Bulb Is Going on My SXRD... I think... - Blu-ray Forum

Josh · 04-07-2009, 01:36 PM

For the last couple weeks, I have noticed that the image on my screen looks darker than it usually does, but I thought that it was a problem with my FiOS box as I didn't notice it while watching my Blu-rays. More recently, the screen has been randomly going black while viewing, requiring me to wait a couple seconds and it would come back on. It was annoying, but not enough to stop procrastinating about calling in a service ticket.

Well, on Sunday after getting back from dinner, I turned on my gear and the thing was going out every 5 mins! I went to the back of the TV and noticed that the bulb was physically going out, so I knew exactly where the trouble was. Its been over two years since I purchased the display, so I knew it was only a matter of time, but I always figured I would have the "pop" instead of a wearing issue.

So I called Best Buy yesterday and they are sending me a bulb under warranty, but its going to take 7-10 days to get to me. So in the meantime, I went onto eBay and found a place that sells actually Sony replacement lamps (not the knock-off stuff you can find for $100), and paid for the faster shipping to get it to me (hopefully) by the end of the week. Then, when the Best Buy replacement comes in, I use that unit and throw the eBay one in the closet as a spare.

The only thing that worries me, is that there is an underlying issue that is causing the bulb to go out besides age. I had the Optical Block replaced already, so that shouldn't be the issue, but who knows? One trouble-shooting step at a time.

drago3451 · 04-07-2009, 02:30 PM

How many hours do you have on the bulb. It may just be time for a replacement and not a problem with anything else.

Josh · 04-08-2009, 01:32 PM

I haven't ventured into the service menu for fear of voiding my service plan (the guy actually checked it, though not sure if he would be able to tell I accessed anything versus changed values). The replacment bulb should be here Thursday, but it hasn't been giving me an issues.

Blu-Dog · 04-08-2009, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh

I haven't ventured into the service menu for fear of voiding my service plan (the guy actually checked it, though not sure if he would be able to tell I accessed anything versus changed values). The replacment bulb should be here Thursday, but it hasn't been giving me an issues.

If you have the set on every day for a few hours, the bulb should last for about three years. If it's on all day, maybe two.

Branden · 04-08-2009, 02:23 PM

how long are SXRD bulbs supposed to last? i estimate mine has 4000-5000 hours on it and i'm thinking i should order a replacement soon for when it does eventually go.

maygit · 04-08-2009, 02:23 PM

During the winter I'd leave my t.v. on all the time as a source of heat because my room never gets any.

I hope they can't tell if you've accessed the service menu because i too have a warranty thru BB and i've gone in the service menu to check how long my bulb has been used(3,480 about 6 months ago). Your problem almost sounds more like a shortage so i would have had a tech come in and look at it with the new bulb on hand but i guess you'll just have to wait and see for yourself.

Also, not to change the subject but how do you know if you have an optical block problem? I understand it's a very common issue with these sets and sony is covering it thru like 2010 but i don't know what to look for. Since i haven't noticed an issue i probably don't have one but it'll be good to know in case there's a future problem.

^6,000-8,000 hours i believe.

solarrdadd · 04-08-2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh

For the last couple weeks, I have noticed that the image on my screen looks darker than it usually does, but I thought that it was a problem with my FiOS box as I didn't notice it while watching my Blu-rays. More recently, the screen has been randomly going black while viewing, requiring me to wait a couple seconds and it would come back on. It was annoying, but not enough to stop procrastinating about calling in a service ticket.

Well, on Sunday after getting back from dinner, I turned on my gear and the thing was going out every 5 mins! I went to the back of the TV and noticed that the bulb was physically going out, so I knew exactly where the trouble was. Its been over two years since I purchased the display, so I knew it was only a matter of time, but I always figured I would have the "pop" instead of a wearing issue.

So I called Best Buy yesterday and they are sending me a bulb under warranty, but its going to take 7-10 days to get to me. So in the meantime, I went onto eBay and found a place that sells actually Sony replacement lamps (not the knock-off stuff you can find for $100), and paid for the faster shipping to get it to me (hopefully) by the end of the week. Then, when the Best Buy replacement comes in, I use that unit and throw the eBay one in the closet as a spare.

The only thing that worries me, is that there is an underlying issue that is causing the bulb to go out besides age. I had the Optical Block replaced already, so that shouldn't be the issue, but who knows? One trouble-shooting step at a time.

