Toshiba 32AV502R 32" LCD - Annoying Buzzing Sound via A/C power

kosmokramer7 · 10-02-2009, 01:27 PM

Hello everyone!

I just bought a new Toshiba 32" LCD tv and I need some expert advice. The TV makes a loud buzzing noise when plugged into the wall. The buzzing noise gets increasingly louder as I turn up the "backlight" slider under the display settings. It must be sending more juice to the fluorescent bulb and it exaggerates the buzzing sound.

It sounds like I'm sitting under a fluorescent light while I'm watching tv (or one of those buzzing neon signs).

Here's the kicker: when I plug it into my UPS battery backup, and run the tv off of the battery, the buzzing stops! This leads me to believe that the buzzing is coming from interference in our power lines (we have a really old house with REALLY old wiring).

I snapped a ferrite noise filter onto the power cable, but it didn't make a difference.

Now I ask you, the experts, what do I do next?

I'm considering getting an APC voltage regulator (from Amazon) to clean the power source, but didn't want to waste time and money if it won't help.

I bought the TV from Newegg last week, so it will be a hassle to return it if it's really a faulty TV.

Look forward to receiving your advice.

I'm uploading a video to Vimeo now - it should be done converting in about an hour and I'll post the link then. (it's' just a video of a buzzing TV, though!)

Thank you!

**apparently I can't post links because I'm a new member, but if you search for those items, you might see what I'm talking about. I'll have to figure out a way to share my video with those interested**

**PFC5** · 10-02-2009, 02:35 PM

Welcome to the forum!

It could be the power in your house but it could also be a defective power supply in the TV too. Are you saying when you unplug (from the wall) a charged UPS and use that power the buzzing goes away? If that is how you did it then it does look like it could be the house power lines as the cause.

Have you tried moving all cables connected to the TV away from all other cables? Have you tried making sure that all connected devices are plugged into the SAME outlet? This is important as you might also have a ground loop issue as a likely cause. By making sure everything connected via A/V cables is plugged into the same outlet you could see if the buzzing goes away. If it does when you do this, then it is almost definitely a ground loop issue. The cheap way to resolve this is get a surge with enough outlets to have everything plugged into the same outlet.

Hope this helps!

kosmokramer7 · 10-02-2009, 02:41 PM

Thanks for your quick reply!

Answers to your questions:

- Your first statement is correct. The buzzing goes away when I unplug a charged UPS from the wall power socket (and the tv is plugged into the UPS). Basically, when the UPS switches over to battery power, the buzzing stops on the TV. If this indicates a problem with the house's power supply, how can I resolve this?

- The TV currently isn't connected to any other A/V devices. I literally took it out of the box yesterday, plugged it into the wall to see if it worked, and immediately heard a buzzing noise coming from the back of the TV. I've even moved the TV into the hall to try that outlet with nothing else plugged in and I still heard the buzzing.

Any more advice? Would the voltage regulator fix this issue?

It's driving me crazy - sounds like there's a bee flying around my head!

**PFC5** · 10-02-2009, 02:50 PM

Well if nothing else is connected and you do not even have a cable box connected i would say it could be the TV itself. Could you try plugging it into a neighbors house outlet and see if the buzzing is still there? If it is not there, then it is not the TV and you need to get an electrician to check the house wiring or maybe simply run a dedicated line from the breaker panel as the cheapest solution that doesn't just mask the issue. When a power supply buzzes that usually means it is under stress.

Try plugging it in at a neighbor's house to see instead of bringing it back to the store to confirm it is your house wiring that is the problem.

kosmokramer7 · 10-02-2009, 02:58 PM

I'm going to go do that right now. Stay posted . . .

kosmokramer7 · 10-02-2009, 03:26 PM

I tried a few different outlets in the house and it still buzzed at every one. Then I just took it next door and same thing happened there. Am I correct in assuming that this TV power supply is faulty then?

I just don't want to have Newegg say "there's no buzzing sound" or "it's at an acceptable level" when they receive it, so I'm trying to exhaust all other options.

Thanks for your advice!

kosmokramer7 · 10-02-2009, 03:27 PM

Oh, here's the video of the buzzing:
http://vimeo.com/6870286

IGExpandingPan · 10-02-2009, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kosmokramer7

Oh, here's the video of the buzzing:
http://vimeo.com/6870286

Does the sucker buzz when not attached to the CATV line? It might be hard to do this, but if you have a standard antenna handy, try that. Though, toshiba does offer a demo mode, that model I think is a tiger IIRC. I suspect an issue with a different potential between house ground and CATV ground. If that's an issue, then a mickey mouse solution would be to attach the CATV line to a power strip with the shield hooked up to house ground. It also might help to know if the buzzing is coming from the speakers, or the set itself.

kosmokramer7 · 10-02-2009, 04:21 PM

It makes the sound when there is absolutely nothing (but power) plugged into the TV. The sound is not coming from the speakers. It's coming from the back of the TV (sounds like it could be a power supply or another similar component within the TV).

