Time Line
Purchased in 06 just over 1 year later (Dec 07) the Optical Engine freaks out with the typical issues with the colors
Found the 3 year exteneded issue about this called Mitsubishi they wanted me to pay to have someone check it out I argued with them they finally sent someone out to replace it.
Just over a year Later Jan 08 since the replacement and it's doing it again same issues as before call mitsubishi and they again want me to pay to have someone come out I refuse and now they say they are gonna call me back about this.
This is the second time this has happened. On top of that I bought a new BlueRay player only to find out that my 1080p TV won't do 1080p for some reason (using hdmi cable)
Have not even asked them about that yet.
What happens if they replace it again and then it happens again in a year could end up being outside that 2-3 year extension then I'm really screwed.
I will never buy a Mitsubishi ever again.
Mitsubishi DLP 06 - Failed light engine
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MrSmoofy
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willg
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WD-73727 Typical Optical Engine Problem and BluRay Connection
Wow! This thread sounds FRIGHTENLY familiar to my own experience in Nov. 07 and Nov. 08. Instead of going through the gruesome details of that, I'll simply say that I can identify with all that's been posted and have "been there"!MrSmoofy wrote:Time Line
This is the second time this has happened. On top of that I bought a new BlueRay player only to find out that my 1080p TV won't do 1080p for some reason (using hdmi cable). Have not even asked them about that yet.
Yes, I discovered the same thing you did Mr. Smoofy. I was an early adopter with the first generation Sony Blu Ray. I tried to connect it to my Mits. WD73727 73 inch TV and all I could get was 1080i. I contacted Sony and they told me that I must not have a 1080p TV. I declared to them that I did but they didn't seem to believe me. I called Mitsubitshi and found out the shocking truth. According to them, the TV is 1080p but it can only receive a 1080p signal through the IEEE port....NOT through the HDMI ports. Therefore, to use the BluRay you have to have a cable or adapter that allows you to have IEEE 1394 plug on one end and a HDMI on the other end. Since BluRay was so new, no one had anything like that so I returned the BluRay player. No need having that when I could get an upgrading DVD player for a LOT cheaper.
Over time, I ended up getting a smaller but TRUE 1080p TV (not a Mits brand) and got another Sony BluRay to connect to it. The picture is astoundingly beautiful, at times. I've been searching for an IEEE 1394 to HDMI cable or adapter for a long time and still haven't found one yet. That's how I serendipitiously found this forum. I've not found anything yet. I'd love to have the BluRay on my WD73727 TV...it would look great but still can't find the right type of connection.
Does anyone know anything about this type of cable and adapter or where I can find something that can help me to get 1080p on DVD? Although I have it currently hooked up to an old HD-DVD player (it plays beautifully), I still feel I made an investment in 1080p and have been cheated because I can't get it through my DVD player.
Also, a minor challenge for me with Sony BluRay is the formatting of some of the DVDs. Maybe it doesn't bother other other people but I hate the black lines at the top and bottom of the screen (in letter box formatting). Yes, you get a nice widescreen shot but it looks horrible not using the entire screen. I've tried everything I know in changing format settings on both the TV and DVD player. I was told by a rep at a store that it can't be changed because of the DVD formatting itself (2.40:1, 1920 x 1080p). I thought I'd verify it here to see if others found that to be the case. Some BluRay DVDs play fine without the black lines and I get a full screen picture, others do not. They all seem to have the same format (pre the cover). I can't seem to distinguish what makes one full screen and the other letterbox.
Any help anyone can lend would be greatly apprecated. Thanks!
Will
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MrSmoofy
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Re: WD-73727 Typical Optical Engine Problem and BluRay Connection
Hey Will,
Well news so far they sent the repair guy they sent last time to confirm what I was telling him. He told me that ALL DLP's not just Mistubishi have light engine trouble and he has to replace them all the time. He was going to fax Mitsubishi his report Monday (1/19/2009) so I should be hearing form them today or tomorrow. He said the price of the light boards has come down A LOT so he didn't think Mitsubishi would be replacing the TV but only doing a light board replacement.
