Update: Since this article was published, Sony has clarified that the company has not issued a full product recall on all existing display models and boxed units from Sony Centres and independent dealers, and is carefully investigating the batch that has been affected (which is confined to a small number of stock).
It’s been barely a fortnight since UK customers started receiving their pre-orders for Sony’s flagship HX923 series of Bravia LED-backlit LCD TVs, but now the Japanese manufacturer has initiated investigation on existing display models and boxed units from Sony Centres and independent dealers, following complaints from KDL-46HX923 and KDL-55HX923 owners about a physical defect on the LCD screen.
Anecdotal reports started surfacing on several popular home cinema forums (not only in the United Kingdom, but also in Europe and the USA) last week, describing the presence of a vertical line situated approximately 1cm from the left or right screen borders of HX923 TV sets. Dubbed “creases” in these reports, the vertical lines appeared slightly darker than the rest of the on-screen image, and were particularly noticeable over a solid colour background. Posting photos to back up their claims, concerned owners of these premium 3D-capable HDTV displays understandably expressed their dismay to Sony in the hope of a swift resolution.
Communicating through its website forum, a Sony official confirmed that the company is aware of the issue which has since been investigated by its Product Quality engineers at the manufacturing plant. It is thought that only the initial batch of Sony HX923 televisions are affected, which explains why the TV maker is placing a hold on present stock from dealers while waiting for the arrival of a fresh batch that will hopefully be crease-free.
The Bravia HX923 series is one of the most eagerly anticipated HDTV range for this year, owing to some mouthwatering features that include full-array local-dimming LED backlight technology, Motionflow XR 800 motion-compensated frame interpolation (MCFI), X-Reality Pro 14-bit video processing engine, elegant Monolithic design, and OptiContrast panel made from Gorilla Glass. Partly as a result of the earthquake and tsunami disaster that struck Japan a few months ago, stock of these HDTVs arrived in the UK later than scheduled, and remained scarce on the ground. With this investigation in place, potential buyers may face further delays in getting their hands on a 46-inch Sony KDL46HX923 or 55-inch KDL55HX923 3D TV.
I am about to buy HX923 at hhgreg in two to three weeks. What should I do?
Should I wait until this clean up?
From what Ive been reading, dont buy anything Sony.
Come on Sony sort this mess out I bought the HX923 55″ and im now returning it to you due to the fault it’s your Flagship Model if you don’t sort this soon the Sony name will go down like the Titanic.
I purchased a X3500 series Sony set a couple of years ago, flag ship model at the time. This set would fail after a year of use, so many complaints from consumers on AV Forums.
Sad to see Sony still have quality issues with new sets. My advise, don’t buy Sony. From what I’ve read and my own experience their response to customer complaints is very poor.
Sony never resolved the quality problem with the set I mentioned, i don’t expect them to sort out this set.
If you can, return your set and get a refund. I lost over £2k, please don’t make the same mistake as me.
ive just got the hx923 and its got the lines , and it early september
I bought the 55hx923 in September also and was sold from a Sony store a defected screen with the crease issue visible to the eye,batch date( 06/11) Sony tried many times (3 different occasions) to replace my screen to no result and the last screen was tested in October, batch date (08/11) date on the side box. In the end I was credited back and very dissapointed as I too had been waiting for that TV. Now looking to spend my money on LG awaiting flagship model LW908T.
So why has Sony been allowed to get away with selling defective products>?
Unacceptable.
Which model is better in SONY LED 3D TV ?? HX800 or EX720 (40 inch)
I also wanted to add a comment as Richard Minshull made on 24th of July.
Like him, I bought a Sony tv few years ago, not the x3500, but x4500. I started to have problems about 2,5 years after buying it. Now my tv has got solid horizontal line clusters on the left and right middle part of the screen, and also the pixels started flashing more red light than normally, so the tv is just about to go to the bin as it is already unwatchable. I have been researching to buy a new tv, and even though I promised never to buy Sony tv again, I ended up narrowing my choice down to samsung d8000 series or Sony 46hx923. However, after reading all the forums of dissatisfied customers and the problems they have been having, I had decided to sit tight and wait how this battle of: customers vs ”don’t give a damm once I got your money” Sony is going to turn out. Good luck.
I was so excited for this set as an upgrade from my sony z5500, but after reading about the crease defect I became very worried and put off. Having checked the set for myself in the Sony store I must simply advise people to go check it out. This so called defect is not as prominent as some people claim, nor is it anything like that shown in the pictures. The pictures make it look like some kind of dent, yet I can’t even see a problem at all, and I have sampled 2 sets where there is nothing evident at all. This set is amazing and it has made my day buying one. Love the 55 inch with Skyrim. It is incredible with detail!
I am considering buying the SONY HX 923 55 inch…
Should I walk away considering Sony is still having problems?
I am also considering Samsung 55inch 8000 series? Would this be a better bet?
Any advise would be appreciated!
Thank You
SONY IS DOING GOOD JOB BY NOT LISTENING TO CUSTOMER I HAVE TO RETURN 40NX720
THANKS FOR VIEW ON SONY HX923 I HAVE TO DERAIL MY IDEA TO PURCHASE
What a clanger by Sony. in flogging the HX 923 . their plan is flog it as recall is expansive!!.. Samsung D8000 has it issues of sound quality and reflective glass!
Bought sony HX923 65 inch march 2012.have a problem with the sound,as it cuts off for a split second during all programs every 10 minTtrying to get refund as it cost me £4000