Top deals on CNET here
- Average user rating:
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
-
16 out of 16 people found this review helpful
2.0 stars
"Returned for Refund. Too many issues. Careful of 21 day return window"
Pros: Reasonable price; Lots of Inputs; Looks Good. Picture is Above Average.
Cons: Screen Locks up on HDMI input; Buzz is very annoying; ATSC tuner didn't work; Customer Support less than helpful
Summary: I bought this model at the end of April. Problems arose as soon as set up. There were two fundamental problems which forced me to return the set for a refund:
1. The DVD input via HDMI sporadically caused the display to malfunction (screen started blinking on and off, at the same time the DVI input also malfunctioned). The only way to resolve the problem was to pull the power on the display and reboot the TV. The TV remote also became non-responsive at the same time.
2. The buzzing/humming from the set was far too loud. I understand that large electronic appliances buzz/hum but this was excessive. I sit approximately 15 feet from the display and during dialogue the buzz/hum would be all I could hear.
Dell had no resolution to issue number 1. Their response to issue 2 was that they were issuing Power Conditioners to reduce the buzz by 3db (which in no way would reduce the buzz to an acceptable level imho). I indicated that my system already had a monster power conditioner setup and their response was 'Oh'!
They had intended to replace the brand new set with a refurbished model to 'try' and resolve the issues however after researching the issues both through the Dell Community Support formus and the AVS forums these two issues still appear unresolved even with the replacement sets (some customers have had up to 6 replacement sets all with the same issues). As Dell has a 21 day return window (from order date) for refund I decided to refuse the replacement attempt and instead return the set for a refund (as most others with the same issues have also done, as documented on the Dell Community support forums).
I really loved the picture on the set so I am sorry to see it go, however until Dell admits the hardware design flaws and addresses them appropriately (rather than trying to cover them up) I cannot recommend this set.Updated
Anyone interested in this set is best advised to check out Dell Outlet first. At last looking they had 80+ refurbished W4200HD sets for $2099 (over one third reduction over MSRP!). If this doesn't signify something about the quality of these sets, and Dell's belief that they can resolve the issues, I don't know what does!Updated
The problems with these sets are worryingly prolific. Be sure to check out Dell's own community forums and AVS forums before deciding on this plasma. I'm glad I returned mine for a Panasonic TH-42PX50U. The differences are astounding!
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board?board.id=dce_W1700LCD
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=468403
- 1 reply to this review
-
I have the EXACT same set of problems as this other person. Using the HDMI input, the picture will start flashing on/off rapidly. The ONLY solution is to unplug the TV and plug it back in. I am using a High Def Directivo receiver, and a pioneer elite DV-59AVI DVD player. They both do the same thing. I have tried a different HDMI cable with no luck. I am on my second TV now, with a 3rd on the way. I also have the same buzzing problem, even when using a Monster power conditioner. You should not be able to hear buzzing from 15 feet away, with the volume at normal listening levels. Dell's return policy is the WORST. If I had it to do all over again, I would NOT buy this unit. It is obvious they cut some corners making this one. The only good thing is that I bought the 4 year warranty, and got 20% off the whole thing through an employee purchase program. It was still $3400 out the door. I guess Dell is going to have to go broke replacing these units once a month. They made their bed. Now they have to deal with it. Email me at mr_electronics@hotmail.com if you have the same problems. Maybe we can share ideas. Thanks.