As for the 1080p issue that's interesting info, I've asked them and they didn't seem to know why, the manual clearly states the TV can do 1080p but no where does it say it can only do it via the IEEE 1394 port. Again another reason I feel Mitsubishi will be required to replace my TV since that would be false advertising in my opinion.
As for the letter box issue, yes I get the same thing, which from what I understood you should only get that with regular tv's there was a reason I bought a Widescreen HDTV that did 1080p and so far the TV I have does none of the advertised things.
Good Luck! I'll post again with the results of my next phone call with Mitsubishi.
Also something I learned recently when I couldn't get customer service to help at all.
When you dial the customer service number 800-332-2119 it will tell you to press 5 for customer service. Well don't do that, those people are idiots. I found out if you press 8 (not on the menu) you will get customer service in Irvine California that actually knows what they are doing, I asked them about extension 5 and the person I spoke to said "I don't even know where 5 goes."
So save yourself some time and frustration press 8 don't press 5.
Well news so far they sent the repair guy they sent last time to confirm what I was telling him. He told me that ALL DLP's not just Mistubishi have light engine trouble and he has to replace them all the time. He was going to fax Mitsubishi his report Monday (1/19/2009) so I should be hearing form them today or tomorrow. He said the price of the light boards has come down A LOT so he didn't think Mitsubishi would be replacing the TV but only doing a light board replacement.
As for the 1080p issue that's interesting info, I've asked them and they didn't seem to know why, the manual clearly states the TV can do 1080p but no where does it say it can only do it via the IEEE 1394 port. Again another reason I feel Mitsubishi will be required to replace my TV since that would be false advertising in my opinion.
As for the letter box issue, yes I get the same thing, which from what I understood you should only get that with regular tv's there was a reason I bought a Widescreen HDTV that did 1080p and so far the TV I have does none of the advertised things.
Good Luck! I'll post again with the results of my next phone call with Mitsubishi.
Also something I learned recently when I couldn't get customer service to help at all.
When you dial the customer service number 800-332-2119 it will tell you to press 5 for customer service. Well don't do that, those people are idiots. I found out if you press 8 (not on the menu) you will get customer service in Irvine California that actually knows what they are doing, I asked them about extension 5 and the person I spoke to said "I don't even know where 5 goes."
So save yourself some time and frustration press 8 don't press 5.
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willg
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Re: WD-73727 Typical Optical Engine Problem and BluRay Connection
Thanks for the insights, Mr. Smoofy.
I found out about the 1080p IEEE connection some time ago. I got the typical run around between Sony and Mitsubishi--both claiming that it wasn't their product that was at fault for not being able to broadcast 1080p DVD. I finally found someone at Mits who informed me that it was indeed the IEEE connection that received the 1080p signal. I think I finally got the answer because I was threatening to take action because I was sold a 1080i TV advertised as a 1080p. At the time, most cable/satellite companies weren't broadcasting with 1080p signals so I couldn't get it that way either. Anway, I'm trying to find some type of adapter or cable to "prove" if the TV actually can play an 1080p DVD signal. If not, I will definitely follow up with Mits. As well, do you or anyone know any cable channels/shows that broadcast in 1080p now?
Thanks for the information on the Mits service. My TV is now repaired but both experiences were less than pleasant. In 2007 it took about 2.5 months to get the light engine repaired. The service representative who fixed it indicated that it was a new model and I shouldn't have any issues for quite some time. Almost exactly 1 year from the date of the repair, I started noticing the solarization/ghosting in the picture. I decided to play it smart this time and not wait for the purple and green images. I purchased the extended warranty from the POS (point of sale) store and surprisingly had a rep in my home diagnosing the problem within a week or so after the call. The rep confirmed that it was indeed the light engine and placed an order for a new one with Mits. I documented EVERYTHING and asked for very specific information on the repair process and timing. I was told that if I hadn't heard anything to give a call in two weeks. Well, two weeks came and went and I didn't hear anything. I waited for nearly three weeks and called. I was shocked to learn that during that time, the POS store went bankrupt and was in the process of closing.
