By Sarah Falson

EASTERN CREEK: LG Electronics Australia has admitted that 10 flat screen television models have been identified as being affected by a software glitch that was noticed three weeks ago and causes intermittent picture freezing during Channel Nine digital television programs.

The source of the problem has not been identified, but Melbourne’s The Age newspaper has reported that LG initially assumed it was a matter for the television station as no other stations were reported to be affected.

Various consumers phoned LG over the weekend to report their experiences of the problem, which according to reports occurred during popular television series’ CSI and Grey’s Anatomy on Sunday night.

As of yesterday, LG was aware of the problem only in metropolitan Sydney and Melbourne, however various consumers from Brisbane and Perth also reported freezing.

The flatscreens affected are 32LC2D, 37LC2D, 42LC2D, 42LC2DR, 42PC1DV, 42PC1DG, 50PC1D, 50PC3D, 50PB2DR and 60PC1D models.

“It’s too early yet to say if a national recall will be put in place, because we’re unsure of what’s causing the problem,” LG Electronics marketing manager – AV, Darren Goble said yesterday, and also assured Current.com.au that users are not at risk of harm from the affected televisions.

“The problem is either with the digital transmission or the coding with the digital transmission,” he said.

Until the cause of the problem is found, retailers are advised to refer to a statement sent to them from the company with details regarding an interim procedure to be followed.

“LG anticipates being able to advise on the cause of the glitch in the coming days. In the meantime, customers experiencing problems are advised to turn their TV off and unplug their TV at the wall power socket (leaving off for at least 2-3 minutes) allowing the unit to completely power down. Once the TV is powered back on and re-boots, normal viewing should be possible,” said the company in the statement.

If customers have additional questions, retailers should contact LG’s customer service centre on 1800 643 156.