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52& RCA HDTV

52& RCA HDTV review: Repair is a nonsense! 168

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12:00 am EST
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I purchased a 52" RCA HDTV in 2004 and just yesterday, when I went to turn it on the screen would not come up. There is no sound or picture, I have tried all the options in the owner's manual, but still nothing. I called the customer service team at RCA, but got now where. I informed the rep what the situation was, after she had gone thru all the procedures with out any success, she referred me to an "authorized" repair service in my area. I asked if RCA was going to cover the house call or the repair. She said that since my warranty was over I had to pay out of pocket. It was as if my TV was designed to shut down as soon as my warranty hit its expiration date! Which was 2 months ago. This has never happened before. I have not called the repair people, but come on, the price will be outrageous, we all know that! I think that this is nonsense, i believe that a manufacturer should stand by their product and guarantee the product to work past its expiration date. I would like to get some feedback about this situation.

168 comments
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Ockedockey
Shreveport, US
Aug 31, 2010 9:18 pm EDT
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I have read all of these complaints, and it saddens me that, we bought our TV in 2008, and now we are experiencing the same issues. Our power light comes on, and blinks three times and never comes on. When it first started this, some how another it would finally come on. Now it want buzz...I'm very irate about this and feels something seriously should be done. We as customers have purchased this product and there is truly an effect of this product!

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jACQUE S
Saltillo, US
Jul 29, 2010 9:50 pm EDT

The Hair Dryer worked we bought our TV in 2004 also, I'm glad I found these post. THANKS SO MUCH...

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O.ne Kristi
omaha, US
Jul 26, 2010 8:56 pm EDT
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Same exact issue...Left home with TV on we back home it was off and it wont turn back we tried the blow dryer trick didn't work...I am so mad...1500 and it only worked for 3 1/2 years. BS... Please someone sue RCA and include us...I will hold on to the POS so I can throw it on RCA's Doorstop and demand our money back...MAD AS HELL... kristidixon@hotmail.com

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samuraisam88
, US
Jul 22, 2010 3:16 am EDT

I was having the very same problem the power went off and only thing to happen was the green light flashing 3 times then nothing so we kept pressing the power button for hours and hours and still nothing. But thanks to the little hair dryer trick it's finally back on and will never go back off again. If their is a law suit please inform me on it so I can join the suit.

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sassy Sara
eureka, US
Jul 02, 2010 6:54 pm EDT

I tried the hair dryer trick, Digty Dang, no luck here! Its a 3 year old HD tv a $1800.00 piece of junk, we thought RCA meant QUALITY, no it means PURE JUNK! We have replaced 2 bulbs so stick another $500 on the original price tag, just replaced the bulb 2 weeks ago worked fine for 2 weeks, now nothing, Thanks RCA for crushing our dreams and wallets!

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Earl Barfoot
Shallow Lake, CA
Jun 30, 2010 4:27 pm EDT
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Hi everyone I got the same problem and same TV I'll try the blow dryer but just to mention I also bought a LCD RCA TV L37WD22 (37") in 2008 the end of 2009 the video inputs stopped working unusable signal cable hook up don't work and I can get picture using comp 1 and 2 and VGA but no sound theres 3000.00 dollars worth of TV's that are useless I have an old 32 inch table top RCA tv my parents owned since the 80's and you can't kill that one your rite RCA knows they have a problem and won't fix it. We should all just voice our concern with them and just say " Hey fix these issues or we will never buy your product again if we wanted useless chineese made [censor] we would have bought it and if you don't fix it thats what we will do is buy the made in china no name tv's they work just the same and a hell of a lot chaeaper" maybe just maybe thay will wake up smell the coffee build a better product for the price we paid and stand behind it like the RCA of yesterday not thanks for your money now get out of my face like most corporations are doing now building useless [censor] if we wanted to buy throw away we sure wouldn't have spent the money we did I'd rather burn my next 3000.00 dollars then spend on the crap we bought.

Just my opinion thou LOL

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Begrace
Parma, US
Jun 29, 2010 7:28 am EDT

I too have an RCA model number HD61W66 television and last week it started making a fizzing noise and the screen went black and the television shut itself off. After fifteen I turned it back on and everything was fine, so I thought it was my cable box. Then today the same thing happened and I tried the same method as before, I let it sit an hour and still black screen fizzing and then it shut itself off. I mean this television was not cheap by any means of the word, and yes I've had it for about three to four years, but one would think that when one pays that much money the product would last. The first problem I encountered with the television was when the connector in the back had to be sautered back to the television after not even a year. I swear if I had the money to purchase a new television I would and I would only enjoy it too much when I carted this P.O.S. to the curb and proceeded to break it apart! I will never buy RCA brand again!

