Think out of warranty Apple TV just died, how much to fix?

[aneftp]

I just got back from vacation last night.

I noticed my iTunes wasn't reading my Apple TV. Than I went to the living room where the Apple TV was and there's absolutely no light no. No power. I switched outlets, I hear a cracking power sound when i connect but still no light.

I believe it's dead and it's out of warranty. So how much does it cost for Apple to repair?

Thank God I have saved my Apple TV receipts from my Visa purchased 18 months ago. Plus I save all my credit card statements and downloaded the warranty info from Apple. I've done Visa "extended" warranty repairs before and it's a really good program and best of all, it's FREE. You just have to be anal and save all your receipts and credit card statement.

I am going to the Apple Store tomorrow to get the official repair estimate because Visa won't reimburse me without one. I assume Apple will not charge to take a look at it? Is this the correct assumption?

 

[alphaod]

Sorry to hear it died…

Normally Apple does not charge for diagnostics; they say they can charge you $100 for one, but they don't.

 

[jbrenn]

best guess more than a new one would cost. apple repairs are expensive.

 

[musicman0725]

best guess more than a new one would cost. apple repairs are expensive.

I've been told (by apple reps) that the policy for apple tv repairs is to just replace the unit. Your best bet is to call applecare and speak with someone. Hopefully the support rep will transfer you to a customer solutions/product management type person (i forget the official title), who has the authority to authorize a replacement for you even though you're out of the standard 1 year warranty period. Good luck with the Apple Store, but personally I've had a much better customer experience over the phone.

 

[jaw04005]

I've been told (by apple reps) that the policy for apple tv repairs is to just replace the unit. Your best bet is to call applecare and speak with someone. Hopefully the support rep will transfer you to a customer solutions/product management type person (i forget the official title), who has the authority to authorize a replacement for you even though you're out of the standard 1 year warranty period. Good luck with the Apple Store, but personally I've had a much better customer experience over the phone.

Why would Apple replace the product out of warranty? That’s why they sell AppleCare for it.

Besides a new (technically refurbished, but I bet they’re just old stock knowing Apple) 40GB unit is $149 from the online Apple store.

 

[Duffinator]

Let us know if Visa comes through for you.

 

[ftaok]

What up with the wacky advice? The OP has an extended warranty on the aTV through Visa. He's just looking to get an estimate so that he can send it into Visa for re-imbursement.

I think alpha's reply is correct. But what else can you do. Just go to the Apple Store (if nearby) and get an estimate on paper. If the estimate is higher than the price for a new one, then you'll probably have to call Visa and explain.

Who knows, you might end up with a new aTV.