XBR9 flashlighting - Blu-ray Forum

sinister184 · 01-19-2010, 06:58 AM

Im new to this issue but it seems to be a little bit of a problem with my XBR9 with some clouding as well. its not horrible, but im debating on whether its bad enough to exchange from amazon. The top and bottom right corners are the most problematic. It doesnt do it right when the TV is turned on, but after about 30min or so to warm up and it starts being pretty noticeable during dark scenes. Thoughts? i have a little over a week to decide. in this pic, the its a little worse than it actually looks. The blue tint makes it stand out a little more, but thats definitely where its showing through. Also, this is with my backlight on 3 and my brightness on 48. ive tried dialing out, this is the best i can get without suffering in PQ

p1rates · 01-19-2010, 11:35 AM

The flashlighting doesn't seem that bad in your picture. You can swap it out if you feel inclined to do so. It's luck of a draw though so you might get a worst set. Is your XBR9 updated? If not I would download the newest firmware. I have the 40XBR9 and it used to have some flashlighting but it disappeared in time. I've had it since October.

Try Home Magazine Theater's settings for the XBR9
Home Theater: Sony KDL-52XBR9 LCD HDTV

And here's TweakTV's settings for the XBR9
https://www.tweaktv.com/tweak-my-tv/...dl-52xbr9.html

Hope that helps!

sinister184 · 01-19-2010, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by p1rates

The flashlighting doesn't seem that bad in your picture. You can swap it out if you feel inclined to do so. It's luck of a draw though so you might get a worst set. Is your XBR9 updated? If not I would download the newest firmware. I have the 40XBR9 and it used to have some flashlighting but it disappeared in time. I've had it since October.

Try Home Magazine Theater's settings for the XBR9
Home Theater: Sony KDL-52XBR9 LCD HDTV

And here's TweakTV's settings for the XBR9
https://www.tweaktv.com/tweak-my-tv/...dl-52xbr9.html

Hope that helps!

Thanks, yeah its on the latest firmware. Ive been reading the thread on AVS and it is definitely common for this TV. I dont want to get one thats worse, i just dont feel like i should have to settle with such an expensive TV. Other than this problem the set is gorgeous, but im leaning towards sending it back. Ive heard a few people say that it got better over time, but honestly i feel like mine has got worse. Ive had it setup since early November.

steve1971 · 01-19-2010, 07:59 PM

First I just want to say I cant stand the AVS forums one bit. Some of the people over there will put down and condemn anything if its not spot on PERFECT and should a person try and defend that product they get told "oh your wrong" or "you dont know what you talking about". So for me I dont even waste my time over there anymore. I like it right here. Now onto your clouding issue with the XBR 9. From the pics you posted it dont look bad at all. When I first bought my 46V5100 back in November of last year it had the same issue but since I downloaded the firmware it went away. Some LCD's have this problem no matter what manufacturer they come from. Home Theater Magazine and CNET have said it has been an issue with LCD sets. Is it worth taking back? In my opinion no because who knows your next tv may have the same issue or even worse! So if it was me I would hang onto it. Even without the firmware the clouding issue I have heard and read where after time it goes away. In the end its your call and your money but the XBR 9 is an awsome tv worth hanging onto.

Just my thoughts.

sinister184 · 01-19-2010, 09:07 PM

thanks steve. first of all i agree completely with the first thing you said which is why i have like 50 posts there in 3 years. i like it here. but it can have some info worth reading occasionally. I know the set isnt that bad, but i may try my hand at an exchange and hope the next one is better. My dads W series Sony doesnt have anything close to resembling the clouds in my XBR and it should be the other way around.

progers13 · 01-19-2010, 09:36 PM

I don't have an XBR9, but I do have the 52" KDL-W4100. I've had it for a year, and the clouding has not gotten any better on my set. Like you've described, the only way to get it to stop is to back way off the backlight and turn the brightness way down. This really impacts the picture quality and causes a lot of crushed blacks.

