Why you should stay away from Viewsonic-Seeking your input

[tweakerxp]

I’m writing to explain my experiences with Viewsonic, and why I believe you should never buy a Viewsonic display again. I am also interested in hearing your comments and encounters with Viewsonic and especially their RMA department.

My story is quite lengthy; therefore I have shortened it down in the following post. I plan on posting this to several forums when it is complete.

About a year ago (April-June 2004), I paid the shipping of my Viewsonic P95f+B (http://www.viewsonic.com/support/desktopdisplays/crtmonitors/proseries/p95fplusb/index.htm) CRT in for repair or replacement to a repair facility called Getronics in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The display was sent in due to red and green hues on the sides and corners of the screen, and some grey vertical lines and patches that began to appear and worsen after about six months of use. I was shipped the same display back and was told that there was no problem with the display, and there was nothing that they could do about it. I was pretty angry with their judgment, and had plans to RMA it to their Ontario facility. However, I figured that I could not be without the display for a long period of time, so I decided to wait until I got my new display.

In early March 2005, I got a new display and decided to call Viewsonic and request an RMA for my display again. I told them of my previous bad experience, and was told that I would have to pay the shipping of a large box carrying a 60lb display ¾ of the way across Canada, needless to say, I was not impressed. Later that day, I sent an email to Viewsonic explaining the situation and told them that if they did not send me a label or did not take this mater seriously, I would start turning my friends and fellow technical gurus (like the people on this form) away from Viewsonic products. I received a reply on March 28th, 2005 telling me that a label had been shipped out and that I would be shipped a replacement P95f+B within a week of them receiving my defective display.

I shipped the display off for its second RMA on April 6th, 2005. I received a call when Viewsonic received the monitor telling me that they could not repair it, and that it needed to be replaced. They gave me an option of getting either a beige or black display. I chose to get a black one, like the one that I sent in. I was told that they didn't have any in stock, and that it might take a few extra days; I was fine with that.

On April 25th, I received a slightly damaged Viewsonic box saying “warranty replacement� and “certified� on it. I opened it up, and much to my chagrin I found the same display that I sent out with a new power cord. I was angry, because they said that I would be receiving a replacement display. I figured I’d turn it on to see if it was fixed. I did so, and it was the exact same, if not worse from the possible shipping damage. Nothing had been done to solve my problems. I called them up and had them issue me another RMA number and send out another Fedex shipping label, which I received on April 29th.

On May 2nd, I shipped off the display for its third RMA to Markham, Ontario.

On May 16th, I received another slightly damaged warranty replacement box, this time containing a different display. As I was removing it from the box, I discovered that the display had some marks around the edges of the screen. It appeared as though the anti-glare coating had been rubbed off the entire display. There was also some greasy stuff all over the front bezel and a dead fly squished on the screen. I decided to hook the display up to see how it looked. I was shocked! There was some horrible hues all over the right and left hands side of the display, of which I took some pictures of. I tried replacing the VGA cable, degaussing the display and moving the display to another computer in a different room to no avail. I noticed that when the display was lightly tapped on the side, the display went all crazy, and shook like an earthquake. I called Viewsonic and told them of my experiences again, and they promised to ship another label out to me, which I should receive by the end of this week. I was also told that the next replacement would be tested before it was sent out.

Needless to say, this is my last Viewsonic display, at least until Viewsonic smartens up. I hope this post influences your decision when you buy your next display. It’s too bad Viewsonic pulled the plug on www.viewsonicsucks.com :(

Please remember that I am very interested in your experiences with Viewsonic.

Here are some of the pictures of the 3rd RMA-The first replaced display. Please note that they do not show the problem very accurately, as they were extremely hard to take.

The display showing a completely yellow image:
http://img78.echo.cx/img78/6835/cimg11203nx.th.jpg (http://img78.echo.cx/my.php?image=cimg11203nx.jpg)

The display showing a completely yellow image again:
http://img259.echo.cx/img259/7730/cimg11271kd.th.jpg (http://img259.echo.cx/my.php?image=cimg11271kd.jpg)

Showing some of the greasy stuff and were it looks as though the anti-glare coating was removed (look along the edge of the screen)
http://img170.echo.cx/img170/3483/cimg11257ov.th.jpg (http://img170.echo.cx/my.php?image=cimg11257ov.jpg)

On May 24, 2005 I received the third Fedex label for the fourth RMA. I also elected to include a letter in the monitor box describing my precious experiences, and asking them to ship the replacement to me as quickly as possible. Only time will tell if this will actually happen. The monitor should be picked up tomorrow.

