Energy saving light bulbs can cause interference with TV sets

London, Apr 12 (ANI): Energy saving light bulbs can interfere with televisions, making them randomly change channel and switch on and off, confessed a leading manufacturer.

Philips Electronics have confirmed that the problem could be to do with an early type of energy saving light bulb, which can cause interference with cable TV equipment.

The problem is caused when the bulb is first switched on and flickers at a frequency, which affects the infrared sensors on remote control receivers.

Technicians have said that the problems are restricted to an early type of Philips bulb combining with certain brands of set top box.

"Some very early compact fluorescent lamps, shortly after starting, could cause interference with TV controls due to the frequency of operation of the bulb and when placed near a TV," the Telegraph quoted a spokesman for the firm as saying.

The company said the problem was likely to be rare as the bulbs involved are quite old and not many homes are likely to still have them.

However, Emma Clements from Carshalton, Surrey said even bulbs in other parts of their house appeared to affect their Virgin Media set top box, which was manufactured by the firm Samsung.

A Virgin Media spokesman admitted it was a problem that a small number of its customers had experienced. (ANI)