Sharp Aquos 42" Banding Problem

Wick98

I bought a Sharp Aquos LCD TV, just over a year ago. When I got it, I had heard about banding, but I didn't really know what it is. All I knew was to look for something by the side of the TV/image, but I didn't notice any problems. The idiot that I am, I didn't do much research because my TV seemed to look fine.

Tonight, while surfing the 'net, my interest was piqued when I saw a message board post about banding on an Aquos. I have a 42" model - one that was mentioned to have banding problems. So, I checked some pictures and came to the realization that my TV definitely does have vertical banding issues. To be honest, I thought it was normal to be able to see panels or something behind the image, at a specific angle. I guess I'm just a tool, though.

Anyways, I'm going crazy worrying that I might be stuck with the set now that it's been about a year, so I figured I would ask some questions here. If you can answer any of these questions, please do, because I'd like to know if there's anything I can do. Thanks in advance.

1) A while back, I heard that Sharp would replace any sets with the banding issue, that were sold before the 'fix'. I looked that up online and I only found it on one site. Is that true? Are there specific requirements?

2) I bought a four year warranty from the electronics store where I purchased the set. Do you think the warranty would allow me to return the TV if it has a banding issue? I'm also having a weird HDMI port issue, where I sometimes don't get sound (only video,) so I'd like to return it. I'm sure it's most-likely up to the store's discretion.

3) Another thing I heard is that Sharp would fix the TV if it had banding issues? Is that even possible?

YoniX

First thing's first, call Sharp (don't worry, in my experiences they are actually VERY helpful) to see if your panel will still be covered, be SURE to mention banding. If it is too old then I would definitely take advantage of the extended warrantee and get a new one. Banding is a serious issue and you should not have to put up with it.

Wick98

Thanks for the reply.

I plan to call the store I bought it from, as well as Sharp, once I get home from class. I thought the banding was just panels showing through, which I thought was somewhat normal. I generally only see it during hockey games and maybe some other sports, being viewed in HD.

I bought my TV just over a year ago, so I doubt Sharp will have it covered in their parts and service warranty, but I have the four year warranty with the store I got it from, so that has to cover it. It'll at least cover my other problem. Sharp won't be able to repair either of those problems, I doubt, so I'll hopefully get a replacement.

The employees I dealt with at the store were great/very helpful, so I hope they're good at honoring their warranty.

Wick98

I talked to the people at the store I purchased it from and they gave me a number for a local place that takes care of inspections and repairs for Sharp. I talked to them as well and they said they would like to come in and take my TV for up to two weeks! When I bought my TV, I was told they'd come in to inspect the TV, not take it away. The TV is the central hub for our satellite, so I assume the satellite connection won't work throughout the house without it hooked up. Plus, I'm a video game addict...so that's self-explanatory.

Is picking it up and taking it for up to two weeks normal? I really don't want to send it away, so I'm hoping there's a workaround for it.

claycruncher

I'm considering an Aquos LC-65SE94U. Does anyone know if it has this banding issue as well?

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Claycruncher