Recall Alert
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
March 16, 2006 Alert #06-536
Philips Consumer Electronics Recalls Plasma Flat Panel Televisions
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.
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
