How can I tell if a tv is brand new or refurbished ?

Question

I bought a Sharp Aquos (LC 46D64U) LCD TV but now I have doubts about the seller. What if they put a refurbished TV into a brand new TV box? Is there a way to find it out from the serial number?

Answer 1

New TVs have lots of protective plastics on the bezel.  All documentation is usually tightly sealed as well.  If all that was in place, it is probably new.  There is really not much else you can do.

Keep the receits so you can ask for warranty service if it fails.

Answer 2

If it's from a retailer they have to tell you it's refurbished by law.  If by a shady site or individual then you will always wonder.  You can also contact the manufactorer who will have record of the serial number and will be able to tell you if it was sent back to be refurbished.

Also most times, your TV will be in better condition if it was refurbished, because most electronics are built via machinary, yet when an item is sent back, it is carefully tested by hand and the guy working on it, will go over every facet of the piece of gear, and then test it and other functions to make sure it is tip top shape.  Where brand new items are built by machine and then just mass tested to see if they work (turn on and off) before being packed for shipping.