Sony G500 Monitor Repair

[Bob]

I need some advice. My Sony G500 monitor has developed a problem in
the last two months. Although the picture is still very sharp and
clear, it seems to have developed a contrast/brightness problem. I
first noticed a red tint to images displayed and the monitor doesn't
seem to be able to display "black". Black displays as a dark red.
I've been thru the manual and tried adjusting everything possible with
no luck what so ever. I called Sony and they walked me thru
(basically) the same steps. Again, no success at improving the
picture.

Only option at this point is to send the monitor into Sony for repair.
With my luck the warrantee was one week expired so I'll have to pay
Sony's flat rate for repair: $260 (includes shipping both ways).
Which I feel would be worth paying to restore the monitor. Only
glitch is that Sony excludes replacing the CRT. That (if it's needed)
will be extra. The Sony reprehensive warned me that if the CRT needs
replacing it would be cheaper to buy a new monitor rather than repair
this one. Sony can't advise me on whether the tube will need
replacing until I send in the monitor.

Can anyone advise me on whether or not the problem I'm seeing is a
symptom of the CTR or is this a symptom of the electronics driving the
tube?

Has anyone had any similar experiences getting Sony monitors repaired
which were out of warrantee?

Any help will be GREATLY appreciated, as this is a fair amount of
money to spend.

Thanks!

 

[David]

Without making proper measurements and troubleshooting inside the monitor it
is impossible to tell if the monitor needs a crt replaced.

If you did buy it on a credit card from an authorized Sony dealer, does your
credit card have a warranty extension built in for purchases?

Plus you could also try and get Sony to cover part of the repair since it is
one week out of warranty. Complain to them and make sure you have copy of
receipt, model off back of unit, and serial number, in hand. Then ask them
to help you with the repair, possibly you could get them to cover 1/2 the
flat rate repair costs except for the picture tube. It is worth a try.

David