I also have the same problem with my 40v3000 which was purchased in October 2007. The problem started just after the 3 year warranty expired. I tried upgrading the hdml cable in case it was a reception problem - this seemed to help a bit but now the problem is worsening.

I have also changed some of the settings suggested by another subscriber but this reduces the picture quality considerably.

As with other subscribers I have always been willing to pay a bit extra and buy Sony and the tv is the first time I have had a problem but it has completely put me off buying Sony again.

Come on Sony help us restore our confidence in your products.

Further to my posting of 17 August I wrote to Sony who said they needed a detailed repair estimate and they would then consider any direct assistance to resolve the matter. I paid the £48 charge and the repair man took one look at the screen and said that it was a common problem that they referred to as "watermarks". He was in the house for 2 minutes to earn the £48.

The repair report stated that I needed a GM LCD PANEL at a cost of £378.95!!!!!!

I sent this to Sony and their reply which I have just received said "Sony products are supplied with a guarantee to protect customers in the event that the product fails. In the absence of any additional or extended guarantee repairs outside of the 1 year Sony guarantee becomes chargeable. Having considered different factors Sony is not prepared to offer any form of goodwill assistance"

This issue was dealt with by the Customer Information Centre so doubt whether it has been considered at a higher level.

Sony's customer care has sunk to an all time low and I for one will boycott their goods in future. £48 well and truly wasted.

Malcolm

I have the same problem on a Bravia KDL-V40A12 U. A much older set of over 5 years BUT the problem appeared after a couple of years. It's now just too annoying.

Has anyone had any such problem with another make? I haven't seen any such posts.

I am about to replace my set and it won't be a Sony for the first time in my life because of this problem.

SONY your a JOKE had a sony engineer come to check my t.v for the heat fault as I fort it was the reason my t.v had black streaks he then told me that there is a fault and he has seen it on many KDL40-V3000 he told me he would report it only to get a phone call saying there is no fault on this t.v clearly there is how many people do you need to post this issue before your willing to do something your own SONY ENGINEER said there is a fault with this t.v.

then for the repair I have to pay 67 pound for the engineer when he's already taken picture and identified the fault

then 120 for labour

then 367 for the part

yeah o.k i'l get my wallet out again now shall I SONY you make me sick ive always spent extra for my stuff to last I also have sony vaio laptop 2 X ps3 which are both now yold yet again the rich get richer & the poor get ripped off  6 years its meant to last not 10mins I will never ever buy a sony product again you can shuv the repair price I'll go buy me a good t.v with my money thank you for nothing watchdog hear I come and sony I promise you have not heard the last on this i will also stop family friends from buying your expencive CRAP thanks once again must be nice to sleep at night with all are hard earned cash.

I dont think so at all if the SONY ENGINNER is saying theres a problem with this modelV3000 theres something very fishey hear & its a sceen fault not software take it your t.v is fine or you would'nt be defending the SONY RIP OFF CORP

I do not have a KDL-40V300 but guys you are not alone. I just bought a magnificent Top of the Line latest Flagship KDL-65HX923, on your face, lol. I got it at a bargain price of 4500 pounds. It is magnificent. The only little problem is a dark band right in the centre of the screen and another white one just a bit to the right. Wasn’t I lucky? What it is even better I did not have to wait 2.5 year, not one, not even 6 months. They were so efficient that they delivered it already with the bands. You might think that it would be enough good luck. Well, I really won the lottery. I bought it from a Sony Centre which is in administration and cannot get back to them either. However Sony UN-support has been very helpful so far. They have ferociously looked after Sony’s interest. Like most of you I have at least 10 or 15 Sony products and I was doing my pilgrimage to the Sony Centres at least twice a month. Come on guys, let’s face it Sony is not even the shade of what they used to be.

Duncan

Can you give me any update on this problem. Bought a KDL46V3000 in June 2008 and set has developed these black / grey 'shadows' in the centre of the screen - exactly the same as described by other posts. Contacted dealer ( his warranty) and was offered derisory amount to go away - he said tv could not be repaired. Then contacted Sony and have been given complete runaround. They have offered a tv dealer visit from DFC Solutions for £40 plus VAT

Is is worth paying this and then trying to get Sony to accept responsibility for a known fault OR am I just throwing good money after bad?

Any help / advice would be appreciated

Robert