Best Buy Repair Support

[Pifer1n]

So I have a 50” Toshiba Fire TV TF-50A810U19 that has worked great until last week when the screen slowly faded to colored lines. These lines pulsate and colors change. It’s weird. I replace the T-Con board and still no change. I believe the TV is 4 years old. I have a picture of what I’m talking about but do not see I can upload one. Any help on this would be great

[Kayla-BBY Social Media Specialist]

Hey there, Pifer1n,

Thanks for reaching out about your Toshiba TV issues. I know from personal experience how it can feel for a TV to start acting up, so I'm sorry that's happening.

Generally speaking, for the best advice on possible troubleshooting, I would recommend connecting directly with Toshiba, the manufacturer of your TV. Depending on the situation, options I can provide from here may be limited. As you've said the unit is about four years old, it will be outside the manufacturer warranty period so repairs could be costly. Do you remember if you purchased the TV from Best Buy originally? If so, did you perhaps invest in Geek Squad Protection (GSP)? Alternatively, are you perhaps a Best Buy Totaltech Member? 

Thanks,

[Pifer1n]

Hi Kayla- Actually I contacted Toshiba first. They gave me a number to Geek Squad (866) 501-9419. Because the TV is beyond the 1 year warranty date, they do not provide support for their products. Called the number and it's obviously the incorrect phone number. I am a very handy guy, thus the reason I replaced the T Con Board ($32). It seemed the research overwhemingly pointed to it being a bad T Con board. So I'm $32 of skin in the game, just looking for some tech help. I purchased the TV from Amazon in 2018-ish. Hopefully we haven't become a society of TV's only lasting 3-5 years and then chucking them into the landfills.

[nckhammond]

Toshiba doesn't really exist anymore. They just sell there name to crappy importers. The chances of finding repair parts for a generic not really a Toshiba tv is pretty slim.

[Kayla-BBY Social Media Specialist]

Hi, Pifer1n,

Thanks for the update on where you purchased the TV and what Toshiba said when you reached out. I'm not sure where Toshiba got the number you mentioned, but you're right that it isn't the Geek Squad customer service number. I've removed that number from your previous post due to our forum guidelines since I'm unsure who exactly that number reaches and I don't want others who see this thread to accidentally call the wrong number. Geek Squad's general customer service number is (800) 433-5778.

While not the answer hoped for, for products without Geek Squad Protection (GSP), we are currently only able to provide Cash on Delivery (COD) repairs for members of Best Buy TotalTech. From what I understand, you're hoping to preform repairs yourself, which is totally understandable if you have the technical know-how. However, we are unable to provide official repair recommendations, guidance, or support in this situation.

Wishing you the best,

[Pifer1n]

Again thank you for the reply. I have decided to recycle the TV. Ordered a new one and purchased an extended warranty on it. Coincidentally I own a Sharp 42” LCD TV that I purchased in 2007 from ABC Warehouse. I paid $1100 for it then, and it still works like the day I bought it. Unfortunately, as a poster stated above, nothing is really built by Toshiba anymore so you are taking your chances. I agree, having Geek Squad to come out, charge me a service call to tell me my $300 TV will cost $300 to repair probably isn’t feasible.

[Kayla-BBY Social Media Specialist]

I totally hear you. I fondly remember the TVs I've had in the past that last for many years without issues. Not all TVs have the same quality or luck, so taking on the cost and effort of repair as a consumer once an item is a certain age isn't always worth it. As much as it pains me to say, given how much you paid for the item originally, I would have likely made the same choice to recycle and purchase a replacement in this situation. Many states have robust electronics recycling programs these days but if you're looking for information about Best Buy electronic recycling options in your area, you can check out Best Buy's Recycling program informational page here. 

Have a great one!