Sony informed Reuters of difficulties with about 400,000 of the flat panel displays and rear-projection TVs in the Bravia or Grand Wega. They may have faulty software that could leave users unable to turn them off or bring them out of standby mode.

Affected owners can simply unplug the sets to reset them and/or visit Sony’s website Update My TV. Depending on model, you can either update the firmware yourself or you may need a technician to do it for you. Hopefully this problem is not more widespread than they think, the Bravia line has been very popular for Sony.

Text on Sony’s website:

“We have recently learned that a limited number of Bravia (Flat Screen) and Grand Wega (Rear Projection LCD) televisions manufactured through November 2005 temporarily may not, after several months (depending upon usage), turn on or off due to a software issue. This problem is easily resolved with a simple software update provided by Sony at no charge.

Models affected are:

Bravia
KDL-V26XBR1
KDL-V32XBR1
KDL-V40XBR1

Grand Wega
KDF-E42A10
KDF-E50A10

Not all Bravia or Grand Wega televisions are affected. No safety issues exist with your TV. If you have already experienced this software issue, the television can be temporarily reset by disconnecting the AC Power Cord from the wall outlet, wait at least 30 seconds and then reconnect the AC power cord to the wall outlet. After this reset procedure, the television should work properly until another several months of use has accumulated.”

Also:

“Sony is providing the software update at no charge to owners of affected televisions through March 1, 2008. Terms of Sony’s limited warranty otherwise continue to apply. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you and will continue to provide superior customer service for Sony televisions.”

Source: Sony via Engadget