I will say that my set looks fabulous in a well lit room. Daytime viewing results in a breath-taking picture, even with the dark scenes. This issue only seems to be a problem when actually watching in the dark, which is how I like to watch my movies. And it's not limited only to dark scenes, as movies with black bars look lighter in those areas. It really pulls you out of the movie when it catches your eye.

It annoys me and some days it's more noticeable than others, but it never goes away.

Coming from an LCD owner who loves his Sony, I would say exchange it if you still can. Maybe a plasma would be the better way for you to go, especially if you like watching in a dark or near-dark enviroment.

QuasidodoJr · 01-19-2010, 09:36 PM

I've got the XBR9, and mine had some minimal clouding when I first got it, in early November. Now there's only a little bit of clouding in the top right hand corner, which is only noticeable in very dark scenes. If there are any other colors, besides black, or any sort of action going on in that corner (which is 95% of the time), it's not viewable to the eye.

sinister184 · 01-20-2010, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuasidodoJr

I've got the XBR9, and mine had some minimal clouding when I first got it, in early November. Now there's only a little bit of clouding in the top right hand corner, which is only noticeable in very dark scenes. If there are any other colors, besides black, or any sort of action going on in that corner (which is 95% of the time), it's not viewable to the eye.

so you would say it looks a lot better than mine?

sinister184 · 01-20-2010, 12:17 AM

amazon will also even swap me for a Samsung LN46B750. Im sure picture quality would be pretty much identical for those 2 sets, but the Sony wins in terms of internet connectivity. But they also annouced that there bringing the same bravia internet features are coming to the PS3. The black levels are a real pep peeve since my last LCD had horrible blacks. Ugh, decisions. i really like the bravia link, all my stuff is sony. PS3, HX1, blu player etc

QuasidodoJr · 01-20-2010, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinister184

so you would say it looks a lot better than mine?

Can't really tell from that picture. Like I said, I only slightly notice it in the top right hand corner during extremely dark scenes. Oh, and my backlight is set to 6.

p1rates · 01-20-2010, 03:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sinister184

Thanks, yeah its on the latest firmware. Ive been reading the thread on AVS and it is definitely common for this TV. I dont want to get one thats worse, i just dont feel like i should have to settle with such an expensive TV. Other than this problem the set is gorgeous, but im leaning towards sending it back. Ive heard a few people say that it got better over time, but honestly i feel like mine has got worse. Ive had it setup since early November.

I've posted in the AVS XBR9 thread a couple times. My XBR9 has no flashlighting at all now. You can swap out the XBR9 for another one. The B750 is a great television but it's another gamble and Samsung's customer service is atrocious. It's also great that all my Sony products have Bravia Sync so everything works flawlessly together.

It's weird that the flashlighting is getting worse on your tv. I've never heard of that before. Maybe you should switch it out since it's bothering you. I recommend sticking with Sony though. Keep us updated on everything and good luck!

sinister184 · 01-20-2010, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by p1rates

I've posted in the AVS XBR9 thread a couple times. My XBR9 has no flashlighting at all now. You can swap out the XBR9 for another one. The B750 is a great television but it's another gamble and Samsung's customer service is atrocious. It's also great that all my Sony products have Bravia Sync so everything works flawlessly together.

It's weird that the flashlighting is getting worse on your tv. I've never heard of that before. Maybe you should switch it out since it's bothering you. I recommend sticking with Sony though. Keep us updated on everything and good luck!

yeah im just going to exchange the XBR and hope for a better set. I may not have gotten worse, it think i just didnt notice it before and now i do all the time when its dark. But amazon is going to go ahead and ship out another TV and pickup the one i have when they drop the new one off. I love Amazon. wont miss a beat.

steve1971 · 01-20-2010, 07:42 PM

Keep us posted on how things turn out with the new tv. Hopefully no clouding issue for you.

muathusanjose · 01-21-2010, 04:10 PM

I bought XBR6 it happen also, so I thought it was defected, I went to exchange, it's the same thing. I check out all of the display at the retail store. The all have white flashing pixel .

