Following a set of reports from the consumers, RCA (Thomson Inc.) was put in the situation of recalling the batteries of about 47,000 DVD players, model number DRC600N.

The batteries overheat and may even explode while recharging, posing a chemical or thermal burn hazard and even a fire hazard to consumers.

The product was manufactured in China and was sold in stores in the US from September 2002 through July 2003. It was also widely marketed by on-line stores.

There were eleven reports of batteries overheating and five reports of batteries exploding. Two consumers complained of finger burns from picking up a battery after it overheated. Some of the reported incidents were quite serious, especially those of battery explosions.

RCA offers a a free replacement battery and specifies that there are no problems with the DRC600N unit itself. Until battery replacement, consumers may still use it safely without any battery, by plugging the AC Power Adapter into the 9 volt jack on the unit.

“Regular” portable DVD players range in cost from about $100 to $500 (ones that surpass this amount have usually exceptional performance features). When purchasing a such a player and paying between $340 and $490, you expect at least performance within normal parameters. Well, in this case consumers got exploding ones! It is surprising how products that pose such hazards even reach the shelves of the stores. Next logical question: how were these batteries quality-checked?

And to think that for some people (like me, for instance!) it is usual to put equipment in recharging mode and leave the house!