Why XBR4 why !

[mrb713]

Okay here we go. I bought my first HDTV in January 08' from best buy. I bought a Sony xbr4. The first few weeks went smooth (as expected) then I noticed a faint but undeniably noticeable transparent horizontal line across the screen. I figured, okay, I got a defective TV; I was just a few days beyond the 30 day return policy so I didn’t think brining it back would be a problem and it wasn't. So home again w/ new TV, hddvr, ps3 set and ready to go and for (this time) the next few months nooo problem, until yesterday (sigh). I had just downloaded calling all cars and once I started to play, what did I notice, ANOTHER DAMN LINE !!!! permanently burnt into the screen. Now doomed to have to explain to guest what this "mystery line" is doomed, to not be able to FULLY enjoy future blu-ray releases , having to pretend like it's not there pisses me like you wouldnt belive. This is my second modle of the same name and the same damn thing happened ! Aaahhrrrrrurg! Sony really f'd up on this one. So I warn those who are considering buying this particular make & model don't do it! In the mean time though still wondering what Ican do about my situation. Please help anybody.

[Woody]

Originally Posted by mrb713

Okay here we go. I bought my first HDTV in January 08' from best buy. I bought a Sony xbr4. The first few weeks went smooth (as expected) then I noticed a faint but undeniably noticeable transparent horizontal line across the screen. I figured, okay, I got a defective TV; I was just a few days beyond the 30 day return policy so I didn’t think brining it back would be a problem and it wasn't. So home again w/ new TV, hddvr, ps3 set and ready to go and for (this time) the next few months nooo problem, until yesterday (sigh). I had just downloaded calling all cars and once I started to play, what did I notice, ANOTHER DAMN LINE !!!! permanently burnt into the screen. Now doomed to have to explain to guest what this "mystery line" is doomed, to not be able to FULLY enjoy future blu-ray releases , having to pretend like it's not there pisses me like you wouldnt belive. This is my second modle of the same name and the same damn thing happened ! Aaahhrrrrrurg! Sony really f'd up on this one. So I warn those who are considering buying this particular make & model don't do it! In the mean time though still wondering what Ican do about my situation. Please help anybody.

Should be a 1 year warranty.

[Scooby Blu]

I had the same problem with my Nuvision TV. They call that damn line a Rafter. Don't ask me why but they do. I notified my dealer and they came out and gave me a brand new on. No questions asked. They did not even look at the TV they just replaced it with a newer model. It is a a rare problem but it does occur However, something has to be said about smaller companies and Hi End stores !

[RIPSeanTaylor21]

THATS WHY YOU SHOULDVE BOUGHT THE 4 YEAR PSP PERFORMANCE SERVICE PLAN, Sorry BTW, Best of LUCK with dealing with SONY!

[SellmeyourDVD]

Originally Posted by Woody

Should be a 1 year warranty.

with in home service to

[davidxiphoid]

Originally Posted by mrb713

Okay here we go. I bought my first HDTV in January 08' from best buy. I bought a Sony xbr4. The first few weeks went smooth (as expected) then I noticed a faint but undeniably noticeable transparent horizontal line across the screen. I figured, okay, I got a defective TV; I was just a few days beyond the 30 day return policy so I didn’t think brining it back would be a problem and it wasn't. So home again w/ new TV, hddvr, ps3 set and ready to go and for (this time) the next few months nooo problem, until yesterday (sigh). I had just downloaded calling all cars and once I started to play, what did I notice, ANOTHER DAMN LINE !!!! permanently burnt into the screen. Now doomed to have to explain to guest what this "mystery line" is doomed, to not be able to FULLY enjoy future blu-ray releases , having to pretend like it's not there pisses me like you wouldnt belive. This is my second modle of the same name and the same damn thing happened ! Aaahhrrrrrurg! Sony really f'd up on this one. So I warn those who are considering buying this particular make & model don't do it! In the mean time though still wondering what Ican do about my situation. Please help anybody.

I bought the 4 year extended warranty through Sonystyle.com. it was a heck of a lot cheaper than buying what seems like the exact same type of service that BB was offering.

I've had nothing but Sony and nver had any probems including my first hdtv. Had my XBR4 since Dec and it's been perfect. Sorry your having issues with yours.

[delavoie]

I have a XBR5.. never had a issue with it..

[jshorr]

Originally Posted by davidxiphoid

I bought the 4 year extended warranty through Sonystyle.com. it was a heck of a lot cheaper than buying what seems like the exact same type of service that BB was offering.

I've had nothing but Sony and nver had any probems including my first hdtv. Had my XBR4 since Dec and it's been perfect. Sorry your having issues with yours.

Keep one thing in mind about the warranty from Sony/Sonystyle.com...you probably know this already...it's an outside company, just like at BB or CC. I declined the warranty at CC when I bought my XBR2 and they sent me the extended warranty info when the 1 year was up. I looked at it and eventually decided to sign up for 1 year. But you're not actually buying anything from Sony, and the same fine print applies just like any of the other outside companies. For instance they can repair or even replace at their disgression with whatever they deem to be a comparable TV. Does not have to be new, doesn't even have to be a Sony. They're all this way. I really hate the whole idea of doing business with these companies but for a TV that still costs around $3,000 I was willing to kick in for a year.

[cawgijoe]

Originally Posted by RIPSeanTaylor21

THATS WHY YOU SHOULDVE BOUGHT THE 4 YEAR PSP PERFORMANCE SERVICE PLAN, Sorry BTW, Best of LUCK with dealing with SONY!

I've had great luck in the couple of instances I've had to deal with Sony. I had a DVD player repaired with no issues as well as in home service on my 34XBR800....green blob due to magnetization (CRT)......I was very polite with their customer service and they were very helpful.

