Consumer Recall: Philips Flat Panel Plasma TVs

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced through its Web site that Philips Consumer Electronics has issued a recall notice on plasma flat panel televisions with the Ambilight feature. According to the announcement, "Consumers should stop using the Ambilight feature immediately unless otherwise instructed."

There are about 12,000 units affected. The cause of the recall is described in the CPSC release as "arcing by capacitors inside the left and right side of the back cabinets" which can "pose a safety risk."

The recall affects only a few models in the 42 and 50 inch range. For more information on the recall and affected models, go to http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml06/06536.html .

Following the CPSC announcement, the American Fire Safety Council (AFSC) applauded Philips for the use of fire retardent materials inside the televisions. In an online statement, Laura Ruiz, chairman for the AFSC, said, "This is yet another example of how flame retardants work to contain the spread of fire and reduce the potential for catastrophic loss of life and property. Just last year, following an Air France crash, government officials credited flame retardants with averting a tragedy by providing enough time for all passengers and crew members to escape the plane."