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LG Electronics has been hit with a class action lawsuit alleging some of its Smart TVs are unable to access YouTube, the popular video streaming app.
Plaintiff Richard Conn says LG has been manufacturing and selling Smart TVs in the United States since approximately 2009. One of the biggest draws of Smart TVs is their ability to stream video content from the internet and connected apps.
In 2013, LG reportedly began switching from an older flash-based Application Programming Interface (API) system to a newer HTML5-based API system. The LG Smart TVs that run on the newer HTML5 systems still reportedly allow viewers to access YouTube.
However, flash-based Smart TVs no longer have access to the YouTube app, the LG class action lawsuit alleges. This access allowed consumers to access video streaming applications directly from their televisions.
“Not since the advent of color television had consumers’ viewing experience changed so dramatically,” Conn alleges in the LG class action lawsuit. “Manufacturers including Defendant took advantage of the dramatic change in television use – profits and revenues soared.”
Conn alleges LG promoted its Smart TVs as a different experience from traditional television sets because of their ability to stream videos and access other entertainment apps. According to the LG class action lawsuit, LG marketed its Smart TVs as “having all the convenience of smart phones and computers with the ease and convenience of using a familiar device – the television set – in the comfort of consumers’ living rooms.”
Therefore, LG reportedly promoted its most popular entertainment apps, including YouTube, by placing the logo in its packaging, in-store displays, online and in television commercials to inform consumers that the LG Smart TVs came equipped with YouTube access.
According to the LG class action lawsuit, the LG website acknowledges that its Smart TVs that were manufactured prior to 2013 can no longer access YouTube. The following LG models are allegedly affected: LD550, LD650, LE3530, LE5400, LE5500, LE7500, LE8500, LX6500, LX9500, PK750, PK950 and PX950.
Conn alleges that LG has not offered any remedy to consumers who purchased an LG Smart TV that can no longer access YouTube. The company has reportedly recommended purchasing a new Smart TV or buying an exterior streaming device like a Google Chromecast in order to access YouTube. Conn claims that LG is using the loss of YouTube functionality to sell new Smart TVs and profit off of the affected consumers.
The LG Smart TV class action lawsuit asserts claims for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, negligent misrepresentation, negligence, breach of the implied warranty of merchantability, and violations of various state consumer protection laws.
LG is not the only Smart TV manufacturer to take heat over the loss of YouTube access. A similar Smart TV class action lawsuit was filed against Samsung earlier this year.
Conn is represented by Kaveh S. Elihu, Thomas L. Dorogi and Sylvia V. Panosian of Employee Justice Legal Group LLP.
The LG Smart TV YouTube Access Class Action Lawsuit is Richard Conn v. LG Electronics, et al., Case No. 2:17-cv-08793, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
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114 thoughts onLG Class Action Lawsuit Says Smart TVs Can’t Access YouTube App
I had my LG television for about 4 months have a green line going down I called LG several times and they tell me they are going to call me I sent everything I had to prove when I purchase the television and where and I get nowhere I purchase the television online so all I have the credit information and the order information from where I purchase the television. Can someone please help me I’m not getting anywhere.
I have TV 86 inch TV and inside smoking and they misled me misrepresent me it’s TV screen got black and then come back home after 2,100 to me
LG support went lame during the pandemic, through which time my set was still under warranty. Now that I’m able to finally reach someone, they refuse to make good on any resolution citing its expiration.
Though implicit, the company has an obligation to reach-out to those affected and offer a remedy for this defective piece of garbage during this unprecedented time becuase they FAILED TO DELIVER! While they continue to hang-their-hat on the “letter of the law”, they also continue to further alienate their customer base.
My only hope is, and I recommend this to others, is to actively file a complaint w/the FTC who may seek relief should they get significant requests. They can reach the FTC via phone and speak directly w/a representative, who will then provide each party w/a case #. This is free of charge.
It’s better than pusuing a class-action for damages, wherein the only real winners are the attorneys who recieve MILLIONS, while the agrieved parties may only wind up w/a nominal award of: $20, $50, or if their lucky, maybe $100 for an item that had cost them several hundreds of $$$
The contact number to the FTC Complaint line is: 877-382-4357. You’ll be able to speak w/a live representative who are always very polite & supportive. LG boasts that their name stands for Life’s Good. Actually, it seems more fitting that it stands for LAST GASP!!!
Please Add Me.I have a very special friend who purchased a 55′ LG smart tv 3 years ago…its having issues…its also being paid monthly…unfortunately the warranty expired…I believe that a conn’s employee sold my special friend a lemon
Please add me, have the same problem with my $2600 . 2012 LG 5500
Please add me I have 2 LG smart TV with the same problem.
Add me please, same problem
The case is still moving through the courts and has not yet reached a settlement. Claim forms are usually not made available to consumers until after a court approved settlement is reached. We recommend you sign up for a free account at TopClassActions.com and follow the case. We will update the article with any major case developments or settlement news! Setting up a free account with Top Class Actions will allow you to receive instant updates on ANY article that you ‘Follow’ on our website. A link to creating an account may be found here: https://topclassactions.com/signup/. You can then ‘Follow’ the article above, and get notified immediately when we post updates!
Add me please
The case is still moving through the courts and has not yet reached a settlement. Claim forms are usually not made available to consumers until after a court approved settlement is reached. We recommend you sign up for a free account at TopClassActions.com and follow the case. We will update the article with any major case developments or settlement news! Setting up a free account with Top Class Actions will allow you to receive instant updates on ANY article that you ‘Follow’ on our website. A link to creating an account may be found here: https://topclassactions.com/signup/. You can then ‘Follow’ the article above, and get notified immediately when we post updates!
Add me Please
Please add me have the same problem