Roku and TCL face a class action lawsuit for allegedly releasing software updates that ‘brick’ their smart TVs, leaving consumers with unusable devices. The complaint was filed in a federal court in southern California by Terri Elise, who claims the updates have rendered her TV completely inoperable.
Before this lawsuit, many consumers expected reliable performance from their smart TVs powered by Roku OS. However, the recent updates have led to widespread dissatisfaction. The lawsuit alleges that these updates cause TVs to freeze, restart unexpectedly, or not turn on at all.
Key details of the lawsuit:
- The complaint cites specific models affected, including Roku Select Series, Roku Plus Series, and TCL 3, 4, 5, and 6-series models.
- Consumers purchased these TVs between December 16, 2024, and now.
- The lawsuit demands a jury trial and seeks damages as well as injunctive relief.
Terri Elise expressed her frustration: “I was watching my TV and it just stopped showing pictures.” This sentiment echoes a growing chorus of consumer complaints. Over 300 comments on Top Class Actions highlight similar issues with Roku TVs.
Despite these claims, a Roku spokesperson responded by stating, “We believe the claims are meritless.” They maintain that the partnership with TCL has provided reliable products. Yet many consumers feel differently as they struggle with malfunctioning devices.
The lawsuit asserts that Roku and TCL sold these televisions as reliable products despite knowing about potential issues. One Roku TV owner lamented: “It doesn’t play unless it’s hooked up to the internet and then a lot of the stations have blank screens.” This has left many feeling deceived.
As this legal battle unfolds, it highlights a significant concern for consumers who rely on technology for entertainment. The outcome may set important precedents regarding accountability for software updates in consumer electronics.
