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Mitsubishi WD73831 color issues

Started by orleandean • Sep 29, 2008 • 45 posts
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#1
I bought this beauty in Dec. 06. Have had zero problems with it till last week. Had been noticing that the broad view's were be coming more pixulated. Figured it was the bulb dimming or something like that. Ordered a new bulb, replaced it, and 8 minutes later it blew up. Put old bulb back in everything back to sub-normal. Then it started---TV would run fine for an hour or so, then the color would start flickering, and eventuall go to brown/black and white. If I turn the set off and let it go through it's shutdown proceedure, and turn it back on as soon as the lamp light stop's blinking, it will come back on and be normal for about a half an hour. I'm at my wit's end--any idea's out there?
#2
I bought this beauty in Dec. 06. Have had zero problems with it till last week. Had been noticing that the broad view's were be coming more pixulated. Figured it was the bulb dimming or something like that. Ordered a new bulb, replaced it, and 8 minutes later it blew up. Put old bulb back in everything back to sub-normal. Then it started---TV would run fine for an hour or so, then the color would start flickering, and eventuall go to brown/black and white. If I turn the set off and let it go through it's shutdown proceedure, and turn it back on as soon as the lamp light stop's blinking, it will come back on and be normal for about a half an hour. I'm at my wit's end--any idea's out there?

Contact Mitsubishi - it's probably the light engine.:

Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc (MDEA) 2005/ 2006 DLP Projection Televisions

Models: WD-73727, WD-73827, WD-73927, WD-73732, WD-73831

It has come to our attention that a limited number of these DLP Projection Televisions may have performance issues related to the Optical Engine used in these sets. As part of our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, MDEA is announcing an extension of the warranty coverage applicable to the Optical Engine for the models listed above. For a period of two additional years beyond the one year limited warranty, MDEA will cover the cost of repair or replacing the Optical Engine (parts and labor) at no charge to you. The Lamp is not part of the Optical Engine; therefore, replacement of the Lamp is excluded from this extended warranty. All other terms and conditions of the MDEA limited warranty will continue to apply.
#3
That's what I'm hoping (I guess). Anyone have their #'s handy?
#4
So--does anyone know exactly what happen's in the light engine to make it go bad? I have been a HVAC service thec for over 20 year's and just have to know.
#5
Light engines are not repaired to component level so the service industry has no answer...
#6
Gotcha--Has the service industry, and Mits gotten better than some of the older post's have indicated?
#7
Orleandean: if u have seen/read the nightmare posts about the light engine and warranty issues you'll see that i have/had lots to say about it. So, after all the knock-down, dragged out fighting...mits replaced my tv with a brand new one. i've had it for maybe 6 months now with lots of watch time on it (wife is home all day!). I had it calibrated, along with an audio calibration for my denon audyssey and i will honestly say that it has been awesome. i really hope that mitsu has learned from this. hope i've been of some help, somewhere along the way.. :?:
#8
I have indeed read all of your post's, and you have been very helpfull. I hope you won't mind if I drop your name when I talk to Mits.
#9
not sure it will help..but it certainly can't hurt! I have no problem with it at all. Might have more of an impact if you refer them to all of the posts that are in that forum.
#10
Anyone in particular I should talk to?
Turned TV on at 10AM eastern, and picture is still perfect at 3PM.
#11
Unfortunately, you will probably have to go the "slow" route at first. Place a service request with them. The initial calls will go to their overseas call center, so be patient!
If/when you get to the "pulling your hair out" stage, DEMAND that you be transferred to a supervisor, and then, if necessary, DEMAND that your request be escalated.
I still have ALL of the notes,etc from my "career" dealing with them. I'll take a look and see if there's a number in the states I can get to you. Their corporate office is in Irvine, California.
#12
Cool--that would be great.
Picture update: 3:17--picture gone :(
#13
Why don't you send me an e mail? Send it to [email protected]
Put something like "Mitsu" as the subject matter.
#14
Talked to customer service today. Someone in the Phillipine's. Very nice, knew what she was doing. Took all my info, and put me on hold for a service request. Three minute's go by and she come's back on to re-fresh my holding for a couple of minute's. Twenty-five minute's later, she comes back on with the sad new's that there aren't any service provider's in my area. I live in Northern VA. She say's she will expedite a requet to a regional person who will contact me in 1 to 2 business day's. Not a bad start (I hope).
#15
Gotcha--Has the service industry, and Mits gotten better than some of the older post's have indicated?

Bear in mind those older posts reflect this problem at it's worst - no parts. If you look at the dates you will note the thread has been dead for a long time because Mits finally got up to speed on supplying the part along with an extension of warranty for this problem.

