As Indian households increasingly embrace the appeal of smart TVs, a surprising trend has emerged that could make consumers think twice before making their next big purchase. Local circles A survey has found that one in three households are experiencing problems with their TV much sooner than expected, often just five years after bringing home their fancy new set.
The findings, based on responses from more than 36,000 consumers across 329 districts in India, highlight concerns about the longevity and reliability of modern TVs, particularly smart TVs.
The survey collected responses from a diverse group of consumers: 64 percent of respondents were men and 36 percent were women. The participants were from various regions: 44 percent from Tier I cities, 32 percent from Tier II cities, and 24 percent from Tier III, IV and rural districts.
Smart TVs are a concern for consumers five years after purchase
The survey revealed that 32 percent of respondents had problems with their TVs within five years. While the majority (61 percent) said their TVs lasted more than five years without needing repairs, a significant portion had problems within a shorter period of time, particularly after the warranty period expired.
Among consumers who needed repairs, 66% chose to have their TVs repaired rather than replaced. However, 31% of these consumers opted for local repair services rather than going through the TV brand or company due to the high costs associated with official repairs. Only 3% of consumers managed to get their TVs repaired under warranty.
How do current TVs compare to previous versions?
The results suggest a worrying trend: TVs, once known for their longevity, are now more likely to need repairs within a few years. This is in stark contrast to previous decades, when TVs would run for five to seven years or even up to ten years without needing major repairs.
The survey indicated that many TVs fail within the 1- to 5-year period, often just after the warranty expires, forcing consumers to pay high repair costs or seek less expensive but potentially risky local repair options.
High repair costs
In particular, high repair costs and the desire for newer features led 31 percent of consumers to forgo repairs altogether and instead purchase a new TV.
The lack of standardisation in repair services and the high cost of repairs at official service centres are major concerns for consumers. The survey highlighted the need for more consumer-friendly policies, including the implementation of the “Right to Repair” programme, which is currently not rigorously enforced. Such measures could help reduce the cost of quality repairs and provide consumers with more affordable options, it said.
Trends in TV purchases
The survey also revealed that 35 percent of households that purchased a TV in the past five years did so through e-commerce platforms. This shift toward online shopping reflects consumers’ growing preference for the convenience and variety offered by online retailers, it noted.
First published: August 27, 2024 | 12:13 pm IS
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