They informed me that they transferred their extended warranties to another company and to contact them. Of course, when I contacted them they had to start the process all over! They had to send THEIR rep out to confirm that it was indeed the light engine. I informed them that I had a store rep out and asked if they could use that information to verify the problem. After, a series of calls between the two companies, it was to no avail...they had to do the diagnosis again. Approximately two weeks later the warranty company sent someone out and they once again confirmed it was the light engine (what a surprise!). This time...instead of just ordering the part and replacing in-home (as with the 2007 repair), the service company had to remove the TV from my home. It was THEIR policy to do all repairs in their workshop so they could do a full diagnostic on the TV and ensure all parts were working. What a stone age process! I couldn't understand why they had to remove the TV when the same thing was done a year prior, within an hour, in my home! I was NOT pleased! Well, it took about 2.5 weeks, but they did the repair and returned the TV to my home. It seems to be working fine now but I suspect there might be continuing issues in the future.
I guess I've been very fortunate. I read that some customer's extended warranties have not been transferred and honored. I don't know how companies get away with this. How do you pay for something and then not have it honored, get your money back or have some sort of compensation for your purchase?
Anyway, I wish you the best with your repairs. As others have said on this forum...stay after them, document EVERYTHING, save your records and follow-up frequently. If I hadn't done this...it's likely that my TV repairs would have taken considerably longer. Please let us know how this turns out. As well, if you find out anymore on the IEEE Bluray issue, please let me know. Oh, one other thing...besides these service problems...what do you think of this TV (WD73727) compared to others you've seen on the market? If these service problems hadn't occured, I would be a big fan because the TV is beautiful when it plays correctly (even in 1080i). So, I'm really curious as to what 1080p would look like on this TV. I'm still waiting to have that "wow" experience.
Again, thanks!
Will
I found out about the 1080p IEEE connection some time ago. I got the typical run around between Sony and Mitsubishi--both claiming that it wasn't their product that was at fault for not being able to broadcast 1080p DVD. I finally found someone at Mits who informed me that it was indeed the IEEE connection that received the 1080p signal. I think I finally got the answer because I was threatening to take action because I was sold a 1080i TV advertised as a 1080p. At the time, most cable/satellite companies weren't broadcasting with 1080p signals so I couldn't get it that way either. Anway, I'm trying to find some type of adapter or cable to "prove" if the TV actually can play an 1080p DVD signal. If not, I will definitely follow up with Mits. As well, do you or anyone know any cable channels/shows that broadcast in 1080p now?
Thanks for the information on the Mits service. My TV is now repaired but both experiences were less than pleasant. In 2007 it took about 2.5 months to get the light engine repaired. The service representative who fixed it indicated that it was a new model and I shouldn't have any issues for quite some time. Almost exactly 1 year from the date of the repair, I started noticing the solarization/ghosting in the picture. I decided to play it smart this time and not wait for the purple and green images. I purchased the extended warranty from the POS (point of sale) store and surprisingly had a rep in my home diagnosing the problem within a week or so after the call. The rep confirmed that it was indeed the light engine and placed an order for a new one with Mits. I documented EVERYTHING and asked for very specific information on the repair process and timing. I was told that if I hadn't heard anything to give a call in two weeks. Well, two weeks came and went and I didn't hear anything. I waited for nearly three weeks and called. I was shocked to learn that during that time, the POS store went bankrupt and was in the process of closing.
