Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous

by Mike Masnick





Gateway Sued Over Broken Plasma TVs

from the should-have-stuck-to-computers dept

A few years ago, Gateway, in an attempt to reinvent itself, decided it wanted to be more like Apple and would start selling consumer electronics. It made a big push in the space for a while, but not too many people were all that interested, as Gateway didn't offer anything all that special -- and most people just don't think of the company as selling anything but computers in cow spotted boxes. The company still sells some consumer electronics (and I've heard that it's ditched the cow spotted boxes), but it's hardly a major focus. However, when it first launched the consumer electronics line, one of the ways the company tried to get attention was by selling LCD and plasma TVs at low prices -- and apparently some people bought them, only to discover you get what you pay for. Plasma TVs are notoriously troublesome, and it appears Gateway's TVs were no exception -- to the point that some are trying to organize a class action lawsuit against the company for selling defective TVs, while advertising them as "setting new standards in quality." If you were feeling snarky, you might note they don't say that those levels were the highest -- just "new."

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  1. No Subject Given

    by Anonymous Coward - Dec 14th, 2005 @ 3:09am

    Weren't those Gateway plasma TVs just Sampo or Samsung TVs with a G on the chassis? Gateway was doing this when they had that chain of money-bleeding retail stores. Not long after they announced their reinvention, the stores all closed. Anyway, you get what you pay for, and anyone buying a plasma TV from the notoriously shoddy Gateway should have expected at least some trouble. Caveat emptor.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  2. Gateway, heh

    by dorpus - Dec 14th, 2005 @ 7:04am

    They had a store in Berkeley where employees (with bad attitudes) insisted on following you around as soon as you entered the store. Everything was overpriced, they required that you buy a 3-item minimum, and that you write down your address with a pen in a notebook if you bought anything.

    Not surprisingly, they went out of business 6 months later.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  3. Good for the lawyers!

    by MissingFrame - Dec 14th, 2005 @ 7:14am

    Just when I thought lawyers were running out of things to do and ways to make money.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  4. Re: No Subject Given

    by Anonymous Coward - Dec 14th, 2005 @ 7:15am

    Yea, it looks like gateway doesn't even hack on their logo on the tv... how can you sue a middleman for someone elses product.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  5. the real question...

    by Ben McNelly - Dec 14th, 2005 @ 7:27am

    I think the real question here is, is it gateway cow spots or sploches?

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  6. Remember when?

    by Oliver Wendell Jones - Dec 14th, 2005 @ 8:54am

    Anyone remember when Gateway sold a system with a "giant" 30 or 35 inch TV/Monitor?

    Maybe the new level of quality referred to how clear the TV picture was compared to those previous POS screens...

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  7. Re: the real question...

    by David Christy - Dec 14th, 2005 @ 8:58am

    Healthy cows have spots,
    Diseased cows have Sploches.

    So, it would be sploches!

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  8. No Subject Given

    by Rob - Dec 14th, 2005 @ 9:25am

    my dad bought an lcd from gateway a little over a year ago because he felt he spent too much on the one he has in the basement. he's already had to send it back once and i'll definitely be telling him about this class-action to see if he can get some money back...

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  9. Gateway :-)

    by Gee - Dec 14th, 2005 @ 9:57am

    All u suck, Gateway is an amazing company that has come back from death. Their PCs are non proprietary, they last a long time with reasonable upgrade pricing and good customer service. An addition, they have an awesome non-complicated trade-in program for consumers.
    Anyway I have one of their Plasma TVs and it is fantastic. The Picture is crystal clear with a good amount of tweaking options. I have had this TV for 2yrs with abosoltle no problems, except its heavy as hell. Unlike DELL who’ PCs have always sucked and use the cheapest components and are proprietary. What a piece of dog poo.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  10. Re: Gateway :-)

    by Anonymous Coward - Dec 14th, 2005 @ 10:10am

    One word, NOOB

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  11. Re: Gateway :-)

    by Count Porkula - Dec 14th, 2005 @ 11:11am

    WTF? Do you work for Gateway or are you just a mentally handicapped noob?

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  12. Re: Remember when?

    by Anonymous Coward - Dec 14th, 2005 @ 7:20pm

    Yes, I wish I could remember the name. Started with a D and meant something like endeavor. Maybe not, but yeah, I was really interested in that computer. So sweet to me at age 8 or 9.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  13. Re: Gateway :-)

    by Right back at you - Dec 16th, 2005 @ 3:50am

    Just to set the record straight, gay ones. DELL, GATEWAY,HP,COMPAQ,APPLE,INTEL are all complete pieces of sh**, but I do enjoy my Gateway Plasma, which was free by the way, woot!

