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Plasma Flat Panel Televisions with Ambilight Feature

CPSC Recall #06-536 — March 15, 2006

Recall Summary

Recall Number06-536
Recall DateMarch 15, 2006
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedAbout 11,800
ManufacturerPhilips Consumer Electronics North America, of Atlanta, Ga.
Manufactured InBelgium (AG) and Mexico (YA)

Where It Was Sold

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

Product

Plasma Flat Panel Televisions with Ambilight Feature

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 FeatureUnits: About 11,800Manufacturer: 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 Range42PF9630A/37PlasmaApril 2005July 2005AG1A0518xxxxxxAG1A0528xxxxxx50PF9630A/37PlasmaMay 2005August 2005AG1A0519xxxxxxAG1A0533xxxxxx50PF9630A/37PlasmaJune 2005August 2005YA1A0523xxxxxxYA1A0534xxxxxx50PF9830A/37PlasmaJune 2005August 2005AG1A0526xxxxxxAG1A0533xxxxxxThe 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 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. 

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.

Remedy Instructions

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.

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.

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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.

Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product — whether recalled or not — you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.

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.

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