Vizio Settles Class-Action Lawsuit for $3 Million Over Misleading TV Refresh Rate Claims
Vizio, one of the leading TV manufacturers, has reached a settlement in a class-action lawsuit filed against them regarding the misleading advertising of TV refresh rates. The company has agreed to pay $3 million to resolve the case, which accused Vizio of falsely claiming that their LCD TVs had higher refresh rates than they actually did.
The lawsuit, which was filed in California, alleged that Vizio promoted their 60 Hz and 120 Hz LCD TVs as having an “effective” refresh rate of 120 Hz and 240 Hz, respectively, by referring to the backlight scanning ability. However, the lawsuit highlighted the drawbacks of backlight scanning, including reduced brightness and noticeable flickering. Consumers argued that they were misled by these claims into purchasing TVs that did not meet their expectations.
Furthermore, Vizio was also accused of using deceptive tactics to persuade retailers to sell and recommend their TVs. This raised concerns about the company’s marketing practices and their commitment to providing accurate information to consumers.
As part of the settlement, individuals who purchased a Vizio TV in California after April 30, 2014, will have the opportunity to file a claim and receive compensation. They can receive $17, or up to $50 if the fund allows it. In addition to the monetary settlement, Vizio will pay attorney fees and offer affected customers a service and limited warranty package valued at $25 per person.
Vizio has agreed to stop advertising TVs with “effective” refresh rates of 120 Hz and 240 Hz. However, the company will not recall or modify labeling for TVs that have already been sold or distributed.
This is not the first time that TV manufacturers have been embroiled in such legal battles. LG and TCL have also faced similar class-action lawsuits for misleading refresh rate claims. These cases shed light on the prevalence of deceptive advertising practices in the industry.
It is worth noting that backlight scanning and motion smoothing, which were at the center of this lawsuit, remain defaults on many TVs, despite criticism from consumers. Critics argue that these features can negatively impact the viewing experience and question why they are still widely used.
Class-action lawsuits like the one against Vizio provide incentives for TV manufacturers to reconsider their marketing tactics and prioritize transparency. They highlight the importance of accurate advertising and the need for companies to be held accountable for misleading claims.
The settlement is still pending final approval, which is expected to be granted in June. Once approved, affected consumers will be able to file their claims and receive compensation for the misleading advertising tactics employed by Vizio.
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