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Alice wondering54
roseburg, US
Jun 27, 2010 10:51 pm EDT
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Thank God I didn't buy an RCA, I don't think they are even made in country anymore. Maybe it's Radio Corporation Asia, now I don't know. I bought a toshiba 42 inch, about 3 years ago, and the extended warranty just ran out. I got a letter from Sear's offering to cover it for another 3 years for $754.00, LOL I told them no thanks I will go buy a new one for 599. when this one goes out. It really sucks that nothing is made to last like it was 40 years ago, it truly is a disposable society!

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mike40
Dayton, US
Jun 27, 2010 10:33 pm EDT

What is the hair dryer trick ? My tv turns on for about five minutes and then shut off. I've had it for five years and had it repaired before, It was a vibrating noise the repair man put a silicone on a part and charged me 150 bucks .

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mary johnson-pierce
west covina, US
Jun 27, 2010 3:10 pm EDT
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I got my RCAhdtv . 5/10/06. call best buy my warrant had just expire 5/12/10. when out one month after expire . same thing happen to my son. 52 inch. was told would cause 150.00 to come out. then whatever for repair. picture very small blue, red, green.

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MNelson666
, US
Jun 27, 2010 1:42 am EDT
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I also have the RCA D52W15 Chassey #ITC222 with the same problems described above

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Lisa13
Orlando, US
Jun 11, 2010 4:43 pm EDT

Thanks Elaine! One minute of blow drying without even taking off the back fixed it for now! Now I have to put BIG signs on it that say DO NOT TURN OFF TV because I don't know if it that fix will work again. Don't want to take the chance...

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LUAI
,
May 31, 2010 4:57 pm EDT
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it was dead tv after its owners plug it to the 220 v
i replced the viper 20a and the risistor 10ohm on then tv start up for 5 seconds then
turn off three times then gose off untill i unplug then plug the power cabel .
the flyback trans have 110v all caps are checked and resistors
5v stby is there
audio ic is ok
if the problem is flyback how to check it?
any suggs
thanks.

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DebiRae
Hannibal, US
May 31, 2010 12:19 pm EDT

I purchased a 52" HDTV RCA approx. 2 years ago. It was working fine, shut it off to leave for a weekend, returned home, and now it will not turn on. It's as if there isnt any power to the TV. Tried the whole blow dryer trick ~ didnt work for us. If anyone has any ideas please let me know.

~Thank You~
Debi

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Rachael Dornberger
Tacoma, US
Apr 12, 2010 7:30 pm EDT

My tv worked 4 exactly 3 year's. I have had the switch on/off go out twice. I spent sooo much $! Is there not something that can be done. It is not fair!

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Fix my tv
, US
Apr 08, 2010 7:41 pm EDT

Same problem here with the RCA 52 inch. There has to be a solution for all of us who got scammed. I just don't know what. I'd like to take the tv to the CEO of RCA and have him give me my money back. Any ideas on where he is residing at? This is ###. My tv just sits there looking new, but of coarse that is a joke. BOYCOTT RCA!

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chadlen
Cambridge, CA
Apr 05, 2010 12:44 pm EDT

elaine posted her original message on the first or second page of this site.

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chadlen
Cambridge, CA
Apr 05, 2010 12:42 pm EDT

i have a 2005 RCA 52" model # D52W19B. i bought it because i wanted to use the big screen for viewing video/musical recording programs from my laptop. i bought the D1 adapter to view computer stuff on the big screen, but it didn't fit. the pins line up, but the slit beside the pins on my tv is too small.
i don't watch cable, i just use it for watching movies and some video games now.
i am also having trouble with the auto convergence. it doesn't seem to work anymore, and i am stuck with off lined blue and red convergences for texts and images. my tv is generally blurry when i had cable hooked up here awhile ago. i bought it at a pawn shop for $450. i can't use it for what i originally needed it for, so i am trying to sell it. since i've seen all of the complaints about the RCA's, maybe i won't be able to sell it after all!
i will try the hair dryer trick anyways, because they always say, when something doesn't work anymore, it either needs to be simply cleaned, or all the screws re-tightened.
cheers everyone. good luck with the class action suit!

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northernnative
gogama, CA
Apr 04, 2010 9:10 pm EDT

I have bought a 2006 52w26d rca hdtv 52 inch...i bought it 2008...its a 2006 model..my problem is ...my picture goes out...but i have audio...i have to turn off the tv ...for 10 min for it to work for less than an hour...and i redo everything again...so...rca sucks here in canada...they should be sued...or have a recall...does the hair dryer trick work on my model ...for the problem im having...im trying to find elaines posting but i cant find it...i see everyone is thanking her...but where is she posted?