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  14. GTW TV's

    by D Siess - Jan 2nd, 2006 @ 8:48pm

    I bet you are correct about the Gateway TV's- but I would not call Plasma TV's "troublesome". this is incorrect, and really not true.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  15. Gateway defective 46" plasma

    by Mike Fisher - Jan 10th, 2006 @ 3:21pm

    Hello,



    Thank you for expressing interest in the Gateway Case. To get involved you will need to fill out the attached forms. Attached are a retainer agreement and a questionnaire regarding your TV. Please fill out both and return as soon as possible.



    Mail to:

    1200 Third Ave Suite 1321

    San Diego, CA 92101



    Or Fax to:

    619.696.0323



    If you have any question please call me at (619) 544-6400.



    Thank you,

    Miray Handal

    1200 Third Ave Suite 1321

    San Diego, Ca 92101

    (619)544-6400

    email: mhandal@handal-law.com

    ____________________________________________

    This message and any attached documents contain information from the law firm of Handal & Associates that may be confidential and/or privileged.
    If you are not the intended recipient, you may not read, copy, distribute, or use this information. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and then delete this message.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  16. Re: Gateway :-)

    by Anonymous Coward - Jan 13th, 2006 @ 1:15pm

    It is just a matter of time. Your TV is going to crap out any minute.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  17. Re: Gateway defective 46

    by Clare Harrigan - Feb 7th, 2006 @ 4:50pm

    please e-mail me information regarding the lawsuit - thank you

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  18. defective gateway tv

    by john arbuet - Mar 21st, 2006 @ 5:30pm

    my tv stop working littel after 1year. if you have any information please email me.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  19. defective gateway tv

    by john arbuet - Mar 21st, 2006 @ 5:30pm

    my tv stop working littel after 1year. if you have any information please email me.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  20. Re: Gateway defective 42" plasma

    by bill wennerberg - Apr 14th, 2006 @ 12:20pm

    can you send me some info on this

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  21. 46" Plasma

    by Kevin - Aug 16th, 2006 @ 11:21am

    Wow, was I pissed when my TV went out 5 minutes ago. Looks like the same has been going on everywhere else. If any one has any information (repair, lawsuit, some guy named guido that can fix it for $300 bucks) please let me know. Thanks

    skeeter0311@yahoo.com

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  22. I've joined the club.

    by sully - Aug 24th, 2006 @ 11:04am

    My 42" just died today.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  23. Good company & products.

    by Bob - Aug 27th, 2006 @ 7:59pm

    Gateway never actually built the plasmas and most of their tv's for that matter (which was most likely why they were problematic) If gateway would have built them, they would have been much better since gateway is a company of high quality. Not all of the televisions had many problems, just select models.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  24. 42

    by Ismael Montiel - Oct 2nd, 2006 @ 8:34pm

    I bought a 42" plasma and computer for father's day 2004, t.v lasted less than 2 yrs,computer lasted 25 months called gateway no help. Called Korea Sampoo and got immidiate action, got the correct board and got plasma fixed, it is less than 24 months again and plasma went out again today. Gateway is the worst company I have ever dealt with, second is Apple and the IPod.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  25. 48 inch plasma went out today

    by Shane - Nov 7th, 2006 @ 4:16pm

    I want to call sampoo for parts for my gateway plasma
    Anyone have the number?
    My gateway is 22 months old and does not work anymore Its does turn on but no connection I think to the board any help would be great.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  26. 48 inch plasma went out today

    by Shane - Nov 7th, 2006 @ 4:18pm

    I would like to get in touch with the poster before me Ismauel , want to call sampoo for parts for my gateway plasma
    Anyone have the number?
    My gateway is 22 months old and does not work anymore Its does turn on but no connection I think to the board any help would be great.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  27. Re: 48 inch plasma went out today

    by JD - Jan 6th, 2007 @ 10:04am

    Did you have any luck with a number for parts. My 48 went out to. It turns on and then we just get a click sound right buy the power button and no screen.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  28. 42 plasma tv

    by J Larsen - Jan 22nd, 2007 @ 9:14am

    We are the "proud" owners of our 3rd gateway tv which has just gone out again. 1st tv lasted just over 1 year, 2nd tv lasted 2 weeks, 3rd tv has now lasted less than 1 year. Called gateway, a tech is supposed to come and repair our tv.

    We are lucky that we bought a 5 year full warranty. Which doesn't really help when you are stuck with a real stinker of a tv.

    Since we still have 2+ years left on the warranty, we are considering our options. We are not satisfied with fixing the tv with a replacement that is just as bad as the original.

    We still own a Curtis Manthis TV bought in 1983. Still works, no repairs, ever.

    Not sure what we will do, but a letter to Gateway Executive Response is currently being written.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  29. Re: 48 inch plasma went out today

    by Kevin - Jan 26th, 2007 @ 6:06pm

    Any luck getting your 42" fixed? Mine currently has 4 2inch wide black strips running from top to bottom, I'd really like to get this fixed...what can be done?

