Sony KDL46W5100 Light Leaking in screen corners

[hogie]

I asked this question in another thread but really need some opinions on this question as I am still in the "return time frame" on this tv. Recently got the Sony KDL46W5100 as a replacement for an SXRD with bad optical block. The tv is very nice in many ways but one thing really bothers me. In each of the corners with a black screen there is significant light leaking. At bottom left corner in and up about 6" there is also a blob of light. How common is this for LCD flat screens? Is it acceptable and/or is it a problem beyond being a nuisance? After the bad optical fiasco I am not willing to accept another tv from Sony with an issue. I just don't know if this should be an acceptable flaw.

I first thought this problem was just noticeable with no signal but last night noticed it is there all of the time on black scenes. The tv has great black levels but this sure doesn't do anything for it.

I searched the forums but could not find anything on this issue with Sony though I do remember reading where another poster mentioned the problem with this particular set.

I would appreciate any feedback.

[57]

It is typical of LCDs, especially when viewed in low light conditions and a monochromatic screen, however, it may be minimized through the proper optimization of the TV, if you haven't done so already: You need to remember that the light for the image is coming from two CCFLs on the sides of the TV.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=76161

I have deleted your cross post.

[hogie]

Thanks for the quick response 57.

These responses to a similar question in a thread in another forum gave me great concern.

Quote:

take it back. it was dropped in the box, probably in the warehouse, not in your transporting.

i'm sure that whatever retailer you purchased it from will be able to order your new set and have it to you in a week or so. i don't know if that is too long or not, but it's worth a shot.

what good is 4000 to 1 if your panel is bleeding. Bleeding will continue until your whole screen is destroyed! get it taken care of!

Second answer:

Also ok is a slight overall illumination of the LCD....the crystals that shut off the light have some minor leakage around them and that's ok.....but if you have the LCDs in the corners showing a distinctly BRIGHTER level of light, then you have 2 choices.....EXCHANGE IT or get it SERVICED by an authorized Sony Service Center....
Source(s):
24 years servicing TV sets....including Sony Sets....I work for a Sony Authorized Servicer....

[worth]

I've never seen an LCD that didn't have at least some "bleed" from the backlight, and that includes professional models intended for broadcast use.

The best fix is to use a bias light behind the set. Either that or exchange it for a plasma, but plasmas have their own issues.

[hogie]

Thanks for the replies.

[Mr Frugal]

My Sony KDL46SL140 has the exact same issue. I spoke to the people at the Authorised Service shop, and they initially didn't give me a definitive answer as to whether this was a defect or a characteristic. They advised me to try and optimise the settings to reduce the "white blotchy bleeding" (my description). I fiddled with the settings as best as I could, but it's still visible. I resigned that I would just have to live with it.
Three weeks ago they called to tell me that they've discovered that it is a defect, and they would pursue Sony for a panel replacement. My set is just past the warranty period from Sony (14 months old), so Sony said "Nope."
Fortunately, I bought it at Costco, and have an additional year of coverage. The Service Centre advised me to go through Costco for the warranty, and they also said that the cost of replacing the panel would more than likely be as much as the TV was worth originally, and Costco would probably replace it or refund my money. I'm still waiting for the reply from Costco.

I use my TV almost exclusively to watch DVD's on, and rarely watch broadcast. I find this LCD characteristic extremely irritating, and my eye is constantly drawn to the white streaks. (Although, not as irritating as Sony's "Auto Brightness Defect", er, I mean, "Feature" that 'corrects' brightness levels from scene to scene. You can't turn it off!)
If I do get refunded, I'll have to do some more research on plasma to see what nasty aspects it has!

[livingproof73]

Hello All!

I am hoping that I have not duplicated a thread, but I'm unable to find anything regarding my issue. If so, please provide the link in a message.

Anyhow......I own the Sony 52" XBR5 and since purchase back in 2008, I have had nothing but issues with backlight bleeding and clouding. Sony's repair depot here in Canada was out three times and replaced the panel (and the bezel twice - which kept popping off) and with each panel the issue got worse. I finally got fed up and contacted the manager of customer relations at Sony Canada and she advised me that this was a common thing with LCD panels and each TV would be different in the aspect of backlight bleeding.....so in other words, there is no way around it.