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shaddy
, US
Mar 14, 2010 10:43 pm EDT

Ok! now i'am really sick!, I too, have been victimized by RCA. I purchased an RCA"52 inch and had the same problem with the on/off blinking and the popping sound. Called a repairtech which told me that the power board had burned out and it would cost somewhere in the line of $280-400. Never again will I buy RCA and if anyone has information on the class action lawsuit please feel free to contact my at PShadd692001@yahoo.com. Thanks!

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flytrapp
, US
Mar 12, 2010 7:08 am EST

I own the same TV RCA 52" piece of junk...this blinking on / off problem is caused by this: (From a TV repair man)
The Flyback Transormer needs replaced
also recommends the HOT (High output transistor be replaced
also recommends the High Voltage Capacitor replaced
NOW parts cost on these:
Flyback $50
HOT $ 4
High Voltage $3
Total Parts cost $57
Now from the prices above it seems to me labor would be close to $450? For how many hrs and at what rate? Not sure if it would take 4 hrs to repair at $100 per hr...but these are the parts costs

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kenectic
Hamilton, CA
Feb 28, 2010 8:08 am EST

Well l will be a monkeys uncle, , , the hairdry worked, , , my rca 52 in tv is on with the first try...
Hurray for the internet and to Elaine, Thank you

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Powerman57
Colorado Springs, US
Feb 27, 2010 3:24 pm EST

I can't believe what I am reading. I have had our same tv for 3 yrs and 6 months and am having the same problem with the bowed picture and the colors all messed up. Was wondering if it would be worth fixing or if I should just purchase a new one. I would like to know about any and all class action lawsuits for this product. If someone would please email me with any information at CircleT57@hotmail.com I would appreciate it very much. So sorry that so many people are having problems with this product. Sure makes me debate on purchasing another RCA product.

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Zugie
Coral Springs, US
Feb 27, 2010 9:49 am EST

I have a 61" RCA Scenium Tv that started making funny noises 1 month before the extended 5 year warranty was up. The repair man said it was the Color Wheel and that RCA knows about the problem and it is a common problem. So they take my tv away for three weeks to only return it and in less than 60 days of the alleged repair, oops the color wheel went out again last night. I am extremely pissed and I know that I will get no where with this when I go to complain. Funny thing is the warranty is now expired and the svc repair was only guaranteed for 30 days. The color wheel was over $500 to repair.
This is such crap. I want to be notified about any law suits with RCA. Never again will I purchase anything from them. You can send me an email at clzug@aol.com

Thanks in advance.

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lhaley2
Enid, US
Feb 24, 2010 5:30 pm EST

I also have the same problem. We've got ours spring of 2004 and it just went out on day. The power light will blink three times and make a small beeping sound at the same time. Count me in on that class action suit also! If anybody knows how to be a part of it let me know! lhaley2@hotmail.com Thanks!

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zayas
Waterbury, US
Feb 11, 2010 7:21 pm EST

I WOUNDER IF RCA ALSO BUILDS SYLVANIA PRODUCTS MY 32" LCD IS ONLY 10 MONTHS OLD WARRENTY IS ONLY ON PARTS .
THIS TV ALSO BLINKS 3 TIMES AND TURNS OFF.

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jeffdiddy
Dallas, US
Jan 21, 2010 3:48 pm EST

So sick! I avoided doing the hair dryer trick for months because the pain of taking off the back of the crappy TV. I used the shop vac to blow through the holes in the TV but the problem continued...

I finally got so irritated with the TV going out after 10 minutes of watching, that I just broke down and took the thing apart. I ran the blow dryer for several minutes but there was still a ton of dust in there so I took out the shop vac again... The TV is working so far!

Thanks for the help! I am so excited to watch my newly cleaned and working tv in my newly dust filled living room!

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dspell06
Ridgecrest, US
Dec 27, 2009 12:27 pm EST

Okay, we got up this morning and tried Elaines Blow Dryer solution. My husband ran the blow dryer down near the left area for 4 minutes, he tried to turn it on, it continued to blink...I told him we had to blow dry it for 10 minutes...sure enough after 10 minutes of heating the area, the TV WORKED! Thank you Elaine...you saved many of us money by sharing the blow dryer technique. You are greatly appreciated! Yeppie! :)

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dspell06
Ridgecrest, US
Dec 27, 2009 1:26 am EST

I too am having the same exact problem as the other 1000 people who have posted on this site. This isn't NO coincidences, as i read the 5 different pages of posting I have come to believe this is a complete RCA scam!