paperthrower2000 · 01-21-2010, 05:43 PM

I have had some clouding on my xbr9 since day one,it is only noticable on the black screen though,does not affect the picture any.Not to worried about it since I don't sit and watch the black screen anyway.

carios23 · 01-22-2010, 08:02 PM

I had 45 days to return the first XBR 9 I brought home. During that time I never experience clouding but I did see flash-lighting on the corners which decreased a bit. What bothered me and it was the reason I exchanged it for another set was that one corner was brighter than the others. The set I got now has even flash-lighting in all corners if that makes any sense

.

I love the set and I only notice this when it is really dark. It is not really a problem for me because I watch TV mostly during the day or at night with dim lights. If you mostly watch TV in the dark, you might want to look into other sets.

JR8300 · 01-22-2010, 08:05 PM

I usually don't bash TVs but I had 4 XBR9s all had severe bleeding issues. Backlight bleed tech doesn't take away from the picture quality but it can be unbearable for some viewers. Kind of like the rainbow issues with DLP w/ color wheels.

I returned it and went with the B750. Also, don't listen to the people who say "I don't sit and watch a black screen blah blah blah" because inevitably you will be watching a movie with very dark scenes and you will still see the issue. If it bothers you return it...don't settle just because someone tells you not to watch a black screen.

progers13 · 01-22-2010, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JR8300

I usually don't bash TVs but I had 4 XBR9s all had severe bleeding issues. Backlight bleed tech doesn't take away from the picture quality but it can be unbearable for some viewers. Kind of like the rainbow issues with DLP w/ color wheels.

I returned it and went with the B750. Also, don't listen to the people who say "I don't sit and watch a black screen blah blah blah" because inevitably you will be watching a movie with very dark scenes and you will still see the issue. If it bothers you return it...don't settle just because someone tells you not to watch a black screen.

+1. Good post. I've said all along, if it bothers you now - return it. It will not get better.

I didn't know about this issue on my TV until it was too late. Inevitably I watch about 50% in the dark, and I notice it on every single dark scene. The picture looks fantastic when I watch during the day, but night time viewing really irks me.

sinister184 · 01-22-2010, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JR8300

I usually don't bash TVs but I had 4 XBR9s all had severe bleeding issues. Backlight bleed tech doesn't take away from the picture quality but it can be unbearable for some viewers. Kind of like the rainbow issues with DLP w/ color wheels.

I returned it and went with the B750. Also, don't listen to the people who say "I don't sit and watch a black screen blah blah blah" because inevitably you will be watching a movie with very dark scenes and you will still see the issue. If it bothers you return it...don't settle just because someone tells you not to watch a black screen.

thanks for everyones inputs. im hoping its worth the process of returning it. I know its a gamble but hopefully ill get a better screen. b/c i wont just settle for a bleeding screen. 80%+ of my movie and tv watching is at night in a dark room. Like i said i really like the Sony and i am going to give another one a shot, but if the next set does the same thing, then ill get the Samsung.

QuasidodoJr · 01-23-2010, 07:34 AM

I'd say it definitely comes down to how you watch your movies. Like a few others in this thread, I watch at night with my lights dimmed, not turned off. I have a very minimal amount of clouding, but I can usually only see it during opening/ending credits. I didn't even notice it during the full runtime of The Descent, and that entire movie is shrouded in darkness. If there's anything active on the screen, I don't notice it at all.

Not enough of a deal breaker for me, but I can see how it would greatly bother others.