On May 30, 2005 The display was received at Viewsonic. I will call and inquire about its shipping status on June 1st.

On June 1st, I called to get the tracking number for the replacement, and was told that the display was just received today (a blatant lie.) I then made sure that they had it down to test the display, which they did not. She told me that “we don’t test displays unless there have been previous issues.� I had to explain to her that this is my fourth RMA, and that I had been promised that the replacement display would be tested. I was then told that this testing would take an additional 2-3 days. Argh!

June 7, 2005 AM. I called again to get a tracking number, and was told that the replacement had not shipped yet.

June 9, 2005: I have received the second replacement!!! This time, the display was shipped from their United States headquarters in Walnut California via Fedex Express! The unit appears to be working fairly well this time, but it’s definitely not perfect. I have noticed that there are two small, but noticeable areas where the glass appears to be refracting the image behind it like a prism. These appear to be chips in the glass. There are also some minor places where the anti-glare coating was removed, and a single dead pixel. The screen also has some fait vertical banding, and some shadowing issues.

Revision 1.6 June 9, 2005: Added information regarding the fourth RMA.

[Daijoubu]

Are you sure it was the same display? (same SN?)
And most company send out re-certified (RMA'ed/fixed) LCDs unless they don't have it
Since you mention the box was screwed, it may have been damaged during shipment

Did you check the VGA/DVI cable for broken pins? :D Happened to a friend of mine, was only displaying blue and green, no reds

[tweakerxp]

Are you sure it was the same display? (same SN?)
And most company send out re-certified (RMA'ed/fixed) LCDs unless they don't have it
Since you mention the box was screwed, it may have been damaged during shipment

Did you check the VGA/DVI cable for broken pins? :D Happened to a friend of mine, was only displaying blue and green, no reds
The first display was the same, it had the same serial number. The second displays box may have been slightly damaged during shipment, but that does not explain the greasy stuff and the possibly removed anti-glare coating. And yes, I tried degaussing the display and changed the VGA cable.

[yiggy]

i've only bought 1 viewsonic product, it was a 19 inch CRT GS790 many years ago.

some transformer inside blew and needed replacement, conveninently just after the 3 year warranty expired. :( i guess it was my bad luck.

but my general opinion is they make a decent product, but i wouldn't go out of my way to buy a viewsonic.

[JimG]

i've only bought 1 viewsonic product, it was a 19 inch CRT GS790 many years ago.

some transformer inside blew and needed replacement, conveninently just after the 3 year warranty expired. :( i guess it was my bad luck.

but my general opinion is they make a decent product, but i wouldn't go out of my way to buy a viewsonic.

I had that happen on one of my monitors, it started smoking. I was ready to throw it out, but somehow, my dad managed to figure out which component was burnt out, he managed to find a spare circuit board for my exact model of monitor and managed to solder in a new component. All this from a guy who's soldering experience ends with copper pipes. I was very impressed, I've still got the monitor and it works perfectly.

Jim

[bug]

I've heard some horror stories about Viewsonics' shoddy customer service. I would try contacting their head office and ask for their help. It has worked for me in the past. I've never dealt with Viewsonic though.

[Warlock]

Thanks for the warning.

[akosh]

Did you send the monitor to Getronics in Vancouver? Why didn't you just take it there?

[Madcatmk2]

Oh man, it looks like i wont get another Viewsonic again. link (http://www.geek.com/rants/oct99/rmas.htm)
Too bad, my 2001 optiquest is still going strong.

[2000fordfocus]

I had been using my viewsonic A70f for the last few years! its been great!! use it daily...

[Cafe_333]

Sounds far fetched imo. Everyone I know who owns viewsonic works fine.

Well, warranty replacement labels are standard on all rma shipping boxes - that at least i wouldn't worry about. Looks like you did get a replacement display, just not a replacement monitor. They probably replaced the tube with a refurbished one and kept the same housing. This is typical standard RMA procedure to use refurbished parts.

Something to take into consideration though. Not that I am in disagreement with you, but I do find it a bit of a stretch that you sent in your monitor, and they looked at your splotches and did nothing about it. I highly doubt Viewsonic is that incompetent to just ship it back to you saying it's fine if indeed there were noticable problems.

