Reducing plasma buzz

Soldato
Joined
27 Dec 2005
Posts
17,317
Location
Bristol
I've recently bought an LG 50PK350 to replace a Panasonic TH42PX60B. My previous plasma didn't suffer from buzzing at all but the LG is very, very noticeable, especially on brights/whites.

It's wall mounted which I've read increases this due to the echo off the wall (although my Panny was as well).

Other than fiddling with the brightness etc which is detrimental to its visuals, what else can I do? Sound proof layer the wall behind it? Fiddle with/insulate the PSU/GPU (or whatever's making the buzz)?

Any advice appreciated.
 
I put some dynamat cut into the shape of the rear panel on the TV. I stick it inside the panel but obviously leave the vents open. Works a treat on my VT30.
 
It's perfectly normal for plasmas to buzz. On a brighter picture you could hear mine over the sound on a normal volume. It all depends on whats being viewed, what the surface of the wall is like and also the proximity to the wall.
 
Mine is within an inch or two of a solid brick wall, which I'm sure doesn't help. Where does the buzz come from, the GPU? Any idea of a household item I could use to test it first? A sock filled with kitchen roll or something :p.

Guess I'll have to get it off the wall and open the back up and give it a go.
 
It comes from the Ysus and Xsus boads which basically have a very high voltage running through them. They charge and discharge the gas in the panel.
 
Until recently I had a buzzing Plasma which I sold because it was driving me mad. I've experimented with various things behind the set to deaden the buzz and found the best thing to be a thick good quality towel.

However gluing a towel to your wall won't win you any interior design awards. It also collects a lot of dust and could potentially cause the TV to overheat. Another issue is, to be affective, what ever material you choose needs to extend beyond the dimensions of the TV since most of the noise comes from the top and sides.

If you're going to go down this route the best option would be to get a large decorative rug (or similar). Hang this from the wall and then bolt the TV to the wall through the rug.

Or just buy and LED like I have :)
 
Princey is on the right lines. The buzz if from the electronic circuits, so doing things like adding dynamat to the case or sticking towels to the wall won't really treat the problem.

Part of the solution is to reduce the contrast. What you are hearing is the sound of the circuits being overdriven to produce blisteringly bright whites.
 
Princey is on the right lines. The buzz if from the electronic circuits, so doing things like adding dynamat to the case or sticking towels to the wall won't really treat the problem.

Part of the solution is to reduce the contrast. What you are hearing is the sound of the circuits being overdriven to produce blisteringly bright whites.

If the electrical components are buzzing then it's bad quality control. The most likely culprit will be loosely wound inductors or transformers... If this is the case then it's not just the noise that's the issue, they'll also be less efficient and also generate extra heat.

Now as a bodge in the past I've used hot glue on the offending components, and it does work, but if it's still under warranty I'd look at getting a replacement instead.

I hope this helps... :)
 
If the electrical components are buzzing then it's bad quality control. The most likely culprit will be loosely wound inductors or transformers... If this is the case then it's not just the noise that's the issue, they'll also be less efficient and also generate extra heat.

Now as a bodge in the past I've used hot glue on the offending components, and it does work, but if it's still under warranty I'd look at getting a replacement instead.

I hope this helps... :)
I had mine replaced many times, they all buzzed.
 
If the electrical components are buzzing then it's bad quality control. The most likely culprit will be loosely wound inductors or transformers... If this is the case then it's not just the noise that's the issue, they'll also be less efficient and also generate extra heat.

Now as a bodge in the past I've used hot glue on the offending components, and it does work, but if it's still under warranty I'd look at getting a replacement instead.

I hope this helps... :)

It does kick out a lot of heat as well.

I don't normally buy ex-display but it was cheap, in mint condition, hadn't seen sunlight and being a plasma I thought that's actually got a silver lining as it'd have been run in more than enough.

The buzzing isn't just with whites though, generally anything bright. It was quite loud when watching Family Guy last night, despite Dyanmic Contrast being turned off and brightness on 50 etc (which looks rubbish). It also suffers quite badly from image retention, especially when playing games. You can even see the trail of the "No Input" graphic as it travels around the screen. My old Panny never suffered this.

I got it from Richer Sounds about 4/6 weeks ago but it's got a 1 year warranty anyway. I doubt I could get it replaced as it was end of line, but do you think it's worth returning and looking at another set?
 
100% of Plasmas will buzz to some extent although some much more than others. As for dynamat not doing much to help? Rubbish, it completley eliminated the issue on my 65VT30. If you want a silent display then LCD will do but with some draw backs such as poor panel uniformity and input lag if your a gamer.
 
Believe me, it's not rubbish :p. I'm tempted to record the bloody thing. It doesn't help that I did have a completely silent plasma before, but I'm pretty sure mine buzzes at an above average volume. I was playing with it last night and the buzz is more than audible from 6ft away even with the brightness turned down to 1.
 
It does kick out a lot of heat as well.

I don't normally buy ex-display but it was cheap, in mint condition, hadn't seen sunlight and being a plasma I thought that's actually got a silver lining as it'd have been run in more than enough.

The buzzing isn't just with whites though, generally anything bright. It was quite loud when watching Family Guy last night, despite Dyanmic Contrast being turned off and brightness on 50 etc (which looks rubbish). It also suffers quite badly from image retention, especially when playing games. You can even see the trail of the "No Input" graphic as it travels around the screen. My old Panny never suffered this.

I got it from Richer Sounds about 4/6 weeks ago but it's got a 1 year warranty anyway. I doubt I could get it replaced as it was end of line, but do you think it's worth returning and looking at another set?
I would be tempted to return it, or have a stab at fixing it yourself. Hot-glue is non-permanent, but you need to be careful when taking it apart not to damage anything otherwise you'll void your warranty.

If you can hear it from 6ft away then something is definitely not right,in fact if it is a loosely wound inductor then the buzzing you are hearing it it vibrating at a high frequency, to the inductor is far more likely to fail prematurely.

Recording it isn't a bad idea...
 
It buzzes even with the contrast on 1, which obviously is unusable. Contrast is normally at 70-75 which looks normal.

Can someone point me to a guide for/run me through the hot glue solution? Bearing in mind I'm a complete noob when it comes to electronics etc.
 
Back
Top Bottom