gripen

I had similar problems with my Region Free Kit. In the end I had to ask for a replacement. The second one works fine. I have read that about 5% of the kits can be faulty.

Can anyone quote the part number for the optical block for the KDS-60R2000? There is a technician in the US who rebuilds SXRD Optical blocks for about $290 US plus shipping. It's a slow turnaround and the TV will be down several weeks at least, perhaps even 2 or 3 months. Anyway it'll be interesting to see if he'll rebuild the 60" optical block for Aussie sets. Perhaps the 70" as well? I tried Tri-State modules in the US some time ago. but they won't do our optical blocks. My 60" is still tolerable. I'd like to get 2 or 3 more years out of it and replace it with an OLED 55" or 60". Thanks.

I bought a QPB302B in September last year. It plays AVCHD discs fine. I've burnt 7 or 8 of them and every one of them played. Actually it will also play most DVD-Audio discs as well. It even outputs 24/192 on the SP/DIF on 2 channel DVD-Audio MLP which probably no other play can do. I just upgraded to an Oppo BDP-93, but I'm keeping the Soniq to use in another room. Great little player.

I bought one from Amazon a couple of weeks ago. It took about 5 days to arrive. I'm still waiting for the multi region board to come from Denmark. It should be here soon. The Oppo works well with my Yamaha RX-V1067.

I am the second owner of my SXRD 60" which I have now owned for about 2 years. I doubt that Sony would want to do anything for me and the cost of replacing the OB myself makes it uneconomical to repair. I was hoping to get a couple more years out of it, but the discolouration has increased noticeably since I purchased the set.

If you are quick you can buy the AMTC model that Dick Smith is clearing out for $95. Some stores still have a few in stock. This model is region switchable.

I guess it's just a case of actually getting one of the new improved OBs if they are really out there? You may have got an old stock one or worse a used one the techs didn't think was too bad? Unfortunately I've seen similar things happen. I have almost no chance of getting my OB replaced so I will have to grin and bear it unless I can think of another solution. It's still a fabulous picture even with the defects. I had a quick look at the new Sony RGB LED LCDs. Probably the best LCD I've seen, but I'm still not convinced it's the way to go. Hopefully Sony will bring out it's FEDs as rumoured, but I think they will start with small broadcast versions first as they really need to replace CRT monitors in this application. It would be good if SED came out at the same time as this would bring down prices much sooner if the FED had direct competition. In the meantime there's always a slim chance that Mitsubishi will bring LaserVue here. Hopefully when the hoopla has died down and prices drop a bit. Unfortunately with the "Pacific Peso" being what it is at the moment, it's not helping!!

There seem to be quite a lot of new Samsung BDP-1500s on Ebay. Many people received them as a Freebie with a new LCD or Plasma and don't seem to want a Blu-Ray at this stage. They are current models and seem to sell for around $300.

I was reading the Oualia 006 section over at the AVS Forum and I noticed this comment: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread....08&page=500 "Alright guys, the deed has been done. My beloved Q went under the knife today and had her Optical Block replaced. The repair tech, Jay from QualxServ, did an excellent job. It took about 3 hours total, including time for vacuuming all the dirt out of the interior and using an air compressor to blow out the scirocco fans and various other parts once removed. The new optical block came directly from China, with Mandarin Chinese labels still on the box. According to Jay, he has replaced over 75 OB's on Sony models, namely the 50 and 60 inch SXRD models. He had only done 1 other Qualia 006, but its basically the same routine he says. Jay insists that Sony has made internal engineering changes to the new OB's for all models, such that they "should" not fail again. He said these are not susceptible to the same problem 2.5-3 years from now. I certainly hope he's right!" Seems like Sony may have udated their OBs so that they no longer suffer from discolouration? I guess it'll be about 12-18 months before we find out. The Qualias are built like a tank and seem to run about 3 years before symptoms show up. They were something of a Rolls Royce of SXRD RPTVs but strangely couldn't handle a 1080p input. Anyway if you get your OB replaced you will almost certainly get the new improved version as I don't think any stock is held in Oz.

