Syntax Olevia LCD TV - additional follow up

In addition to the complaint I sent yesterday (see below):

Incidentally, they apparently took two different pictures of same

scratches, they had to shine a bright light to get them to show up, and

you can't tell how big these scratches are. Again, they may not be

visible without the light, and if so, may be inconsequential for the

reasons I'll state.

This television set, which they insisted had to be entirely replaced (I

would have settled for repaired) should have to be resold as refurbished

or used anyway. Sets like that are not supposed to be in perfect

condition even if there were tiny scratches that certainly aren't

noticeable when viewing, let alone when it it is off. I was aware of

the "agreement" stating they would charge for mars and scratches, but

this in particular is an abuse of that practice. I would understand if

there were hideous scratches or cracks... even then I seriously doubt

(if they are allowed to resell it as "new") that the additional "repair"

this "needed" costs them $675. Lastly, I found a special menu (by

pressing two buttons at once) that shows information such as S/W

version, Power on time, Backlight on time, Running mode, ADC

calibration, reset... which are for technical service reference, not

users. January 23 rd in one of many email correspondences with Miguel

Huerta at Syntax, I asked about that. My original set showed 6880 hours

on and Backlight on 2298 hours. I had not used it that much; I

calculate perhaps half that amount, which means the original unit I

purchased like was not new. ALSO, the serial number for the replacement

unit they sent is approximately 600 units PRIOR to the serial number of

me original unit. The "on" times in the menu may have been reset by

them, predicting I may check this service menu, so the numbers it shows

may be false. This unit may fail on me soon too, and I have no faith in

this company to handle it properly or fairly, and I'd certainly expect

them to gouge me again. These practices should stop and I should not be

charged $675 presently.

Albert J. Schepis

805-488-6932

=====================

_type business

_Electronics

_location_

Syntax-Brillian Corporation

20480 E. Business Parkway

City of Industry , CA 91789

Tel: (909)859-8470

Fax: (909)859-8499

_detailed complaint_

Re: LT30HV LCD TV

My screen went bad within 9 months (blanks out) which is apparently a

common failure with this model. I offered to drive it to a designated

repair facility, and later to the corporate location where it ended up,

but went through continued aggravation trying to get it exchanged their

way. First of all I took very good care of my TV, and when I boxed it

in it's original packaging I dusted it and looked it over... it was

immaculate and I thought they'd be pleased with that. I was ever more

stunned when they notified me upon it's arrival that they found some

scratches on the screen, which they managed to take a picture of and

that they are charging me $675. I flipped out. That's not possible and

ludicrous even if there is something if you could maybe barely see at

the right angle with a magnifying glass, and to charge that much money

to polish away. These must have been very small if at all, but I have

no way of knowing this was even my unit they took a picture of. Keep in

mind this conveniently is also the part which may have failed under

warranty which they have to replace anyway... so apparently this is how

they cover their losses, and I end up paying essentially twice as much

(based on today's prices) for a TV that may fail again from the same

problem. I asked that they put it aside and that I speak with a

supervising manager. He has not called back.

Comment On This

We have also had problems with Olevia, our tv would not turn on, and they said they would send us a new one. That was the first week of September. It was picked up and then the shippment was held because of their failure to pay the shipping company. It was held for 2 months. Finally the first week of November the tv arrived in CA. They say it will now take 2 weeks to inspect and process the claim. They did not tell me anything about paying for scratches or mars. I will tell them to keep the tv and will not pay if they try to do this to me. I have already complained to the better business bureau, and have the paperwork to send to the attorney general. I have quotes from the Customer Service Reps stating I would have it in September. You should file a complaint also, if they recieve enough they will take matters into their own hands.