[Amel]

extended warranties are overrated and way to expensive

what you need is a bit of luck, care and a good brand

[cawgijoe]

Originally Posted by jshorr

Keep one thing in mind about the warranty from Sony/Sonystyle.com...you probably know this already...it's an outside company, just like at BB or CC. I declined the warranty at CC when I bought my XBR2 and they sent me the extended warranty info when the 1 year was up. I looked at it and eventually decided to sign up for 1 year. But you're not actually buying anything from Sony, and the same fine print applies just like any of the other outside companies. For instance they can repair or even replace at their disgression with whatever they deem to be a comparable TV. Does not have to be new, doesn't even have to be a Sony. They're all this way. I really hate the whole idea of doing business with these companies but for a TV that still costs around $3,000 I was willing to kick in for a year.

I never buy the extended warranty. In this regard I agree completely with Consumer Reports.....take the money you would have spent....put it away in savings....add to it as you can and if you never use it to repair your TV, you've got money to buy something else with.

[Zten]

Originally Posted by mrb713

Okay here we go. I bought my first HDTV in January 08' from best buy. I bought a Sony xbr4. The first few weeks went smooth (as expected) then I noticed a faint but undeniably noticeable transparent horizontal line across the screen. I figured, okay, I got a defective TV; I was just a few days beyond the 30 day return policy so I didn’t think brining it back would be a problem and it wasn't. So home again w/ new TV, hddvr, ps3 set and ready to go and for (this time) the next few months nooo problem, until yesterday (sigh). I had just downloaded calling all cars and once I started to play, what did I notice, ANOTHER DAMN LINE !!!! permanently burnt into the screen. Now doomed to have to explain to guest what this "mystery line" is doomed, to not be able to FULLY enjoy future blu-ray releases , having to pretend like it's not there pisses me like you wouldnt belive. This is my second modle of the same name and the same damn thing happened ! Aaahhrrrrrurg! Sony really f'd up on this one. So I warn those who are considering buying this particular make & model don't do it! In the mean time though still wondering what Ican do about my situation. Please help anybody.

2nd TV, same supposedly rare issue? If its a 1% problem, you just hit a 1 in 10,000 chance of getting two sets with the same defect. Either you are horribly lucky and should be making a tip to the casino, or there is something about your setup promoting the issue....

[GeneD5]

I've got the same line on my samsung Ln-T4071f...bought the 3yr extended warranty from Circuit City for almost $300. Two months and the thing is still not replaced or fixed. Hardcore pissed me off and they have lost a customer for life

[dogger114]

I had a similar problem with my Sony 52" XBR4 2 months ago. I bought mine from Best Buy back in September and I started to get this line on my screen and it kept growing and growing. This line was vertical. I contacted Sony and had no problem with the warrenty and they agree to have it looked at in house becuase it was covered. The only issue I had was finding an authorized sony service center to come out and look at it. The nearest one was 40 mile away and they would not travel that far so I had to bring it to them to look at it. It turns out that the whole LCD panel would need to be replaced and that it would take special authorization from Sony to replace which the repair guy said they aways do but it just take extra time.

They need to ship the panel specials so that take a little longer and overall it took about 3 1/2 weeks to get it back but it looks great now. The funny thing is that it cost more to replace the panel than what I paid for the TV about $4000. Overall my experience with Sony was good.

[toocheezy]

Never had a problem with mine!!

[mrb713]

Originally Posted by Zten

2nd TV, same supposedly rare issue? If its a 1% problem, you just hit a 1 in 10,000 chance of getting two sets with the same defect. Either you are horribly lucky and should be making a tip to the casino, or there is something about your setup promoting the issue....

Okay, my set up consists of an HD dvr, the ps3, via hdmi/ on both. Maybe they way the DIRECTV guy has every thing hooked up wrong. The PQ is outstanding; it's that damn line that’s driving me crazy and GOD forbid it gets any bigger or longer!! As you mentioned though I hope it's not something I'm doing that’s creating the problem cause the chances of this happening to me twice is just absurd. The HD DVR is hooked up via hdmi/componet or composite video, which ever the red and green hook up is so maybee thats it. Hell, at this point though the damage is already done, so any adjustments might be for nothing. Damn damn , damn

[mgonzo2u]

Anymore than one wire running from you HD DVR is not an HDMI connection. HDMI connection consists of one wire that contains both audio and visual.

[theprophecy247]

Sucks for you bro call sony and wyle out at them theyll replace it

[PNF]

sorry to hear that.

I havent had my TV that long (about 2.5 months only). So far, its been great with my XBR4.

I also had very positive experience with sonystyle too.

Bought a sony SZ laptop. The first one came with 2 small dead pixels on the screen. I called, they sent me a box, I sent the laptop back, and then it was replaced. The whole turnover time was about just 10 days, including weekends.

The 2nd issue I had was with my keyboard. They keyboard was a bit loose, so I called in (about a month later), they again sent me the box, and i sent it back. The whole thing took literally less than a week. Problems fixed.

Its been 1.5 years since then, no problem whatsoever now.

So, yea, a couple minor glitches, but each were handled efficiently and effectively.



Question for those who did not purchase the extended warrenty. I also did not purchase the extended warrenty. But I am having 2nd thoughts now. Can I still call up Sonystyle to ask for the extended warrenty? I didnt buy my tv from sonystyle. I bought it at a wholeseller. (saved me $900!)

[aod38]

if the line only shows when the ps3 is on then its probably the wire. My xbox360 came with a defective HDMI cable. I always had this transparent line that would change color sometimes.