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  30. info on lawsuit on gateway for 42 inch plasma

    by DIEGO MARTINEZ - Jan 27th, 2007 @ 8:58am

    can i stiill get in on lawsuit if so how

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  31. Re: 48 inch plasma went out today

    by JD - Feb 9th, 2007 @ 1:08pm

    Did you have any luck?

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  32. Gateway LCD

    by Joe Marquez - Mar 6th, 2007 @ 3:39pm

    I bought a Gateway LCD (GTW-L26M103) and a year later the picture went out. Now, I have extensive electronics background and I was able to troubleshoot the problem to the power supply. I called gateway to see if I could get the part and they gave me nothing but the run around. #1 they don’t repair any of their own equipment as far as TV's go. #2 they don’t supply parts for their TV's. #3 since I wasn't on their "list" of people who had purchased gateway products, they would replace it. This took hours on the phone to find out and all they could tell me is to take it to a "local TV repair shop" and good luck, thank you for your business. GDM frustrating. I'm definitely joining the class action.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  33. Re: Gateway LCD

    by crystal wells - Mar 22nd, 2007 @ 11:56am

    Any luck with repairs on 42" that will not turn on any longer? I live in the North San Diego County area.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  34. by James - Mar 23rd, 2007 @ 6:06pm

    My tv broke three years to the day I purchased it.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  35. by Michael Shaw - Mar 27th, 2007 @ 5:38pm

    I am on my second set (42" plasma) the first not a year old had to be replaced. It took me several weeks to get some one to resolve the problem and another month to get it replaced. Luckily I purchased the extended warrenty on the first one or I would probably be o my own. Another thing I didn't like was the fact that nobody from Gateway told me of known problems or the expected life until after I had mad the purchase and needed repairs. I really felt cheated. The replacement set is a little over a year old and it is not right either.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  36. Re: Gateway LCD

    by John - May 16th, 2007 @ 12:01am

    I am having the same problem as you and i would like to repair this unit myself do you have any information that would be helpful in this matter. I do have SOME training in electronics and this is a task I think I can handle. But at the same time if you have the knowledge and are willing to share it please do.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  37. Gateway 46" plasma tv problems

    by Larry C - Jun 2nd, 2007 @ 9:50am

    I have a 46" Gateway plasma tv. The y-sustain board blew out
    causing the tv not to work. If you unhook the cable to the board the tv will work, but the picture is grainy looking.
    My friend was able to buy a board from Gateway for $189.
    My friend who is a technician installed the board. Wow, the
    set was fixed, the picture was beautiful. Watched the tv for
    about 30 hours and then the picture went out. The same problem , the same board. Although Gateway claims a 90 day parts warranty on their website, they will not honor it. They only
    honor if someone from Gateway ( Decison One $900 service call ) installs the board. By the way, the board that they sold was not new, it had replacement parts soldered to it.
    Gateway will not provide schematics or parts lists for this tv.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  38. Gateway Plasma

    by Chip - Jun 14th, 2007 @ 12:00pm

    I also bought a gateway plasma tv 2 years ago that has
    three black lines on the screen. There sampo tv,s are junk.
    I would love to get in on a lawsuit against them.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  39. Gateway 42 in plasma -broken of course

    by marie haar - Jul 15th, 2007 @ 3:15pm

    I have the 42 in plasma I bought in 2002 and now the green light goes on but no picture...any one know ifthis is fixable gateway says it 500 to be looked at ((are they nuts) 5 years on a 5000 TV set..please anyone know what this might be or where I can get the scamitics please email me also is that class action suit over? and how come all gateway clients werent notified?? Marie
    cutieonli@aol.com

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  40. 42" Gateway Plasma

    by Mike - Aug 15th, 2007 @ 8:00am

    Need help
    I have a 42" plasma which has about 1" black horizontal line.
    Any assistance would be appreciated.
    If you can leave your contact I shall call you if you can suggest what I do or what part I should get and have changed

    Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  41. 46' Gateway Plasma

    by kevin Davis - Aug 20th, 2007 @ 11:19am

    I bought the gateway 46' plasma after I returned from Iraq.

    After 9 months the TV went out, someone from Gateway came out and repaired the plasma.

    Now, it just went out again!! What the heck is going on?

    Does anyone have any information on the lawsuit?

    Thanks

    Kevin

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  42. 46' Gateway Plasma

    by kevin Davis - Aug 20th, 2007 @ 11:20am

    I bought the gateway 46' plasma after I returned from Iraq.

    After 9 months the TV went out, someone from Gateway came out and repaired the plasma.

    Now, it just went out again!! What the heck is going on?

    Does anyone have any information on the lawsuit?

    Thanks

    Kevin

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  43. 46 inch GW plasma

    by Andrew Lowy - Aug 31st, 2007 @ 9:26pm

    Our plasma worked great for 2.5 years and just went out- turns on but no picture or sound and unresponsive to all controls. Any info on repair sin the Sna Diego area and lawsuit info would be appreciated.

