Sale Of Goods Act

[Steve]

In another thread, I wrote that my television had gone kaput. Basically the remote sensor light is flashing constantly, despite no remotes being pressed. And the tv is responding to these "remote commands" by randomly cycling through channels and av inputs.

The TV cost me £699 in dec 2006.
I bought it from PC world.
Its a Philips 32PF5531D/10.

I have had no problems with the set until now.

I expect a television to last a good 10 years (ok maybe not a plasma, but this is an LCD set). This tv is 20 months old. Are there any laws protecting me as a consumer so I can get this television repaired or replaced by Philips? Would you think Philips would oblige in repairing this TV if i quoted the "of satisfactory quality" part of the SOGA to them?

Any advice welcome.

 

[dave.m]

Steve,
Your contract is with PC World not Philips, initially.
Even out of guarantee they are resposible for selling you a TV that has not performed as it would reasonably be expected to.
Bet they say it is nowt to do with them.
Best bet is have a word with Trading Standards first and get a name, then, when you know what your 'rights' are, walk into PC World on a busy Saturday afternoon.

dave

Have a read of these.
http://www.berr.gov.uk/consumers/fact-sheets/page38311.html
You may get it repaired but a 600 quid TV should last longer than 18 months if not damaged.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

I've just posted in your other thread, Consumer direct is the way to go, they're so helpful you won't believe it.

 

[tim west]

you say the remote operation light on the tv is flashing and the tv is changing channels, have you looked at the remote? try taking the batteries out and see if it stops.

 

[blondini]

you say the remote operation light on the tv is flashing and the tv is changing channels, have you looked at the remote? try taking the batteries out and see if it stops.

Or any other remotes or new devices kicking around? It does sound like the set is seeing a rogue ir signal. I'm sure I remember that the early Tivos used to cause uncommanded remote operation on Philips sets when they were first introduced.

 

[breezer]

put the shoe on the other foot.

some one comes to you with something you sold them over a year ago, its now dead / not working, they want you to change it free.

its over a year old, g'tee expired, sorry thats the way the cookie crumbles

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

put the shoe on the other foot.

some one comes to you with something you sold them over a year ago, its now dead / not working, they want you to change it free.

its over a year old, g'tee expired, sorry thats the way the cookie crumbles

Sorry Breezer but thats not the case, have a browse of the sale of goods act.
Edit: spelling

 

[^woody^]

There is no 12 month guarantee period anymore. Things changed in 2003 with the Sale and Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations 2002

Goods are expected to last a "reasonable time". This is not defined, but it depends on things like brand, price and item.

A £3.99 Fung-Yip toaster from the market would not be expected to last more than 6-12 months. But a £5k Panasonic plasma from a well-known shop would be expected to last many years

The contract is with the supplier (PC World) and not with the manufacturer. In this case, Phillips have nothing to do with the problem

 

[JohnD]

it is said that fluorescent lamps or CFLs can operate the remote sensors on some equipment.

maybe a PC or laser mouse could do it too.

I suppose if you find the sensor (not the LED) on the TV and cover it with something impervious to light, you will know it is not picking up some other signal

 

[Softus]

I expect a television to last a good 10 years

I would gently ask you why you have that expectation.

For example, did you specify that lifespan to the PC World 'sales' person?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

To help back up a claim, made under the Sale Of Goods Act, the RETRA guidelines can be used as a reference: http://www.retra.co.uk/code.asp?p=13 TVs: 5-8 years

 

[Softus]

That doesn't support Steve's expectation though.

Note.

Life expectancy is the length of time a product would reasonably be expected to be able to be economically repaired where the spare parts are available. Some cosmetic parts may not be available for the same period of time as functional parts.

It does not imply that goods should last for a given period of time without going wrong or that the repairer should not make a reasonable charge for a repair.

 

[Softus]

Basically the remote sensor light is flashing constantly, despite no remotes being pressed. And the tv is responding to these "remote commands" by randomly cycling through channels and av inputs.

Its a Philips 32PF5531D/10.

If you phone Philips Tech Support they will attempt to diagnose this behaviour.

If they can't help in any practical way then they'll probably refer you to a service centre. I had a Philips TV fault and the service centre in Peterborough was surprisingly good value. If you need the contact details then please send me a PM.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Expecting a tv bought these days to last 10 years these days is indeed absurd. That said, it ought to last good deal longer than 18 months. I understand where you're coming from Softus but whatever else it states on that page I was advised that I should, if necessary, use the extract regarding periods of time electrical items should last in supporting a claim.

 

[Softus]

Expecting a tv bought these days to last 10 years these days is indeed absurd.

Do you mean 'exist without failing', or 'be economically repairable'?

That said, it ought to last good deal longer than 18 months.

How much longer ought it to "last"?

I understand where you're coming from Softus but whatever else it states on that page I was advised that I should, if necessary, use the extract regarding periods of time electrical items should last in supporting a claim.

A claim of what, about what, when what happened?