Problem with HDMI and PS3

ctu redshirt · 02-06-2009, 09:53 AM

Hi,

I've had my PS3 hooked up directly to my Samsung DLP through the same Monster HDMI cable since January of 2008.

About a month ago, I began to notice a "crackling" or popping sound coming from my TV's speakers at certain points on some games (not all and not all the time).

Usually, it would happen when there was some sort of loud noise, and it would sound as if the speakers were being overloaded, even when I turned the TV's volume down. As far as I can tell, it has only happened on certain games, and at certain times. I don't think I have heard it when I am watching a blu-ray.

I did some research, and I found that a number of people have had this same issue. They suggested making sure that Dolby 5.1 was deselected in the audio options (it is) and they suggested turning down the volume on the PS3 itself (which neither I not Sony technical service can figure out how to do. Anyone know how to do that?).

I called Sony tech service and they suggested a system restore. That didn't fix it.

I then checked to see if it was the HDMI port on my TV. I switched to a different port and had the same issue.

I even took my PS3 back (I had a 2 year replacement plan) and got a new one, but the new one has the same problems.

One of the guys at Sony said that Monster HDMI is "not compatible" with PS3. Has anyone else heard this?

He suggested that I get a Sony brand HDMI (of course).

I tried two other HDMI cables that I already have. One is another Monster Cable that seems to have more shielding around it, the other was a cheap-o, no name thin one.

The thin one seemed to make no difference on one game, but it did seem to almost fix the problem on another game. The audio popped occasionally on a scene that had crackled like crazy with the original cable. It was much, much better, but not perfect.

The other Monster cable perform about the same as the thin cable, but maybe just a little bit poorer (slightly more popping, but not as bad as the original).

So, here are my questions:

1. Are Monster HDMI Cables "incompatible" with a PS3?

2. Would a Sony brand HDMI, perhaps even one made specifically for the PS3, perform better?

3. Can HDMI cables deteriorate over time and degrade sound quality?

4. Could there be interference from other cables causing a problem? (I've got a lot back there.)

5. Is there a specific brand (other than Sony) or a specific designation of HDMI cables that I should try?

6. Has anyone else had this problem with their PS3, and do you have any other solutions?

Thanks a bunch.

Bigloww · 02-06-2009, 10:10 AM

1. Are Monster HDMI Cables "incompatible" with a PS3?
No they are not..There are different ratings and certifications on versions, but as far as brands go... HDMI is HDMI... Digital all the way.. The only thing Monster Brand cables are "incompatable" with is your bank account..

2. Would a Sony brand HDMI, perhaps even one made specifically for the PS3, perform better?No.. He is feeding you B.S.. That cheap cable you have will perform the same as well.

3. Can HDMI cables deteriorate over time and degrade sound quality?
Like anything else sure... It can deterioirate.. But over long periods, not the time you are talking about..Monster allthough wayyyyyyyy overpriced and not necessary still has a very good build quality.. BUt again we are talking digital and not analog.. You will either get the signal or you won't. It is not like analog.

4. Could there be interference from other cables causing a problem? (I've got a lot back there.) Yes it is always possible, but probably not via the HDMI. You can try isolating the HDMI the best you can to see, but I would also make sure the power is isolated away from you A/V cables first and foremost. If you have any ferrite beads, I would toss a couple on each end of the power cable.

5. Is there a specific brand (other than Sony) or a specific designation of HDMI cables that I should try? Nope... You tried 3 seperate cables so you ruled that out... It sounds to me like a speaker problem with your TV or setting issue between the 2, but hard to say.

6. Has anyone else had this problem with their PS3, and do you have any other solutions? No PS3 here, sorry..

Do you have any other HDMI source connected to this TV (cable box, 360)?? If so does this happen at all with them. I assume no or you would of mentioned it. Since you are going through TV speakes the DD setting is not needed with it. I don't have a PS3 so can't say how to turn down the output volume to the TV. Hope someone on here can... I highly doubt it is the HDMI cable and sounds like something else IMO..

ctu redshirt · 02-06-2009, 11:54 AM

Thanks a bunch for your help. I appreciate it.

