Narrative:

A flight attendant called and advised a passenger had reported a 'strong electric smell and some smoke' at one row. She agreed there was a trace of smoke smell. She further indicated they were requesting one of our deadheading pilots to help investigate and they would call me with additional information. First officer located the smoke/fire/fumes checklist and both pilots noted multiple suitable airports near the route of flight. Weather was not a factor (clear; VFR; daytime). Captain sent an advisory note to dispatch.passengers were asked to move out of the affected area and the deadheading pilot checked the area in question thoroughly. Passenger seated across from the area told the pilot checking that he had also smelled smoke; and that the audio system had static then the video screen failed. Dispatch had set up a communication link and we discussed the need to consider a diversion. Maintenance control needed the specific location of problem and asked if the audio or video was affected. They advised we have had multiple failures of the entertainment system. From the cabin reports we knew that some or all of the video screens had failed. Maintenance did not see a need to pull system breakers but; as a precaution; the suspect entertainment system was to remain off for the duration of the flight.the deadheading pilot found no popped circuit breakers. All electric systems appeared normal and lightly loaded. On arrival maintenance met the aircraft and the fault was quickly discovered in the suspect location and it appears the fault was completely contained in the entertainment unit.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: An A320 flight crew isolated the source of a burning; smoky odor to the Passenger Entertainment System. The system was turned off and the flight completed.

Narrative: A Flight Attendant called and advised a passenger had reported a 'strong electric smell and some smoke' at one row. She agreed there was a trace of smoke smell. She further indicated they were requesting one of our deadheading pilots to help investigate and they would call me with additional information. First Officer located the Smoke/Fire/Fumes checklist and both pilots noted multiple suitable airports near the route of flight. Weather was not a factor (clear; VFR; daytime). Captain sent an advisory note to Dispatch.Passengers were asked to move out of the affected area and the deadheading pilot checked the area in question thoroughly. Passenger seated across from the area told the pilot checking that he had also smelled smoke; and that the audio system had static then the video screen failed. Dispatch had set up a communication link and we discussed the need to consider a diversion. Maintenance Control needed the specific location of problem and asked if the audio or video was affected. They advised we have had multiple failures of the entertainment system. From the cabin reports we knew that some or all of the video screens had failed. Maintenance did not see a need to pull system breakers but; as a precaution; the suspect entertainment system was to remain off for the duration of the flight.The deadheading pilot found no popped circuit breakers. All electric systems appeared normal and lightly loaded. On arrival Maintenance met the aircraft and the fault was quickly discovered in the suspect location and it appears the fault was completely contained in the entertainment unit.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.