Consumers have not been informed about a nation wide problem
with some RCA, Sony, Hitachi and Phillips brand televisions. The
problem, which has existed since 2001, is alleged to be caused
by a non-standard broadcast signal.
Usually the first indication or symptom that your television is
being affected by a non-standard signal is the television will
experience a problem with the audio reception. It is common to
suspect the problem is originating with the cable reception or
the television set itself. The audio (sound) on a television
either begins hissing, or just stops working.
At first, the problem was thought to just be affecting RCA brand
televisions, but Sony's Hitachi's, and Philips are also being
affected. According to an Electronics Industry Specific
Newsletter, written by Joe Spoko of Ohio, RCA brand televisions
are experiencing a hissing sound, or total loss of audio on some
or all channels. Sony televisions are experiencing a dropout of
video. Phillips brand televisions are experiencing a tint shift
all the way to green.
The problems are affecting televisions built with chassis
identified with the following identification numbers: CTC203,
CTC197, and CTC195. These chassis all use the same micro
processor (not the same part number, but the same capabilities).
So far, the best temporary solution, or work around, to the
audio problem is to unplug the television for about twenty
minutes or so, according to Gerald Doiron, owner of Doiron's TV
and VCR Service in Houma, Louisiana. It may be necessary to
repeatedly unplug the television, and as often as is necessary
to reset and restore the televisions audio capability.
Unplugging the television is proving to be only a temporary fix.
When contacted, an RCA employee, who identified herself only as
Debra, acknowledged the audio problems, and stated the problems
appear to be caused by non-standard signal transmission. Debra
stated the problem began to occur around the beginning of 2006.
"RCA is working very hard to find a solution" Debra said, but
she failed to mention that the audio problems have actually
existed since 2001. Still today, the various problems alleged to
be caused by the non-standard signal cannot be corrected.
If you have experienced any unexplained audio/sound problems
with an RCA brand television, the contact number for the
Thomson/RCA is 580-634-0151. Before you call Thomson/RCA about
any audio problems, be sure to have the model, serial, and
chassis number of the television set.
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