FROM CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM

Coby Electronics is recalling about 13,000 rechargeable batteries sold with portable DVD/CD.MP3 players. The rechargeable batteries can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Coby Electronics has received four reports of batteries overheating, three of which resulted in minor property damage from a fire. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves batteries with serial numbers listed below sold with the TF-DVD 1020 portable DVD/CD/MP3 players. The battery’s serial number can be found on a white sticker affixed to it. The product looks like a small laptop computer and has a 10” swivel TV screen. “COBY” is written on the front cover and under the screen. “TF-DVD 1020” can be found on the bottom of the unit.

Recalled Batteries Serial Number Ranges:

DG240043D503000001-1006
DG240006D503000001-400
DG240039D603000001-3000
DG240111D603000001-2000
DG240143D602000001-3000
DG240106D602000001-2000
DG240106D702000001-2000
DG240183D942000001-100
DG240071DB02000001-1400
DG240115D702000001-1726
DG240115D702000001-2500

Discount, electronics, music, toy, office supply stores and distributors of electronic products sold the units nationwide. The TF-DVD 1020 units containing the recalled batteries were sold from May 2007 through July 2008 for about $168. They were made in China.

Consumers should immediately stop using the “TV-DVD 1020” players with the recalled batteries and contact the firm to arrange for a free replacement battery. After removing the recalled batteries from the unit, consumers can continue to use it with the AC or DC power adapter.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Coby Electronics toll-free at (866) 945-2629 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at http://www.cobyusa.com/

LINK TO STORY:     http://www.consumeraffairs.com/recalls04/2008/coby_batteries.html

~Sandy G.