Sony KDS-50XBR1 - Blu-ray Forum

Venom80 · 09-18-2009, 01:15 AM

Im having issues with my Sony 50inch LCD. There is a yellow tint or discoloration to 75% of the screen. It is really noticable with a full white screen. I have been told that it could be the lcd panel or something with the mirror. I replaced the bulb with a bulb directly from Sony about a year ago. Does anybody have any suggestions? Thanks

Rob J in WNY · 09-18-2009, 01:25 AM

First off, welcome to the site, Venom80.

I might be going out on a limb to say it, but contact Sony directly about this. You may find some good news.

I know two people with XBR1 Sony RPTVs (50" and 60", respectively) who were experiencing the same problem as you are - a yellowing screen image. Sony acknowledged the problem and sent a technician who, I believe, replaced the optical block in their TVs. The problem may likely return after awhile, but it was a very nice gesture of Sony to provide this type of coverage/repair at no charge to those who purchased XBR1s which are, to me, among the finest RPTVs ever engineered.

I'd not delay in getting in touch with Sony, though.

Venom80 · 09-18-2009, 03:06 AM

Thanks Rob, for the welcome and for the input. I infact did call Sony after reading your reply. They did suggest that it is the optical block and said they would cover to have it repaired. They also offered a discount price on a new 52 inch XBR9, at $1325 brand new. So now I have a decision to make, have them fix my current tv, or buy the XBR9 at that price. Thanks again

Rob J in WNY · 09-18-2009, 03:40 AM

You're welcome! That is a big choice to make, being as the 52" XBR9 currently goes for around $2000 to $2200 (or more, depending on the source). You do have to figure that your TV will eventually go yellow again if you opt for the optical block replacement, but it will likely take a couple years or so, depending on your average daily use of the TV.

The XBR9 is a fine set and produces good black levels, considering it's CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamp) illuminated.

Oh, what to do?

I don't think you could go wrong either way, but if you are attracted to advances in technology, the XBR9 will offer true 24p video handling (Blu-ray native format for typical film/movie reproduction) with a 240Hz refresh-rate screen (basically meaning you get a smoother motion with 24p material because 24p video can be divided evenly into 240Hz - reducing or eliminating video "judder"), internet access to media, USB connection for media playback, additional HDMI inputs and among other things, a more compact chassis.

Just thought I'd throw that in for good measure.

CollinViegas · 09-18-2009, 04:16 AM

When my XBR1 went out there biggest LCD was the 52" XBR4, they offered it to me for $300. Mind you I had the 60XBR1 so that may have made a difference.

Either way, once I excepted the TV was at my door 3 days later. I kept it in the box brand new, sold it for a nice price and bought a Pioneer Pro151FD Kuro.

So glad that old TV died...lol

Venom80 · 09-18-2009, 04:36 AM

ironically, i had been doing alot of research on the xbr9 before i had called Sony. that seemed to be the tv that has everything i want. 240hz, full 1080p 4 hdmi inputs, etc, etc. probably going to go with that option and maybe pay out of pocket to have the xbr1 fixed someday. thanks again

Venom80 · 09-18-2009, 04:38 AM

CollinViegas, did you have your xbr1 fixed after that or just junk it?

eagleeins · 11-02-2009, 02:26 PM

There is a class action settlement that was reached earlier this year or last year on the XBR1 series. While it tested as one of the best TVs in 2005 and 2006, it turned out to be a POS!

I bought mine in 2006 with a 4-year extended warranty, which is voided now, since the retailer I bought it from went into Bankruptcy and their service department was dissolved. After 3 years I had the same symptoms as everybody else and finally found through online research that Sony really did not do anything to inform their customers, but let the courts do all the work and have owners of the XBR1 series find out the hard way...

Called Sony Customer Serivice and received the same offers for the XBR9 and two models of the KDL VE5 series. They did not even offer to repair mine.... Does anybody know anything good or bad about the 52" VE5? I can't find anything online, but it's offered to me at 400.00 less than the XBR9, which is certainly a great TV, but still too expensive IMO.

Thank you!
Kris/Atlanta, GA

onehothemi · 12-01-2009, 12:25 AM

Sony replaced my 50XBR1 with a 52XBR5 so do your homework and get at them!

eagleeins · 12-01-2009, 01:18 AM

I recently got my 52 XBR9, but after spending $3K + just three years ago, it still is a tough pill to swallow having to pay another $1400 +, particularly when Sony just lowered the price of this tv by $500 bucks.

Oh well, it is what it is, I guess...