Howdy, I have the same line of TV that you have in the 55" flavor (i think it's the same?) The bulb is easy to change, you could do it yourself and not void the warrenty. I've had my tv for almost 4 years and the "lamp" light hasn't come on yet nor have i had any trouble with the lamp brightness. I did have the optical block changed. when i bought it from best buy i wisely bought the extended warrenty for a couple of hundred bucks. and included in the warrenty is one lamp change so i'm covered. I'm wondering, how long have you had the tv before this trouble started with the lamp. I watch mine a lot it's on everyday for at least 5 hours and even longer on the weekends. another thing, I'll guess your "lamp" light never lit? just curious. Oh, checked out your setup, it's cool!

badboi · 04-08-2009, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maygit

During the winter I'd leave my t.v. on all the time as a source of heat because my room never gets any.

I hope they can't tell if you've accessed the service menu because i too have a warranty thru BB and i've gone in the service menu to check how long my bulb has been used(3,480 about 6 months ago). Your problem almost sounds more like a shortage so i would have had a tech come in and look at it with the new bulb on hand but i guess you'll just have to wait and see for yourself.

Also, not to change the subject but how do you know if you have an optical block problem? I understand it's a very common issue with these sets and sony is covering it thru like 2010 but i don't know what to look for. Since i haven't noticed an issue i probably don't have one but it'll be good to know in case there's a future problem.

^6,000-8,000 hours i believe.

FWIW, I don't think there's any way to tell if you've been in the service menu, unless of course, you change all the settings and that causes your tv to go tits up. But just checking your hours is ok.

Re: optical block problem. You'll notice that people start to look a tad bit orange, like they've bought some of that sun tan in a tube stuff and smeared in on their faces. You'll also notice that whites are now a somewhat shade of jello lime green color and that will only get worse. No amount of adjusting will cure it. You'll have to call for service, and when my optical block was replaced it was done in home by the warranty company (not Sony).

The bulb on these things varies as far as life span goes, but usually you'll get a warning message on the screen telling you the bulb is reaching the end of it's cycle and needs replacing. From all I've heard, that is a timed warning that automatically originates when you reach a certain time point/hours. Like a car light coming on to tell you it's time for service. You should have a while before it completely dies, or it could do like mine and just blow without any warning. When it does that, it will scare the piss right out of you.

Anyhow, to the OP, it sounds like you might want to have your set serviced, just to check why it is going black like that. Does not sound like a bulb issue.

Josh · 04-08-2009, 04:56 PM

The main reason I think its a bulb issue, is because of the noticeable brightness change - the images appear to be darker than before (more so than just a worn lamp). I did some searching and many people who noticed the same thing solved the issue by replacing the lamp.

I've had the set since December 2006, and I watch TV every day for at least 5 hours a day (more on weekends).

Of course, the past couple of days I haven't had any problems with the bulb going out, of course, before it had its fit on Sunday it only did it once a week at most. I have been turning it on to warm up for about 30 minutes prior to use, so that may be taking care of the problem. Once I get the new bulb in tomorrow, I'll go back to my regular use and see how she reacts.

badboi · 04-08-2009, 05:00 PM

^^

Make sure the door is really secure on the lamp housing. If not, it could cause problems.

Also, www.lampsdlp.com is a good place to order replacement bulbs. I bought from them. Bought the same bulb Sony was selling for about 40% less. Same Sony box, same part. And it was in stock. Sony seems to have these things on indefinite backorder.

Blu-Dog · 04-09-2009, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badboi

^^

Make sure the door is really secure on the lamp housing. If not, it could cause problems.

Also, www.lampsdlp.com is a good place to order replacement bulbs. I bought from them. Bought the same bulb Sony was selling for about 40% less. Same Sony box, same part. And it was in stock. Sony seems to have these things on indefinite backorder.

This lampsdlp place is a search engine, not a sales site.

badboi · 04-09-2009, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blu-Dog

This lampsdlp place is a search engine, not a sales site.

Ooops. Damn dyslexia.

http://www.dlplamps.com/

kingofgrills · 04-09-2009, 06:40 PM

If I were you, I'd check out the lamps at Electrified.com . I bought a spare unit there for my KDS 50A2000 SXRD. It was cheaper than the bulb-only price at DLPlamps.com, and it included the bulb and a new housing too.

