Sony V5100 LCD TV "Red Flashing" Issue

UPDATE: Sony has released an update that addresses this problem: http://esupport.sony.com/US/

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.

Clip from the "Colbert Report" on November 16, 2009, with guest Paul Goldberger.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Sony
• Red Flashing
• color balance
• V5100
• S5100
• Bravia
• Bravia Engine
• shift
• LCD
• television
• Colbert
• TV
• T.V.
• red

[everydamnjim]

Sony has a firmware update for the KDL-52V5100 here:

esupport.sony.com/US/perl/swu-­download.pl?upd_id=6042&mdl=KD­L52V5100

[BoogaFrito]

@everydamnjim Thanks, I'll put that in the description, just in case people don't know...

[bngbaroda]

I am having a similar issue with my sony TV...where the whole screen would sometimes be covered in red...How did u get it solved???might help me in dealing with them.....

[BoogaFrito]

I solved it by returning my TV and replacing it with a different model. :)

But, you are in luck! Sony Engineering has apparently just come out with a firmware update that addresses this specific problem. Call their customer service line and reference "Red Flickering."

Or, try a search on AVSforum for the V5100 Official Owner's Thread. Start from the last post and work your way backwards. You may find what you need...

[TURSAS13]

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!

[BoogaFrito]

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.

[Shapmb]

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.

[GuitarMitch]

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.

[Vlaryn]

I just installed the new firmware. It is live on sonys website. Hope if fixes my issues. This was really driving me crazy. I went as far as having direct tv out twice replacing HD recievers t

[Maximas7474]

Theres a new update that came out and its not on the website yet. All the techs have it and I got it from one. It updates the audio issue but somehow there must of been some conflict with the audio and video there because it fixed mine completely and I had this flickering down the screen when in full pixel mode and now its all completely gone so I'm not sure what it is. I got it from the service tech that came out to fix mine. Updated with the new release ER4.12_E3R1 INT AUDIO

[Beckmen]

I have a V5100 (52") and it has this same problem. I did a firmware update when I first got it, That fixed the issue with black levels where the screen would go into a low-power mode. Was really noticeable when end credits would roll. I haven't tried the latest firmware because I am afraid of accidentally destroying my TV. Wish it had a network connection and a firmware update utility build-in (Like my BDP-S360 does).

[NickRoeder]

@towmator HA! You're a perfect example of what people dislike in tech support.

Luckily the folks over at AVS Forums were able to get their hands on a firmware fix for this.

People had every right to complain about this problem...  You were wrong.

[NickRoeder]

JJGaucho over at AVS Forums had a firmware update that solves this problem. Whew! It was a lifesaver!