Yes, I do have a DVD player hooked up to the TV (Samsung HLS 4266W) through HDMI, and no, I haven't experienced any problems with it.

Also, as I said, I switched HDMI ports and that didn't make a difference. The only thing that did was switching HDMI cords and that didn't completely solve the issue, it just made it much more tolerable.

Could it be some kind of "Handshake issue" between my TV and the PS3? I'm not sure exactly how that would work. And, if it is that kind of thing, why would it just be starting now?

Indeed, I have found on the internet that a lot of people had audio trouble with their PS3 hooked directly to their TV though HDMI. I'm just wondering:
1. Why would it develop now after a year?
2. Why would it still be there when I switched PS3 systems?
3. Why don't the solutions that worked for them work for me?
4. Could it be that I just happen to be playing 3 games that have software sound problems? That seems pretty far fetched, but, who knows?

Also, I tend to think it is not interference since the HDMI cord that did the best was also the thinnest and the Monster ones were much thicker (one was shielded, as best I could tell). Would that make a difference?

Anyway, I really thank you for your help. I'll try to limit the interference as best I can and I may try to get a Sony HDMI cable and give it a shot. If it doesn't do any better than the others, I'll take it back and just try to live with it. Hopefully, it won't get worse.

If anyone else has any ideas, please let me know.

Thanks again.

mobiushky · 02-06-2009, 04:00 PM

There is a way to adjust the "volume" on the PS3, but it's not really a volume and I can't remember if it's in games or other things... I'll have to check mine. But the range is something like -2, -1, 0, 1, 2. That's it.

Have you tried watching a movie on the PS3 instead of playing a game? On the games that have a problem, have you tried turning the game volume down? Sound effect volume? It sounds like you are having an over drive situation where you are trying to send too much volume to the speakers, but not being there it would tough for anyone who has not had the same problem to figure out. I've had one PS3 for a year now and never noticed a problem.

ctu redshirt · 02-07-2009, 08:42 AM

Yeah, that's the kind of volume I think they were referring to, and I can't figure out how to do it.

I haven't tried turning the volume down in game. It is worth a shot.

I have watched blu-rays on it, but not for a couple of weeks (before I noticed the problem). I'll try it out.

I did try the Sony HDMI cable and no luck. In fact, I retried all 4 cables and all 4 had the crackling/popping sound to varying levels (but all bad). Even the cords that did well before were bad this time. Seems to be no pattern - it is random.

I did watch two DVDs on my upconverting player (separate from the PS3) that is hooked up through HDMI and I did not notice any issues at all.

I think it must be an issue of either:

1. Interference
2. Handshake issue between my TV and the PS3 (although why would it develop now after a year?)

I am going to try the game volume thing and I will try hooking it up through component just to see if the sound is still there.

Thanks.

ctu redshirt · 02-10-2009, 12:02 PM

Believe it or not, I turned down the volume in the game menu, and that seems to have fixed it. I feel stupid. Thanks a bunch.

It seems to be better. At least, mostly...

Now I'm hearing the same popping (except only one pop at a time) while watching other media on the TV (namely the DVR, that is hooked up by component cables).

So, I'm wondering:
1. Could the sound problem I was having had damaged the TV's speakers, so that now I am hearing the popping noise even while watching other stuff?

2. Or, could the problem have been created by something else (like having the volume set too loud on the TV) and has been there for a while and the PS3 game was just the first time I noticed it?

3. If the speakers are damaged, will they eventually recover and/or is there some way I can make it better? Or would I need to have someone repair it?

Thanks.