01-19-2010, 06:58 AM	#1
sinister184 Special Member Member since:Jul 2007 Location:FL, USA Home Theater Gallery:4 4K collection:52 Blu-ray collection:593 Blu-ray reviews:7 Trading Score:17	XBR9 flashlighting Im new to this issue but it seems to be a little bit of a problem with my XBR9 with some clouding as well. its not horrible, but im debating on whether its bad enough to exchange from amazon. The top and bottom right corners are the most problematic. It doesnt do it right when the TV is turned on, but after about 30min or so to warm up and it starts being pretty noticeable during dark scenes. Thoughts? i have a little over a week to decide. in this pic, the its a little worse than it actually looks. The blue tint makes it stand out a little more, but thats definitely where its showing through. Also, this is with my backlight on 3 and my brightness on 48. ive tried dialing out, this is the best i can get without suffering in PQ Last edited by sinister184; 01-19-2010 at 07:38 AM.

01-20-2010, 12:17 AM	#9
sinister184 Special Member Member since:Jul 2007 Location:FL, USA Home Theater Gallery:4 4K collection:52 Blu-ray collection:593 Blu-ray reviews:7 Trading Score:17	amazon will also even swap me for a Samsung LN46B750. Im sure picture quality would be pretty much identical for those 2 sets, but the Sony wins in terms of internet connectivity. But they also annouced that there bringing the same bravia internet features are coming to the PS3. The black levels are a real pep peeve since my last LCD had horrible blacks. Ugh, decisions. i really like the bravia link, all my stuff is sony. PS3, HX1, blu player etc Last edited by sinister184; 01-20-2010 at 12:19 AM.

01-22-2010, 08:05 PM	#17
JR8300 Active Member Member since:Jun 2008 Blu-ray collection:33	I usually don't bash TVs but I had 4 XBR9s all had severe bleeding issues. Backlight bleed tech doesn't take away from the picture quality but it can be unbearable for some viewers. Kind of like the rainbow issues with DLP w/ color wheels. I returned it and went with the B750. Also, don't listen to the people who say "I don't sit and watch a black screen blah blah blah" because inevitably you will be watching a movie with very dark scenes and you will still see the issue. If it bothers you return it...don't settle just because someone tells you not to watch a black screen. Last edited by JR8300; 01-22-2010 at 08:17 PM. Reason: Was actually 4 XBR9s

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01-19-2010, 11:35 AM	#2
p1rates Member Member since:Dec 2007	The flashlighting doesn't seem that bad in your picture. You can swap it out if you feel inclined to do so. It's luck of a draw though so you might get a worst set. Is your XBR9 updated? If not I would download the newest firmware. I have the 40XBR9 and it used to have some flashlighting but it disappeared in time. I've had it since October. Try Home Magazine Theater's settings for the XBR9 Home Theater: Sony KDL-52XBR9 LCD HDTV And here's TweakTV's settings for the XBR9 https://www.tweaktv.com/tweak-my-tv/...dl-52xbr9.html Hope that helps!

01-19-2010, 07:59 PM	#4
steve1971 Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Saint Paul Minnesota. 4K collection:15 Blu-ray collection:352 Blu-ray reviews: 119 Trading Score:1	First I just want to say I cant stand the AVS forums one bit. Some of the people over there will put down and condemn anything if its not spot on PERFECT and should a person try and defend that product they get told "oh your wrong" or "you dont know what you talking about". So for me I dont even waste my time over there anymore. I like it right here. Now onto your clouding issue with the XBR 9. From the pics you posted it dont look bad at all. When I first bought my 46V5100 back in November of last year it had the same issue but since I downloaded the firmware it went away. Some LCD's have this problem no matter what manufacturer they come from. Home Theater Magazine and CNET have said it has been an issue with LCD sets. Is it worth taking back? In my opinion no because who knows your next tv may have the same issue or even worse! So if it was me I would hang onto it. Even without the firmware the clouding issue I have heard and read where after time it goes away. In the end its your call and your money but the XBR 9 is an awsome tv worth hanging onto. Just my thoughts.

