CityAdvantage/Circuit City Stores TV warranty not worth the paper it is written on! Richmond Virginia

Odds are, since you're reporting a high pitched whine and picture distortion, that the flyback circuits are the problem. Any repairman worth their salt would have already replaced the flyback, however, when it happens multiple times, the problem is not the flyback itself, it's something in the circuit, probably dealing with the Horizontal output, ESPECIALLY since you had the picture shift.

All this is, i'm sure, nice to know, but doesn't help any. What might help is refuse to allow Circuit City to repair it. Check the warranty over and see if it mentions that the unit has to be repaired by Circuit City. If not, then find a local authorized service center that specializes in your TV.

I don't believe you have a lemon TV, I believe you have a lemon repair center. Someone can know exactly how a TV works, but not know a specific problem with a specific brand. Much like RCA TVs from the late 90's all had a "Tuner wrap" problem, where the heat generated by the TV would cause solder connections to become unstable and the picture would go to static until the set cooled down. Average repairman would NEVER find that, but an RCA tech would know it immediately.

First off how long is a "short time"? If its within the first year you can often get the company that made the product to replace it. If they refuse to thats when CA comes into effect. The reason why they may not have given you a swap is because it might no be the same problem. Go to your store and talk to the SD. Just explain to him in a calm matter what has been going on. More often then not they will give you a swap out or at least allow you to return the CA.

For the majority of CA issues its always a good idea to talk to the store. The service centers are the ones who have to pay for returns and they arent a part of Circuit City. The store makes a good amount of money on CA and want repeat customers. Its also a good idea to be calm and acomidating. Dont demand too much.

Hi, Chris

Sounds like you've had quite a time with this TV. The way I understand the "Lemon Law" is that the item must have the same problem and must have been repaired three times. Meaning, if it fails after the third repair, then it qualifies as a "lemon" and gets replaced. From your post, I agree with you that you have had the same issue repaired three times and are due a replacement. I don't understand why CC is giving you the run-around about it. Stick to your guns and don't let them tell you otherwise. Go as far up the chain of command as you need to get it replaced.

Was it the manufacturer who sent out tech's those times to your house, or was it Circuit City? I'm assuming it was CC. If so, then saying:

"...don't waste your money on the extended warranty through CityAdvantage if you buy a TV from Circuit City."

makes it sound like they will not help you at all. If they sent out a tech those times to fix the problem, then this is not true. Mose TV's have a one year warranty from the manufacturer and to use that warranty, you usually have to take the TV to an authorized repair center in your city. It's inconvenient, but it dosen't cost you anything. I would be happy that they sent a tech to fix the problem so I didn't have to lug the heavy thing to a repair center.

In the end, I agree that you are due a replacement. I would call them again, explain that the television has been replaced three times for the same problem and you would now like it replaced. If the first person denies that, ask to speak with their supervisor. If the supervisor denies it, ask to speak with THEIR supervisor and on and on until you get the job done. Don't let up. Speak courteously to everyone and don't loose your temper. "You can kill more flies with honey than you can with vinegar".

Good luck, Chris. Let us know what happens once you get a resolution!