Fix ghosting problem on Sony 3lcd rear projection

Batesy

Thought I'd put this up here as I searched for this fix for weeks.
It's a fix for a fault on the Sony 3lcd rear projection tvs. (KDF-e50a11)

Mine is the 50" but the fix also works for the 40" version.

I noticed while playing my 360 that a ghosting/double image was appearing to the left of items on the screen.

I thought it was the lamp that needed replacing and was even thinking of buying a new tv until I saw this fix. Worked a treat.


Taken form AV forums
http://www.avforums.com/forums/rear-projection-televisions/384717-sonykdf-e50a12u-help-ghosting-check-60hz-8.html#post3850663

'Ok, firstly, disclaimer.

This "solution" utilises a "service" menu, that only trained engineers should use. You, are not one, you are an "end user". So am I, but I paid attention.

Use of this information is entirely at your own risk, you mess up your telly, it's your own silly fault. Don't go messing with stuff in there you don't know about.

Ok.

To bring up the "service" menu, put the TV in standby mode, then press in sequence :

Onscreen Display ( the little screen with the i+ in it )
5 ( channel number 5 )
Volume Up ( upper end of volume button )
Analogue ( middle top button )

The TV should switch on and when it's warmed up, you should see a screen with lots of big green lettering on it.

Press the "menu" button ( middle bottom )

Use the direction dial to move down to "LCD Drivers" and press right on the dial to enter this menu.

Move down to "S H Pos Reg R". It should be "10", change it to "11". ( Left/Right to adjust )
Move down to "S H Pos Reg G". It should be "10", change it to "11".
Move down to "SHPos Reg B". It should be "10", change it to "11".

Press the menu bottom to drop out of the menus, and the standy button to drop to standby. Switch back on, and hopefully your ghosting will be gone. Mine was, haven't noticed any side effects, seems ok.

I don't know exactly what this setting does...guess is it adjusts the horizontal shift, maybe something gets burnt out on 10...??

Since I posted it first, I'm going to dub this the "Spinal Tap" solution. Since... "if you put it on 11, that's 1 louder..."

Incidentally, my menu has at the bottom "LE4B v7.27". Wondered what other people have. Be interested to hear about this firmware "fix" for this particular problem. Is that my firmware number?

Good luck! "

Pablod

Hi There Batesy,

I have the same TV, (Sony 50" Rear Projection)
I found the same issue with my PS3. had to make manual adjustments in the Hidden Menu,

Anyway, I have a question for you regarding the Lamp
Did you go down the road of replacing the Lamp?
The reason I ask, is because my lamp has just burnt out today.

Sony are not back open until Monday,
I have tried a few of the Sony Centres but they don't keep them in stock
And the worrying part of it is that the cost of it is in teh region of €300-€350!!!!!! :eek:

Cheers
Pablo

Batesy

Hi Pablo.

My lamp is still ok for now. It was just the settings in the service menu that needed adjusting. I know for a fact you can pick up a replacment lamp on e-bay for a lot cheaper than €350.
You'd be talking more like €150. Look for a sony xl-2400 lamp.

I think I'll probably pick one up and keep it aside for when my lamp eventually does burn out.

Can you give me any signs to look out for when the lamp is on its way out?

Cheers, Batesy.

Pablod

Hi Batesy

Thanks for that, Seen that on Ebay.
One guy selling for around €105 & €25 postage -but its only for the bulb,
He is selling the Full Lamp unit and this is still around €275 & €25 postage.
My only concern is - do I replace just the bulb or the whole lamp unit?

There was not many signs before this happened, I basically came down one morning switched it on, and 10mins later it switched itself off.
I was able to switch it back on a few times after that.
But I noticed the screen did get dark and dimmed around the edges
Then, it shut itself off and wouldnt go back on.
On the bottom front of the TV, the Lamp Icon stays a Solid Red Colour
and the Power Icon, flashes Red/Green

Although it is a great TV, Its a shame that its so expensive to replace the lamp, Suppose were fortunate that it is this simple to fix, whereas if it was one of the Newer TV's the whole TV would have to go back for repair.

Cheers,
Paul

Batesy

Ah yes I see what you mean in terms of the bulb. I wonder would you be able to just use your original housing for the new bulb though?
It must be possible because the bulbs are available on the own?
Maybe send the ebay seller a question looking for clarification.

Have you decided what you're gonna do yet? If you do go down the route of replacing the bulb I for one would be delighted if you posted how you got on.

Good luck!!

Pablod

Hi There,

Sorry for the late reply,

I got that bulb from a shop on ebay
Worked a charm
a third of the price of the Sony Centres here in ireland
And it fits teh housing no problem either

The delivery was very quick
Ordered Tuesday
Paid Wednesday
Despatched on Thursday and
I received it on the following Monday from UK