    Andy

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  44. 46 inch GW plasma

    by Andrew Lowy - Aug 31st, 2007 @ 9:26pm

    Our plasma worked great for 2.5 years and just went out- turns on but no picture or sound and unresponsive to all controls. Any info on repair sin the Sna Diego area and lawsuit info would be appreciated.

    Andy

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  45. 46 inch gateway plasma

    by eugene rogers laier - Oct 10th, 2007 @ 5:19pm

    it appears that my moms 46 inch gateway is dead too, when she passed on 2 years ago we covered it and now we tried it and it worked for 2 days...now it should last longer than that, less than 1 year use.....

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  46. Model GTW-L26-M103

    by J. J. Lopez - Oct 30th, 2007 @ 1:19pm

    20 days after my warranty expired...the TV had a green Halo around the images...later no picture or sound and unresponsive to all controls. I should of known better as 3 weeks after purchasing the TV/Computer....Gateway left the area, Albuquerque, NM. Any info on repairing, please email. Also, I am interested in the lawsuit. Gateway will not give me any info on repairing.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  47. Re: Gateway LCD

    by J.J. Lopez - Oct 30th, 2007 @ 1:26pm

    How and where do I join the class action in sueing gateway. I have the same model...see my message. I called gateway last year at Christmas , just to find out that I was 20 days too late with the extended warranty. My TV started to show green halo's around all the images. Later no sound and no TV..and no response to any controls. I was on the jphone with gateway for hours. They counldn't help me with anything except the Thanks for purchasing their product.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  48. Gateway 42 inch

    by C.D. Gandy - Dec 2nd, 2007 @ 3:58pm

    Is this class action suit still going on? I need to put my name on it. Like many, many, many of you, my t.v. just died. Green light comes on, nothing else. Called Gateway, $450 just to get them here to look at it, $1000 for parts- before they even know what they are going to use to repair it. After reading many comments not only on this page, but on CNET as well, I feel betrayed. Good money paid for this and all I did was throw it out the window!

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  49. broken 50 " GW Plasma

    by Ron Westphal - Dec 2nd, 2007 @ 6:19pm

    I bought my GW 50" Plasma 12/03 from one of their retail stores in Clackamas,OR. Paid $5500 + a 3yr warranty mounting bracket and installation $7500 by the time I was done. A couple mo later the store closed down. HMMM! I now live in AZ. 10/06 I had a black square about 12" sq appear ( the rest of the picture was fine. I called gw and the sent out Decision one. After they ordered the part they came back and installed it and it made the problem worse (solved the original problem but created a different one) so they ordered a new (probably refurbished) one from GW. Now it's 12/07 and the other day while my wife was at home it happened again. What really sucks is the warranty I bought ended last Dec. (3 yr warranty really 2 yrs because the 1 yr manufacturers war is part of the 3 stupid me). would like to get it fixed but these days I could buy a DLP or LCD for what it would probably cost.

    Anyone have an idea of what I should do?

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  50. 42 inch plasma

    by rino - Dec 6th, 2007 @ 10:23pm

    i bought the plasma and the same as everyone else it blew out what a piece of junk.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  51. Gateway 42" Plasma

    by P B Morrison - Dec 7th, 2007 @ 4:44pm

    Just go down the local Courthouse and file suit. The clerks are very helpful. About $25.00 to file a claim. State what happen to your Plasma and make sure you serve the Resident Agent via Certified Mail. The Clerks of the Court will help you with any info. Gateway does business in all states so the long arm statue may apply. Gateway will have 30 or so days to respond and a Court date will be set. Just tell the Judge what happened. As a Corporation they must be represented by an Attorney. You think Gateway might want to settle your claim quickly vs. hiring an Attorney to defend each case @ $250 an hour

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  52. Gateway tv plasma

    by chip - Dec 27th, 2007 @ 10:07pm

    What a piece of junk''' I bought one 2.5 years ago,has three black lines across screen. threw in garbage'''
    I would like to sue them.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  53. 46" Plasma not working either

    by blkted - Jan 3rd, 2008 @ 11:12am

    All, I had the same thing. I missed out on the class action suit (don't know if it is still going on or not) but I had my Gateway 46" Plasma for about 18 months and it went out. It didn't go out all at once, after not wanting to come on, it just finally died. I paid $3500 for the TV, which was cheap at that time compared to others. I remember looking at a panasonic for $3700, sure wish I would have paid the extra $200 now. If any one has any class-action suit info, please post. Alot of stuff is old, my Plasma has been in storage, I was out of the country, Being All I Can Be and right now, I be pissed.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  54. Gateway 42" Plasma

    by lyn - Jan 7th, 2008 @ 7:42pm

    Ok. So I am in the same boat in NYC. I have had my plasma for about 3 years with no problems. Suddenly, it stopped working. The Power light goes on, but no picture and no sound. The remote doesn't work, so I have to cut the power either with the main switch on the back of the set. Please if the law suit is still going on, let me know or if anyone has any suggestions as what to do. I would appreciate your input.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  55. gtwp46m103 dead

    by Brian - Jan 31st, 2008 @ 12:57pm

    I read this forum with interest, the set I have has had simple broken connections at almost every large connector. I have repaired those I found, but still have the green LED, and no sound or picture. I will check back to see how this all works out!

