Recall: Philips Magnavox Home Audio System Repair by Philips Consumer Electronics

Note: telephone number change.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued October 1, 1998, Last revised February 4, 2003 Release # 99-001

Company Phone Number: (800) 531-0039 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058 Philips Contact: Jill Greenman, (770) 821-2400

CPSC, Philips Consumer Electronics Company Announce Recall to Repair Philips Magnavox Home Audio Theatre Systems

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Philips Consumer Electronics Company, of Atlanta, Ga., is recalling 25,500 Philips Magnavox home audio theatre systems for free repair. The system's speaker voice coil can overheat and lead to a speaker fire, presenting a fire hazard to consumers. Philips has received four reports of speaker fires, with one resulting in scorched carpeting. No injuries have been reported.

Only Model MX920 Philips Magnavox home audio theatre systems are being recalled. The model number is prominently displayed on both the front of the receiver cabinet and on a rear label in the upper left corner when looking at the back of the receiver. The MX920 system includes a surround sound stereo receiver, a subwoofer, a center channel speaker, two surround-sound speakers and two front (left/right) loudspeakers.

Major national superstores and departmentstores, such as Best Buy, Kmart, Lowes, Montgomery Ward, Service Merchandise and Walmart, sold the Model MX920 systems nationwide from June of 1997 through August 1998 for about $350.

Consumers should stop using the systems immediately and call Philips toll-free at (800) 531-0039 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. EDT Monday through Saturday for instructions on receiving the free repair. Consumers also may write the company at Philips Consumer Electronics Company, Old Andrew Johnson Highway, P.O. Box 555, Jefferson City, TN 37760.