Chances are, they hooked it up, and it worked just fine. It sounds to me more like magnetic interference in your room than anything. Try taking your monitor to a computer in another room of the house and hooking it up to that to see if you get the same problems. I know people tend to finger the monitor right away when they see physical problems like that and not end up troubleshooting the monitor... ;)

[felix]

Are they really that bad? Glad my old CRT wasn't defective. And happy I didn't wait for the new VX924 LCD (http://www.viewsonic.com/products/desktopdisplays/lcddisplays/xseries/vx924/).

[NG]

Sounds far fetched imo. Everyone I know who owns viewsonic works fine.


There's been other posters attesting to Viewsonic's bad RMA/support process and there's that confirm from geek.com.

Glad I read this thread. They make alot of stuff I would have considered equally among competitng brands.

[itsyours]

Chances are, they hooked it up, and it worked just fine. It sounds to me more like magnetic interference in your room than anything. Try taking your monitor to a computer in another room of the house and hooking it up to that to see if you get the same problems. I know people tend to finger the monitor right away when they see physical problems like that and not end up troubleshooting the monitor... ;)
I doubt it since this is a monitor he has been using for years and probably in the same room, on the same desk. Also, to have a hue shifting that much, he gotta have a very strong and very close magnetic source near by. In my experience, I saw some models of NEC has problems (screen dancing) with electrical field (AC) in house but not this type of hue shifting, unless he has a big unsealed speaker near by.

[NG]

It’s too bad Viewsonic pulled the plug on www.viewsonicsucks.com :(


Have you considered taking them to small claims court? I'm sure providing some proof that they pulled viewsonicsucks.com off the web would make the judge go "hmmmmm".

[wookie]

all the more reason to purchase the monitor if at all possibly from a big box store. let them handle the warranty work and 9times out of 10 if it is a crt it will be exchanged for a new one. lcds typically are repaired. just FYI

[Hurk]

View Sonics are great monitors and I've never had to RMA one. My next monitor will be from a large B&M store (AKA FS, BB, Staples) with an extended warranty.

Trying to change peoples opinion on a company is stupid and immature. Have you tried hooking it to another computer to see if you get the same thing?

[Brandon]

The company I worked for last summer (I was in the IT dept) had two Viewsonic monitors to RMA (17" CRTs) and I did it and never had any problems with them. We got the replacements pretty quickly and they were in good condition.

The RMA shipping location we sent the monitors to was Markham, maybe its a different place?

[dolphie]

we had a 19 inch ( i think ) that worked fine for about three years, but we also bought it used. figured i'd gotten my money's worth.

[tweakerxp]

Sounds far fetched imo. Everyone I know who owns viewsonic works fine.

Well, warranty replacement labels are standard on all rma shipping boxes - that at least i wouldn't worry about. Looks like you did get a replacement display, just not a replacement monitor. They probably replaced the tube with a refurbished one and kept the same housing. This is typical standard RMA procedure to use refurbished parts.

Something to take into consideration though. Not that I am in disagreement with you, but I do find it a bit of a stretch that you sent in your monitor, and they looked at your splotches and did nothing about it. I highly doubt Viewsonic is that incompetent to just ship it back to you saying it's fine if indeed there were noticable problems.

Chances are, they hooked it up, and it worked just fine. It sounds to me more like magnetic interference in your room than anything. Try taking your monitor to a computer in another room of the house and hooking it up to that to see if you get the same problems. I know people tend to finger the monitor right away when they see physical problems like that and not end up troubleshooting the monitor... ;)


Thank-you for your input. I received the same display back the first two times, with no change in the quality of the picture on the screen. I took the proper troubleshooting measured when testing this display. It swapped the VGA cable, moved the display to another room, and made sure I was running it within specifications (frequency, etc.)

[tweakerxp]

View Sonics are great monitors and I've never had to RMA one. My next monitor will be from a large B&M store (AKA FS, BB, Staples) with an extended warranty.

Trying to change peoples opinion on a company is stupid and immature. Have you tried hooking it to another computer to see if you get the same thing?
I'm not trying to change peoples opinions on a company, nor am I being "stupid and immature" I'm just warning people of the horrible service I have received from viewsonic.

I have updated the first post to include the troubleshooting measures I took, including hooking it up to a computer in another room.

[hagbard]

Viewsonic is a low end, el cheapo monitor wholesaler (ie: they don't actually manufacture anything). Most of what they sell is crap. End of story.

[JAC]

Viewsonic is a low end, el cheapo monitor wholesaler. Most of what they sell is crap. End of story.
So good to see an informed opinion. :rolleyes:

[hagbard]

So good to see an informed opinion. :rolleyes:

What'z not informed? I've tried out a series of Viewsonics, they were all cheap junk. You can get higher end ones, but why? You can do better with high end monitors from real manufacturers.

[JAC]

What'z not informed? I've tried out a series of Viewsonics, they were all cheap junk. You can get higher end ones, but why? You can do better with high end monitors from real manufacturers.
I own a PF790. My father has a PT795. Neither are cheap junk. In fact, if you can find a CRT that matches the specs the PT795 had, I'd be greatly surprised.

[Hurk]

I'm not trying to change peoples opinions on a company, nor am I being "stupid and immature" I'm just warning people of the horrible service I have received from viewsonic.

I have updated the first post to include the troubleshooting measures I took, including hooking it up to a computer in another room.

You are not warning people about the experience you had, you are telling people to stay away from Viewsonic.

If everyone stayed away from every company that someone had an issue with... We'd all have nothing. Everyone has an issue with something.

[hagbard]

I own a PF790. My father has a PT795. Neither are cheap junk. In fact, if you can find a CRT that matches the specs the PT795 had, I'd be greatly surprised.

Like I said, "most" of what they sell is cheap crap. There are exceptions.

[Hurk]

Like I said, "most" of what they sell is cheap crap. There are exceptions.

You haven't given one example, you are just speaking out your ass. What is most? List some models, list some reviews, list some specifications, personal experiences... Stop spewing out garbage.

[Nyte]

i've only bought 1 viewsonic product, it was a 19 inch CRT GS790 many years ago.

some transformer inside blew and needed replacement, conveninently just after the 3 year warranty expired. :( i guess it was my bad luck.

but my general opinion is they make a decent product, but i wouldn't go out of my way to buy a viewsonic.

I have the exact same problem. Bought that same monitor off someone here on RFD. It was having a few problems when I got it with powering on. Recently, it just stopped working altogether. Its just sitting on my desk right now, not really sure what to do with it. I would fix it if I actually knew what was wrong with it, but I dont :(

[JAC]

You haven't given one example, you are just speaking out your ass. What is most? List some models, list some reviews, list some specifications, personal experiences... Stop spewing out garbage.
Agreed. Feel free to link to any negative reviews, hagbard. (Oh, and please don't lump the embarassing Optiquest line in with the rest of Viewsonic's products.)

[ViperZ]

I had similar experience with Viewsonic. When I lived in CA (lucky me, their service center was in LA), I bought Viewsonic VG150b (or VE150?, don't remember exact model) from one guy in San Francisco. The display was refurbished (basically, supposed to be fixed) by Viewsonic.
So I turn it on, everything is nice and shiny. Next day the damn thing won't turn on. I left it "on", and the display came up with perfect picture after half an hour (woohoo).
I called Viewsonic, explained the situation, they sent me a label. I sent the display to them, received it back 2-3 weeks later with note that it works fine. It worked for two days, then the same problem reappeared.
Guess what? Another label, another shipment, phone call from Viewsonic: "works fine". I got furious, they forwarded me to their tech support guy. After long talk, he agreed to send me another display. I sold that display after 2 weeks, and bought myself brand new... Viewsonic VG800. This display cost me an arm and a leg 3 years ago, but it's a beauty and works perfectly (knocking on the wood).

[tweakerxp]

Update: I added some crucial information about a phone call I received regarding the second RMA that I can't believe I forgot to include earlier.

[hagbard]

You haven't given one example, you are just speaking out your ass. What is most? List some models, list some reviews, list some specifications, personal experiences... Stop spewing out garbage.

The entire A series line (briefly had an A95+ before returning it for another defective A95+ and giving up) and the VP201s which I went through four of them (dead pixels, odd colours, buzzing, bleed through) before returning the last one and getting a refund. The CRT monitor was not built to the same standards as your average Samsung. The VP201s looked well built, but had major quality control issues. Compare a Viewsonic in the store to say, the Samsung or NEC, there's no comparison, the Viewsonic looks like cheap junk next to most any other brand. And as pointed out here, their customer support is lacking.

[Cafe_333]

Hmm.. can't think of anything else then. Then for sure the problem is contained within the monitor than outside factors. I feel for your troubles, as I've had bad experiences in the RMA process for other things myself. Well, when you get your monitor back from the RMA, try hooking it up first outside of your room just in case again. It's a long shot, but maybe the magnetic interference in your room is strong enough that it permanently burned something in the tube? Well, i hope everything works out for you in the end. Good luck!

Thank-you for your input. I received the same display back the first two times, with no change in the quality of the picture on the screen. I took the proper troubleshooting measured when testing this display. It swapped the VGA cable, moved the display to another room, and made sure I was running it within specifications (frequency, etc.)

[tweakerxp]

Hmm.. can't think of anything else then. Then for sure the problem is contained within the monitor than outside factors. I feel for your troubles, as I've had bad experiences in the RMA process for other things myself. Well, when you get your monitor back from the RMA, try hooking it up first outside of your room just in case again. It's a long shot, but maybe the magnetic interference in your room is strong enough that it permanently burned something in the tube? Well, i hope everything works out for you in the end. Good luck!

Thanks! I've had other displays work perfectly in this room, and in the same spot ere my P95f+B was. I'm certain that there is in fact some thing wrong with the replacement display. Even touching it with a light tap on the side makes the entire screen go crazy.

[felix]

I have the exact same problem. Bought that same monitor off someone here on RFD. It was having a few problems when I got it with powering on. Recently, it just stopped working altogether. Its just sitting on my desk right now, not really sure what to do with it. I would fix it if I actually knew what was wrong with it, but I dont :(
maybe that's why the RFD'er sold it? :)

[Warlock]

... Trying to change peoples opinion on a company is stupid and immature...

I do not see any issues for a RFD member posting quite an extensive negative experiences with a particular company.
If anything, found the thread quite helpful since it provided details for resolution attempts.
Ergo,
Will be avoiding Viewsonic/Optiquest brand from any purchasing/recommendation considerations.

I'm sure there are workarounds to RMA issue(s) via purchase from big box vendors and such but that negates any possible price competition from small vendors.

[akito925]

I got a viewsonic monitor its working great!!! hehe

pf e790. its a 19 inch tube crt monitor.. its still running strong!!!

also have to take good care of the monitor also.

I'd bought mine back in 1997. and its still going strong today.. 8 years..

monitors usualy last about 5 years estimated from a few monitors I'd had. so if its past the 5 year period its great. so if mine goes.. don't know what to replace it with..

you have to have certain refresh rates. don't crank the brightness/contrast to the 100% it shortens the monitors life on the color hues red. green, blue etc.

other then that.. they work great.

[Hurk]

Will be avoiding Viewsonic/Optiquest brand from any purchasing/recommendation considerations.


That's exactly the problem. If I complained at every possible situation, and people were mindless like you and thought to themselves "Man, I will be avoiding ______ brand from any purchasing / recommendations" then every company would be like that. More people here have had good experiences than bad. It sucks that this person had a bad experience, but we only know their side of the story.

I don't like close-minded people, and I'd like to believe that everyone can form their own opinion... but experience shows me that this is not the case.

Look how many peope complain about Rogers... I've been with them for 7 years and absolutely love their Internet service. I'd also had a Viewsonic for years and love it. I know friends and family that have them and love them. I know people that have had issues with Samsung, LG, Sony, BenQ.. you name it. I've also had friends with Viewsonic issues, this doesn't mean I am going to take 1 persons experience and say I am going to avoid them at all costs.

Anyways, it's a free choice world, you are able to choose what you want and I am able to blab and rant about this... whatever.

[poppa]

perhaps there's a lack of magnetic shielding on the CRT?

[hagbard]

I got a viewsonic monitor its working great!!! hehe

pf e790. its a 19 inch tube crt monitor.. its still running strong!!!

also have to take good care of the monitor also.

I'd bought mine back in 1997. and its still going strong today.. 8 years..

monitors usualy last about 5 years estimated from a few monitors I'd had. so if its past the 5 year period its great. so if mine goes.. don't know what to replace it with..

you have to have certain refresh rates. don't crank the brightness/contrast to the 100% it shortens the monitors life on the color hues red. green, blue etc.

other then that.. they work great.

I have an NEC 5fg monitor I bought in 1994 that's still going relatively strong today. IMO, that's the benchmark to judge longevity.

[hagbard]

That's exactly the problem. If I complained at every possible situation, and people were mindless like you and thought to themselves "Man, I will be avoiding ______ brand from any purchasing / recommendations" then every company would be like that. More people here have had good experiences than bad. It sucks that this person had a bad experience, but we only know their side of the story.

I don't like close-minded people, and I'd like to believe that everyone can form their own opinion... but experience shows me that this is not the case.

Look how many peope complain about Rogers... I've been with them for 7 years and absolutely love their Internet service. I'd also had a Viewsonic for years and love it. I know friends and family that have them and love them. I know people that have had issues with Samsung, LG, Sony, BenQ.. you name it. I've also had friends with Viewsonic issues, this doesn't mean I am going to take 1 persons experience and say I am going to avoid them at all costs.

Anyways, it's a free choice world, you are able to choose what you want and I am able to blab and rant about this... whatever.

I've had problems with Samsung too, but they dealt with the issue in a timely manner and corrected the problem. I also don't go through tons of monitors to find one that works with them either. If it looks like junk, feels like junk and smells like junk, its junk.

[Warlock]

... If I complained at every possible situation...


Situation is not "...every possible situation..."
The complaint was not unreasonable. In a nutshell,
Product purchase defective. Company did not resolve matter reasonably.



...and people were mindless like you and thought to themselves "Man, I will be avoiding ______ brand from any purchasing / recommendations" then every company would be like that...




There is a difference between prudent, (due to recorded/known substandard service) and your apparent display of mindlessness.





...More people here have had good experiences than bad. It sucks that this person had a bad experience, but we only know their side of the story...


That's nice for them but the thread is a description of when things do not go right. In a perfect world, no one would receive a defective product and all purchases would be perfect for the duration of the warranty period. A hint for you, in the real world, sooner or later, we all end up with a lemon. How we are treated after we receive such a tasty lemon, is of importance to some of us. I repeat, tweakerxp provided a detailed account of process. Fact remains, matter not resolved reasonably. Paid for functioning monitor, expect functioning monitor within warranty period.



...Look how many peope complain about Rogers... I've been with them for 7 years and absolutely love their Internet service...

And they may very well be justified for substandard service, I happen to be one of those dissatisfied with their lack of service. I have used their service at different locations, times and experienced number of times where service was completely out of service approximately 10% overall. And I really detested having to troubleshoot their pathetic network so I can get back on the net! I don't recollect in my contract with them, having to render service for free to assist them.



...I don't like close-minded people, and I'd like to believe that everyone can form their own opinion...


Close-minded: adj. Intolerant of the beliefs and opinions of others; stubbornly unreceptive to new ideas.

Well then, that just about describes you as the close-minded individual does it not?

[Focus]

I don't read all the post but to be fair and square, if everyone post the bad exp w/ their equipment we shouldn't buy anything any more, computer or not. All manufacture's service department suck once a while, compliant to the head Q hard and they will take care of you.

[Jrawk]

You know what else is stupid and immature, calling someone stupid and immature without reading their whole story...

;)

Trying to change peoples opinion on a company is stupid and immature. Have you tried hooking it to another computer to see if you get the same thing?

[Jrawk]

Also, I think that a big part of the picture that we are missing here is, what if NO ONE complained about any products. Would you want someone else to possibly go through the same horrible experience this person had to go through?

I appreciate these stories as it gives me some background to help me make a decision when purchasing a product. If you want to blindly buy products based solely on good experiences form people, and never any bad, then go right ahead, but otherwise, he is free to post his story here, and if you don't respect that, then you should probably just leave it alone.

[Txiasaeia]

Also, I think that a big part of the picture that we are missing here is, what if NO ONE complained about any products. Would you want someone else to possibly go through the same horrible experience this person had to go through?

I appreciate these stories as it gives me some background to help me make a decision when purchasing a product. If you want to blindly buy products based solely on good experiences form people, and never any bad, then go right ahead, but otherwise, he is free to post his story here, and if you don't respect that, then you should probably just leave it alone.

Agreed. When I'm considering buying a product & I'm not famililar with the manufacturer, I always look up customer reviews, whether here, at N CIX, or elsewhere. No harm in sharing a story.

[Hurk]

Close-minded: adj. Intolerant of the beliefs and opinions of others; stubbornly unreceptive to new ideas.

Well then, that just about describes you as the close-minded individual does it not?

I'm not going to bother with the rest of your argument because you are one of those people that just don't get it.

Anyways, if this poster posted an opinion and not a document advising others to stay away from a (IMHO) perfectly good company, I would have no argument with it. In this case, it was not done. It's a hugely bias story from an angry man's point of view. Whatever, people just don't get it. Focus does, but that's rare. Oh well. It's my weekend, G'day.

[McLaren]

I have an P95F+B monitor as well, using it for 2.5 years now, makes a slight buzzing noise, but i'm not going to rma it for that reason. When i first bought the monitor, there was discolouration in the colours, and i brought it back to the store i bought it from, and this is my 2nd one. Definitely quality control on this monitor is not up to standards.

[Daijoubu]

I have a 17" GF775 (500$ back then), picture is distorted at the top (5-6 years of use) blurry picture
Another 17" E70f (350$), 4 years, picture extremly blurry...

[ProtonNeutron]

Sounds far fetched imo. Everyone I know who owns viewsonic works fine.

Well, warranty replacement labels are standard on all rma shipping boxes - that at least i wouldn't worry about. Looks like you did get a replacement display, just not a replacement monitor. They probably replaced the tube with a refurbished one and kept the same housing. This is typical standard RMA procedure to use refurbished parts.

Something to take into consideration though. Not that I am in disagreement with you, but I do find it a bit of a stretch that you sent in your monitor, and they looked at your splotches and did nothing about it. I highly doubt Viewsonic is that incompetent to just ship it back to you saying it's fine if indeed there were noticable problems.

Chances are, they hooked it up, and it worked just fine. It sounds to me more like magnetic interference in your room than anything. Try taking your monitor to a computer in another room of the house and hooking it up to that to see if you get the same problems. I know people tend to finger the monitor right away when they see physical problems like that and not end up troubleshooting the monitor... ;)

You should definitely try this first. It may be the problem

[Daijoubu]

Now that you mention it, those colors distortions does look like to be magnetic field! Have any unshielded speakers near it?

[tweakerxp]

Now that you mention it, those colors distortions does look like to be magnetic field! Have any unshielded speakers near it?
I'll quote myself: "I've had other displays work perfectly in this room, and in the same spot ere my P95f+B was. I'm certain that there is in fact some thing wrong with the replacement display. Even touching it [the replacement display] with a light tap on the side makes the entire screen go crazy." I also tried it in a different room, and replaced the VGA cable with the same results. and no, I don't have any speakers that aren't magnetically shielded near the monitor. I really wish that's all it was :)

PS: I haven't received that third mailing label yet :(

[tweakerxp]

Sounds far fetched imo. Everyone I know who owns viewsonic works fine.

Well, warranty replacement labels are standard on all rma shipping boxes - that at least i wouldn't worry about. Looks like you did get a replacement display, just not a replacement monitor. They probably replaced the tube with a refurbished one and kept the same housing. This is typical standard RMA procedure to use refurbished parts.

Something to take into consideration though. Not that I am in disagreement with you, but I do find it a bit of a stretch that you sent in your monitor, and they looked at your splotches and did nothing about it. I highly doubt Viewsonic is that incompetent to just ship it back to you saying it's fine if indeed there were noticable problems.

Chances are, they hooked it up, and it worked just fine. It sounds to me more like magnetic interference in your room than anything. Try taking your monitor to a computer in another room of the house and hooking it up to that to see if you get the same problems. I know people tend to finger the monitor right away when they see physical problems like that and not end up troubleshooting the monitor... ;)

I don't know how I missed this post before, but anyways . I wasn't worried about getting a box that said warranty replacement. I was just saying that the box was misleading, because it stated that it was in fact a replacement monitor. When I received the first two RMA's they were the same displays, and the discolorations were in the same exact positions. I would’ve taken pictures of it if I knew this mess was going to happen.

I even received a call on the second RMA and they stated that the display could not be repaired, and had to be replaced. They said that it would take longer than expected, but they STILL sent the same display back to me.

And as mentioned in previous posts. Troubleshooting methods were exercised extensively.

[blackhawk]

I have 3 Viewsonics, including a 5 year old and all working fine. Service and support I've had no problems with but I've never had to use it. The trouble with being so close to the USA is the poor support as they generally just contract a canadian company to do it so no oversight from the headoffice.

You should deal with the US head office now maybe and tell them how unimpressed you are with their canadian service & ask them what they are willing to do for you. Maybe that'll get a fire under them and bypass the canadian problem.


As for the "...........what they sell is cheap crap..." just ignore it, just looking for attention.

I think going through the states and filing a complaint is your best chance to get some satisfaction.
GL

[tweakerxp]

I have 3 Viewsonics, including a 5 year old and all working fine. Service and support I've had no problems with but I've never had to use it. The trouble with being so close to the USA is the poor support as they generally just contract a canadian company to do it so no oversight from the headoffice.

You should deal with the US head office now maybe and tell them how unimpressed you are with their canadian service & ask them what they are willing to do for you. Maybe that'll get a fire under them and bypass the canadian problem.


