Sony 4100 Series LCD - Blu-ray Forum

Kryptron · 07-07-2008, 08:08 PM

I picked up the 40V4100 a few days ago and i notice a few white sparkles flash and go away during dark scenes and then come back like every 8 secs. I was just wondering if anyone else has experience any problems with their 2008 model 4100 series tv. Problems seems to be happening with all models most people don't notice it and sony has not recognized the problem. All models seem to have this problem V4100,W4100 and Z4100 all sizes. I've tried 4 different hdmi cables still have the little white dots flash and disapear i now noticed it happens on broadcast too.
I found a thread on avs with alot of people who are having the same issue.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1041953

Video of problem :www.youtube.com/watch?v=9avD7fUScSg

Kryptron · 07-07-2008, 09:51 PM

Forgot to mention i only see these "sparkles" on the uper half of the screen and so does everyone else with the same problem.

yyyiiikes · 07-09-2008, 09:51 PM

Is every owner experiencing this issue???

Hopefully this will be correctable with FW update... I had my eye on this TV.

Kryptron · 07-09-2008, 10:42 PM

I think almost every 4100 tv has this problem but only a very small percentage of people notice it. I returned mine for a samsung, i am very pleased i did. If you go sony XBR is the way to go.

yyyiiikes · 07-10-2008, 03:32 AM

Was it that much of a showstopper?

I saw the videos on you-tube but they involved a static menu background - not representative of what I would be concerned about. How distracting is it during a movie/tv?

Kryptron · 07-10-2008, 04:15 AM

Got pretty darn distracting. At first i thought it was just the film itself maybe just film noise or bad movie transfer. But when i paused it or rewinded the movie the flashing dots would apear on a different part of the screen. It isen't that bad honestly but during a dark scene you see these sparkles kinda like stars flashing and going away it gets anoying. I contacted sony they said they never herd of the problem, others have done the same and sony's response is that they never herd of such problems.

Kage · 07-10-2008, 04:29 AM

I bought the Sony KDL-40W4100 a few days ago and it had sparkles. Today I exchanged it for the Samsung LN40A550. The Samsung has no sparkles.

yyyiiikes · 07-10-2008, 12:52 PM

Thanks for the info - I'll follow this closely to see if they can fix it before I make a purchase. I was planning to buy one of these in the Fall after the new XBR line is launched - thinking the price might drop.

I really liked the slim Z model of the 4100.

micks_address · 07-25-2008, 07:25 AM

hi guys,

i have the european model of this tv and its just started to show sparkles in the last week.. it only happens on 1080i/p material and it only seems to be happening on older films.. newer fims dont seem to exhibit the sparkles at all...

i was wondering could this be due to my hdmi cabling? i dont think it can be an issue with the tv as i can play/pause/repeat the same sparkes in the same places.. its not random

maybe its something that will just go away over time..

any thoughts?

cheers,
mick

Kryptron · 07-25-2008, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by micks_address

hi guys,

i have the european model of this tv and its just started to show sparkles in the last week.. it only happens on 1080i/p material and it only seems to be happening on older films.. newer fims dont seem to exhibit the sparkles at all...

i was wondering could this be due to my hdmi cabling? i dont think it can be an issue with the tv as i can play/pause/repeat the same sparkes in the same places.. its not random

maybe its something that will just go away over time..

any thoughts?

cheers,
mick

Mick your description does not sound like the problem others are having. If you can repeat the sparkle on the same spot by rewinding, and even pausing it on the same spot, it's probably in the film or source you are watching itself, older films have video noise that looks similar to the sparkle problem. The problem others are having happens with all HD material and it not only happens on things connected to hdmi it also happens with component and over the air broadcast. It's like white dots that flash randomly but never on the same spot. If you rewind or pause the video it happens in different areas, and always on the uper half of the screen only

micks_address · 07-28-2008, 07:24 AM

Thanks Krypton,

It does seem to only happen on some films.. like last night i was watching I Robot on Blue Ray and it was amazing.. not a sparkle in site..