01-19-2010, 09:07 PM	#5
sinister184 Special Member Member since:Jul 2007 Location:FL, USA Home Theater Gallery:4 4K collection:52 Blu-ray collection:593 Blu-ray reviews:7 Trading Score:17	thanks steve. first of all i agree completely with the first thing you said which is why i have like 50 posts there in 3 years. i like it here. but it can have some info worth reading occasionally. I know the set isnt that bad, but i may try my hand at an exchange and hope the next one is better. My dads W series Sony doesnt have anything close to resembling the clouds in my XBR and it should be the other way around.

01-19-2010, 09:36 PM	#6
progers13 Blu-ray Baron Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Aug 2009 Location:Tampa, FL Home Theater Gallery:83 Blu-ray collection:337 Blu-ray reviews: 3 Trading Score:2	I don't have an XBR9, but I do have the 52" KDL-W4100. I've had it for a year, and the clouding has not gotten any better on my set. Like you've described, the only way to get it to stop is to back way off the backlight and turn the brightness way down. This really impacts the picture quality and causes a lot of crushed blacks. I will say that my set looks fabulous in a well lit room. Daytime viewing results in a breath-taking picture, even with the dark scenes. This issue only seems to be a problem when actually watching in the dark, which is how I like to watch my movies. And it's not limited only to dark scenes, as movies with black bars look lighter in those areas. It really pulls you out of the movie when it catches your eye. It annoys me and some days it's more noticeable than others, but it never goes away. Coming from an LCD owner who loves his Sony, I would say exchange it if you still can. Maybe a plasma would be the better way for you to go, especially if you like watching in a dark or near-dark enviroment.

01-19-2010, 09:36 PM	#7
QuasidodoJr Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Cincinnati, OH 4K collection:614 Blu-ray collection:1649 DVD collection:152 Trading Score:267	I've got the XBR9, and mine had some minimal clouding when I first got it, in early November. Now there's only a little bit of clouding in the top right hand corner, which is only noticeable in very dark scenes. If there are any other colors, besides black, or any sort of action going on in that corner (which is 95% of the time), it's not viewable to the eye.

01-20-2010, 07:42 PM	#13
steve1971 Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Saint Paul Minnesota. 4K collection:15 Blu-ray collection:352 Blu-ray reviews: 119 Trading Score:1	Keep us posted on how things turn out with the new tv. Hopefully no clouding issue for you.

01-21-2010, 04:10 PM	#14
muathusanjose Active Member Member since:May 2008	I bought XBR6 it happen also, so I thought it was defected, I went to exchange, it's the same thing. I check out all of the display at the retail store. The all have white flashing pixel .

01-21-2010, 05:43 PM	#15
paperthrower2000 Special Member Member since:Jan 2009 Location:Atlantic Canada Home Theater Gallery:1 Blu-ray collection:1382 Blu-ray reviews:10	I have had some clouding on my xbr9 since day one,it is only noticable on the black screen though,does not affect the picture any.Not to worried about it since I don't sit and watch the black screen anyway.

01-22-2010, 08:02 PM	#16
carios23 Active Member Member since:Sep 2009 Home Theater Gallery:2 Blu-ray collection:36	I had 45 days to return the first XBR 9 I brought home. During that time I never experience clouding but I did see flash-lighting on the corners which decreased a bit. What bothered me and it was the reason I exchanged it for another set was that one corner was brighter than the others. The set I got now has even flash-lighting in all corners if that makes any sense . I love the set and I only notice this when it is really dark. It is not really a problem for me because I watch TV mostly during the day or at night with dim lights. If you mostly watch TV in the dark, you might want to look into other sets.

01-23-2010, 07:34 AM	#20
QuasidodoJr Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Cincinnati, OH 4K collection:614 Blu-ray collection:1649 DVD collection:152 Trading Score:267	I'd say it definitely comes down to how you watch your movies. Like a few others in this thread, I watch at night with my lights dimmed, not turned off. I have a very minimal amount of clouding, but I can usually only see it during opening/ending credits. I didn't even notice it during the full runtime of The Descent, and that entire movie is shrouded in darkness. If there's anything active on the screen, I don't notice it at all. Not enough of a deal breaker for me, but I can see how it would greatly bother others.

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