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  56. 42" plasma 3yrs old

    by brian - Feb 1st, 2008 @ 5:20pm

    These things cant even be fixed!

    Here is what my repair shop has to say;

    Hi Brian,

    Bad news.....we will not be able to repair your set. Part we got from them got set running for three hours, then it went dead. Board we got from them is bad & it has also now taken out the power supply board.

    Unit will need both boards. We inquired with gateway & although they will send us a replacement board for the one that went bad, they will not let us return it for credit.

    It is to risky for me to go any further on this set...if I also buy a power supply from them & any other problems arise...I will be stuck with NO return options.

    I have to cut my loses on eating the cost of the Y Sustain board. I will not risk purchasing a power supply also & get stuck with both if there is another problem.

    We will reassemble the set unrepaired and have it ready for your pick up on monday. Sry for the bad news. In my expierance, there is very little good news on gateway plasmas.

    Kevin

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  57. y sustain board

    by Brian - Feb 4th, 2008 @ 8:03am

    Gateway 1888-737-6949 indicates y assy instock for around $200.00. Might want to call and get yours.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  58. Not one, but two defective 50" plasma TVs/both hav

    by Dianna Smith - Feb 6th, 2008 @ 7:57pm

    I purchased a 50" Plasma TV in 2003 - just before the warranty expired the picture became so blurry you couldn't see a picture. After numerous phone calls and complaints the TV was replaced. Shortly after the warranty expired on the second tv, no picture. Called Gateway- Service call was going to be $500. Called Best Buy to check the problem only to find out that the TV I had purchased was NOT the TV I had in my home. It was definitely inferior to the original set I bought (in Kansas City MO) and when replacing the first tv, the Gateway technician had removed the serial # from the first set and put it on the second!!! Which I found out negated any warranty on the second set. Totally and completely ILLEGAL. Several calls to Gateway have produced no satisfaction. I was told that since the warranty was expired, it wasn't their problem.
    If there is a class action suit against Gateway, I would definitely like to be included. According to three other prominent stores that sell TVs, switching the serial #'s is fraudulent. Each set has it's own serial #, one store referred it to stealing someones fingerprints. I'm talking about a $5999. tv. Something needs to be done to prevent this from happening to other people.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  59. Re: 42" Gateway Plasma

    by josh - Mar 11th, 2008 @ 1:33am

    did you ever work out this issue?

    m friend just gave me his gateway 42" cause it has a 1.5" vertical line on the right side of the screen.

    It's not that big of a deal since it was free but i would like to get it fixed.

    any help would be appreciated.
    thanks
    Josh

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  60. Re: Gateway :-)

    by JP - Apr 19th, 2008 @ 8:45pm

    My first Gateway 42" plasma didn't work right out of the box. It was replaced with another one, (but Gateway didn't know) that worked for five years and now sits in a box because Gateway told me to throw it out and buy a new "LG" they had on sale. Later, I find out that's the Gateway I bought was an LG! so NO..I don't want more crap! Anyway, Your's is about five years old now. Better start shoping around my friend.

    Let me bottom line it for you Gateway fans. No LG's, Samsungs, Acres. you get where I'm coming from I'm sure. Good luck and I'll race you to the used parts store. :)

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  61. The Defective Gateways

    by Jeffrey L. Shurtliff - May 3rd, 2008 @ 10:13am

    I am a television service center. 15 year independent. When I first saw this TV I laughed, because I knew this was going to happen. Plasma is one of the worst TVs on the market for reliability. Especially if you are buying an off brand. That is what this TV is, an off brand. It is like lean ground beef and ground beef; you get what you pay for.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  62. RE: Gateway 46

    by Ray - May 7th, 2008 @ 4:16pm

    My TV just went down for the count as well. It did make it 4.5 years, however, & I have been totally happy with it. Until now. Same problem as others have described: power light comes on, a loud "thunk" sound & nothing.
    I took it to a local tv shop, they said a transformer had gone out & Gateway told him they will sell him a used one with no warranty for $300!
    I'm probably too late for the class action suit, but if anyone has any suggestions, I would appreciate hearing from you.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  63. Gateway's 42 In Plasma GTW P42M303

    by Paul Bridgewater - May 7th, 2008 @ 7:30pm

    We have had our tv for 3 year's untill it died today. The tv will power on but it has a black screen and no sound. The green light will come on but will have to shut the main power switch off before it turns off. So I called Gateway to talk a tech, he advised me that the image board was bad. For $500 and another $500 for a service call which is non refundable it might work again thats alot of money for a might. If a lawsuit has already been filed then gateway should stand up and take care of the problem and fix the defective tv's for free. I dont understand if a tv cost over $3200.00 we should get more then three year's of use. The tv's that sold for $200.00 last for 15 or 20 years, so whats up with the new ones

