Hi,
Apologies in advance for the really long first post...
I bought the 43F4900 Plasma last Saturday from e-Zone, Phoenix Market City, Pune. I specifically mentioned that I would not accept a display unit under any circumstances and that I would be checking the model during installation.
I happened to visit the store again on Sunday afternoon, and the display piece was missing. I reiterated that I would not accept a display unit. As I was walking out the store, I saw the same model box being readied for delivery (along with other TVs), but couldn't get close enough to view the box in any detail. I enquired and they said that unit was not meant for me.
Two hours later the TV arrived. It looked like the same box and was accompanied by the same other TVs I saw in the store.
What first aroused my suspicion was the lack of any company seal on the top of the box. There was only regular tape. There seem to be conflicting reports about this - plus two friends also bought the same TV. One said there was a seal and the other says there wasn't.
Today, the Samsung guy came by to install the TV. As soon as he removed it from the box, I started checking for the usual indicators of a display model:
1. There did seem to be a lot of dust around the vents
2. There was a long scratch along the back just under the top vent.
3. The area where the mounting bracket slots into the TV seemed to be discoloured - but I don't know if this is significant.
4. The mounting screw threads do appear to have some wear on them, but I can't be sure.
5. Fingerprint smudges were all over the back panel, along with some kind of stains on the plastic
6. Dust in corners of tv plus the TV is to be sealed at the bottom corners. Is this usual?
7. No plastic sheet covering the glass.
8. Turned on the TV and accessed the service menu (Info>Menu>Mute>Power On). Panel display hours is displayed as 26 hours (please see attached screenshots).
I called the store to complain and was given the usual drivel about testing before delivery, ignorance about the service menu options and that dust usually creeps in through the handle holes.
Anyways, I am seeing the manager about this tomorrow... but, seeing as the number of hours used is only 26, I am wondering whether to pursue the matter (too much hassle), though it looks to me as if it's a display unit. On the other hand, a new unit should not be in such condition IMO...
Am I reading too much into this? Or does the shoe actually fit? Suggestions please?