I tried one of my contacts who has an account with Sony. The price for the 60" OB was approx $3K and I'm told the 70" would be much the same. From past experience I'm guessing someone with a Sony employee account may be able to save about a third of that.. This seems somewhat exhorbitant compared to similar parts used in US models, but I suppose you are buying most of the projector. I bought my 60" (used) for just under $1400. I was prepared to eventually spend $1200 t0 $1500, but $3K makes it uneconomical for repair. My set is still quite useable and the green discolouration is only slightly annoying. I have watched (and owned) TVs with far worse pictures. The OBs used in our 60" and 70" models appear to differ from US models which is probably why Tri State Modules don't service them, but models sold in the UK, Europe and Asia would almost certainly use the same Optical blocks as ours. Someone needs to set up a facility to repair/recondition/refurbish/clean these Optical Blocks as it would appear that they are quite serviceable. If a changeover or repair service was offered for a reasonable price, I'm sure that they would find customers in many countries. Perhaps Tri State can eventually be persuaded to come aboard? In the meantime I suggest that if you have a valid warranty with Sony even if it has expired, pursue them for a replacement OB and don't be fobbed of by indifferent service agents. Also allow plenty of space around your SXRD to allow it to breath. Sony say a minimum of 10cm (4") from the wall, but try and give it a little more.

[ Globe Extraction? How easily is the globe removed from the existing factory housing? Are there any instructions/guides on pulling the globe housing apart? From the look of it, it may just clip apart by prying a few small lugs, but there is a latching system with metal clips and an internal spring, so I figured best ask you experienced people here first! Wiring? It looks like the insulated wires need to be attached to the back of the globe reflector, but its hard to see with the globe still in the housing. The wires look quite short. Any issues here? SXRD Cleaning? I'm surprised at the dust in the set, but then again not really. More surprised at the lack of filtration for this price, Sony! The globe housing is quite dusty, as is the back panel of the TV which I can easily vacuum but what about the internals? I wouldn't mind cleaning the fan etc if that is a possibility. The fan is also a little noisy on high now, so I tend to run it on normal. I do have 5 year warranty though, so I want to keep that in mind! I found this on replacing the Optical Block and cleaning but it is not the 60" SXRD. Im somewhat experienced on the tools but this would be a new level! http://splinke.googlepages.com/sonykdf-55w...lockreplacement How far should I go whilst I wait for my globes? I do have 5 year warranty though, so I want to keep that in mind! Thanks in advance. Replacing the lamp in the existing housing isn't too hard. Have a look at this little video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWc1Am8C-MM Cleaning/Replacing the Optical Block is best left alone if your warranty is still valid. Is there any discolouration? Cheers

I don't know. You can try, here are the contact details: SERVICE (module & board inquiries) JEREMY MABIS E-MAIL: jmabis@tristatemodule.com PHONE: 800.203.7484, ext. 201 I don't have any 'friends' at Sony, only some contacts and that will take a bit of time. My 60" SXRD is still quite watchable but I'd like to fix it up to last another 2 or 3 years until there's something like a FED or a SED to replace it with. Or maybe a 2nd gen Laser TV, but I haven't seen a proper review on the 1st gen model yet. It's a pity that Sony abandoned their Laser SXRD concept as I think the comparatively "cool" laser light source would've overcome the OB heat probllems in conventional light models. Sometimes the Flat Panel/Flat Earth mentality that prevails has a lot to answer for...

Got a reply from Tri State Modules. It wasn't good: Unfortunately those are ones we don't repair nor do we stock them. Sorry, Jeremy TSM Service Manager

Thanks Owen. I haven't contacted Tri-state yet. Will do soon.

