All,
My TCL TV is now working. Both boards were replaced.
For free. Outside of warranty.
How did I accomplish that?
It was a matter of persistence, being polite, and more persistence. I started out with the usual tech support people, then moved on to the warranty people (all of this was via email).
Then I demanded to "escalate" the issue and to speak to someone at "TCL corporate USA" .
I was told that never happens. But eventually I ended up on the phone with someone apparently from corporate. He also told me that my unit is out of warranty and they can't do anything.
But I did not let up. And I was eventually granted a "warranty exception" and today they sent someone to my house to fix it. The repair took a half hour. I don't know how long it will stay working this time, cross your fingers for me.
Keeping in mind my TV is in pristine condition and I had to prove it in advance and then again when the repairman came (the slightest ding or anything else they can use to deny you they will).
Hopefully this is helpful. Note that I can't give any further info or advice than I have above. Nor do I know if it will work for anyone else with a TCL set (much less another brand).
Edit to add: If anyone tries this please don't say "I read on the internet" to do this or ask for this or the like. They'll put a stop to it right away if they get wise.