anyway i got my tv ISF calibrated last night so i'm hoping i wont be changing it for quite some time..

i have a theory which will sound stupid but i think its to do with mpeg2encoded films.. i havent seen it on anything else

Cheers,
mick

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kryptron

Mick your description does not sound like the problem others are having. If you can repeat the sparkle on the same spot by rewinding, and even pausing it on the same spot, it's probably in the film or source you are watching itself, older films have video noise that looks similar to the sparkle problem. The problem others are having happens with all HD material and it not only happens on things connected to hdmi it also happens with component and over the air broadcast. It's like white dots that flash randomly but never on the same spot. If you rewind or pause the video it happens in different areas, and always on the uper half of the screen only

KBZ · 08-04-2008, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by micks_address

Thanks Krypton,
i have a theory which will sound stupid but i think its to do with mpeg2encoded films.. i havent seen it on anything else

Well I took a chance on this TV and set it up this weekend. I see sparkles galore in The Departed and Youth without Youth - One of which is MPEG-4 AVC and the other is VC-1. I'm going through the motions with Sony right now, but if they don't come up with something by the weekend I'm exchanging it for something else. And that'll be a real shame too, because the set looks phenomenal otherwise.

xAyoFoolx · 08-04-2008, 11:21 PM

I knew you were going to regret this set.

Go with the Samsung 650, you wont regret it.

KBZ · 08-04-2008, 11:28 PM

Well the big issue there is the extra $500.00.

Sony's conclusion is now that I have a defective TV. They've suggested that I exchange it or have it fixed.

steve1971 · 08-05-2008, 12:25 AM

I have the Sony KDL 46V4100 and I have had the tv for almost 2 months now and I aint experiencing any of the "sparkles" you are guys have talked about. I have watched about 6 or 7 Blu Ray discs and again no problems at all. So far its the best HD I have ever owned.

KBZ · 08-05-2008, 02:31 AM

Have you looked closely for them or is it possible that you just haven't noticed them yet? If there are TV's out there that don't have this issue, I'd be inclined to exchange this one for the same model once to see if I have better luck. If it's an across the board issue and people who aren't having it just don't know it yet, I'm just buying a Samsung.

steve1971 · 08-05-2008, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KBZ

Have you looked closely for them or is it possible that you just haven't noticed them yet? If there are TV's out there that don't have this issue, I'd be inclined to exchange this one for the same model once to see if I have better luck. If it's an across the board issue and people who aren't having it just don't know it yet, I'm just buying a Samsung.

Hey KBZ,

Ever since I spotted this article I have watched closely for these "sparkles" and I would have noticed them. Like I said I have had the tv for about 2 months now and I dont see a thing. I am a stickler for perfection especially when I pay almost 2 grand for something. If my tv would have these problems I would 1 have Sony come and fix the problem or 2 exchange it. Like I said there has not been a problem with my 46V4100. But again I have looked closely and have paid attention to make sure I dont have any sparkles on my HD. But hey if you want to go with Samsung then thats cool. They make a great HD tv.

KBZ · 08-05-2008, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve1971

Hey KBZ,

Ever since I spotted this article I have watched closely for these "sparkles" and I would have noticed them. Like I said I have had the tv for about 2 months now and I dont see a thing. I am a stickler for perfection especially when I pay almost 2 grand for something. If my tv would have these problems I would 1 have Sony come and fix the problem or 2 exchange it. Like I said there has not been a problem with my 46V4100. But again I have looked closely and have paid attention to make sure I dont have any sparkles on my HD. But hey if you want to go with Samsung then thats cool. They make a great HD tv.

Thanks for the advice. A couple of things, it only happens from 1080p sources, so were you scrutinizing blu-ray? Given the forum we're at, I'm guessing you were.

Second, today I managed to get Best Buy to price match Fry's price on the Samsung LN40A550 - which was a steal at $1099.99 It also brought the cost of the warranty down by $35. So by the time I left, I had the Samsung, and $254 back in my pocket. So assuming it looks good tonight when I get it all set up, I think I'm happy with the decision.

