Sony VPL-HS51 Not Worth the Money

I recently purchased the VPL-HS51 at a cost of over $3,700.00. Within 6 weeks the lamp (which costs over $300) failed. Since the product was still under warranty, I called the warranty department. They had me send them my proof of purchase (which came in black and they let me think it was ok for over a week until I had to call them and I discovered it wasn't readable so I had to resend it) and then they advised me that it would be a week before the lamp could get to me because they were out of stock (which implies that it fails and they cannot keep it in stock). When I called a week later I was informed that it would be another week and a half. Thoroughly disgusted, I called the parts department, they referred me to the warranty department and back and forth. Since I was not getting a straight answer I then attempted to find the corporate office in New York to file a complaint and again, I could not even find their number. (If you dont believe me, try it yourself). Anyway, this product is truly not worth the money if the lamp continues to fail at a cost of $300 each time. Its also troublesome that Sony departments do not communicate with each other.

I thought I would give your readers an update. Earlier this week on the 15th I telephoned Sony Warranty department and spoke with two seperate operators, one referred me to the other. The last one advised me that the part had been shipped over a week ago and that it should be here at the end of the week. Well, surprise its not here. I called the parts department (where it was suppose to be shipped from) and they advised me that it was mailed out "today" and that it will take 10 business days to get to me. (How nice of them to send it UPS Ground vs overnight mail). If you believe this person, it will have taken 3 1/2 weeks to get a lamp replaced for machine that I had recently purchased. I will at that time have had the machine for 11 weeks and 3 1/2 of those weeks it was out of service. In the meantime my warranty time is still adding up so I would not actually have my 90 day warranty since 25 of those days the machine was down. Do not deal with Sony or purchase their equipment unless you like stress.

I was asked by a reader that I supply you with some other information regarding this unit....This unit can be mounted on the ceiling or on a table top. Its resolution is good (when the bulb worked) and the remote is very easy to use. However, if you can afford replacing the bulb every couple of months at $300.00 each and then waiting 4 weeks to get it then this device is for you! Or you may just want to always have a spare around and pray that it lasts long enough for you to get another replacement in.