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  64. 42" Plasma

    by C. Wells - Jun 5th, 2008 @ 5:06pm

    anyone know if it is too late to join in class action lawsuit or have current infomation about this horrific purchase? Please update. I am getting no where with this TV. It's as broken and the people runing the country. Help!

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  65. Gateway to Hell

    by C.My - Jun 15th, 2008 @ 6:03pm

    I bought my Gateway plasma 3/24/04 realizing it was not "top of the line", I did however hope it would last at least 6 years. I am at the 4 year mark. Luckily (sarcastic) before the 1st year was up it broke, the same problem everyone is chatting about. They came out and fixed it and it has been fine up until today with the exception of the picture getting really light and flickering occassionaly. Turning the power button off on the side and waiting a few minutes, turning it back on and it was ok. Today I heard some sizzling sounds, the picture went all crazy, I shut it down immed. and now am afraid to turn it back on--LOL....needless to say I am sure it is fried so to speak. After it initailly broke and was fixed I called back a little later to get the remote replaced as my dog had chewed it, it no longer worked and to my dismay but not surpize, I was informed by the Gateway tech they no longer made/serviced my product. I could look on ebay was the suggestion. I believe whole heartedly that something needs to be done about this and a message sent to these companies that are selling faulty/bad product to consumers. I am not going to spend a penny on a TV that is 4 years old, will cost about 1000.00 to (hopefully) fix when you can buy a new, different brand LCD for a little more than the fix price for this piece of crap. I guess I should be glad I got 4 years out of it, at 3567.28 thats less than 1000.00 a year....I will never buy GATEWAY anything and will tell every person I know about this horrible company and it's practices and everyone else should do the same. If anyone can let me know I would love to be a part of this class action lawsuit if it's still possible. I hope they lose and have to pay back everyone's money. Hitting them in the pocketbook the same way they hit us will hopefully teach the crooks a lesson.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  66. Re: Gateway's 42 In Plasma GTW P42M303

    by art - Jun 17th, 2008 @ 9:24am

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  67. GW Plasma

    by art - Jun 17th, 2008 @ 9:25am

    Try this, worked for me
    http://nyclubkid.com/gatewayrepair/
    aRTie

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  68. Mine Died Too!!

    by Keri - Jun 17th, 2008 @ 6:03pm

    The same old story.. i have the 42 inch plasma and it is slowly but surely dying... it starts to flicker and i turn it off ( by the kill switch in the back) and after a while it .. i will be able to come back on....
    I figure its days are numbered... I saw alot of questions, but does anyonehave any answers to what to do.. i paid $5000 4 years ago for this pile of crap!!!!!

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  69. mine too

    by chris - Jun 20th, 2008 @ 9:19am

    my 50" Plasma tv from Gateway takes from 45 min to 2 hours to get a picture. I turn it on and listen to the news while waiting for the pic to show up i the morning and usually have to leave for work before i get to SEE the news. What happened to the lawsuit i heard about?

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  70. Gateway TV's are CRAP

    by Pam - Jun 21st, 2008 @ 6:59pm

    Bought a 42" GW TV in 2004. Had a fam member come over to accept the delivery... arrived in a van instead of a truck and the bottom was cracked in half and dangling in the middle. GW came and picked up the broken TV after a couple hrs on the phone convincing them that it arrived in that condition and that we hadn't done it. Then, it took a full 2 months of fighting with cust. svc. to get a replacement. We were hung up on, transferred when we were mid-sentence and on and on. Finally got ahold of a mgr in some other dept. that seemed to not have his head firmly wedged and was able to get us a TV which he gave us a free upgrade so we got the ultrabright model. Two days ago a black bar appeared on the screen and we were told that it's probably a board that costs $250 and in the end would cost about $1500 to fix but, the initial expense would be $2k because you have to buy all possible parts up front and when the tech is done they'll give you a credit. I will NEVER own another piece of Gateway equipment again... if I were offered something free I would refuse it. Their products apparantly are garbage. They are proprietary and long after the warranty is gone they will not allow anyone else have any parts or do any work. They're customer service is the worst I've ever dealt with.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  71. Gateway 42" Plasma TV - GTW-P42M102

    by Steve - Jun 28th, 2008 @ 11:12am

    After 5 years my Gateway 42" Plasma TV went black screen, and moving from side to side is a 10" wide vertical bar with red & yellow speckled background with 10 vertical teal blue lines, and no sound. I tried the simple burnt plug repair, but I have a different board. Anyone with any ideas for repair, or should I just throw it away? Steven@H2Aarchitects.com

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  72. plasma

    by lance schneider - Jul 19th, 2008 @ 7:00am

    I have the same problem did you ever find out what it was?

