Sony is making additional Polarizing Filters available to reduce cross-talk

[GreenMotion]

Hello everyone;

I just recently purchased a Sony KDL-55HX800 3D TV and generally speaking love it. However, one thing I find somewhat unfortunate is that when you tilt your head, the 3D effect disappears. The more you tilt your head, the more cross-talk/ghosting.

So, while at Fry's the other day, I wanted to see if other brands suffer from the same problem and noticed that the Samsungs for instance do not. Yes, the color changes, but the 3D effect remains.

After getting home I did some research online on why this is and found a couple of websites describing this in detail. Though it could be considered a flaw, it actually has some benefits too. (move vibrant picture etc).

While doing this research, I also found a post online somewhere with a reference to a Sony KB Article (C1017777), stating that Sony is now making available - free of charge - an additional polarizing filter that can be applied to the existing glasses to eliminate some of this.
See: http://www.kb.sony.com/selfservice/m...00%20189737969

So, this morning I went ahead and called Sony at (239) 768-7547

I don't think it is a well-known fact yet by their Customer Service Representatives that Sony is making these Polarizer Filters available to customers, so I had to point my CSR to the online knowledge base article. (tell them it is KB ID: C1017777).

After he put me on hold for a couple of minutes he asked me my TV's model number, personal information, and model number of the glasses. (they have 4 different models, some of which are for kids).

He put me on hold for about 10 more minutes, then informed me he had entered an order into their system to ship me these filters, free of charge. He was unable to tell me when exactly they were going to be shipped and/or when I could expect them, but told me I would receive an email confirmation when they are being shipped. He also gave me a reference number for today's call.

I guess to sum it all up; Since Sony has only started making these filters available as of very recently (November 8 I think), not everyone at their Customer Support department is aware of this. My CSR apologized for having to put me on hold a couple of times, but explained he had to check with his Supervisor on 1) these filters and 2) how to enter the order for these filters.

Anyway, figured to share this with all my fellow Sony 3D TV members ....

[GreenMotion]

So, I received my polarizing filters from Sony today; basically they are thin pieces of plastic you clamp between the frame in front of your goggle's glasses. These filters are amazing. It makes the picture only slightly darker, but no more ghosting/crosstalk when tilting your head. I tilted my head at least 45 - 50 degrees, and the 3D effect remained.

This is what the filters look like:

[jlieu]

Hi Green,

Thanks for the useful update and info!

When I demo'd the HX800 at BestBuy (albeit it was the 46" so maybe it didn't look 'right') compared to the Panasonic 50" VT20 plasma, I noticed that the Sony 3D exhibited 'flickering' every now and then on certain movies (primarily on fast-moving scenes such as a USC Trojans football game, Monster House, and some scenes on Toy Story 3). Overall, appeared rather bright/objects moving too fast.

Yet, on other things (G-Force, Alice in Wonderland), it looked great. I was just wondering if you had any similar experience with yours? I figured it could've been the settings on the display or the glasses they had at BestBuy.

[GreenMotion]

When I first got my set and immediately put in a 3D movie, I noticed flickering as well. Since then I have learned that this may be caused by various reasons. For one the glasses are very sensitive to interference from other light sources. The more ambient light, the more it flickers.

Additionally, the selected viewing modes on the TV make a huge difference as well. The Sony Bravia's have a "theater" mode, which greatly reduces flickering when watching 3D content.

I also read it can be contributed to 1080p/24 vs 1080p/60 content.

And lastly, these additional filters seem to have a positive effect as well.

Now to be honest, I've only had this TV for a week now and I still have the occasional flicker, but by tweaking various settings and dimming the lights etc. I've been able to greatly improve the picture quality.

[jlieu]

Ah okay. Glad to know that the flickering can be reduced down. It is pretty damn bright in BestBuy so it makes sense.

I'm led to believe BB probably 'caliberated' their Panny more because the VT20 is an exclusive deal for them (it's set-up infront whereas the 3D Sony was around the corner LOL). However I definitely liked clean, crisp 2D images on the Sony HX800.

Thanks again Green! Going to have to decide between the two soon, nice to know that the filters can help with the flickering issue as well.

[lghaze42]

Originally Posted by GreenMotion

Hello everyone;

I just recently purchased a Sony KDL-55HX800 3D TV and generally speaking love it. However, one thing I find somewhat unfortunate is that when you tilt your head, the 3D effect disappears. The more you tilt your head, the more cross-talk/ghosting.

So, while at Fry's the other day, I wanted to see if other brands suffer from the same problem and noticed that the Samsungs for instance do not. Yes, the color changes, but the 3D effect remains.

After getting home I did some research online on why this is and found a couple of websites describing this in detail. Though it could be considered a flaw, it actually has some benefits too. (move vibrant picture etc).

While doing this research, I also found a post online somewhere with a reference to a Sony KB Article (C1017777), stating that Sony is now making available - free of charge - an additional polarizing filter that can be applied to the existing glasses to eliminate some of this.
See: http://www.kb.sony.com/selfservice/m...00%20189737969

So, this morning I went ahead and called Sony at (239) 768-7547

I don't think it is a well-known fact yet by their Customer Service Representatives that Sony is making these Polarizer Filters available to customers, so I had to point my CSR to the online knowledge base article. (tell them it is KB ID: C1017777).

After he put me on hold for a couple of minutes he asked me my TV's model number, personal information, and model number of the glasses. (they have 4 different models, some of which are for kids).

He put me on hold for about 10 more minutes, then informed me he had entered an order into their system to ship me these filters, free of charge. He was unable to tell me when exactly they were going to be shipped and/or when I could expect them, but told me I would receive an email confirmation when they are being shipped. He also gave me a reference number for today's call.

