Plasma TV Has high pitched Noise

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EricBuzz

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#75433 18-Jan-2011 05:55

A few months ago, I purchased a 65 inch Panasonic plasma tv. it has a great picture but three problems:
(1) uses too much electricity (2) buzzes and (3) periodically emits high pitched noice (almost like a squeal).

I am writing here about the high pitched noise, which is the most troublesome problem. This sound comes and goes. When the sound is gone, I love this tv. But when it starts making this high pitched noise, it drives me crazy.

Some have suggested it may be coming from the power supply. Would appreciate more info from anyone else who has had this issue. I intend to call Panasonic about it. My tv is sill under warranty so they might fix it. I want to be fully informed before calling Panasonic. So, anyone with info on this issue, please reply Thank you

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#428322 18-Jan-2011 09:25

That is a massive TV! I'm not surprised it uses so much power. I would also guess that it would be the switchmode power supply making the squeal. If it's under warranty then don't delay getting them to fix it. You'll just have to hope that it exhibits the fault while at the workshop.

timmmay

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#428335 18-Jan-2011 09:47

I had a Samsung Plasma, it never squealed, but it has a constant buzz. I returned it and got an LCD TV, and i'm very happy with it.

I would suggest first asking the retailer to repair or replace, and if that doesn't work then ask them to exchange it for an LCD.

Dunnersfella

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#428337 18-Jan-2011 09:59

You'll be downsizing if you go to an LCD... and they're not guaranteed to be noise free either. I've heard a 55" Sony that squealed like a piggy.
As far as the energy use goes, have you had the set calibrated?
That will be the first way to reduce its power consumption. Many people run their pictures VERY bright, consequently they end up with an inaccurate picture, more energy usage and a lower panel life. I've noticed on my plasma, that when I'm on a bright white screen, it buzzes. When the screen changes, it disappears...
Having your TV calibrated may put an end to two out of your 3 issues.

timmmay

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#428345 18-Jan-2011 10:20

Side by side in ideal conditions you might be able to tell the picture on an LCD from the picture on a plasma. Me, I couldn't really notice much. In real life, at home, I can't see any difference. The LCD has a great picture.

Rollux

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#428395 18-Jan-2011 12:33

I have 2 Panasonic plasmas and no issue with either of them. I would get it looked at ASAP. The only noise I have ever had is a bird feather caught in a fan grill. (remnants of a cat victim i presume)
Power useage is higher than an LCD, but you should know that before you buy. And it's a trade off for some of the other benefits it has over LCD.

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#428407 18-Jan-2011 12:53

1. You brought one of the biggest TV's possible...and now you are concerned about power usage? That's kind-a like buying a 5 litre V8 and then complaining about the gas consumption...

Plasma's are well known for high power consumption vs LCD, but at that size I would suggest no LCD would come close for picture quality, at least not for similar $$$.

2. Every TV I have ever owned has some sort of buzz or humm

3. My plasma sometimes emits a slight pitched squeal when graphics are displayed, such as the words on the screen during adverts. Is that what you mean? It's only noticeable when there is little or no sound associated (like at the end of adverts) but under normal viewing it is hardly an issue IMO.

Anything worse that that I would be looking to get fixed while under the warranty. I just hope it makes the noise when someone looks at it (Murphy's law n all)

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Masterpiece

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#428773 19-Jan-2011 11:47

As Dunnersfella pointed out, calibration can indeed reduce power use.
Can be aprox 10% on avg use.

Thing to remember though is Plasmas only use their peak use at full luminance, LCD use a fairly constant rate. So plasmas use less then their power supply specs note.

Contact Panasonic about your other concerns.

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EricBuzz

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#429419 21-Jan-2011 05:34

Thanks for all of the replies. yes, I knew power consumption would be an issue when I purchased this tv. Nevertheless, power usage has been somewhat higher than I expected. I do not think it needs to be calibrated. I have set it to THX and the picture is great without any tweaking. The tv also has a sensor to adjust brightness based on ambient light in the room. As I said, the picture quality of this tv is excellent. Power consumption is not a deal breaker.

The BIG ISSUE with this tv is the buzz and squeal. Definitely a deal breaker. I don't plan on living with it even if I have to dump the tv in a landfill (just kidding - would try to return it or sell it on ebay if it does not get fixed).

So far Panasonic's response has been to squirt silicon on two boards. Did not worik Now new boards are being order. I am still waiting. If that does not fix it, I will ask them to check out the power supply. someone suggested that his tv emits a similar sound but it is hardly noticable. Wish that was the case with mine. when it starts squealing, I can't stand it and shut off the tv. Can tolerate the buzz for a while but really hate it.