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  73. Plasma TV 42 inch

    by deb wiess - Jul 19th, 2008 @ 3:19pm

    We bought ours in 04 and about a year ago it started going out and we blamed it on Charter - - well apparently it was not charter it is gateway.
    I just got the class action info 2day and plan on filling.
    Deb

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  74. Re: Mine Died Too!!

    by deb wiess - Jul 19th, 2008 @ 3:21pm

    I guess that we are in the same boat - - now it goes on and off at will - -
    Deb

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  75. Gateway Plasma Class Action Suit

    by Linda Kenney - Jul 28th, 2008 @ 5:35pm

    The suit is Koch, et al vs. Gateway, Inc. and it is for all purchases in the U.S. of GTW series of Gateway Plasma TV's 2002 - 2005. Contact www.plasmatvsettlement.com if you have not received something from this class action suit or try Koch vs. Gateway Settlement Administrator in Portland, OR 97208

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  76. Re: GW Plasma

    by john - Jul 30th, 2008 @ 11:55pm

    fu muther fucker....

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  77. Re: Re: GW Plasma

    by john - Jul 30th, 2008 @ 11:58pm

    don't click on http/link above. nyclubkid.com VIRUS!!!

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  78. Re: Gateway to Hell

    by JOHN - Jul 30th, 2008 @ 11:59pm

    VIRUS ON FIX IT LINK BELOW!!!!
    DON'T CLICK ON IT.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  79. PLASMA 42" EDTV DEFECTIVE.

    by NANCY L. ISLA - Aug 5th, 2008 @ 8:10am

    I PURCHASED MY TV 42" PLASMA EDTV IN SEPT. 2003, ABOUT ONE YEAR LATER THE PICTURE STARTED TO SCRAMBLED, AND THE DVD TRANSMISSION CHANGED TO BLACK AND WHITE., PHONE THE COMPANY SEVERAL TIMES, THEY SEND A PERSON OVER AND HE STATED THAT IT WAS A FACTORY DEFECT. I HAD THE TV CHECKED OUT A FEW MORE TIMES, WITH THE SAME RESULTS. NOBODY CAN FIX IT. IT IS A PIECE OF CRAP.I WANT TO BE INCLUDED IN THE CLASS ACTION SUIT.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  80. tv

    by billy wade - Aug 6th, 2008 @ 12:14pm

    this is a piece of crap. i spent $5500 and this tv worked for only six months and gateway wont help me out at all

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  81. TV Died Today

    by Bill - Aug 8th, 2008 @ 11:01am

    Had 42 inch repaired, twice, and replaced once while still under warrenty. Only way it worked was with HDMI cable. S-Video and other inputs all dead. TV finally died today. Called Gateway. $500.00 just to send a repair person out. Anyone know where to get parts?

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  82. 42" Plasma

    by T. DeCastro - Aug 18th, 2008 @ 6:23pm

    Ours died today. Same symptoms as all of yours. In our little town there is no one to repair it. Looks like we are out a TV.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  83. Mine died too!!

    by Stacy Arcese - Aug 19th, 2008 @ 12:04pm

    After one year of owning it, it just died. I called gateway and they could not and would not help me. I brought it to be repaired and I could get a new one for what they wanted to charge me. Now its in the trash and I get a letter saying to send in the original receipt and serial number. OK SURE!! NEVER BUY GATEWAY

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  84. GateWay 46" plasma TV - ser # 1097515997

    by Richard Smith - Sep 28th, 2008 @ 12:56pm

    This has turn out to be a piece of crap. Picture shows a fusion of colors now, and hisses at me when turned on/off. George (G.W TV rep, emp ID MU023), tells me it will take at least $1500 to repair!!!!!!!!! Incredible!!! Can someone help with this..I feel like a complete fool for buying this $40000.00 junk from them.

    HELLLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  85. Re: 42

    by Ismael Montiel - Oct 6th, 2008 @ 7:56pm

    update repaired it in 2006 and it went out again in 10/01/2008 again, bought new lcd, will place gateway in garage until I can dump it in the landfill.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  86. File a Claim NOW

    by Rachel - Nov 18th, 2008 @ 6:34am

    We are all in the same boat. My out of pocket expenses were over $5,000 even after repair all 3 components blew again. Go to www.plasmatvsettlement.com and file your claim before November 27th. At least you'll get something. I'm reading about $400 per t.v. Yes it's an insult but it's better than fighting those morons at Gateway. They don't care they've already got your money. Thats why they were sued BOYCOTT ANY PURCHASES AND LET YOUR FRIENDS KNOW then move forward.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  87. by stacey kingston - Dec 4th, 2008 @ 6:57am

    ok, i have a gateway 46" plasma tv, but i'm not the original owner...is there anyway i can get money back, because i need a new power supply. this tv is crazy, and i can't even find the power supply on gateway.com

