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Philips Consumer Electronics Recalls Plasma Flat Panel Televisions

  • Instructions for turning off Ambilight feature on Recalled Television
  • Recalled Plasma Flat Panel Television with Ambilight Feature
Name of Product:
Plasma Flat Panel Televisions with Ambilight Feature
Hazard:

Arcing by capacitors inside the left and right side of the back cabinets of these TVs can pose a safety risk.

Remedy:
Repair
Recall Date:
March 16, 2006
Units:

About 11,800

Consumer Contact

For more information, contact Philips at (888) PHILIPS [888-744-5477] anytime. When you call this number, an automated voice attendant will ask you to say or enter a "Priority PIN number." Please enter the numbers "4445" and you will be put in contact with a Philips representative who will assist you. Consumers also can go to the firm's Web site at www.philips.com, or write to Philips' at V.P. Service, Philips Consumer Electronics North America, 64 Perimeter Center East, Atlanta, GA 30346. 

Recall Details

Description:

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Philips Consumer Electronics North America, of Atlanta, Ga., is voluntarily recalling about 11,800 Plasma Flat Panel Televisions with Ambilight Feature. Arcing by capacitors inside the left and right side of the back cabinets of these TVs can pose a safety risk. 

Name of Product: Plasma Flat Panel Televisions with Ambilight Feature

Units: About 11,800

Manufacturer: Philips Consumer Electronics North America, of Atlanta, Ga.

Hazard: Arcing by capacitors inside the left and right side of the back cabinets of these TVs can pose a safety risk.

Incidents/Injuries: Philips has received nine reports of arcing by the capacitors. The results of such incidents were contained within the TVs due to the use of flame retardant materials resulting only in damage to the TV. There have been no injuries reported.

Description: The recall involves only certain 42 and 50 inch, 2005 model Philips branded Plasma Flat Panel Televisions with Ambilight technology, which is an ambient lighting feature that projects a soft light onto the wall behind the TV to enhance the display. They were manufactured with the following model, date codes, and serial numbers:

ModelDisplay TypeProduction BeganProduction EndedBeginning Serial RangeEnding Serial Range
42PF9630A/37PlasmaApril 2005July 2005AG1A0518xxxxxxAG1A0528xxxxxx
50PF9630A/37PlasmaMay 2005August 2005AG1A0519xxxxxxAG1A0533xxxxxx
50PF9630A/37PlasmaJune 2005August 2005YA1A0523xxxxxxYA1A0534xxxxxx
50PF9830A/37PlasmaJune 2005August 2005AG1A0526xxxxxxAG1A0533xxxxxx

The model and serial numbers can be found on the back of the TV on the label that looks like the example below:

Label found on Recalled TV

The serial number can also be obtained by pushing the following keystrokes on the remote control: 123654, after which a customer service menu ("CSM") will be displayed on the screen. In the menu, line 03 displays the type number and line 04 displays the production code (identical to the serial number of the set). Press the MENU button on the remote to exit the CSM.

Sold at: Consumer electronic stores nationwide from June 2005 through January 2006 for between $3,000 and $5,000.

Manufactured In: Belgium (AG) and Mexico (YA)

Remedy: Consumers should immediately turn off the Ambilight feature (see instructions in photo) and contact Philips for instructions on how to receive free in-home service to have their TV repaired for free.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Philips at (888) PHILIPS [888-744-5477] anytime. When you call this number, an automated voice attendant will ask you to say or enter a "Priority PIN number." Please enter the numbers "4445" and you will be put in contact with a Philips representative who will assist you. Consumers also can go to the firm's Web site at www.philips.com, or write to Philips' at V.P. Service, Philips Consumer Electronics North America, 64 Perimeter Center East, Atlanta, GA 30346. 

Remedy:

Consumers should immediately turn off the Ambilight feature (see instructions below) and contact Philips for instructions on how to receive free in-home service to have their TV repaired for free.

Incidents/Injuries:

Philips has received nine reports of arcing by the capacitors. The results of such incidents were contained within the TVs due to the use of flame retardant materials resulting only in damage to the TV. There have been no injuries reported.

Sold At:
Consumer electronic stores nationwide from June 2005 through January 2006 for between $3,000 and $5,000.
Manufacturer(s):
Philips Consumer Electronics North America, of Atlanta, Ga.
Manufactured In:
Belgium (AG) and Mexico (YA)
Recall number:
06-536

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About the U.S. CPSC

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. Since the CPSC was established more than 50 years ago, it has worked to ensure the safety of consumer products, which has contributed to a decline in injuries associated with these products.

Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC. 

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