My big worry was that if it was a defective batch, that I'd end up with the same thing given that all the Best Buy's in the area get their stuff from the same warehouse - I just didn't feel like dealing with it anymore.

yyyiiikes · 08-06-2008, 02:57 AM

it seems to be an issue that varies from TV to TV... there is an extensive thread about it on the AVS forum. I was going to purchase this set but have decided to hold back for now.

I went to a local store to check it out for my self. I stared at a 46Z4100 for about 5-7 minutes and did not see a single one. Then I checked out two 40Z4100 and saw the sparkles within a minute. These TVs were in different stores. My experience, which is limited, seemed that the sparkles were noted when there was a sudden flash to a new scene. It was like the jump to a new image, light setting, colors, etc. was associated with the sparkles.

steve1971 · 08-06-2008, 04:07 AM

Boy it seem this "sparkle" issue is a big thing here and I dont blame people for being concerned about it at all. I would be as well if my 46V4100 had the problem but it dont so as one said it seems to be an issue from tv to tv. I guess I was one of the lucky ones not to have this happen. I consider myself lucky. My big HD has been nothing short of perfect while watching HD cable and Blu Ray. Yes I have looked at it closley and studied it to see if I could pick any sparkles out but there aint one, not a single one. So far so good.

07-07-2008, 08:08 PM	#1
Kryptron Expert Member Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Tampa Bay, FL Home Theater Gallery:21 4K collection:83 Blu-ray collection:450 Trading Score:4	Sony 4100 Series LCD I picked up the 40V4100 a few days ago and i notice a few white sparkles flash and go away during dark scenes and then come back like every 8 secs. I was just wondering if anyone else has experience any problems with their 2008 model 4100 series tv. Problems seems to be happening with all models most people don't notice it and sony has not recognized the problem. All models seem to have this problem V4100,W4100 and Z4100 all sizes. I've tried 4 different hdmi cables still have the little white dots flash and disapear i now noticed it happens on broadcast too. I found a thread on avs with alot of people who are having the same issue. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1041953 Video of problem :www.youtube.com/watch?v=9avD7fUScSg Last edited by Kryptron; 07-10-2008 at 04:20 AM.

07-07-2008, 09:51 PM	#2
Kryptron Expert Member Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Tampa Bay, FL Home Theater Gallery:21 4K collection:83 Blu-ray collection:450 Trading Score:4	Forgot to mention i only see these "sparkles" on the uper half of the screen and so does everyone else with the same problem. Last edited by Kryptron; 07-08-2008 at 03:50 AM.

07-10-2008, 04:15 AM	#6
Kryptron Expert Member Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Tampa Bay, FL Home Theater Gallery:21 4K collection:83 Blu-ray collection:450 Trading Score:4	Got pretty darn distracting. At first i thought it was just the film itself maybe just film noise or bad movie transfer. But when i paused it or rewinded the movie the flashing dots would apear on a different part of the screen. It isen't that bad honestly but during a dark scene you see these sparkles kinda like stars flashing and going away it gets anoying. I contacted sony they said they never herd of the problem, others have done the same and sony's response is that they never herd of such problems. Last edited by Kryptron; 07-10-2008 at 04:23 AM.

08-04-2008, 11:28 PM	#14
KBZ Active Member Member since:Mar 2008 Location:Chicago 4K collection:910 Blu-ray collection:1450 DVD collection:45 Digital collection:1016 Trading Score:7	Well the big issue there is the extra $500.00. Sony's conclusion is now that I have a defective TV. They've suggested that I exchange it or have it fixed. Last edited by KBZ; 08-04-2008 at 11:49 PM.

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07-09-2008, 09:51 PM	#3
yyyiiikes Member Member since:Dec 2007 Location:Austin, TX	Is every owner experiencing this issue??? Hopefully this will be correctable with FW update... I had my eye on this TV.