09-18-2009, 01:15 AM	#1
Venom80 Junior Member Member since:Sep 2009	Sony KDS-50XBR1 Im having issues with my Sony 50inch LCD. There is a yellow tint or discoloration to 75% of the screen. It is really noticable with a full white screen. I have been told that it could be the lcd panel or something with the mirror. I replaced the bulb with a bulb directly from Sony about a year ago. Does anybody have any suggestions? Thanks

11-02-2009, 02:26 PM	#8
eagleeins New Member Member since:Nov 2009	Sony kds-50 xbr1 There is a class action settlement that was reached earlier this year or last year on the XBR1 series. While it tested as one of the best TVs in 2005 and 2006, it turned out to be a POS! I bought mine in 2006 with a 4-year extended warranty, which is voided now, since the retailer I bought it from went into Bankruptcy and their service department was dissolved. After 3 years I had the same symptoms as everybody else and finally found through online research that Sony really did not do anything to inform their customers, but let the courts do all the work and have owners of the XBR1 series find out the hard way... Called Sony Customer Serivice and received the same offers for the XBR9 and two models of the KDL VE5 series. They did not even offer to repair mine.... Does anybody know anything good or bad about the 52" VE5? I can't find anything online, but it's offered to me at 400.00 less than the XBR9, which is certainly a great TV, but still too expensive IMO. Thank you! Kris/Atlanta, GA

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09-18-2009, 01:25 AM	#2
Rob J in WNY Blu-ray Guru Member since:Dec 2008 Location:'Western' N.Y. State (MEMBER OF THE "ECPP")™ Home Theater Gallery:24 4K collection:3 Blu-ray collection:450 iTunes collection:1 Blu-ray reviews: 15	First off, welcome to the site, Venom80. I might be going out on a limb to say it, but contact Sony directly about this. You may find some good news. I know two people with XBR1 Sony RPTVs (50" and 60", respectively) who were experiencing the same problem as you are - a yellowing screen image. Sony acknowledged the problem and sent a technician who, I believe, replaced the optical block in their TVs. The problem may likely return after awhile, but it was a very nice gesture of Sony to provide this type of coverage/repair at no charge to those who purchased XBR1s which are, to me, among the finest RPTVs ever engineered. I'd not delay in getting in touch with Sony, though.

09-18-2009, 03:06 AM	#3
Venom80 Junior Member Member since:Sep 2009	Thanks Rob, for the welcome and for the input. I infact did call Sony after reading your reply. They did suggest that it is the optical block and said they would cover to have it repaired. They also offered a discount price on a new 52 inch XBR9, at $1325 brand new. So now I have a decision to make, have them fix my current tv, or buy the XBR9 at that price. Thanks again

09-18-2009, 03:40 AM	#4
Rob J in WNY Blu-ray Guru Member since:Dec 2008 Location:'Western' N.Y. State (MEMBER OF THE "ECPP")™ Home Theater Gallery:24 4K collection:3 Blu-ray collection:450 iTunes collection:1 Blu-ray reviews: 15	You're welcome! That is a big choice to make, being as the 52" XBR9 currently goes for around $2000 to $2200 (or more, depending on the source). You do have to figure that your TV will eventually go yellow again if you opt for the optical block replacement, but it will likely take a couple years or so, depending on your average daily use of the TV. The XBR9 is a fine set and produces good black levels, considering it's CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamp) illuminated. Oh, what to do? I don't think you could go wrong either way, but if you are attracted to advances in technology, the XBR9 will offer true 24p video handling (Blu-ray native format for typical film/movie reproduction) with a 240Hz refresh-rate screen (basically meaning you get a smoother motion with 24p material because 24p video can be divided evenly into 240Hz - reducing or eliminating video "judder"), internet access to media, USB connection for media playback, additional HDMI inputs and among other things, a more compact chassis. Just thought I'd throw that in for good measure.

09-18-2009, 04:16 AM	#5
CollinViegas Active Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jan 2009 Home Theater Gallery:12 Blu-ray reviews:1	When my XBR1 went out there biggest LCD was the 52" XBR4, they offered it to me for $300. Mind you I had the 60XBR1 so that may have made a difference. Either way, once I excepted the TV was at my door 3 days later. I kept it in the box brand new, sold it for a nice price and bought a Pioneer Pro151FD Kuro. So glad that old TV died...lol

09-18-2009, 04:36 AM	#6
Venom80 Junior Member Member since:Sep 2009	ironically, i had been doing alot of research on the xbr9 before i had called Sony. that seemed to be the tv that has everything i want. 240hz, full 1080p 4 hdmi inputs, etc, etc. probably going to go with that option and maybe pay out of pocket to have the xbr1 fixed someday. thanks again

09-18-2009, 04:38 AM	#7
Venom80 Junior Member Member since:Sep 2009	CollinViegas, did you have your xbr1 fixed after that or just junk it?

12-01-2009, 12:25 AM	#9
onehothemi Active Member Member since:Dec 2007 Location:Stuart, Florida Blu-ray collection:327 Blu-ray reviews:11 Trading Score:1	Sony replaced my 50XBR1 with a 52XBR5 so do your homework and get at them!

12-01-2009, 01:18 AM	#10
eagleeins New Member Member since:Nov 2009	I recently got my 52 XBR9, but after spending $3K + just three years ago, it still is a tough pill to swallow having to pay another $1400 +, particularly when Sony just lowered the price of this tv by $500 bucks. Oh well, it is what it is, I guess...

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