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March 16, 2006 |
The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the Ambilight feature immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
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:
| Model | Display Type | Production Began | Production Ended | Beginning Serial Range | Ending Serial Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42PF9630A/37 | Plasma | April 2005 | July 2005 | AG1A0518xxxxxx | AG1A0528xxxxxx |
| 50PF9630A/37 | Plasma | May 2005 | August 2005 | AG1A0519xxxxxx | AG1A0533xxxxxx |
| 50PF9630A/37 | Plasma | June 2005 | August 2005 | YA1A0523xxxxxx | YA1A0534xxxxxx |
| 50PF9830A/37 | Plasma | June 2005 | August 2005 | AG1A0526xxxxxx | AG1A0533xxxxxx |
The model and serial numbers can be found on the back of the TV on the label that looks like the example below:
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 below) 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
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to help ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals -– contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 years.
Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at 800-638-2772 or teletypewriter at 301-595-7054 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain news release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov, on Twitter @USCPSC or by subscribing to CPSC's free e-mail newsletters.
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