The whole assembly for my set was just $109, and it arrived in around 4 days. Here it is:

http://www.electrified.com/Catalog/I...20%20%20XL5200

jswilli1 · 04-09-2009, 10:07 PM

I have the model previous to the your SXRD and I replaced my bulb within two years. My set gets alot of use between movies, TV, and Video games. My TV went dim for about a week and then the lamp would not fire at all, the screen would be blank and lamp light would illuminate. I also had my Light Engine replaced last summer under a Sony extended warranty due to a known defect called a blue star. I think my bulb is coming up for replacement again, another $150.00

BruceWayne · 04-09-2009, 10:16 PM

What is the deal with the optical block? I hadn't heard about it, and everyone is saying they replaced theirs...?

jkwest · 04-09-2009, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BruceWayne

What is the deal with the optical block? I hadn't heard about it, and everyone is saying they replaced theirs...?

who?!

I have 2 RPTVs and have never replaced mine...

solarrdadd · 04-09-2009, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkwest

who?!

I have 2 RPTVs and have never replaced mine...

then you have been fortunate. it doesn't happen to everyone, it's just a known problem that occurs in some of them and Sony has been good about taking care of them After the Class Action Suit that is! I do love my SXRD make no mistake!

BruceWayne · 04-09-2009, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solarrdadd

then you have been fortunate. it doesn't happen to everyone, it's just a known problem that occurs in some of them and Sony has been good about taking care of them After the Class Action Suit that is! I do love my SXRD make no mistake!

How did I miss the Class Action suit...? anyone have details?

mr.hidef · 04-10-2009, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BruceWayne

How did I miss the Class Action suit...? anyone have details?

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/new...&template_id=1

Here it is............

Josh · 04-10-2009, 12:29 PM

So, the lamp came in yesterday (at 7pm, didn't think UPS was going to make it), I installed it easy enough. Fired it up, reset the lamp timer in the menu, and it works like a champ. I hope that has resolved the issue, but I guess I'll have to wait and see over the next week or so.

I did notice that filament running from the side of the lamp to the center post was black whereas the new one was silver. Is that a sign, or is that common with use?

04-07-2009, 01:36 PM	#1
Josh Super Moderator Top contributor Member since:Sep 2006 Home Theater Gallery:50 4K collection:37 Blu-ray collection:407 Digital collection:1 Blu-ray reviews: 15 Trading Score:34	Bulb Is Going on My SXRD... I think... For the last couple weeks, I have noticed that the image on my screen looks darker than it usually does, but I thought that it was a problem with my FiOS box as I didn't notice it while watching my Blu-rays. More recently, the screen has been randomly going black while viewing, requiring me to wait a couple seconds and it would come back on. It was annoying, but not enough to stop procrastinating about calling in a service ticket. Well, on Sunday after getting back from dinner, I turned on my gear and the thing was going out every 5 mins! I went to the back of the TV and noticed that the bulb was physically going out, so I knew exactly where the trouble was. Its been over two years since I purchased the display, so I knew it was only a matter of time, but I always figured I would have the "pop" instead of a wearing issue. So I called Best Buy yesterday and they are sending me a bulb under warranty, but its going to take 7-10 days to get to me. So in the meantime, I went onto eBay and found a place that sells actually Sony replacement lamps (not the knock-off stuff you can find for $100), and paid for the faster shipping to get it to me (hopefully) by the end of the week. Then, when the Best Buy replacement comes in, I use that unit and throw the eBay one in the closet as a spare. The only thing that worries me, is that there is an underlying issue that is causing the bulb to go out besides age. I had the Optical Block replaced already, so that shouldn't be the issue, but who knows? One trouble-shooting step at a time.

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04-07-2009, 02:30 PM	#2
drago3451 Senior Member Top contributor Member since:Mar 2008 Home Theater Gallery:12 4K collection:3 Blu-ray collection:426 Blu-ray reviews:1	How many hours do you have on the bulb. It may just be time for a replacement and not a problem with anything else.

04-08-2009, 01:32 PM	#3
Josh Super Moderator Top contributor Member since:Sep 2006 Home Theater Gallery:50 4K collection:37 Blu-ray collection:407 Digital collection:1 Blu-ray reviews: 15 Trading Score:34	I haven't ventured into the service menu for fear of voiding my service plan (the guy actually checked it, though not sure if he would be able to tell I accessed anything versus changed values). The replacment bulb should be here Thursday, but it hasn't been giving me an issues.

