ALDI TV (2018) Popped and Let The Magic Smoke out - Any Recourse?

Hey dudes.

So the TV is a basic (not smart) 65" panel, purchased mid 2018 for $500, down from $699 I think.

This evening it let off a couple loud bangs and has stayed off since, see picture. Looks like a couple of components have exploded in the high voltage circuitry. Death may be related to the storms in Melbourne last week (had a bit of power flickering/short outages), though it has worked for the last 5 days since then.

Given the age/value/circumstances, am I likely to get anywhere with warranty/ACL? I could try content insurance too.

Failing the above, wonder if anyone with experience thinks the board is repairable? I've got a heat gun/soldering station etc, not sure where to find the components though (or how to identify what I need)

Either way, I've got an excuse to look at all the EOFY sales now 😊

Cheers!

Poll Options expired

  • 14
    Go to ALDI
  • 2
    Go to ACCC
  • 1
    Home insurance is your only bet.
  • 33
    You're SOL bucko. Better luck with the new one!

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Comments

  • AC/ALDI

  • +3

    ACA / bikies

  • -3

    Just solder in new capacitors.

    /Thread

    • I'd love to (hate wasting the whole tv for the sake of 30c of chips) but it looks like it's a mix of resistors, caps, transistors etc that have blown and the labelling isn't very illuminating as to what they were.

  • +2

    At least make them aware in case there is a fault with the product, potentially resulting in a product recall.

    • Ooh that gives me some hope, mine is 4k as well :)

    • Probably not a good idea to tell them that you opened it up and doesn't matter whether you know what you are doing or not considering you are making a ACCC or warranty claim. Aldi is pretty good with their warranties and returns but for whatever reason if they decide to play hardball (quite unlikely) you do not want to give them one more reason to dispute your claim.

      I agree with the OP, the damage is not as simple as replacing a CAP (in fact the CAP seems to be fine) and the damage seems to be with a mixture of surface mount active and passive components in the driver area of the switch mode power supply and possibly the power FET is also a goner. A DIY job would be almost impossible as you would not be able to see any markings on most of the SMDs and the PCB traces in the area would be burnt out for sure.

  • +2

    Some guy got his money back…though that's coz his TV was 4k. Depending in your time value, may or may not be worth it to pursue

  • +1

    I would go to ALDI as they are very understanding and explain the situation.

    If ALDI refuses to give you a refund you should then make a complaint to your states ombudsman, the ACCC doesn't handle individual cases and can't do anything more then send an email.

    I would definitely not use insurance as that would be a gigantic waste.

  • +2

    Alzori, my favourite ALDI ozbargainer. I am still waiting for those amazing catalogue photos on Imgur. :-P

    I am guessing you don't have the purchase receipt anymore? I think they also accept bank statement as proof of purchase.
    Speak to your local store manager first.

    • +2

      Haha cheers man! Unfortunately the letter drops are inconsistent in my area so I don't always get them early, plus I'm not going to compete if dealbot gets in first ;)

      Store manager is a good idea! They've been pretty good when I've asked to return stuff without a receipt so maybe they can help.

  • Mine just died too. Similar situation. First, it wouldn't turn on. So I unplugged it for a minute. It then turned on, popped, showed the splash screen for a second, and then finally died.

    As for claiming statutory warranty, you have a shot, but considering how cheap it was, and the fact that they probably don't have replacements, you would probably be offered either a small amount of money or nothing. When I tried to pursue one some time ago, the best they could offer was to have me pay $300 to get it looked at, and they'd pay for any further repairs. I ended up just buying elsewhere.

    Anyway, pointless stories aside, I have been looking at other TVs, and if you want to go with another cheapy, then there's the Devanti 65" on eBay for $500 new with 22% off using Plus. One year warranty. If you don't have Plus, then you can create a new account and get a trial. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/373540870952

  • +5

    Can you get the smoke back in?

    • +1

      Nope, once the magic smoke escapes the genie has gone.

  • +2

    Personally I'd just accept that you get what you pay for when you buy an Aldi TV and consider it 3 years of use of a TV for $200/yr.

    That's on par with what I paid for an Epson eh-tw5600 projector for 5 years. So not too bad, but not quite the 100" screen I had!

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