I purchased my 52 inch HDTV in July of 2005 for $1600 and 4 years later just like everyone else on this blog I am experiencing the same problem of the blinking on and off 3x's. I too would like to learn more about this lawsuit, I can be emailed at dspell06@aol.com

I am going to try Eliane's blow drying solution and hope I am as fortunate as everyone else who has tried it. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

I agree with everyone else, RCA sucks! thank goodness for the internet and being able to find this blog. :)

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KRYSSP
TORONTO, CA
Dec 22, 2009 1:47 pm EST

Omg, I cannot believe it! I innocently typed in: rca tv blinking on and off 3 times and this is what I got! Talk about a pandora's box!

I bought my 52" piece of junk 3 years ago and the blinking has unfortunately begun. How, oh how, is it possible that so many different people from different places all have the same problem at the exact same time? Coincidences like that just don't 'happen', they're planned! I too will try the blow dryer trick & keep my fingers crossed, since I almost literally died when the t.v. wouldn't turn on 1 hour before I was hosting a party!

If there is still a class action suit, please count me in! Hopefully it has already begun or is still ongoing! My e-mail to join the suit is: kryssp@hotmail.com.

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the rca fix
columbus, US
Dec 18, 2009 12:56 am EST

was in disbelief when the hair dyer trick worked ! warm up the 2 slits in the back for like 2 mins who knew ...Elaine thats who .
i had to try it before i threw out a 1700.00 dollar POS. but it worked now have that little extra for X-Mas. if u dont believe it try it before u junk it

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speedspinner
miragut, CA
Dec 17, 2009 9:04 am EST

i to have rca 52"hdtv same problem, d52w20 model#lights blinks 3 times then nothing called a repair shop he told me to take it 2 a recycling depot $1600.00 down the drain. also would like 2 join lawsuit, please let me know glenhall344@msn.com

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northwoodsquilter
Park Rapids, US
Dec 14, 2009 6:35 pm EST

oh yeah we are all having fun now, same thing with our RCA HDTV 52", for the last week or so we have been getting the 3 blinks of death, but usually came on now it won't, would like to join the lawsuit...has this been reported to the BBB..let me know what is going on northwoodsquilter@hotmail.com

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tksand
Mc Kenzie, US
Dec 12, 2009 8:37 pm EST

I am another sucker that bought the 52 in RCA. My power light would come on then turn itself off. I took it in for repairs and paid $200 for a new tuner, it lasted 2 weeks then started doing the same thing. I would like info about the class action suit if possible.

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pyarbrough
Collinsville, US
Dec 09, 2009 12:53 pm EST

My RCA HDTV has given me problems every since the warranty ran out. It was very expensive and now they tell me to take it to the repair shop which there is not a one in my area. I could not believe it only last for three years and now this. It is a shame and a rip off and I will never buy another thing from RCA. They suck big time and they are a ripoff

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tracyjomo
Federal Way, US
Nov 15, 2009 8:39 pm EST

Everyone is talking about this law suit...does anyone have the info about it? Please email it to me at tracyjomo@yahoo.com if you have it...thanks

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DAWeaver
Eaton, US
Nov 15, 2009 4:01 pm EST

Elaine...You are a lifesaver. I could not afford to replace my TV and it was blinking three times and would not turn on. I heated the transformer and it works... :)

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tsharp
Phelan, US
Nov 08, 2009 6:36 pm EST

Well another 3x Blinking out TV from my RCA D52W20 and talking to the RCA rep was useless. He told me that we would have to pay to have the set repaired ourselves because we bought it from Circuit City we purchased the extended warranty and we all know how that went. Please if there is a lawsuit out there, help. My set was in storage for 2 years so the total time it really has been running is only 2 years I paid almost $1400.00 for this now waisted space.

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LoR!der
Courtenay, CA
Nov 02, 2009 5:36 am EST

its all about the system of numbers...rca made the tv the break/stop working so you would have to buy a new one

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BADTV
Keaau, US
Oct 19, 2009 3:51 pm EDT

I too as all of you have the same problem with my 52" RCA HDTV. Mine recently when I try to turn on my TV it takes me at least 9 tries...it goes on and off on and off and once it finally goes on it flickers on for about 3 min and then the picture finally comes on. I spent over $1000 for this TV and it only lasted a little over 4 years. I am extremely disappointed. I have ALWAYS bought SONY products and have never ever had a problem with them. I called RCA and spent over 30 min on hold for them to tell me they cant help me and they referred me to a service center.

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