Sony Grand Wega , inherently defective and SONY inherently apathetic about it
Written: Dec 24 '07
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Pros: Great quality picture, UNTIL the known Optical-Block defect arises.
Cons: STAY away from this and all other SONY products. They don't care after you purchase.
The Bottom Line: Stay away! Buy from a manufacturer that owns up to their defects, if any, and will make things right. SONY isn't that company.
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| mattgordon's Full Review: Sony Grand WEGA KDF-42WE655 42 in. HDTV LCD TV |
I've had my Sony Grand Wega KDF-42WE655 for just 27 months. It went on record as the most expensive television set I ever owned, I'm an avid TV viewer.
Went it developed a strange, random "pattern" in the picture, I was heartbroken thinking that the crown jewel in our family's home entertainment system needed a new "lamp" or cleaning. A call to the Sony repair center, some time on the internet, and a Google search later, I'm afraid I'm stuck with a Grand Lemon, not just a broken or dirty Grand Wega.
Of course, there was "campaign" regarding this I'm told. When asked why I wasn't contacted I was told "Sony doesn't have your information". When I mentioned that I registered the set for the warranty on-line the day we brought it home, I was then told " Sony doesn't get THAT info, the extended warranty carrier doesn't share it with us..." I say that's horse-feathers.
Read on...
This and many other SONY Grand WEGA's are impacted by a design defect, to an item called the "optical block" or sometimes referred to as the "light engine", and unless you were fortunate enough to have yours fail during the initial 1 year warranty, or have had purchased you retailers extended plan (we don't...) you're pretty much up the river with just a large, defective TV set as a paddle.
Their is profuse documentation regarding this issue all over the internet, INCLUDING on SONY'S own website. A simple Google "SONY Grand WEGA problems" or similar will be quite enlightening to you, but do so in advance of buying that dream-set and perhaps save yourself a lot of heartache.
Yes, prior to it's early demise from a known, documented defect in it's (and thousands and thousands of other Sony TV's) "optical Block" assembly, I LOVED this set. 42" of crystal clear, rear-projection heaven. The remote control unit they included wasn't so highly ergonomic or well-suited to use in the darkened theater-like setting we built around it, but we use the TIVO remote anyway, so it was of little consequence. The picture, the glare-free finish of the screen, and even the look of the cabinet made it a winner.
Several hours on the phone with numerous out-of-country, condescending "Customer Care" Reps later, AND another $75.-- to have the problem officially dignosed, they tell me I'm on my own, to the tune of $1384.-- dollars, to repair a TV that initially cost me $1799.--. That, is NOT going to happen. Not by me, anyway.
So, I'm writing this as a warning to anyone considering a Sony TV, VAIO computer, WalkMan, Cybershot camera, whatever SONY...you may think you're buying top-tier product from a top tier electronics company, but in reality their relationship apparently ends with you the moment the warranty does, regardless of the reason for your problem. NOT a good corporate citizen, in my opinion.
For that very reason I will NEVER purchase another SONY product. Ever.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 1799
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mattgordon
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Member: Matt Gordon
Location: California
Reviews written: 85
Trusted by: 23 members
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