Sony is recalling 1.6million of its Bravia LCD TVs worldwide after several serious malfunctions involving parts “melting” appeared on 2007 and 2008 sets.

It was reported that 11 incidents took place in Japan, but faulty parts may affect forty-inch LCD models sold “around the world”. 630,000 affected units have been sold in Europe.

“If you own one of these products and you notice any abnormality – unusual noise, unusual smell or smoking – please turn it off immediately and unplug the power cable,” Sony said.

“There have been no reports of injuries or of damage to anything other than the televisions,” said the company.

The TV sets were manufactured in 2007 and 2008 and were mostly sold in Europe and the United States, although some were also sold in Japan and other parts of the world.

Sony is recalling 1.6million of its Bravia LCD TVs worldwide after several serious malfunctions involving parts “melting” appeared on 2007 and 2008 sets

“You can find the model number of a Sony set on the back of the casing,” a spokesman for Sony said yesterday.

“It’s also available using your remote, in a process described on the Sony Europe website.”

“Sony is voluntarily initiating a free inspection, and if necessary a free repair to reassure you that these products meet your expectations,” Sony said yesterday.

“If you own one of the products mentioned above, we invite you to contact your nearest Service Centre to arrange an inspection of your TV. Sony’s service representative will visit to check your TV and will repair it as promptly as possible if it has the affected component.”

The sets at risk of being affected are all 40 inches LCDs manufactured in 2007 and 2008, although the TV’s may have been on sale until later.

The specific model numbers are: KDL-40D3400, KDL-40D3500, KDL-40D3550, KDL-40D3660, KDL-40V3000, KDL-40W3000, KDL-40X3000, KDL-40Z3000.

The user can find out the model number from the back of the set, or via the set-up menu on screen.