02-06-2009, 09:53 AM	#1
ctu redshirt A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 14	Problem with HDMI and PS3 Hi, I've had my PS3 hooked up directly to my Samsung DLP through the same Monster HDMI cable since January of 2008. About a month ago, I began to notice a "crackling" or popping sound coming from my TV's speakers at certain points on some games (not all and not all the time). Usually, it would happen when there was some sort of loud noise, and it would sound as if the speakers were being overloaded, even when I turned the TV's volume down. As far as I can tell, it has only happened on certain games, and at certain times. I don't think I have heard it when I am watching a blu-ray. I did some research, and I found that a number of people have had this same issue. They suggested making sure that Dolby 5.1 was deselected in the audio options (it is) and they suggested turning down the volume on the PS3 itself (which neither I not Sony technical service can figure out how to do. Anyone know how to do that?). I called Sony tech service and they suggested a system restore. That didn't fix it. I then checked to see if it was the HDMI port on my TV. I switched to a different port and had the same issue. I even took my PS3 back (I had a 2 year replacement plan) and got a new one, but the new one has the same problems. One of the guys at Sony said that Monster HDMI is "not compatible" with PS3. Has anyone else heard this? He suggested that I get a Sony brand HDMI (of course). I tried two other HDMI cables that I already have. One is another Monster Cable that seems to have more shielding around it, the other was a cheap-o, no name thin one. The thin one seemed to make no difference on one game, but it did seem to almost fix the problem on another game. The audio popped occasionally on a scene that had crackled like crazy with the original cable. It was much, much better, but not perfect. The other Monster cable perform about the same as the thin cable, but maybe just a little bit poorer (slightly more popping, but not as bad as the original). So, here are my questions: 1. Are Monster HDMI Cables "incompatible" with a PS3? 2. Would a Sony brand HDMI, perhaps even one made specifically for the PS3, perform better? 3. Can HDMI cables deteriorate over time and degrade sound quality? 4. Could there be interference from other cables causing a problem? (I've got a lot back there.) 5. Is there a specific brand (other than Sony) or a specific designation of HDMI cables that I should try? 6. Has anyone else had this problem with their PS3, and do you have any other solutions? Thanks a bunch.

02-06-2009, 10:10 AM	#2
Bigloww SHITTER was FULL!! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: In a van, down by the river. Posts: 5,858	1. Are Monster HDMI Cables "incompatible" with a PS3? No they are not..There are different ratings and certifications on versions, but as far as brands go... HDMI is HDMI... Digital all the way.. The only thing Monster Brand cables are "incompatable" with is your bank account.. 2. Would a Sony brand HDMI, perhaps even one made specifically for the PS3, perform better?No.. He is feeding you B.S.. That cheap cable you have will perform the same as well. 3. Can HDMI cables deteriorate over time and degrade sound quality? Like anything else sure... It can deterioirate.. But over long periods, not the time you are talking about..Monster allthough wayyyyyyyy overpriced and not necessary still has a very good build quality.. BUt again we are talking digital and not analog.. You will either get the signal or you won't. It is not like analog. 4. Could there be interference from other cables causing a problem? (I've got a lot back there.) Yes it is always possible, but probably not via the HDMI. You can try isolating the HDMI the best you can to see, but I would also make sure the power is isolated away from you A/V cables first and foremost. If you have any ferrite beads, I would toss a couple on each end of the power cable. 5. Is there a specific brand (other than Sony) or a specific designation of HDMI cables that I should try? Nope... You tried 3 seperate cables so you ruled that out... It sounds to me like a speaker problem with your TV or setting issue between the 2, but hard to say. 6. Has anyone else had this problem with their PS3, and do you have any other solutions? No PS3 here, sorry.. Do you have any other HDMI source connected to this TV (cable box, 360)?? If so does this happen at all with them. I assume no or you would of mentioned it. Since you are going through TV speakes the DD setting is not needed with it. I don't have a PS3 so can't say how to turn down the output volume to the TV. Hope someone on here can... I highly doubt it is the HDMI cable and sounds like something else IMO.. __________________ Commit to the Indian.. *In Loving Memory of Junkie, The Rizz, Eagle and the Boys.. They are gone (wasted in fact) but not forgotten..*

