Sony to recall 1.6 m LCD TVs worldwide due to fire risk; only ‘inspections' in India

My View: Yet another instance, which shows that even Big Brands can falter; and the damage that it can cause...any guesses.....priceless...

Sony on Wednesday recalled 1.6 million Bravia liquid crystal display (LCD) TV sets sold worldwide since 2007 to rectify a faulty component that can cause them to melt or catch fire. But the global consumer electronic giant has no plans to recall any Bravia LCD TVs sold in India, a spokesman for the company told Business Line on Wednesday.

Quoting a media report, an industry source said the company has announced a ‘recall' in Japan and is planning to announce one in the US and Europe on Thursday. However, there is no plan to recall its products sold in India, but would organise a free inspection upon request.

According to a Sony India spokesperson, the affected models are KLV-40W300A & KLV-40X350A.

‘inspection on demand'

Responding to a query from this correspondent, the spokesperson sent a brief statement: “It has come to our attention through reports in Japan that in rare cases a particular component incorporated in certain models of 40-inch Bravia LCD TVs, mostly launched between 2007-08, was damaged and as a result may overheat and at times ignite inside the TV set, possibly melting a part of the cabinet ceiling due to the heat.”

It further says Sony India has sold 3,200 units of these models between 2007 and 2008. “Upon request, the company is offering a free inspection of the affected products.

“A Sony service person will promptly visit and check, and repair if a faulty component is found, free of charge.”

An official from Sony India, on condition of anonymity, said around 10 incidents have been reported in Japan since 2008. “But, in India, till now, we have not received any complaint.”

Sony is the second largest player after Samsung in the flat panel display (FPD) TV segment in India. And, with 35 per cent share of its total FPD sales, Bravia is the company's flagship product.
(This article was published on October 13, 2011) Source : Business Line . Thank You.