Attached a picture of my product with same pins burnt, using TDA7498E in PBTL. I have about 6 chips with same condition taken out from burn-in products from our pilot run. I think ST must provide a clear explanation. Really hard to believe that you ...

Hugh,ST answered you about this problem? My engineering team just reached the conclusion that the chip was blowing by itself and they just found this post. Your analysis of the problem is 100% correct. Nice work!