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  88. 50 in plasma

    by Chantel Smith - Jan 5th, 2009 @ 6:39am

    We bought a 50 in plasma back in Sept 2003. We paid ALOT of money for it. About 6 months ago the screen started flickering, but would eventually stop. Picture was always good. Slowly the flickering lasted longer and longer and now doesn't stop at all. We cannot watch this tv at all. Unfortunately our warranty expired in 2006. Sounds like ours has lasted longer than others I have been reading about.I have not tried to contact Gateway, sounds like it would be a waste of time. Is the class action still pending? I'm on board if it is.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  89. Sorry

    by SDHusker - Jan 5th, 2009 @ 10:40am

    I apologize to all of you for the issues you have had with your products.

    There was a time not so long ago when Gateway stood for value and reliability but that ideology went out the window when the original CEO of the company stepped down in the late 90's. After that we were working under one mercenary CEO or another whose interest were their own and not the customer, company or employees.

    I do hope you all received some sort of compensation.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  90. Re: Sorry

    by audrey almanzar - Feb 22nd, 2009 @ 6:19am

    I am one of those who bought a gateway plasma in 2003 paid 4000.00 for it, after 3 years the picture started going until a couple of days ago, when my tv went completely blank. I did receive the papers for for the lawsuit but it was too late when i filed. I felt that it was an insult to get 400.00 rebate on any gateway item this was part of the settlement and only if you had the receipt, if you didn't have the receipt you were going to get 30.00 rebate. to get 30.00 back for a 4000.00 T.V. is an insult. from what i've been reading it seems like the T.V. are not able to be repaired, so should I just consider buying another one? Not from gateway, of course!

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  91. Re: I've joined the club.

    by Deb - Feb 25th, 2009 @ 11:36pm

    Well ours lasted longer and now all we can get is HD and no regular - - what a MESS.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  92. 42 in Plasma

    by deb - Feb 25th, 2009 @ 11:41pm

    I ment to say that we bought ours in Nov 03 and now all we can get on the reg channels is lines but guess what the HD works but not all the channels are in HD - - the Charter Guy was here and said that ours has lasted longer than most - - You would think when you pay that much for a TV it would last longer than 5 yrs?? Any help would be appreciated since we are retired and this was our retriement gift to us.
    Deb and Gary

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  93. Where can I get a main power board?

    by L.J. - Feb 27th, 2009 @ 1:32pm

    I need a replacement main power board for my gtw-p42m303 42" plasma. Where can i buy one?

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  94. GateWay 42"

    by Peter - Mar 7th, 2009 @ 1:46am

    No need trying to get any better results than what is posted above. My daughter has experienced the same symtons with her set. They are, as stated earlier, a bunch of junk. Only a mass picketing campaign could have any chance of bring this company to its knees on this issue.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  95. Another Gateway 46" dead

    by pumkineater59 - Apr 14th, 2009 @ 9:21pm

    Same old story. The 46" died with the same sympton as everybody else. We had it for 5 years, guess we were lucky. I'm cutting my losses right now. No additional money will be spent on this set, not worth it. Luckily we have another Sharp 46" LCD bought a year ago that we can still use.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  96. 42" Gateway Plasma

    by charles themens - Apr 17th, 2009 @ 8:40am

    C0TWP42M1CR Serial Numer
    Stock Number 1097466008
    Turns on and shuts off...where can I get power board or repairs

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  97. 42" GW ultrabright smoking

    by skw - May 26th, 2009 @ 6:53pm

    My wife and 8 month old daughter were in the living room this evening when my wife smelled a burning scent. The picture had a greenish grainy looking bar that would randomly come and go and the tv also started making a loud buzzing noise. Calling gateway is of no help as the phone system just directs you to go online and the web chat guy not only rudely ended the chat session on me but his only response was to go find a local repairman or contact their per per use "answers by gateway" line which I find unacceptable for an item that is potentially a fire hazard in my home w/ my infant daughter sleeping. I bought it on May 21, 2004, it was delivered on the 25th and now useless exactly 5yrs and 1 day later, go figure. Wish I knew about the class action but seems I got longer out of it than some others. Also I bought the 3yr ext warranty but that was a waste as well.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

  98. 46" dead

    by gotbeat2 - Jun 24th, 2009 @ 3:34pm

    spent close to $5000 4 years ago on this tv. Came here looking for answers, how to repair. I guess the answer is to go tv shopping. Sorry to all of us who got beat by gateway. Lets hope this company does not make it through these tough financial times. This is one no one would miss.

    (reply to this comment) (link to this comment)

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