HDTV sound problems

[bpratt]

I purchased the Mitsubishi WS-55909 with integrated HDTV receiver on May 30, 2002. We receive several digital channels in Salt Lake City, but only a couple of them broadcast full time High definition. The picture on this set is fantastic on an HDTV program, but only fair on regular analog TV channels. The progressive scan DVD is also great.

The set worked fine for two weeks, and then the HDTV sound quit working. I called for service, the guy came out and got some information from the service menu of the TV, but he said he needed to call Mitsubishi to figure out how to fix it.

After a month and many calls, the service guy came out and replaced the entire digital module, and the sound worked again.

Three weeks later the sound quit working again. I called for service, the guy came to my house and looked at a couple of things and said he had to call Mitsubishi. Ten days later, he called me back and said Mitsubishi requires the VHF antenna to be roof mounted, not in the attic like I have it. I purchased a roof mounted antenna, still no sound on the digital part of the TV.

The service guy is comming back out today. Looks like I'll need to miss another half day of work. I don't think I'll purchase anything else from Mitsubishi; no one knows how to fix them when they break.

It took about a month and several service calls, but Mitsubishi finally released a software upgrade (V1.0.3) and once that was installed, the sound started working again.

[T-Bone]

bpratt...I just found this forum today after many weeks of frustration with my mitsh. 55859. My story is 100% identical to yours. I have great picture quality OTA but no sound..It worked for three weeks and died.....I have had the dealer out several times and when they contact Mitsibushi, they state it is a reception problem. At the end of the day I replaced the antennae and added a high powered Winegard amp...Same problem no sound...more channels.

After reading many threads on this message board it appears that I may need a Compact Flash Software upgrade to resolve the problem. How do I go about upgrading my software? Are you still working fine after your upgrade? I am so frustrated that I am about ready to get rid of the TV...Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance...

[bpratt]

Yes, my TV sound has worked great ever since they put on the V1.0.3 update. I had been in contact with Mitsubishi and had opened a problem with them. Their number is (949) 830-8364.
Because I had the problem for a couple of months, they sent the Salt Lake City Mitsubishi rep (Aaron McGee) to my house with the upgrade and he put it on. It was a very simple process, and only took about 5 minutes.

One thing I learned from him was every time you unplug the unit from the wall, it re-boots itself when you plug it back in. Apparently the sound problem might be temporarily fixed if you unplug your TV for about 30 seconds, then plug it back in. The power light on the front will flash for a few minutes, and then the TV will come on. This might restore your sound for a while, and when it goes out again, you just repeat the unplug process.

The V1.0.3 software upgrade does permanently fix the problem.

[T-Bone]

Thank you for your immediate reply to my post. It is very appreciated. I will try un-plugging my set tonight to see if it restores the sound. Never came across my mind the TV may need a reboot.

In terms of the software upgrade...Does it have to be performed by Mitsubishi or can the original dealer service department perform the upgrade? I acquired it from Tweeter/Unitied Audio which is a very large high end dealer in the Midwest.

Just Curious...Thanks again

T-Bone

[bpratt]

Mine was done by the Mitsubishi service rep, but this is the way it should be done.

Call the Mitsubishi service number with your model and serial number, and let them know you need the upgrade. They will then send you a form which says you will not sell or otherwise use the software upgrade they send you.

Sign the form and send it back. They will then send you a credit card size thing that contains the upgrade.

There is a small slot on the back of you TV protected with a cover and held in with a single screw. Unplug the TV, remove the screw, place the upgrade card in the slot, replace the cover and the screw and plug in the TV set.

Part of the boot process looks for an upgrade card and will perform the software upgrade if it is there. It takes a little more time to come up than normal, but once the upgrade is installed your sound will work normally. At least mine did.

Good Luck

[T-Bone]

Well...after two frustrating months I have sound again...I can't believe it boiled down to unplugging the set...I did contact Mitsubishi and started the paperwork process for the software upgrade.

Thank you for all of your help...It is very appreciated!!

[Knight]

I own a WS-65869 for the first two months it worked great, now I am getting alot of distortion when I use my Integrated Tuner, very very bad audio, it is very distorted... it makes no difference whether I use the TV speakers or my Home Theatre system...

has anyone had this problem... it sounds like it could be related....

any opinions? I plan on ordering the upgrade tonight...

[bpratt]

Shortly before my set totally lost the sound, it would sound tinny or distorted. A few days later it would quit completely. I could fix the problem for a few weeks if I unplugged the unit for about 30 seconds and then plugged it back in. Apparently the set reboots itself when power is disconnected and resets whatever is causing the sound problem.

The upgrade fixes it totally.

[Knight]

I unplugged it and plugged it back in and it went away... and yes it's very tinny and distorted, time for me to get on the phone looks like I am suffering from the same thing....

[T-Bone]

I just applied the the flash software upgrade last week and it has resolved 100% of the sound difficulties that I had for the last two months. It was very easy to deal direclty with Mitsubishi and apply the software upgrade. Sound and picture quality are perfect.

Thanks again bpratt and good luck Knight..I am sure this will resolve your sound difficulties.

T-Bone