A growing wave of frustration is building among owners of Roku and TCL televisions. A class action lawsuit has been filed alleging that software updates pushed to these devices have rendered them unusable, effectively “bricking” them for many customers.
The suit, brought in California federal court, centers around claims that these updates were “repetitively defective.” Plaintiffs allege that Roku and TCL knowingly released flawed software, significantly impairing the functionality of their smart TVs and leaving customers with expensive, broken devices.
The core of the complaint accuses the companies of misleading advertising. Customers were led to believe their TVs would continuously improve with automatic updates, marketed as a key benefit of the smart TV experience. Instead, many found their screens going black or their TVs malfunctioning shortly after installing the latest software.
Adding insult to injury, the lawsuit claims Roku and TCL offer no viable solution for customers whose TVs have become inoperable, despite existing warranties that promise to cover software defects. This lack of support has fueled widespread anger and a demand for accountability.
Online forums are flooded with similar stories. Users report TVs randomly shutting off, displaying blank screens, or failing to function without a constant internet connection. One user described disposing of a 65-inch Roku TV that went black within three years of purchase.
The lawsuit specifically targets several models purchased between December 16, 2024, and the present day. These include the Roku Select Series, Roku Plus Series, TCL 3 Series Roku TV, TCL 4 Series Roku TV, TCL 5 Series Roku TV, and TCL 6 Series Roku TV.
This isn’t the only legal challenge Roku is currently facing. A separate lawsuit accuses the company of removing a feature from its smart home cameras and then requiring a new subscription to restore it, further highlighting concerns about their business practices.
While the outcome of this case remains uncertain, it serves as a stark warning to consumers and a potential turning point in the relationship between smart TV manufacturers and their customers. The lawsuit seeks a monetary reward for those affected and a jury trial to determine the extent of Roku and TCL’s liability.
For owners of the affected TV models, staying informed about the progress of the lawsuit is crucial. This case could have significant implications for how smart TV updates are handled and what recourse is available when those updates go wrong.
