatrol]

I work for a label manufacturer that makes Sony's TV labels. At one of our vendor meetings a while back, they told us that Sony was doing away with SXRD. Do you guys know what the availability of bulbs will be in the future? Hopefully you guys don't get hung out to dry whenever you do end up needing to replace your bulbs.

I'm sure that if Sony stops making them, another off brand company will pick it up and continue to provide them while it is still profitable to do so.

 

[palmharbor]

Bulbs

Well, I have a Yamaha HD projector and the bulbs are over $500 each, so $200 seems like a good dealto me.

 

[vicklan]

Commercial posters must contact site admins before posting links to their site. - majorloser

 

[bluegrassbubba]

I guess I'm one of the unlucky ones, I've owned my set since Jan. 06. I had the dredded green blob in my set and had the optical block and bulb replace early in 08. It solved the green blob and it has been ok since. Luckily Sony extended the warranty and mine was covered. But I love the picture in HD, but the SD picture sucks.

 

[trnqk7]

Too bad you had to replace both parts. Mine is still going strong on the original...almost 3 years now on the lamp. HD is great, but SD ain't bad on the set either. It's all dependent on the source material-and what tv station is broadcasting it. There are some channels that broadcast standard def stuff that looks pretty darn good...the biggest give away being the 4:3 aspect ratio, although you can still see some quality difference. Perhaps you should try tweaking your video settings on the tv, I turned a lot of the noise correction stuff off, etc, and I really like the picture for most shows.