Sony has issued an alert that a damaged component incorporated into certain 40” Bravia LCD TVs may overheat and ignite inside the TV, which could melt a part of the ceiling cabinet.
According to the company, there have been ten reported cases (melting of the top cabinet), all of which occurred in Japan, and none of which involved other property damage or bodily injury. The company stressed that the cabinet materials used in manufacture of Sony TVs are flame retardant.
The affected TVs were mostly launched between 2007 and 2008. Affected models globally can be identified by one of the following model numbers: KDL-40W3000, KDL-40W3100, KDL-40W3500, KDL-40X3100, KDL-40XBR, KLV-40W300A, KLV-40X300A, KLV-40X350A.
However, Sony South Africa added that there is a possibility that less than 700 sets sold in South Africa may have this issue, and clarified that the three models sold in South Africa that use the particular part have model numbers KLV-40X300, KLV-40X350 and KLV-40W300.
Sony further stated that it is offering a free check of the affected products, and encouraged users who may have an affected product unit, to contact their local Sony
service centre. It added that when a request is made, Sony’s service representative will promptly visit and check the TV, and will replace the part at no charge if a damaged component is found.
“In the meantime, if you have an affected TV and if you notice any abnormality in your TV unit (e.g. unusual noise, unusual smell or smoking), please immediately turn it off, pull out the plug, cease using the TV unit, and contact us. We have confirmed that this symptom does not occur when power is off,” urged the company.
Sony also stressed that this was not a product recall but a service advisory only.
