[lcaillo]

We are a relatively small dealer and, yes, we have likely been lucky. But I do monitor most of the forums where this stuff comes up and am well aware of the degree of discussion on the matter. I also participate in several forums and listserves for technicians only and while there are a few reports of the problems, they are relative ly rare compared to the kinds of problems seen with other technologies and other brands.

There are two companies that are rebuilding most light engines, aka optical blocks, for most manufacturers. They are PTS and Tri State Module. They get parts through exclusive arrangements with the OEMs that make them for the TV makers, with the TV makers themselves, or with the OEMs that make the entire optical block. The Sony parts have not been made available to the average servicer like myself. If they were lots of the more skiled techs could rebuild these things for quite a bit less than a replacement LE.

Please understand our caution, as we have had shills for vendors and ambulance chasers have been fishing on the other forums. I got a call some time ago from the primary attorney responsible for much of the class action business against Sony wanting me to testify as an expert. I think these lawsuits are, for the most part, not a benefit to consumers. They would be better targeted at companies that have high failure rates and provide no repair support at all, but many of those have no money. Sony and Panasonic do. Keep in mind that the big vendors are going to get a lot more complaints online and a few dozen people with problems can seem like a much bigger problem than it is. We see it all the time with lots of vendors. Everyone who has a problem is not the victim of a manufacturer hiding a defect that affects most of their sets.

Send me your model, serial number, pix of the problem, DOP and where you bought it, and all of your personal info, and find a Sony ASC. Be sure to point out up front that there may be a warranty extension on your problem. Make notes of any contacts with service centers and with Sony. I will advise you along the way and act as a liason to Sony if needed. Please start a new thread in the Manufacturer Service and Support Forum, which I moderate, so that I don't miss any messages. Also, others will know where to look for the relevant info. You can email me or PM me with any info you don't want to post publicly.