Complaint Review: Toshiba Canada

In May of 2005 I purchased a new Toshiba 62HMX84 62" DLP TV for approximately $3,500. Now, just 3.5 years later, it needs a new light engine, which is going to cost over $500. I'm also on my third $200 lamp, but that's another story...

I've spoken to three different people (at Toshiba Canada), and got nowhere with any of them. The "customer service" rep I spoke with was actually rude to me. Bottom line - they won't do anything. The TV is out of warranty, so basically I'm screwed. If I get the repair done, that will bring the cost of ownership for this TV to about $1,000 per year for the time I've had it. This is ludicrous and totally unacceptable, but Toshiba DOES NOT CARE!

Looking back on my 8 year history with Toshiba products, I realize I've had problems with ALL of them. First was a 55" HD rear-projection unit which crapped out after about 4.5 years, requiring a repair that would have cost more than the set was worth at that point. I have purchased 3 Toshiba DVD players (since 2000). The first one lasted only a year. The other two work but are very frustrating to use, because there is a LONG delay after pushing a button on the remote before anything actually happens. Same thing if you press a button on the unit itself - LONG delay before anything happens.

Bottom line: DO NOT BUY Toshiba products! They are unreliable, and customer service does not exist. They DO NOT CARE! The store I bought the TV from is not going to bat for me either, but that will be dealt with in another post, after (if?) I get this thing fixed.

I will NEVER buy another Toshiba product, period. Enough is enough!

Bryan
Windsor, Ontario
Canada