Panasonic Ax100 Projector issue

Villain

Well I think most people here will have read one of threads on my HD projector, sadly after saying how I had no issue with my old PTAE100 ater 4 years my AX100 has started having an issue.

Now first before I describe the issue, this is a "known" issue.

When you turn the projector on it stays on for about a minute and then turn itself off it will do this 3 to 4 times before staying, this is due to the Iris sticking. Users on AV Forums have done DIY fixes which include greasing the wire that the Iris uses to move to free it up however others have stated that Panasonic have fixed this issue outside warranty.

So I called Panasonic projectors and told them I had purchased the projector in Dec 06 (might as well be truthful) and told them the issue and they said the issue was in fact known and tehy would repair it with a new Iris. They are arranging collection for tomorrow and said they would return it in 7 working days so lets see hwo they do.

Villain

Just to update DHL have collected the package, so lets see how Panasonic go now, the projector is going to Cardiff for repair

trabpc

Villain wrote: »

Just to update DHL have collected the package, so lets see how Panasonic go now, the projector is going to Cardiff for repair

Really strange! for once a positive story on returns out of warrranty.

Ive just got the ax200. Glad to know Panasonic are looking after you.

Villain

Well it seems to be an exception made for this issue as it was a very common problem and always remember Irish consumer law is not superceeded by warranty

johnnyflav

Fair play to Panny for admitting to the fault. They don't seem to be having much luck with the reliability of their PJ's, although they do make very nice ones.

eddiem74

trabpc wrote: »

Really strange! for once a positive story on returns out of warrranty.

Ive just got the ax200. Glad to know Panasonic are looking after you.

trabpc, FYI, i am also getting some of the known AX100 issues on my AX200, however have not called Panny yet get repaired. I am experiencing the green/purple flashes via HDMI when watching HD stuff, dimming and brightening of picture (even after changing settings such as light harmoniser: off), and now also a periodic flash of a single color !

Ohh, the joys, back to Cardiff soon it will be !

Villain

Are you running on eco mode eddiem74?

eddiem74

Villain wrote: »

Are you running on eco mode eddiem74?

Yes, I am currently, was also running in normal mode for quite some time. It seems to be an issue though which a firmware update will fix along with some hardware replacement from what I have read.

Villain

Running in normal mode for 200 hours is meant to resolve the dimming and brightening of picture.

eddiem74

Villain wrote: »

Running in normal mode for 200 hours is meant to resolve the dimming and brightening of picture.

Thanks, however the Projector has over 300hrs on it, of which 200+ were in normal mode. Anyway, when I send it back, I will highlight all these issues, and let them determine what they need to do, if anything.

Villain

Cool, well I'll let you know how long it takes me to get mine back

trabpc

That worries me a little. However I still have not moved into the new Gaff yet as such I have played with the AX200 very little.

I have been using a sony RDR 350 upcaling DVD player mostly when I am there On Sat for a few minutes playing with it and noticed no probs using a 5M HDMI lead.

I have Pirates of the Carribeen on my pc in HD so i might try hooking it up at the Weekentd to see how that looks.

When you say you are having problems/flashing with HD is this With A PS3 or Blu Ray player

Villain

That issue is not as widely reported trabpc, I would advise however that you use the projector in normal mode as opposed to eco mode for the first 200 hours.

I had the PTAE100 that was widely reported to have many issues and it worked for me for over 4 years with over 3,000 hours before it died.

I would try and use it a bit before the year is up to make sure there are no issues, as if there is Panny will sort them out.

eddiem74

trabpc wrote: »

That worries me a little. However I still have not moved into the new Gaff yet as such I have played with the AX200 very little.

I have been using a sony RDR 350 upcaling DVD player mostly when I am there On Sat for a few minutes playing with it and noticed no probs using a 5M HDMI lead.

I have Pirates of the Carribeen on my pc in HD so i might try hooking it up at the Weekentd to see how that looks.

When you say you are having problems/flashing with HD is this With A PS3 or Blu Ray player

I get a green flash with a purple line running through when watching HD stuff via the HDMI connection. To be honest I have only watched limited HD stuff until recently getting my HTPC built.

If you use google.ie and search for "AX200 Issues" you with get some results which will help you know what to watch for.

brav

Villain wrote: »

When you turn the projector on it stays on for about a minute and then turn itself off it will do this 3 to 4 times before staying, this is due to the Iris sticking. Users on AV Forums have done DIY fixes which include greasing the wire that the Iris uses to move to free it up however others have stated that Panasonic have fixed this issue outside warranty.

So I called Panasonic projectors and told them I had purchased the projector in Dec 06 (might as well be truthful) and told them the issue and they said the issue was in fact known and tehy would repair it with a new Iris. They are arranging collection for tomorrow and said they would return it in 7 working days so lets see hwo they do.