This light engine problem is supposed to be resolved. As for the service industry, again, not much we can do or change - we are not in the drivers seat and can only deal with what we are given; in this case an assembly called the light engine.
#16
The firts part was the answer I was hoping for, and the second part was the answer I expected. :D
#17
Duly noted :D
#18
It has been over a week since I called Mit. the first time. Cust. care person called me back and told me they would look for a certified Mit. repair person in my area, 2 business days. Call's on Fri. to inform me that they called all of the "servicer's" in my area except one. There were 10 on the list, 7 had the same #. She would call the last one on Mon. and get back to me. Call's and leave's a message that they couldn't get in touch with "service company". Will have to contact non-certified companies, and will take 3 business day's.
So, basically, I'm exactly where I was a week ago.
Set up a service call with Sear's this morning for today between 8 and 5. Got a call at 1:30 that there weren't any service people available. Next available date?

Wait for it... Friday... the 17th.

Sweet huh?
#19
Unfortunately, you're at their mercy..at least for now. For whatever it's worth, the local service company that i was dealing with was always two weeks out for a service call..and then, when they showed up without parts, or tools..or whatever..and they had to reschedule.......guess what???...YEP..u guessed it, 2 weeks! Not that it makes you feel any better! Wait until the 17th and see what happens. Chances are that they are only coming out to determine the cause...not remedy the issue. :roll:
#20
Yeah Idon't expect too much too soon. I've pretty much moved into the basement at this point. At least the plasma still work's. :lol:
#21
Curiously, what is your zip code? You live in a rural area? Small town area?
#22
Zip is 22737--rural, but not out of it. Nearest Best Buy is 33.19 miles from my house.
BTW, never got a call from Mits yesterday like promised.
#23
Best Buy is notorious for ignoring their customers if they don't have anything on the line like protecting a sale or servicing their extended warranty. They are currently driving the independent service market nuts by getting an inside track on manufacturer or extended warranty service - they get first dibs. That means if they decline then independent servicers get to pick up the trash they don't want. Trash = tough repairs and long distance runs. Over my 26 years you are supposed to take the good with the bad or not do it all!

I checked a map and the Mits site and you are in the sticks. Patience will be required to get this settled.

http://direct.where2getit.com/cwc/apps/ ... mid=174138

As you can see there is a place called Electronic Service Center that has numerous listings but it seems they are not real players in your area or your service call would have already been placed!

I checked NESDA
http://www.nesda.com/locator/state_search.php

Only three, none Mits authorized and all about 43 miles away - that is tough on any shop. For us, if Mits is willing to pay for the trip, the call could be profitable provided we bring a light engine with us so it gets resolved on a single trip.

Yep, you are in a tough service area... :cry:
#24
Mit's called today, a week late' with the # for Jeff's TV Service. I'm guessing they got it off of NESDA's web site. They were going to let them come and service my tv. When I told her that Sear's was coming out tomm., she was not very happy. Oh well, I'm pretty sure I can pick who look's at my TV. Jeff's TV Service is 57 mile's away, but I will call them in the AM to see if they service my area. Doubtful.
#25
Sear's called at 9 am to reschedule my service. New date----the 27th!
#26
Sorry to hear! I believe that as long as whoever services the TV is factory authorized by Mitsu, you can use whoever you chose. Try calling the other service company and see what date they give you. I would think that you can schedule as many appointments as you want for the initial service. Whoever shows up first! Then cancel the other(s). In my experience with this, once a service center shows up for the repair and it's determined to be under warranty....you're stuck with them! In my case, I was stuck with a service company that showed up once without the part (they "forgot" it...and the rescheduled appt was another 10 days!!), once without something else (guess I blocked it out of my mind!!!...but I DO remember it was another delay!!! I was at their mercy after the first visit. :roll: Keep us up to date...and.....hang in there :wink:
#27
OK here goes---Called Jeff's TV Service after Sear's moved the date again. Talked to Denise (Absolute dream of a CSR). Asked if they serviced my area, and got a no as expected. Then she said, "that's kinda wierd, it's the second request we have gotten since Monday". Asked my name, and tv brand. "Yeah, I've got your info right here". One of the tech's that work's there had said he would be willing to run the call. Blue sky's, and rainbow's. Turn's out that Mits had called them on Mon. and they agreed they would run the call. All they needed was a service authorization form faxed from Mits. This is Monday. Never sent the fax. My Mits rep, Carla, who make's rock's look smart, called me YESTERDAY to let me know this new's about JTS being able to come out, all she had to do was send the fax. The fax that should have been sent on Mon. Now it's Fri. and could have had service set up with JTS this week. Call the Phillipines and have them contact JTS to send the form. Feelin pretty good at this point. Mits call's JTS and doesn't get Denise on the phone, get's the owner (geussing his name is Jeff). Jeff doesn't know anything about it and shut's the whole thing down. Got a call from Denise at 2:11 PM ET. Sorry to inform you that the owner said we will not service your TV.

Drinking now :evil:
#28
oi vey!
hope the bottle is full :wink:
#29
Picked up a new keg on the way home.
#30
Hey now--Mits called at 8:05 PM ET (5:05 PT) putting in the extra effort. Carla Informed me that JTS was waiting for the authorization cert. I had to cut her short with knowing more than she did about the situation. Asked her if her higher up was in the office. Sorry--after 5. Great idea to call all angry :evil: :arrow: :evil: customer's after the boss leave's.

Doin shot's now :shock: