Consumer Horror Stories
TRAC has compiled some of the worst consumer reviews out there for your handy reference when shopping for DTV products. Buyer beware!
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Samsung LN-T4665F - $1,799 from Circuit City
Failed to properly de-interlace 1080i content for display on its 1080p screen. Samsung forced to offer a firmware upadate that worked with this set and the LN-T4661F to fix the deinterlacing of video-based, but not film-based, 1080i content and to show every line of a 1080-resolution test pattern. Unclear whether customers can download update from the Samsung website or if they will have to call Samsung Service Center. – 5-57-07
Review from CNet
Samsung LN-T3253H - $799.99 from Circuit City
"Audio drop out" while using an HDMI connection. Software patch took two weeks to be shipped on a thumb drive. Eventually required a truck roll and replacement of the main board to fix problem.
Review from PriceGrabber
Samsung LN-T3253H - $799.99 from Circuit City
"Tearing" while using set to play video game consoles (Wii, Xbox, and PS3, at 480i, 480p, and 720p). Main board and power board repair did not solve problem. 36.56% of respondents reported "tearing" problems with Samsung sets. Needed to be solved by firmware update.
Review from AVS Forum
Samsung LN-TXX61F/65F/66F
The entire 2007 Samsung 1080p LCD lineup is suffering from HDMI handshake issues. These issues manifest themselves as dropouts (picture loss), momentary green or pink flashes etc. These may not happen for hours and hours, and then suddenly you can get hit with two or three flashes/dropouts in a short time. There appears to be no rhyme or reason to the issue. There are numerous reports of what is known as "clouding" or "mura." Nobody knows exactly what causes this, but it manifests itself as blotches of lighter areas on the screen or in the corners (corners are also known as "flashlights").
Review from AVS Forum
Sharp LC-37D6U Lock Up Problems - $999.99 from Electronic Express
Numerous complaints about random turn-offs, information boxes randomly popping up, auto power-on problems requiring truck rolls for firmware updates.
Review from AVS Forum
Mitsubishi HDTV Model # WS-55859
HAVI codes for Net Command functions require software update. Customers advised to contact Mitsubishi Customer Service.
Review from HDTV Magazine
LG LCD TV Models 32LC2D, 37LC2D, 42LC2D and 42LC2DR
LG Plasma TV Models 42PC1DV, 42PC1DG, 50PC1D, 50PC3D, 50PB2DR and 60PC1D
Australian LG DTV and plasma TV models freeze up during digital broadcasts from TV station the Nine Network. LG admits problem caused by software code in TV.
Review from Register Hardware
Sony Bravia flat screen (KDL-VxxXBR1) and Grand Wega (KDF-ExxA10) rear-projection LCD TVs
400,000 Sony Bravia LCD and rear-projection TVs would either stop turning off or stop turning on after 1,200 hours of operation. Sony offers free firmware upgrades when asked. Customer install or truck roll required.
Review from Engadget
Westinghouse LVM-42w2 - $1,199.99 from Buy.com
Power Lock-up issues reported. Truck rolls required.
Review from PriceGrabber