I got mine in Jan 07, and a few days ago after 800hrs, this also happened to me, i'm heading away though for a year so i said it was too late so i said i would send it away for repair when i get back. Lets hope its still free!

i did however try a temp fix: open hatch for bulb, using the screw next to the iris thing fix a short bit of cable under it and used it as a stop, as the iris pieces is like an L shape and should be vertical/horizontal but moves a bit too far and ends up tilted, and the copper wire(or whatever) stops it in its correct position.
At least the fix doesn't void warrenty and only takes a minute, but if I was staying I still would have got it sent for repair.

Villain

Well today was the 7th working day after DHL collected my projector and guess what?

Yep it arrived with a new Iris and updated firmware according to the work sheet attached, I connected it up and it switched on first time and no issues at all while having it running for 2 hours.

The total cost including DHL shipping to and from Cardiff and a new Iris was 0.00. Yep all free and returned within 7 days. I have to say big thumps up to Panny here.

eddiem74

Villain wrote: »

Well today was the 7th working day after DHL collected my projector and guess what?

Yep it arrived with a new Iris and updated firmware according to the work sheet attached, I connected it up and it switched on first time and no issues at all while having it running for 2 hours.

The total cost including DHL shipping to and from Cardiff and a new Iris was 0.00. Yep all free and returned within 7 days. I have to say big thumps up to Panny here.

That takes a little sting out of the inconvienence for sure ! Will most likely give them a call myself shortly.

trabpc

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=55687020#post55687020


Lads Id appreciate if you could have a look at these pics let me know how the look to you and If you see any of the problems ye had!

Regards

Villain

Looks good trabpc, one tip I would give is run it on normal lamp mode for first 200 hours then go to eco mode. What way are you mounting the Projector? Makes sure it has plenty of ventilation.

trabpc

No really mounted yet I have it set up 6 meters back on the pool table for now. but i did get a vogels bracket and I hope to mount it about 300-400 mm below ceiling.

eddiem74

Villain wrote: »

Well today was the 7th working day after DHL collected my projector and guess what?

Yep it arrived with a new Iris and updated firmware according to the work sheet attached, I connected it up and it switched on first time and no issues at all while having it running for 2 hours.

The total cost including DHL shipping to and from Cardiff and a new Iris was 0.00. Yep all free and returned within 7 days. I have to say big thumps up to Panny here.

Same here ! Had my AX200 collected on Monday morning, and returned Tuesday morning of the following week, so 7 day turnaround, plus no charge.

Worksheet enclosed confirmed firmware was updated, and testing was carried out. Projector left with 388hrs, and returned with 393hrs, so at least it feels like they looked into it.

Will give it a run over the weekend, and see how things look.

trabpc

How does one determine what firmware number is on an AX200?

eddiem74

trabpc wrote: »

How does one determine what firmware number is on an AX200?

I took this from the AX200 Owners thread on AVForums, haven't tried it myself:

"The service menu can be accessed by (when projector is on) Power, RIGHT!, up, down, up, down, enter... "

trabpc

Ok Was at projector today PTAX200
and pressed power,right,up,down,up,down,enter and got the following

self check. s/n sa7650471

mm 1.02

f=1.00

IM 1.00

so does f=1.00 mean its version one?

eddiem74

trabpc wrote: »

Ok Was at projector today PTAX200
and pressed power,right,up,down,up,down,enter and got the following

self check. s/n sa7650471

mm 1.02

f=1.00

IM 1.00

so does f=1.00 mean its version one?

Yes, I believe so, from what I read on AvForums. Updated version is 1.03 or 1.3 from what I recall.

trabpc

Can you guys comfirm what Firmware no: your projectors are at now after panasonic has updated them and has it solved the HD flicker issue?

Villain

I'll check this evening for you

eddiem74

trabpc wrote: »

Can you guys comfirm what Firmware no: your projectors are at now after panasonic has updated them and has it solved the HD flicker issue?

I just checked the docket Panasonic sent back to me, and it states firmware updated to version 1.03.

Also, since this was done, no HD green/purple flash/flicker. Things seems to be going well so far after around 40hrs of usage of Sky SD & HD content, and DVD's via HTPC.

Villain

My AX100 after Iris fix:

MM:1.15
F:1.00
IM:2.00

mossym

just to add to this, had my ax100 for about 15 months when it developed problems, panasonic agreed to fix it (thanks villian for the number) free of charge. collected it from me on tuesday sept 9th, and it is back repaired with me on friday sept 12th, best customer service i have ever seen.

especially since i assumed it was a 12 month warranty (which it definitely was when i bought it. )

kieranf

Having the same issue myself with the AX100 after 15 months of no issues :-(
Would you have the number for the service centre to contact?

mossym

just pm'ed it to you

kieranf

spoke to them eventually this morning (cheers to mossym for the number), and they have arranged collection for this friday. No problems with the fact that it is over a year old, in fact they told me the warranty for repairs is 2 years for the ax100..
cheers again to everyone on the thread, i could have been going to buy another if i hadnt stumbled on this thread!