On Nov 5 I purchased a GE 52" TV Model D52GW12 ORDER# BBY01-57154008470 amount paid $1190.74. Early November I started to notice that the screen went blank, I thought that it was the DVR, but on the evening of Nov 10 in addition to the screen going blank, I heard a zapping sound and smelled a something burning coming from the rear of the TV. No other electrical disturbance was noticed at this time, the weather was normal, the TV was plugged into a surge protector. I immediately unplugged the TV fearing possible FIRE, luckily there was no damage to my house.
Upon doing some research on the web I found out that this situation is prevalent in this model TV. That many people have experienced that exact same thing. Clearly this would indicate that there is an inherent defect in this model TV that is a known safety hazard. GE should have issued a recall on these TV and should repair or replace these dangerous TV at no cost to the owner.
On Nov 12 I called GE service and spoke to Jed, I explained the situation and asked that GE be responsible for the cost of repair or replace the set due to unsafe nature of the TV, he declined my request. I asked for a supervisor. She was unavailable, but I was told that she would call me back later. She called back the wrong number and I did receive a call at 5:56 PM, she left a voice mail message, from a Sarah Towers who told me that GE would honor the "regular warranty", covering the TV for one year after purchase. And that I was responsible for their mistake. I sent 2 emails to GE asking for them to reevaluate my situation, but I have not had any reply. I have been in touch with a contact manager named BEN VERIONE 317-295-4348 this is what he has told me:
1. GE honors that "regular warranty" and that this type of thing "happens to all rear projection TV's",
2. That my TV did "EXACTLY WHAT IT WAS SUPPOSE TO DO." that it "failed the correct way. I have called Mr. Verione back to ask him what he means by this and to explin how the correct procedure for a TV to catch fire, but he has not returned my phone call.
I have emailed the CEO of GE Mr. Jeffery Immelt jeffery. [email protected] and called him at his home 705 West Rd. New Canaan CT 06840-2518 203 972 2680, however he has not relied back to me, as expected.
What bothers me is not that the TV does not work-TV can have problems, however, when you have many people with the EXACT same problem on the SAME TV and there is the potential for a safety hazard, then I feel that the manufacturer has a obligation to do right by the customer. They should stand by their brand.
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