They informed me that they transferred their extended warranties to another company and to contact them. Of course, when I contacted them they had to start the process all over! They had to send THEIR rep out to confirm that it was indeed the light engine. I informed them that I had a store rep out and asked if they could use that information to verify the problem. After, a series of calls between the two companies, it was to no avail...they had to do the diagnosis again. Approximately two weeks later the warranty company sent someone out and they once again confirmed it was the light engine (what a surprise!). This time...instead of just ordering the part and replacing in-home (as with the 2007 repair), the service company had to remove the TV from my home. It was THEIR policy to do all repairs in their workshop so they could do a full diagnostic on the TV and ensure all parts were working. What a stone age process! I couldn't understand why they had to remove the TV when the same thing was done a year prior, within an hour, in my home! I was NOT pleased! Well, it took about 2.5 weeks, but they did the repair and returned the TV to my home. It seems to be working fine now but I suspect there might be continuing issues in the future.
I guess I've been very fortunate. I read that some customer's extended warranties have not been transferred and honored. I don't know how companies get away with this. How do you pay for something and then not have it honored, get your money back or have some sort of compensation for your purchase?
Anyway, I wish you the best with your repairs. As others have said on this forum...stay after them, document EVERYTHING, save your records and follow-up frequently. If I hadn't done this...it's likely that my TV repairs would have taken considerably longer. Please let us know how this turns out. As well, if you find out anymore on the IEEE Bluray issue, please let me know. Oh, one other thing...besides these service problems...what do you think of this TV (WD73727) compared to others you've seen on the market? If these service problems hadn't occured, I would be a big fan because the TV is beautiful when it plays correctly (even in 1080i). So, I'm really curious as to what 1080p would look like on this TV. I'm still waiting to have that "wow" experience.
Again, thanks!
Will
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MrSmoofy
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Re: WD-73727 Typical Optical Engine Problem and BluRay Connection
A quick google search and I found this:
http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts-kws/ie ... i-adapters
digikey.com is a very reputable company so you shouldn't have any reservations from ordering from them.
For me though I should have to but this special cable/adapter. If you look in your manual for your tv it says it supports 1080p it doesn't say anything about 1080p via IEEE only. Also it was marketed as a 1080p TV so it should work with HDMI or something or have a way to upgrade the software in it to support it.
I love my TV when it's working correctly it's awsome. I looked a long time at DLP, LCD, Plasma, and LCOS
I decided on DLP because how how long I felt I would probably keep the TV. The only thing I would have to replace (so i thought) is the LAMP which is user servicable.
LCD you have to worry about losing pixles although not very common I've seen people with one or two pixles out in the middle of the TV and there is nothing you can do about it, very annoying.
Plasma well eventually it will ware out and yes you can have it serviced but it's not cost effective and not user servicable.
LCOS almost went this route until sony decided to drop the technology.
I went with Mitsubishi as I've always been told they make the best tv's and then DLP because of the above reasons. I thought I had a solid setup until all this trouble. Then I thought it was just mitsubishi but now that the service guy has told me it's all DLP that makes it worse and don't know if all the problems I've had out weigh the issues with the other technologies.
My biggest problem is I had planned a large party at my house for superbowl just before the light engine failed again and now I gotta get them to fix it because I can't see telling a couple dozen people some who are flying in that I might not have a TV or it might look like crap when they come.
http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts-kws/ie ... i-adapters
digikey.com is a very reputable company so you shouldn't have any reservations from ordering from them.
For me though I should have to but this special cable/adapter. If you look in your manual for your tv it says it supports 1080p it doesn't say anything about 1080p via IEEE only. Also it was marketed as a 1080p TV so it should work with HDMI or something or have a way to upgrade the software in it to support it.
I love my TV when it's working correctly it's awsome. I looked a long time at DLP, LCD, Plasma, and LCOS
I decided on DLP because how how long I felt I would probably keep the TV. The only thing I would have to replace (so i thought) is the LAMP which is user servicable.
LCD you have to worry about losing pixles although not very common I've seen people with one or two pixles out in the middle of the TV and there is nothing you can do about it, very annoying.
