Vizio to Pay $3 Million in Settlement Over Allegedly Deceptive Refresh Rate Marketing
If you purchased a Vizio TV in California after April 30th, 2014, you may be entitled to some money from the company. Vizio has agreed to pay out $3 million as part of a settlement following a 2018 class action lawsuit. The lawsuit alleged that the company’s marketing of 120Hz and 240Hz “effective” refresh rates was “false and deceptive.”
Despite agreeing to the settlement, Vizio denies any wrongdoing. The deadline for filing claims is March 30th next year, and individuals will need to provide evidence of ownership, such as proof of purchase or the TV’s serial number, to qualify for compensation.
In addition to the monetary payout for verified claims, Vizio has agreed to “stop the advertising practices” and provide enhanced services and a limited one-year warranty to all Settlement Class Members. These details were outlined on a website set up for filing claims. The long-form notification states that claims will cover any TV purchased from April 30th, 2014 through the final approval of the agreement, which is scheduled for a June 20th, 2024 hearing.
The use of marketing terms like “effective refresh rate” is common among TV manufacturers, often referring to motion smoothing features designed to reduce motion blur. These features are often called the “soap opera effect” and are intended to enhance the viewing experience on modern TVs. However, the use of such terminology can be misleading to consumers, as it may imply a higher refresh rate than the TV’s actual native refresh rate, typically 60Hz.
It’s not uncommon for TV manufacturers to employ their own marketing names for motion smoothing, and the process to disable it can be challenging for consumers. The deceptive marketing of refresh rates has led to frustration and confusion among buyers, prompting the need for clearer and more transparent advertising practices within the industry.