ACCC action results in corrective steps by 3D TV retailer
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission raised concerns with a number of retailers after the Australian Communications and Media Authority alerted it to advertisements which promoted the sale of 3D TVs to watch the 2010 AFL and NRL grand finals in places where the 3D broadcast would not be available.
"The ACCC is on alert when it comes to representations made by retailers of new and emerging technologies like 3D television," ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel said. "It is the ACCC's role to ensure consumers are given accurate information about the uses and capabilities of new technologies, particularly when they are usually expensive items."
The ACCC considers Bing Lee's advertisements for 3D televisions published in the lead up to the football grand finals were likely to mislead consumers.
"The ACCC is pleased with the cooperative and proactive response that Bing Lee has taken to correct its conduct," Mr Samuel said.
"As soon as the ACCC raised the issue with Bing Lee, it took swift action to address the ACCC's concerns. Bing Lee immediately wrote to all customers who had recently bought a 3D TV but who live outside the broadcast area and offered them a full refund," Mr Samuel said.
Bing Lee has also briefed its sales staff and posted notices in its stores about the limitations of the trial 3D broadcasts. It has also published corrective notices in all newspapers where its advertisements were published, acknowledging the ACCC's concerns and apologising for any confusion caused to its customers.
"Consumers should be cautious when thinking about buying a 3D television because licences for television broadcasts are only currently being issued on a temporary trial basis and are limited to certain geographic areas," Mr Samuel said.
The AFL grand final replay this Saturday will not be broadcast in 3D. The NRL grand final will only be broadcast in 3D in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane and Perth, but not all residents in these areas are guaranteed an adequate signal. Consumers should contact the special 3D TV viewer hotline 1300 487 855 to check they are within the transmission area.