Thanks for the part numbers Owen. I have a few contacts at Sony (mostly Broadcast) so maybe I'll try and source an OB from them, but reading this forum I'm worried by the number of less than perfect Optical Blocks Sony seem to have supplied as replacements. It almost seems to be "Pot Luck" if you get a good one!

0-3: I'm a tech and I'm still a bit hesitant about touching the OB, even though in the past I've pulled apart far more expensive devices like a Sony VPH-1252 projector I used to own. I'll probably get around to doing the job eventually. You don't happen to have the part numbers for the Oz 60" and 70" Optical Blocks do you? Then I can check with Tri-state modules as to availability. As I said (above), I bought my 60" second hand and I doubt that Sony would be interested in helping me.

I thought this place in the US: http://www.tristatemodule.com/html/light_engines.html could refurbish optical blocks? What are the part numbers for the 60" and 70" Oz models? I bought a used 60" recently which has some discolouration. I doubt if Sony will help me as I'm not the original owner.

Thanks guys, the set is sold. I sold it to someone who''d previously bought the 32" model and always wished he'd bought the larger set. Thanks for your help.

How can I? I'm not in the US and they won't be released until the end of the month...

Whilst "Rocky" is entitled to his own opinion about my TV, I do wish he hadn't been the first to post a reply. He must be a Plasma salesman or something! Seriously, I would probably recommend that some people might be better off with a cheap 1024 x 768 42" Plasma than my set, especially where PQ isn't a major concern. Buyers of cheap Plasmas wouldn't, and probably couldn't have considered purchasing a set like mine when it was new. I work in Television Broadcasting and all our reference monitors are still CRT. Until small FED panels arrive, that is what we will continue to use. Picture quality is part of my job and is very important to me which is why I bought the Sony KV-HR36M31. Whilst the best LCDs and Plasmas can look good, they still really aren't my cup of tea and I have never seriously looked at buying either type for my main viewing. Rumours are that Sony will introduce a 60" FED next year and hopefully Canon will compete with a SED now that it seems to have sorted out the legal issues. I'm also interested in looking at the second generation LaserVue sets, which I'm told will 'eventually' make it to Australia. I have nothing against rear projection, unfortunately all those "flat earthers" out there want their tellies to be flat too! Anyway in the meantime I'm selling my Sony KV-HR to set up a bit of a home theatre, but rest assured I'm not replacing it with either an LCD or Plasma. Good luck with the cheap Plasma Rocky, but it won't give you much of an idea what HD is all about.

LaserVue is basically designed by Australian company Arasor who say the sets will eventually be sold in Oz. The second generation of sets will be cheaper, only be about 6 inches (15cm) deep and wall mountable. I challenge anyone to say that 15cm is too deep for a 65" or a 75"set. The stupid thing is that over 80% of people who say that TVs should be wall mountable, never hang the things on the wall anyway! The 2nd generation LaserVue will also be more affordable than an equivalent sized Plasma or LCD. Have you priced a 65" Plasma lately?

Sony Super Fine Pitch 36" 86cm HD CRT TV For Sale. Adelaide pickup. Very good condition, Great Picture. I'll be sad to see it go, but I need the space. Local pick up would be easier, but can be shipped interstate if you can arrange your own courier. However it is very heavy at 88 Kilos. Looking for about $1300, but I'll listen to sensible offers.

Sorry if this is a duplicate post.

You can shrink things down quite a bit and it still looks and sounds good. There are plenty of BD and HD DVD rips out there at 720p with DTS 6.1ES audio that will fit on a single or dual layer DVD.

If Blu-Ray has only won a battle and not the war, I'm sure it's pretty close to "The Battle of Berlin" that they've won. Seriously whatever happened to those other HD DVD player brands, the Sanyos amd the Kemwoods or are they just content to let Toshiba loose all the money? I'm sure you'll never see them now, not even the combo that Sanyo talked about making. If the market was strong, there would be other product out there by now.