Sony 50 Hdtv By jb_shops on - Updated Oct 15, 2011
Before purchasing this TV last year, I research every imaginable combination of HDTV options. I concluded, for the money the Sony SXRD line using the LCoS technology was my best option. I didn't need a thin flat panel, so a rear projection unit was an acceptable option. This TV is full 1080p compatible which will be great for that future HD DVD player, but I learned the characteristic that separates a great HDTV and an average one is who standard definition content looks. SD content on this TV is better than my previous 32" TV. Here is what I wish were different: Closed Caption on mute -- old TV had this and I really miss it. Cannot see PC input in PIP window.These are two very small items on a really good TV.
After about 18 months, the picture developed this green tint that ruined the picture quality. This all happened over night. Thankfully, the set was still under warranty and it was a quick and painless repair. I have since learned due to a settlement, Sony has extended the warranty of these sets by another year or so. No I wasn't pleased to have gone through this problem, but Sony did a good job making it right! I would buy again. Unless you want a flat panel you can mount on your wall, can't get a better deal.
The warranty on these units has been extend to June 30, 2009. You can read the settlement at this Sony link.
About The Author:
Sony KDS-R50XBR1 Purchased at: Best Buy Price: 2500.00
This TV was wonderful for the first 17 months then overnight a green haze started appearing on the screen. The picture quality deteriorated over the next week. Adjusting the settings to vivid improved the quality from terrible to incredibly bad. A quick research on the internet revealed that many others were having this same issue due to an Optical Block. Sony has extended the warranty on this item. Also they state if the block has to be replaced twice, they will replace the entire TV. This issue only appears to be with the KBR1's. The KBR2 model doesn't seem to have the same issue.
Thanks for the update. Not a good thing to happen to a TV.
oh wow, thank you for giving the update. A television is such a major purchase anymore, I am sorry you had bad luck.
I have always had good luck with Sony products. Glad to hear they are still reliable on standing behind their products.
I have a Sony and love it. Thanks for the heads up though. I haven't had that problem yet but mine is just about 6 months old. Going to keep my eye on this!
I'm sorry you had the problem with the tv casting a green tint. This tv sounds beautiful!
Bummer about it getting that green tint. But you are right. At least Sony extended the warranty and is setting things right.
Glad things worked out for you, hard to think if the warrranty had been gone! I have to give you a high five on wanting closed caption when you hit the mute button. That's how I watch TV when hubby is sleeping!!!
sony does good at setting things right, glad to hear it worked out well for you!
Sorry to hear about the problems you had to go through with it. I am glad to hear Sony made things right though!