07-09-2008, 10:42 PM	#4
Kryptron Expert Member Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Tampa Bay, FL Home Theater Gallery:21 4K collection:83 Blu-ray collection:450 Trading Score:4	I think almost every 4100 tv has this problem but only a very small percentage of people notice it. I returned mine for a samsung, i am very pleased i did. If you go sony XBR is the way to go.

07-10-2008, 03:32 AM	#5
yyyiiikes Member Member since:Dec 2007 Location:Austin, TX	Was it that much of a showstopper? I saw the videos on you-tube but they involved a static menu background - not representative of what I would be concerned about. How distracting is it during a movie/tv?

07-10-2008, 04:29 AM	#7
Kage Expert Member Member since:Nov 2007 Location:DFW, TX MA collection:- iTunes collection:- Trading Score:174	I bought the Sony KDL-40W4100 a few days ago and it had sparkles. Today I exchanged it for the Samsung LN40A550. The Samsung has no sparkles.

07-10-2008, 12:52 PM	#8
yyyiiikes Member Member since:Dec 2007 Location:Austin, TX	Thanks for the info - I'll follow this closely to see if they can fix it before I make a purchase. I was planning to buy one of these in the Fall after the new XBR line is launched - thinking the price might drop. I really liked the slim Z model of the 4100.

07-25-2008, 07:25 AM	#9
micks_address Special Member Member since:May 2007 Location:Dublin Blu-ray collection:156 Trading Score:2	hi guys, i have the european model of this tv and its just started to show sparkles in the last week.. it only happens on 1080i/p material and it only seems to be happening on older films.. newer fims dont seem to exhibit the sparkles at all... i was wondering could this be due to my hdmi cabling? i dont think it can be an issue with the tv as i can play/pause/repeat the same sparkes in the same places.. its not random maybe its something that will just go away over time.. any thoughts? cheers, mick

08-04-2008, 11:21 PM	#13
xAyoFoolx Banned Member since:Mar 2008 Location:Bayonne, New Jersey	I knew you were going to regret this set. Go with the Samsung 650, you wont regret it.

08-05-2008, 12:25 AM	#15
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	I have the Sony KDL 46V4100 and I have had the tv for almost 2 months now and I aint experiencing any of the "sparkles" you are guys have talked about. I have watched about 6 or 7 Blu Ray discs and again no problems at all. So far its the best HD I have ever owned.

08-05-2008, 02:31 AM	#16
KBZ Active Member Member since:Mar 2008 Location:Chicago 4K collection:910 Blu-ray collection:1450 DVD collection:45 Digital collection:1016 Trading Score:7	Have you looked closely for them or is it possible that you just haven't noticed them yet? If there are TV's out there that don't have this issue, I'd be inclined to exchange this one for the same model once to see if I have better luck. If it's an across the board issue and people who aren't having it just don't know it yet, I'm just buying a Samsung.

08-06-2008, 02:57 AM	#19
yyyiiikes Member Member since:Dec 2007 Location:Austin, TX	it seems to be an issue that varies from TV to TV... there is an extensive thread about it on the AVS forum. I was going to purchase this set but have decided to hold back for now. I went to a local store to check it out for my self. I stared at a 46Z4100 for about 5-7 minutes and did not see a single one. Then I checked out two 40Z4100 and saw the sparkles within a minute. These TVs were in different stores. My experience, which is limited, seemed that the sparkles were noted when there was a sudden flash to a new scene. It was like the jump to a new image, light setting, colors, etc. was associated with the sparkles.

08-06-2008, 04:07 AM	#20
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	Boy it seem this "sparkle" issue is a big thing here and I dont blame people for being concerned about it at all. I would be as well if my 46V4100 had the problem but it dont so as one said it seems to be an issue from tv to tv. I guess I was one of the lucky ones not to have this happen. I consider myself lucky. My big HD has been nothing short of perfect while watching HD cable and Blu Ray. Yes I have looked at it closley and studied it to see if I could pick any sparkles out but there aint one, not a single one. So far so good.

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