04-08-2009, 02:23 PM	#5
Branden Senior Member Member since:Jun 2007 Location:Calgary, Alberta 4K collection:23 Blu-ray collection:520	how long are SXRD bulbs supposed to last? i estimate mine has 4000-5000 hours on it and i'm thinking i should order a replacement soon for when it does eventually go.

04-08-2009, 02:23 PM	#6
maygit Active Member Member since:Nov 2007 Location:Iowa Blu-ray collection:76	During the winter I'd leave my t.v. on all the time as a source of heat because my room never gets any. I hope they can't tell if you've accessed the service menu because i too have a warranty thru BB and i've gone in the service menu to check how long my bulb has been used(3,480 about 6 months ago). Your problem almost sounds more like a shortage so i would have had a tech come in and look at it with the new bulb on hand but i guess you'll just have to wait and see for yourself. Also, not to change the subject but how do you know if you have an optical block problem? I understand it's a very common issue with these sets and sony is covering it thru like 2010 but i don't know what to look for. Since i haven't noticed an issue i probably don't have one but it'll be good to know in case there's a future problem. ^6,000-8,000 hours i believe.

04-08-2009, 04:56 PM	#9
Josh Super Moderator Top contributor Member since:Sep 2006 Home Theater Gallery:50 4K collection:37 Blu-ray collection:407 Digital collection:1 Blu-ray reviews: 15 Trading Score:34	The main reason I think its a bulb issue, is because of the noticeable brightness change - the images appear to be darker than before (more so than just a worn lamp). I did some searching and many people who noticed the same thing solved the issue by replacing the lamp. I've had the set since December 2006, and I watch TV every day for at least 5 hours a day (more on weekends). Of course, the past couple of days I haven't had any problems with the bulb going out, of course, before it had its fit on Sunday it only did it once a week at most. I have been turning it on to warm up for about 30 minutes prior to use, so that may be taking care of the problem. Once I get the new bulb in tomorrow, I'll go back to my regular use and see how she reacts.

04-08-2009, 05:00 PM	#10
badboi Special Member Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Atlanta	^^ Make sure the door is really secure on the lamp housing. If not, it could cause problems. Also, www.lampsdlp.com is a good place to order replacement bulbs. I bought from them. Bought the same bulb Sony was selling for about 40% less. Same Sony box, same part. And it was in stock. Sony seems to have these things on indefinite backorder.

04-09-2009, 06:40 PM	#13
kingofgrills Blu-ray Guru Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Dec 2007 Location:PDX Home Theater Gallery:31 4K collection:5 Blu-ray collection:81 Trading Score:31	If I were you, I'd check out the lamps at Electrified.com . I bought a spare unit there for my KDS 50A2000 SXRD. It was cheaper than the bulb-only price at DLPlamps.com, and it included the bulb and a new housing too. The whole assembly for my set was just $109, and it arrived in around 4 days. Here it is: http://www.electrified.com/Catalog/I...20%20%20XL5200

04-09-2009, 10:07 PM	#14
jswilli1 Active Member Member since:Mar 2007 Location:Rio Rancho, NM Blu-ray collection:32	I have the model previous to the your SXRD and I replaced my bulb within two years. My set gets alot of use between movies, TV, and Video games. My TV went dim for about a week and then the lamp would not fire at all, the screen would be blank and lamp light would illuminate. I also had my Light Engine replaced last summer under a Sony extended warranty due to a known defect called a blue star. I think my bulb is coming up for replacement again, another $150.00

04-09-2009, 10:16 PM	#15
BruceWayne The Dark Knight Member since:Oct 2007 Location:Gotham City Home Theater Gallery:4 4K collection:10 Blu-ray collection:887 DVD collection:496 Blu-ray reviews:2 Trading Score:6	What is the deal with the optical block? I hadn't heard about it, and everyone is saying they replaced theirs...?

04-10-2009, 12:29 PM	#20
Josh Super Moderator Top contributor Member since:Sep 2006 Home Theater Gallery:50 4K collection:37 Blu-ray collection:407 Digital collection:1 Blu-ray reviews: 15 Trading Score:34	So, the lamp came in yesterday (at 7pm, didn't think UPS was going to make it), I installed it easy enough. Fired it up, reset the lamp timer in the menu, and it works like a champ. I hope that has resolved the issue, but I guess I'll have to wait and see over the next week or so. I did notice that filament running from the side of the lamp to the center post was black whereas the new one was silver. Is that a sign, or is that common with use?

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