New Class Actions Filed Regarding LCD Rear Projection HDTV's Using "Optical Block" Technology
Defendants in a consumer electronics class action often hope that agreeing to settle the suit will bring an end to litigation over a product or component. However, Sony's settlement in 2008 of a class action regarding Optical Block technology used in its LCD Rear Projection HDTVs has been followed-up with the filing of new class actions regarding Optical Block against Sony and Hitachi in the Southern District of California. (fn1) The new suits claim that Optical Block contained a defect that eventually caused the TVs to display bright blue and red haze, spots and streaks which covered the programming on the screen. The complaints, which allege that the manufacturers were aware of the defect at the time of sale, request relief under the unfair competition, deceptive advertising and warranty laws of California and other states.
The new suits mirror the class action filed against Sony in the Southern District of New York in 2006 -- the settlement of which received court approval in early 2008. The new actions bring claims regarding different Sony and Hitachi models which allegedly also contain Optical Block technology. In response to the new suits, Sony has filed a motion to dismiss, while Hitachi has filed an answer.
