Philips Consumer Electronics Recalls Plasma Flat Panel Televisions
Home product recall 06-536. Announced by CPSC on Mar 16, 2006.
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. CPSC’s own notice is on cpsc.gov.
The short answer
Announced by CPSC on Mar 16, 2006. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
Arcing by capacitors inside the left and right side of the back cabinets of these TVs can pose a safety risk.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
Consumers should immediately turn off the Ambilight feature (see instructions in the picture) and contact Philips for instructions on how to receive free in-home service to have their TV repaired for free.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: 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
Which ones are recalled?
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 in the picture: 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.
About 11,800 units, as CPSC gives them.
Plasma Flat Panel Televisions with Ambilight Feature.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
CPSC’s photos
CPSC shows 3 photos on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.
Who made and sold it?
- Made by Philips Consumer Electronics North America, Atlanta, Ga.
- Consumer electronic stores nationwide from June 2005 through January 2006 for between $3,000 and $5,000.
- Made in Belgium and Mexico, as the notice gives it.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
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.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- The notice lists no UPCs, so check the model, the description and the photos.
- The notice lists no model numbers in a field of their own; its description may give them.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls API.
Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.
Recalls of kids’ and home products are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record. Copied on Oct 19, 2026.