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Worse yet, Smart TVs often brick themselves due to failed software updates. My last Sony TV did an overnight Android update, and I found it in a state where it'

Worse yet, Smart TVs often brick themselves due to failed software updates. My last Sony TV did an overnight Android update, and I found it in a state where it'd show the Android boot logo and subsequently shut down. Some Google research showed that this has happened to hundreds of people (youtube videos outlining the problem, etc). Sony refused to do anything due to the TV being out of warranty, and no amount of hackery could get the TV back up and running. The end result--perfectly fine hardware being taken to an electronics recycling facility because the firmware was totally hosed. It's maddening.

scrumbledober 7y ago
That sounds incredibly frustrating, and I can't believe Sony is able to get away with that. If it's not under warranty I can understand not replacing it for parts breaking due to wear or user error, but if it's an update the company pushed out that actively broke everyone's TV it seems cut and dry that they should fix or replace them.
justinclift 7y ago
> Sony refused to do anything due to the TV being out of warranty. Interestingly, apparently in the UK (or maybe EU?) there's a defined period an appliance is required to work for, to be "fit for purpose". Note - not a warranty thing, it's a consumer goods thing. Not living in the UK any more (thanks Brexit), so don't remember off hand the period of time though.
- mijoharas 7y ago
  I believe it's at least two years and I thought it was an EU wide thing (though I used it in the UK). I always laugh when I see something say "1 year warranty" as I know two years is required.
- Nition 7y ago
  Similar in New Zealand, although the exact time isn't defined. The parent comment's case would almost certainly fall under the protection of the Consumer Guarantees Act[1][2] and Sony would have to fix or replace it. Of course, getting a company to actually do something can be harder than just telling them the law. [1] https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/general-help/consumer-laws/consumer-guarantees-act/ https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/general-help/consumer... [2] http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1993/0091/24.0/DLM311053.html http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1993/0091/24.0/DLM...
  - teruakohatu 7y ago
    In my experience the CGA is generally ignored until the Commerce Commission investigates. The best you could do is take them to the Disputes Tribunal (small claims court) and then the time and energy involved is probably outweighed by the replacement cost unless it's a ultra high end TV.
    - tjpnz 7y ago
      Would it really be that bad? Sounds like an easy win - even if they did show up (which they won't).
- dragonsngoblins 7y ago
  We have similar things in Australia. Hell our consumer protection laws are why people can get refunds on Steam
Mindwipe 7y ago
No Sony TV has ever had firmware updates for long enough that the retailer wouldn't be required to replace it under the Sale of Goods Act under UK law fwiw.

scrumbledober 7y ago

That sounds incredibly frustrating, and I can't believe Sony is able to get away with that. If it's not under warranty I can understand not replacing it for parts breaking due to wear or user error, but if it's an update the company pushed out that actively broke everyone's TV it seems cut and dry that they should fix or replace them.

justinclift 7y ago

> Sony refused to do anything due to the TV being out of warranty. Interestingly, apparently in the UK (or maybe EU?) there's a defined period an appliance is required to work for, to be "fit for purpose". Note - not a warranty thing, it's a consumer goods thing. Not living in the UK any more (thanks Brexit), so don't remember off hand the period of time though.

mijoharas 7y ago
I believe it's at least two years and I thought it was an EU wide thing (though I used it in the UK). I always laugh when I see something say "1 year warranty" as I know two years is required.
Nition 7y ago
Similar in New Zealand, although the exact time isn't defined. The parent comment's case would almost certainly fall under the protection of the Consumer Guarantees Act[1][2] and Sony would have to fix or replace it. Of course, getting a company to actually do something can be harder than just telling them the law. [1] https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/general-help/consumer-laws/consumer-guarantees-act/ https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/general-help/consumer... [2] http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1993/0091/24.0/DLM311053.html http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1993/0091/24.0/DLM...
- teruakohatu 7y ago
  In my experience the CGA is generally ignored until the Commerce Commission investigates. The best you could do is take them to the Disputes Tribunal (small claims court) and then the time and energy involved is probably outweighed by the replacement cost unless it's a ultra high end TV.
  - tjpnz 7y ago
    Would it really be that bad? Sounds like an easy win - even if they did show up (which they won't).
dragonsngoblins 7y ago
We have similar things in Australia. Hell our consumer protection laws are why people can get refunds on Steam

Mindwipe 7y ago

No Sony TV has ever had firmware updates for long enough that the retailer wouldn't be required to replace it under the Sale of Goods Act under UK law fwiw.