Would appreciate any details about this noise issue from those who have expericned the same issue.

robjg63

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#429476 21-Jan-2011 11:07

EricBuzz: Thanks for all of the replies. yes, I knew power consumption would be an issue when I purchased this tv. Nevertheless, power usage has been somewhat higher than I expected. I do not think it needs to be calibrated. I have set it to THX and the picture is great without any tweaking. The tv also has a sensor to adjust brightness based on ambient light in the room. As I said, the picture quality of this tv is excellent. Power consumption is not a deal breaker.

The BIG ISSUE with this tv is the buzz and squeal. Definitely a deal breaker. I don't plan on living with it even if I have to dump the tv in a landfill (just kidding - would try to return it or sell it on ebay if it does not get fixed).

So far Panasonic's response has been to squirt silicon on two boards. Did not worik Now new boards are being order. I am still waiting. If that does not fix it, I will ask them to check out the power supply. someone suggested that his tv emits a similar sound but it is hardly noticable. Wish that was the case with mine. when it starts squealing, I can't stand it and shut off the tv. Can tolerate the buzz for a while but really hate it.

Would appreciate any details about this noise issue from those who have expericned the same issue.

Do you have a meter hooked up to it or something?
From the info I have found, the difference between a BIG plasma like yours and an LCD is about an average incandescent light bulb!

Certainly you have my full sympathy over a noise as you describe. I have a NZ Panny G10 50inch and it does have a very low level hum - the cooling fans - you can only hear that when there is complete silence (that tends not to happen too often). I did once get concerned by a noise and realised it was a fridge in the next room! I have seen complaints about some Samsung models squealing as you describe - apparently it was quite common with one model - Havent really ever heard anything bad about Panasonics though - thats why I bought one.

You shouldnt have to tolerate a squealing sound though Just remember though - depending on the pitch it may be louder to some people than others - If your hearing is very good and the service peoples average/bad then... Anyway - Give the service people heaps!

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#429485 21-Jan-2011 11:24

Yes as mentioned above, measuring a TV's power consumption is quite difficult to do unless you have a proper meter attached. Some of those plug in meters have issues reporting different types of loads correctly for instance.

As mentioned too, the power consumption of an LCD/LED is fairly constant, where as a Plasma TV ramps up and down based on what's on screen, so it averages a lot less than the full rated power noted in the specs.

Noise. I have a 50" Panasonic Plasma and can notice the buzzing. Normally it is not an issue but this is due to ambient noise in our house. If watching late at night with the TV volume down I can notice it. It's worse with full screens of white etc so you can hear the buzz vary in intensity based on what is on the screen.

Squeals though, or screeching etc is not normal that I'm aware of.

EricBuzz

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

#430940 25-Jan-2011 11:42

My Panasonic Plasma has no fan. The technician showed me the inside when he pulled off the back and there were no fans. He explained that some earlier models did have fans.

According to Panasonic, the buzz comes from two electronic boards with ferite coils (not sure I got the name right). The squirt on silicon fix is the only solution that Panasonic has proposed so far but it did not work. I can stop the buzzing by pressing hard with me hand in the right spot on the back of the tv. The high pitched squeak remains a mystery. Could be the power supply. Definitely sounds like coming from some electronic source. Turned everything else off, even the refrigerator, but the squeal continues until I turn off the tv. Definitely coming from the tv. Still looking for a solution. Please help if you can. Thanks.

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robjg63

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#430971 25-Jan-2011 12:35

Assuming its still under warranty I think the only advice to give you is to keep hassling the Panasonic service people - The fact they did anything at all indicates they think there was 'something' to fix - but they haven't fixed it.

You can even isolate the issue with pressure on the case.

To tell you to do anything else will certainly risk invalidating your warranty.

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timmmay

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#430976 25-Jan-2011 12:37

Plasma TVs make noises, there's not much you can do about that. Exchange it for an LCD.

clevedon

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#431032 25-Jan-2011 14:11

timmmay: Plasma TVs make noises, there's not much you can do about that. Exchange it for an LCD.

We've got three Panasonic plasma's, none of them make any noticable noise. Kinda blows your theory doesn't it - plus they have a better picture than any LCD I've seen.

xpd

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#431043 25-Jan-2011 14:38

Weve got a 42" Panasonic plasma and it hasnt made a sound that it shouldnt, that I can think of....

XPD / Gavin

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