Beware of exploding DVD players from Wal-Mart
By Mike Ferro
Fire safety hazards with consumer electronics are becoming a serious issue with devices these days. In recent memory, stories of exploding batteries, laptops and iPhones have cropped up from time to time. In most cases it’s a situation of devices overheating and catching on fire. It seems like the Durabrand DVD players from Wal-Mart will be joining the ranks of combusting devices.
According to CNET, there is a massive recall at Wal-Mart on the Durabrand DVD player. The DVD player is being recalled after a determination was made that the device posed a fire hazard to consumers.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced that the product was a fire hazard and in cooperation with Wal-Mart the product will be recalled. This recall applies to approximately 1.5 million players. For those who have already purchased the device, the commission recommends that consumers return the product immediately for a refund.
Apparently the device has caught on fire causing property damage for some already. Wal-Mart has indicated that the company has received reports of 12 incidents where the player caught on fire. Since the device is overheating it makes sense that the length of use and location of the consumer will play a key role in experiencing this issue.
The DVD players currently retail less than $30 and are made in China. Durabrand is considered to be Wal-Mart’s in-house brand and a private label for the company. It is unclear if Wal-Mart does the actual design of the product or if its contracted out.
Since this particular DVD Player brand is Wal-Mart’s other retail chains do not have to worry about this product. It seems like issues with products overheating is a growing problem with consumer electronics these days. I suppose it could possibly be due to the incredible amount of reduction in the size of devices. I recall just a few years ago, DVD players were just as big as a stereo receiver.
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