HP Photosmart R707 Digital Cameras

CPSC Recall #06-176 — June 5, 2006

Recall Summary

Recall Number06-176
Recall DateJune 5, 2006
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedAbout 224,000 (about 679,000 worldwide)
ImporterHewlett-Packard Company, of Palo Alto, Calif.
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Electronic
computer and camera stores
as well as Web retailers nationwide from August 2004 through April 2006 for between $250 and $400.

Product

HP Photosmart R707 Digital Cameras

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Hewlett-Packard Company, of Palo Alto, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 224,000 (about 679,000 worldwide) HP Photosmart R707 Digital Cameras. The digital camera can cause certain non-rechargeable batteries, such as the Duracell CP-1, to overheat when the camera is connected to an AC adapter or docking station, posing a fire hazard.Name of Product: HP Photosmart R707 Digital CamerasUnits: About 224,000 (about 679,000 worldwide)Importer: Hewlett-Packard Company, of Palo Alto, Calif.Hazard: The digital camera can cause certain non-rechargeable batteries, such as the Duracell CP-1, to overheat when the camera is connected to an AC adapter or docking station, posing a fire hazard.Incidents/Injuries: HP has received one report of a camera catching fire, damaging the camera and its docking station, and causing minor smoke damage to the room. No injuries have been reported.Description: This recall involves the HP Photosmart R707 digital camera. The HP logo and the model name and number are printed on the front of the camera.Sold at: Electronic, computer and camera stores, as well as Web retailers nationwide from August 2004 through April 2006 for between $250 and $400.Manufactured In: ChinaRemedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled cameras and contact HP as they have developed a firmware update that prevents the camera from applying a charge to a non-rechargeable battery. Consumers can download this update at www.hp.com or contact HP directly. Do not use single-use, non-rechargeable batteries until the firmware has been updated. Consumers are encouraged to update the firmware even if they do not use or intend to use a non-rechargeable battery.Consumer Contact: For additional information, visit HP's Web site at www.hp.com or call HP toll-free at (866) 304-7117 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. MT Monday through Friday.Media Contact: Jennifer Pershall at (360) 735-7962, or [email protected].

Hazard

The digital camera can cause certain non-rechargeable batteries, such as the Duracell CP-1, to overheat when the camera is connected to an AC adapter or docking station, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents & Injuries

HP has received one report of a camera catching fire, damaging the camera and its docking station, and causing minor smoke damage to the room. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should stop using the recalled cameras and contact HP as they have developed a firmware update that prevents the camera from applying a charge to a non-rechargeable battery. Consumers can download this update at www.hp.com or contact HP directly. Do not use single-use, non-rechargeable batteries until the firmware has been updated. Consumers are encouraged to update the firmware even if they do not use or intend to use a non-rechargeable battery.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Repair at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Repair) at no cost to you.

If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.