Plasma well eventually it will ware out and yes you can have it serviced but it's not cost effective and not user servicable.
LCOS almost went this route until sony decided to drop the technology.
I went with Mitsubishi as I've always been told they make the best tv's and then DLP because of the above reasons. I thought I had a solid setup until all this trouble. Then I thought it was just mitsubishi but now that the service guy has told me it's all DLP that makes it worse and don't know if all the problems I've had out weigh the issues with the other technologies.
My biggest problem is I had planned a large party at my house for superbowl just before the light engine failed again and now I gotta get them to fix it because I can't see telling a couple dozen people some who are flying in that I might not have a TV or it might look like crap when they come.
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willg
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Re: WD-73727 Typical Optical Engine Problem and BluRay Connection
MrSmoofy wrote:
A quick google search and I found this:
http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts-kws/ie ... i-adapters
Thanks! Unfortunately, unless I'm missing something, the appropriate adapter isn't listed on the page you referenced. I had done a similar search and found this same page previous to finding this forum. I think it's finding the "category names" but not the actual adapter. Again, I might be missing something. If so, please point out which one is the proper one (if it's not too much trouble).
Yeah, I understand what you mean concerning the advertising. I felt the same way too! 1080p should mean that multiple connections should have 1080p capability not just one. Or, if that's not the case, the consumer should be made away of it. But, I suspect that being an early adopter, that's one of the risks you take. Things evolve and devices are made after the technology has matured a bit. Although I think they should have done a much better job at making the consumer aware of the 1080p limitation...I wonder if that (IEEE 1394) was the "standard" at the time the TV was made? I agree with you...if this is going to be a limitation...they should point people to some type of adapter or software upgrade? Of course, I suspect they were off developing newer models and these types of details were lost in the suffle and so were the early adopters.
Aaah, I know what you mean by the Superbowl party!!! I'd be upset too! I had the same type of thing around the holidays. I just had to suck it up and bear it, unfortunately! The saving grace for me was that the event wasn't based on TV. With the superbowl...it's primarily a TV event! You can try to get Mits to give you a "loaner" but don't hold your breath. I tried that too but to no avail. But, who knows, you may have better fortune than I did if you press hard enough to either get the repair or a loaner in time. I found the wheels of progress move very slowly with these sort of repairs and there's little you can do about it. So, I'm hoping that everything will flow together in time for your party. You may want to give your friends who are flying in a 'heads up', just in case Mits doesn't move as fast as you like.
Will
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willg
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UPDATE on BLU RAY Connection
Since I had some time today, I did a little research on that IEEE to HDMI connection for 1080p BluRay. I went to Radio Shack to see if they would have an adapter or cable. I spoke to one of their specialists and he indicated that he didn't think that an IEEE port would support a 1080p video connection. He's only known of this type of connection through either HDMI or component ports. In his experience, he only heard of IEEE as being a data port, not video. Therefore, I'm going to call Mitsubishi and investigate further. Although I've been told that there isn't a great difference between a 1080i and 1080p picture quality (for the average viewer), I still want what I paid for...a 1080p TV.
Will
Will
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MrSmoofy
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Re: UPDATE on BLU RAY Connection
Well I thought the IEEE was data (aka Firewire) but my Sony Camcorder using that type of connection to my computer to transfer Video so I thought it was possible to do the same for a source to the TV. Either way no call from Mitsubshi yet so I will be calling them today.
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willg
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The Definitive Word
I just got off the phone with Mistsubishi. Although the rep was very knowledgeable and cordial, I was not happy when the conversation was concluded. It appears that the WD73727 had the capability to receive and display a cable TV signal for 1080p. Yet, no devices can be connected to the TV (except a PC) that will recieve a 1080p signal. The rep indicated that somehow, even if it's a 1080i signal and the TV just states 1080i, that the TV upconverts the signal to 1080p quality when using a connected device. I didn't believe it. But, tha's what I was told. Just wanted to provide the update.
Will
Will