Philips Recalls Over 11,000 Flat Panel TVs

Consumer electronics company issues recall after reports of arcing capacitors inside select Ambilight equipped models.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, working in conjunction with Philips Consumer Electronics, today issued a recall notice on about 11,800 Philips plasma flat panel televisions with the Ambilight feature. The recall centers on potential arcing by capacitors inside the left and right sides of the back cabinets of the TVs.

Philips has already received nine reports of this arcing, the CPSC said on its Web site. 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. Four specific 42 and 50 inch plasma models with the Ambliight feature, built at various times in 2005 and sold in consumer electronic stores nationwide from June 2005 through January 2006 for between $3,000 and $5,000, are on the recall list.

Consumers who find themselves with one of the impacted models listed on the CPSC recall notice are asked to immediately turn off the Ambilight feature and contact Philips at (888) PHILIPS [888-744-5477] for instructions on how to receive free in-home service to have their TV repaired for free.