02-06-2009, 04:00 PM	#4
mobiushky More than meets the eyes! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: State of Insanity Posts: 2,992	There is a way to adjust the "volume" on the PS3, but it's not really a volume and I can't remember if it's in games or other things... I'll have to check mine. But the range is something like -2, -1, 0, 1, 2. That's it. Have you tried watching a movie on the PS3 instead of playing a game? On the games that have a problem, have you tried turning the game volume down? Sound effect volume? It sounds like you are having an over drive situation where you are trying to send too much volume to the speakers, but not being there it would tough for anyone who has not had the same problem to figure out. I've had one PS3 for a year now and never noticed a problem. __________________ DRM is roughly the equivalent of poking you in the eye, repeatedly. ---------------------------------------------------- Main Setup: Pioneer PDP-5070HD Pioneer VSX-80TXV Dish Vip622 PS3 (120Gb, w/BC) Like a BD player can play games too, how silly. Logitech Harmony 1000 remote All Klipsch speakers Bedroom Setup: Sony KDR-40XBR4 Dish Vip622 PS3 Slim (120Gb) I think I have too many PS3s. Sony Commander RM-AV3000

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02-06-2009, 11:54 AM	#3
ctu redshirt A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 14	Thanks a bunch for your help. I appreciate it. Yes, I do have a DVD player hooked up to the TV (Samsung HLS 4266W) through HDMI, and no, I haven't experienced any problems with it. Also, as I said, I switched HDMI ports and that didn't make a difference. The only thing that did was switching HDMI cords and that didn't completely solve the issue, it just made it much more tolerable. Could it be some kind of "Handshake issue" between my TV and the PS3? I'm not sure exactly how that would work. And, if it is that kind of thing, why would it just be starting now? Indeed, I have found on the internet that a lot of people had audio trouble with their PS3 hooked directly to their TV though HDMI. I'm just wondering: 1. Why would it develop now after a year? 2. Why would it still be there when I switched PS3 systems? 3. Why don't the solutions that worked for them work for me? 4. Could it be that I just happen to be playing 3 games that have software sound problems? That seems pretty far fetched, but, who knows? Also, I tend to think it is not interference since the HDMI cord that did the best was also the thinnest and the Monster ones were much thicker (one was shielded, as best I could tell). Would that make a difference? Anyway, I really thank you for your help. I'll try to limit the interference as best I can and I may try to get a Sony HDMI cable and give it a shot. If it doesn't do any better than the others, I'll take it back and just try to live with it. Hopefully, it won't get worse. If anyone else has any ideas, please let me know. Thanks again.

02-07-2009, 08:42 AM	#5
ctu redshirt A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 14	Yeah, that's the kind of volume I think they were referring to, and I can't figure out how to do it. I haven't tried turning the volume down in game. It is worth a shot. I have watched blu-rays on it, but not for a couple of weeks (before I noticed the problem). I'll try it out. I did try the Sony HDMI cable and no luck. In fact, I retried all 4 cables and all 4 had the crackling/popping sound to varying levels (but all bad). Even the cords that did well before were bad this time. Seems to be no pattern - it is random. I did watch two DVDs on my upconverting player (separate from the PS3) that is hooked up through HDMI and I did not notice any issues at all. I think it must be an issue of either: 1. Interference 2. Handshake issue between my TV and the PS3 (although why would it develop now after a year?) I am going to try the game volume thing and I will try hooking it up through component just to see if the sound is still there. Thanks.

02-10-2009, 12:02 PM	#6
ctu redshirt A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 14	Believe it or not, I turned down the volume in the game menu, and that seems to have fixed it. I feel stupid. Thanks a bunch. It seems to be better. At least, mostly... Now I'm hearing the same popping (except only one pop at a time) while watching other media on the TV (namely the DVR, that is hooked up by component cables). So, I'm wondering: 1. Could the sound problem I was having had damaged the TV's speakers, so that now I am hearing the popping noise even while watching other stuff? 2. Or, could the problem have been created by something else (like having the volume set too loud on the TV) and has been there for a while and the PS3 game was just the first time I noticed it? 3. If the speakers are damaged, will they eventually recover and/or is there some way I can make it better? Or would I need to have someone repair it? Thanks.