Samsung blocks its looted TVs
The electronic giant said the blocking technology is pre-loaded onto all of its television sets.
IN response to the looting that cost the country billions, the multi-national electronics company, Samsung, has announced the implementation of a television block function on all of its TV sets.
According to the director of consumer electronics at Samsung South Africa, Mike Van Lier, the blocking system was in response to television sets that were obtained illegally, from retail stores as well as its warehouses.
“TV Block is a remote, security solution that detects if Samsung TV units have been unduly activated, and ensures that the television sets can only be used by the rightful owners with a valid proof of purchase,” said Van Lier.
The aim of the technology is to mitigate against the creation of secondary markets linked to the sale of illegal goods, both in South Africa and beyond its borders. This technology is already pre-loaded on all Samsung TV products.
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Samsung said it was committed to re-opening businesses and minimising the loss of jobs. The electronics giant activated the TV Block on all of the Samsung television sets that were looted from its Cato Ridge distribution centre in KZN from 11 July.
“The blocking will come into effect when the user of a stolen television connects to the internet, in order to operate the television,” he said “
Once connected, the serial number of the television is identified on the Samsung server and the blocking system is implemented, disabling all of the television’s functions.
Should a customer’s TV be incorrectly blocked, the functionality can be reinstated once proof of purchase and a valid TV licence is shown.
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