I guess to sum it all up; Since Sony has only started making these filters available as of very recently (November 8 I think), not everyone at their Customer Support department is aware of this. My CSR apologized for having to put me on hold a couple of times, but explained he had to check with his Supervisor on 1) these filters and 2) how to enter the order for these filters.

Anyway, figured to share this with all my fellow Sony 3D TV members ....

I recently saw Panasonic's 3D plasma at Best Buy.I tilted my head and looked at it from all angles.The picture remained steady and clear.Best 3D set available.

[PaulGo]

I have the Samsung DLP with the new Samsung 3D glasses (same as LCD models) I have not noticed any crosstalk with these glasses.

[ajtalavera]

Thanks for the information...Just order 4 pairs of filters for my glasses at home.

[raygendreau]

FYI. The first set of polarizer filters I received had one defective filter. The filter is made of layered material and there was a speck of dust in between layers that caused the layers to separate. Sony customer service replaced them at no cost.

With the filters in place, I can now tilt my head as far as my neck will allow without any crosstalk. If I lean over far enough the glasses fade to black. But if I stand on my head....just kidding.

[GreenMotion]

Did you have any trouble ordering the filters? When I ordered them (a couple of months ago), it took a lot of effort to get to the right, knowledgeable, customer support representative. I guess the notion of these filters was so new, the majority of their CSR's had no idea. I can only hope enough requests have come in with Sony where they now finally have their act together. I am also hoping Sony will start including these filters in the package going forward.

Personally I am very happy with the filters; they do the job very well. This is how it should have been from the beginning.

GM

[raygendreau]

It is still hit and miss. Took me a total of 5 calls and numerous email exchanges with Sony esupport to get it done.

The filters are fragile, as you know, and if they require replacement in the future, they will probably have to be ordered. Last time I checked the price they were $14.99 through online ordering.

Personally, I consider this issue a design deficiency and I believe an exchange program should be created for the glasses. The probability that Sony will do that is not high. It will be interesting to see if 2011 glasses will incorporate the fix.

Sony should make the filters available at the point of purchase for the glasses. (Amazon, Best Buy, etc). When I was shopping for 3D TV's, I spent a lot of time at Best Buy. The crosstalk deficiency in the Sonys was discussed negatively by the reps and they were unaware of the filters. That was several months ago, so not that surprising.

[GreenMotion]

I agree!

I read somewhere - when I learned about these filters - that Sony made the glasses the way they were made to allow the picture to be more vibrant. As you know, the additional lenses make it slightly darker.

However, as you stated, the crosstalk is discussed as something negative by most sales folks. Recently at a local Fry's I overheard a similar discussion between a customer and a sales representative.

I really think the "slightly-darker" pictures outweighs the crosstalk. I too hope it will be incorporated into a new model of the 3d glasses.

[raygendreau]

Originally Posted by GreenMotion

I really think the "slightly-darker" pictures outweighs the crosstalk. I too hope it will be incorporated into a new model of the 3d glasses.

I tried all the 3D glasses brightness settings in the 3D menu and decided the auto setting was the best, even with the filters.

I did get some flicker in the led display on my AVR, but dimming it took care of it. So, I'm happy.

Thanks again for your post. I doubt that I would have known about the filters otherwise.

[b00st]

just bought a 40nx711 for $798. it was hard to pass up. came with 2 pair of glasses. i just ordered the filters...CSR told me it would be at my house in 7-10 days.

but so far i love the TV. i had an old 42" LG plasma that was only 720p as its 5yrs old that it replaced...so I had no room let at home for TVs....its now my desktop monitor in my office.

BIG THANKS GM as i would have never known about this issue.

[Halcro 1]

^^^^ I recieved the same TV as you ,,,Just got off the phone with Sony , and after 5 minutes on the phone filters on the way... TY OP

[thelittleprince]

Originally Posted by GreenMotion

Did you have any trouble ordering the filters? When I ordered them (a couple of months ago), it took a lot of effort to get to the right, knowledgeable, customer support representative. I guess the notion of these filters was so new, the majority of their CSR's had no idea. I can only hope enough requests have come in with Sony where they now finally have their act together. I am also hoping Sony will start including these filters in the package going forward.

Personally I am very happy with the filters; they do the job very well. This is how it should have been from the beginning.

GM

Yeah, it was a hassle getting them. They passed me from one dept. to another and kept asking the same question. I told them I need 2 pairs of filters since I have 2 pairs of glasses. A couple of weeks later, I get a package and it's 2 PIECES of filter for one pair of glasses. I had to call again to get another pair and was passed around again trying to get the info.

The filters do make a HUGE difference with less crosstalk. I just wish they made them available at the retail stores where I bought the TV or the Sony store (I live near one). How about other consumers who are not aware of this issue? I only found out about it through this thread. Thanks OP!

[blufountain]

Is there a certain amount of complimentary filters per household?

[thelittleprince]

Originally Posted by blufountain

Is there a certain amount of complimentary filters per household?

I told them I have the starter kit with 2 pairs of glasses, so I asked for 2 pairs. I guess, just tell them how many pairs of glasses you bought and ask them to send you the same number of filters. They didn't ask me for any proof of purchase.

[mysalsa1234]

I did not even know about the filters, I will call up to get some! Usually the flickering is due to a low battery. I think the filters would be great to fix the turning of the head issue I have seen. I notice this as a issue with most 3D sets as well so I did not think it was an issue. I would like to lay down and watch a 3D movie though so I will try to order them asap!

[Bravia3D]

I called Sony here in Japan about this, and can you believe they know nothing of this and told me it must be only for the USA.. I am unable to get these and I would love to have some for 2 pairs of glasses.
Anyone think they could get me some? I would gladly pay a bit and shipping cost of course.