She did suggest some settings that would help reduce the issue (power save mode, and light sensor) and it did for a while, but now months later the issue is back and not constant and sometimes to the point it is unwatchable. At times the clouding comes in and out along the entire bottom of the screen, then vanish for a bit, come back and then be gone......but has moved up to the top left corner and that is where it stays.
**Issue can only be seen in a dark room with minimal light**

I contacted the same lady at Sony Canada and today they will be sending someone out to "evaluate" the issue and at their expense as the TV is out of warranty, which is a great gesture.

I guess what I want to really know is that if this could be a backlight issue, not panel issue?? Is that possible?

Does anyone have any suggestions I can pass along to the tech when he is here? He is coming during bright daylight hrs and won't be able to see it. My fear is that they will find no fault and leave and Sony will write it off as "resolved"

Any help would be great!

[57]

Your post was moved to a recent existing thread. See also the following for similar issues, comments about optimization, and other similar issues, etc:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=120991

[worth]

Unfortunately, all plasmas have ABL, the same sort of auto-dimming that you're seeing with the Sony. It's the single most annoying thing about plasma technology, in my opinion.

[Mr Frugal]

"Unfortunately, all plasmas have ABL, the same sort of auto-dimming that you're seeing with the Sony. It's the single most annoying thing about plasma technology, in my opinion."

Are you serious? I thought this was only a Sony LCD issue! Why do they do this?? It almost sends me round the bend...

[hogie]

I found a huge thread today on the issue with this tv. There seems to be few answers to the problem, The suggestions range from live with it to loosen screws in the rear of set. Haven't tried any of it except reducing backlight etc. That does what you'd expect--lessens the problem slightly. It is amazing to me that manufacturers are turning out these sets with issues like this rather than solving the problem before mass producing them. I guess it shows it is more cost effective in a time when the masses are buying these units by the truck load to make the sale--pocket the money and deal with the warranty issues later.

I am going to call Sony tomorrow. As stated above, I just got this set as a replacement for an SXRD with bad light engine. Can't believe I am back into this crap a week later and I thought I'd researched this "W"eries set to death.

[57]

Originally Posted by worth

Unfortunately, all plasmas have ABL, the same sort of auto-dimming that you're seeing with the Sony. It's the single most annoying thing about plasma technology, in my opinion.

However, on many HDTVs, including plasmas, you can turn this feature off in the user menu. Apparently on some you cannot. (It may be well hidden under some advanced option for example, but often it is there). Sometimes changing to one of the "better" picture modes, as recommended in the Optimization FAQ, the "feature" is turned off.

[tornbacchus]

i also have a w5100, and i have noticed some blacklight bleed in all 4 corners.

I dont mind it because it is normal, and is only noticable in very dark scenes.

it isn't really a "bleed" but more like a slightly lighter illumination

[worth]

Originally Posted by 57

However, on many HDTVs, including plasmas, you can turn this feature off in the user menu. Apparently on some you cannot. (It may be well hidden under some advanced option for example, but often it is there). Sometimes changing to one of the "better" picture modes, as recommended in the Optimization FAQ, the "feature" is turned off.

Do the new plasmas actually allow you to disable the auto-brightness limiting?

I know that it can be minimized with certain picture settings, but it's still visible on all the plasmas I've seen, including the Panasonic PZ85 that I have. The brighter the image, the more obvious it becomes.

[Mr Frugal]

As I've previously stated, I use my TV almost exclusively for watching DVDs. As I'm also a sci-fi fan, this 'feature' is a real pain in the @$$. Try watching Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, or even Lord of The Rings, and the dark backgrounds make the auto brightness oscillate like crazy.
I guess this is another example of companies pandering to the lowest common denominator. Your average American/Canadian Idol watcher who doesn't even realise the 4:3 picture is distorted in Wide Mode is going to think this is just "a special effect".