Sony V5100 LCD TV “Red Flashing” Issue
Friday, February 5th, 2010 at
4:21 am
An auto-color balance issue with the Sony V5100 model LCD televisions. While difficult to capture with a video camera, in this clip the background noticeably shifts colors when the interview subject brings his hands into the frame. In person the color shift is visible across the entire picture. Sony denies the problem exists. Clip from the “Colbert Report” on November 16, 2009, with guest Paul Goldberger.
Tagged with: Flashing • Issue • Sony • V5100
Filed under: 55-Inch Question & Answer
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Unfortunately, this isn’t the same as the Automatic Contrast Enhancer problem, though I believe it is similar. This issue is specifically related to changes in the color levels of a scene. It happens even with the ACE turned off.
Hey you all there. I believe that is because of the dynamic contrast setting on. Had the same problem, screen flashing between dark and light hue. Switched automatic contrast off and works good.
Hope it’ll help!
Did he say not to believe your own eyes as well?
If possible, try connecting the cable box to another TV or monitor next time a tech comes by, to show him the difference…
I had a sony tech come out to take a look. I showed he an example of the daily show. He kept saying it could be the channel itself. I tried showing espn and I am Legend on bluray, but he didn’t notice it. Also warned me not to believe everything that online. I even showed him this video
Wow, that blows. I am looking to buy a TV but have no idea what brand is good.
I did the firmware upgrade 3 times. Downloaded it twice. The TV accepted it and the new version is on the system info on the TV. Had no effect!
@bassguitarevolution1 then you probbaly havent performed the update correctly or with the correct usb drive. I ran it and it didnt work the first time. I called sony and they walked me through it and it worked fine the second time. No issues since.
Mine also is on cable through HDMI. I do notice that on HD tv it seems to be worse on lower resolution signals like digital or analog cable. Depending on the scene. I am totally not happy with the picture right now. Brought my LG plasma up from the Basement and hooked it up with the same set up and it doesn’t do it. For sure it is the TV. Sony told me to do the firm ware up grade which I did and it had no effect. I have tried every adjustment with all settings and have had no luck at all.
It was on cable, through HDMI. But I’ll also get the flashes on Blu-Rays that use a lot of red or yellow in the background.
I am having the same problem with my Sony Bravia S series TV. It seems to be worse on my cable signal. What source was the Cold Report on?
I think it’s interesting that someone from Sony would come in here and post that this is the best you can expect from a low end Sony LCD TV. Haha!
That sux! It’s really obvious when you look at the globe on the left side. That would drive anyone nuts. That’s not just because it’s a cheap TV. If it were, other low end LCD TVs would have it as well. It’s probably a design defect that Sony hopes no one will notice. I would return it and get a different model or brand or else you’re going to feel like you’ve been ripped off every time you see that. And once you notice it the first time, you will see it every stinkin’ time it happens.
Every other television manufacturer can make a 46″ television for $1000 without these same quality issues.
Heck, Sony used to be able to, also. Strange how it’s just this year that they needed $2000 too keep an actor’s face from repeatedly jumping from “Gothic Pale” to “Sunburnt Red” and back…
Try watching the brown wall to the left of the man’s shoulder, around 0:14-0:15. What you may notice is the background getting brighter when the man brings his hands into the frame, then getting darker when he puts them down. In person this appears as if the “hue” had suddenly been set to maximum red for a moment, and it’s visible across the entire picture.
If you’d like to test your TV once you get it hooked up, I’ve heard the flashes happen frequently during The Daily Show…
There is no problem with red flash. These people just buy a cheap V serries & expect too much. It is not like they purchased an XBR.
I’ve watched this clip about 10 times or so in a row; not really seeing the issue here. Granted, you did mention it was a bit difficult to capture. I just bought a KDL40V5100.. Still have my 90 days return on this thing so I am a bit concered!
I can’t imagine you actually work for Sony as that’s a ridiculously offensive statement about a product that was originally $2k. I don’t expect the V series to match the image quality of the XBR, but it should not have this issue. Color accuracy, contrast ratio, and feature differences are fair game, but the red flashing is either a design or manufacturing defect and should be treated as such. The question is whether Sony can address with a new firmware, or if it’s more serious than that.
I really do believe you work in their tec support, I get the same idiotic response when I call them. So a screen that flickers reds is perfectly normal for a $1000 sony tv? Please post your full name if and rep ID if your comfortable with your answer.
towmator, your comment is a perfect example of Sony not standing behind their product. If Sony truly believes that people who pay over $1000 for tv don’t’ deserve a quality product, that’s nothing short of a disgrace. I doubt you actually work for Sony though, because posting a comment of that nature would likely get you fired.
Expecting a $1000+ television not to randomly flash red is expecting too much?
Hello,
I work for Sony in tec support & this is a perfect example of people expecting too much from a low end product. This is a V serries, not an XBR. If you want top quality, then pay for it and buy an XBR.
I have been complaining about this on the AVS forums since June. Plenty of people are having the issue, and Sony seems content to not acknowledge it at all.
Thanks for posting. I have this issue too and will be contacting Sony. There is no way they can claim this issue doesn’t exist with a straight face.
I’m having the same trouble, just got the tv the other day. And Sony isn’t being to helpful
thanks for the upload