As for the "...........what they sell is cheap crap..." just ignore it, just looking for attention.

I think going through the states and filing a complaint is your best chance to get some satisfaction.
GL


You know what, I think that's a great idea. If they screw up on this next RMA (still haven't got the label yet) then I'll be sure to call their USA office.

[tweakerxp]

Just a quick update on the situation: The first post has been updated to include information regarding the fourth RMA, and the third shipping label has been received.

[MTL-TechY]

i almost ought one of their 19 inch displays at the new best buy store here
but then thought i could get a better price than 499$

[MTL-TechY]

Now that you mention it, those colors distortions does look like to be magnetic field! Have any unshielded speakers near it?

ya i agree that may be a thing to think about

[duckdown]

This is OUTRAGEOUS.

I live in Brampton, Ontario and ALSO have a P95f+B. It says Professional Series at the top.

I had a problem with it about 3 months ago (My own fault) and I e-mailed them right away for an RMA.. They replied the same day requesting full info, then they issued me an RMA# and told me of their nearest official center (Markham), so I drove it there in person, and it was ready for me 2 days later.

I can only assume you got the run-around sending it to 3rd party people

[Gdog]

I am currently using a Viewsonic 17" Vp171s from Costco and it works great. No problems whatsoever.

[ds2chan]

thanks for the warning.. I'll never buy a viewsonic.. I never bought one before just because of their prices..

[Ojam]

I have an A90 (4 years now) , and have had absolutely no problems with it at all, and if Viewsonic has a display I like when it's time to replace it will definitely give them serious consideration again.

[masterhapposai]

Viewsonic P95f+B

I bought one too.

It started to warp at one point, the image corners at first then text near the middle. Then it completely died and smelled burnt after a few months, wouldn't turn on.

I sent it out, they refused to pay shipping, but luckily they sent me a pre-paid packing slip by mistake (you can get one if your monitor is dead on arrival from the store).

I get back the same monitor, physically damaged BY THEM (heavy scratches/cuts) with no power cords or even a VGA cable, so I couldn't even test it.

I complain and yell, then they send me a "brand new" unit from the U.S. This unit still bends at the side of the screen.

:mad:

[tweakerxp]

I have updated first post again. Now they may have started to give me a runaround :mad:

[Madcatmk2]

tweakerxp, i have to thank you for the warning you gave us.
Its the first time that i saw that from a computer manufacturer in my lifetime.

[JLee]

I own a viewsonic Gf90. Bought it back in 2002 and I've only replaced it with the Dell 2005FPW! =)

I hate RMA experiences...

my Albatron motherboard is still under warranty but I don't know if I should chuck it or RMA it...

[ynchu]

Viewsonic P95f+B

I bought one too.

It started to warp at one point, the image corners at first then text near the middle. Then it completely died and smelled burnt after a few months, wouldn't turn on.

I sent it out, they refused to pay shipping, but luckily they sent me a pre-paid packing slip by mistake (you can get one if your monitor is dead on arrival from the store).

I get back the same monitor, physically damaged BY THEM (heavy scratches/cuts) with no power cords or even a VGA cable, so I couldn't even test it.

I complain and yell, then they send me a "brand new" unit from the U.S. This unit still bends at the side of the screen.

:mad:

Being a Star Trek person, could then bends be caused by a sudden change of Earth's gravitational forces, or say possibly a warp field? :D

[B0000rt]

Ah!

I have a P95f+B too!

Luckily mine's fared a lot better than yours :(

Though there are some very faint VERTICAL hashing that's present when I look at some images :(

[prying eyes]

thnxs for the warning tweakerxp...

[radeonboy]

I never read all the posts in this thread except for the original poster.

Well my brother has had a bad experience somewhat with Viewsonic. Bought a Viewsonic P95f+ and it has burn-in problems from the start. It turns a different hue to so he sent it in to get fixed, took very long to get back. When you look at the screen you already can see the lines and whatever that stands out. Its kinda like a textured rock thing. Long story short its still there but now he gets used to it.

Viewsonic CRT's arent all that good. I guess its only the namebrand. I have no say for their LCDs or other products.

[tweakerxp]

The first post has been updated to include information about the second replacement on the fourth RMA.

[kornstar369]

perhaps its not the company but rather the people working in the company...that tends to happen waaay too much.

[MrMoo]

i have viewsonic UltarBrite A90f+ 19" and no real problems with it.. except one thing, the hoizontal and vertical position/size shifts a bit from time to time.. but i dont rly mind it...