In article ,
Fraser wrote:
Hi All,

My 3.5 year old Toshiba 32" widescreen has died, due to a faulty picture
tube. The problem is that now and again the green gun overloads, filling the
screen with a green zig-zag pattern, then the TV shuts down. The repair shop
say this is due to a bad design in the picture tube, causing overheating.
This is a well known problem in this tube (Philips) apparently, and this
tube is no longer used in new products.

Now, my question is, can I get Toshiba to provide me with a replacement
picture tube without me having to pay for it? IMHO, the set was very very
expensive when I bought it, and a three and a half year life span is simply
unacceptable for something like this. Is there any recourse under UK law to
do this? I was thinking about going along the usual "fit for purpose" and
"merchantable quality" lines. Does anyone know of any successes/failures of
people trying to do this?

I've googled around, but couldn't see anything. I swear I read/heard
something about forcing electronics manufacturers to repair out with
warranty, but I can't remember or find the source.

You have rights under the consumer purchase (or whatever it's called) law
and should be able to get a replacement of it meneded free of charge. A
judge would also find a 3.5 year lifespan unaccepatable.


Go back to shop and ask them to replace or repair it free of charge. Be
polite etc.

If they say no tell them you are prepared to do it the 'hard way'.

Go back home and write a recorded letter saying what you want doing. Keep
it short and polite.

Then make a claim under small claims. Info on web sites.

All a bit time consuming but you can claim for time taken off work and
travel expenses, and you may find the claim process galvanises the shop
into action before going to court.

Good luck,

Neil