Sony KV-20FV12

I purchased a Sony KV20FV12 20" color TV set on March 2002 and it was not working by July 2002 - about five months of use. I contacted the Sony 800# and described the problem (the screen had a solid horizontal white line through the middle of the screen and then it would turn itself off) and was directed to an authorized service center. After hauling the TV to the service center and waiting a week while they verified warranty information with Sony, I was finally informed that the "high voltage power supply" and the "power supply regulator circuit" needed to be replaced. Parts would cost $90.00 and the labor would cost $108.00. And then the bombshell - labor is not covered under warranty. Five months after spending $379.99 on this TV I needed to spend another $108.00 to make it work again. This is unacceptable. First, I contacted the Sony 800# to learn that I was out of luck and that Sony does not back its' products as I had always believed. Second, I contacted the Circuit City store where I had purchased the TV and their comment was, "you should have purchased our extended warranty." Everyone seemed to be running from this product including Sony.

I am disappointed that the TV broke so soon, but what is most unacceptable is fact that Sony will not fully fix or replace the disabled TV so soon after the purchase when it is clearly a defect in material or workmanship. I specifically paid a higher price for a Sony TV in order to get a higher quality product. I am questioning my rationale at this time and am also questioning Sony's commitment to their products and customer satisfaction.