IGExpandingPan · 10-02-2009, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kosmokramer7

It makes the sound when there is absolutely nothing (but power) plugged into the TV. The sound is not coming from the speakers. It's coming from the back of the TV (sounds like it could be a power supply or another similar component within the TV).

Then follow PFC5's drill, as well as mine. No cable but antenna or demo mode, and take it to a neighbor's house, see if you experience the same issue. If you do, don't talk with newegg, talk with Toshiba. Worst case, you'll have to drag your set to a service center. Best case, they'll arrange for either shipping, or an advanced replacement. I don't know as I don't own a Toshiba that has failed with in the warranty period. In fact, the only "Toshiba" unit that might have failed was a circa 1986 front loading VCR, which was replaced sometime after 1995.

If it's a your house issue, an online backup might resolve your issue. It's like a normal UPS, but ALWAYS runs from 12V.

**PFC5** · 10-02-2009, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kosmokramer7

I tried a few different outlets in the house and it still buzzed at every one. Then I just took it next door and same thing happened there. Am I correct in assuming that this TV power supply is faulty then?

I just don't want to have Newegg say "there's no buzzing sound" or "it's at an acceptable level" when they receive it, so I'm trying to exhaust all other options.

Thanks for your advice!

Just to clarify. Do you live in a home or apartment complex? IF a complex then it could be an issue with all apartments in the complex, but if separate homes, then it clearly is the TV that is defective and it is likely the power supply.

Gamblor · 10-02-2009, 08:55 PM

I just bought this exact same tv from Futureshop in Vancouver, Canada about 2 hours ago. I too have this buzzing noise, and I have tried it with cable and antenna signals, both giving me the buzzing noise.

I'ts decently loud but not overwhelming, but enough for me to look up the problem and hope for a solution. I am fortunate enough to return or exchange this product with no problems, but would prefer to find a solution.

I'll keep you posted as I am still tinkering with power options and such.

kosmokramer7 · 10-03-2009, 12:28 AM

I live in a rural home. I've tried everything suggested and the buzzing still persists. Sooo . . . I just went out and bought the Panasonic TC-L32X1 and got an RMA # to return this Toshiba to Newegg for a refund.

I know Newegg's ToS state that they do not pay for return shipping (even on defective items), but I'm assuming they made an exception because they emailed me a return shipping label. They also emailed me an RMA number with a note that says restocking fees have been waived.

I will be really happy if they give me a full refund (and free return shipping) on this defective Toshiba.

This new Panasonic really blows the Toshiba away. Better speakers, no buzzing, and (in my opinion) better picture.

IGExpandingPan · 10-03-2009, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kosmokramer7

I live in a rural home. I've tried everything suggested and the buzzing still persists. Sooo . . . I just went out and bought the Panasonic TC-L32X1 and got an RMA # to return this Toshiba to Newegg for a refund.
...
I will be really happy if they give me a full refund (and free return shipping) on this defective Toshiba.

This new Panasonic really blows the Toshiba away. Better speakers, no buzzing, and (in my opinion) better picture.

Oh yeah, the TC-L32X1 is a plasma. It's a 720P plasma, but a plasma none the less. The toshiba you had was top notch as LCDs go. I'm actually thinking that you had a power issue rather than a defective set, an issue that didn't appear in the plasma. More junk between the wall connection and the display I'd imagine.

Restocking does not generally apply to defective goods, since they will not be restocking them. However Newegg covering shipping is awesome.

kosmokramer7 · 10-03-2009, 01:11 AM

You must be mistaken. The Panasonic TC-L32X1 is an LCD HDTV.

I'm very certain this Toshiba (to be returned) is a defective unit. Before I bought the new set this afternoon, I drove the Toshiba to my office (several miles away) to test it there. Same loud buzzing noise when I turned the backlight up past 60%. It's now been tested in three different locations (with no a/v devices connected) and each time the back of the TV buzzed/hummed as loud as in the video I posted above.

10-02-2009, 01:27 PM	#1
kosmokramer7 A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 10	Toshiba 32AV502R 32" LCD - Annoying Buzzing Sound via A/C power Hello everyone! I just bought a new Toshiba 32" LCD tv and I need some expert advice. The TV makes a loud buzzing noise when plugged into the wall. The buzzing noise gets increasingly louder as I turn up the "backlight" slider under the display settings. It must be sending more juice to the fluorescent bulb and it exaggerates the buzzing sound. It sounds like I'm sitting under a fluorescent light while I'm watching tv (or one of those buzzing neon signs). Here's the kicker: when I plug it into my UPS battery backup, and run the tv off of the battery, the buzzing stops! This leads me to believe that the buzzing is coming from interference in our power lines (we have a really old house with REALLY old wiring). I snapped a ferrite noise filter onto the power cable, but it didn't make a difference. Now I ask you, the experts, what do I do next? I'm considering getting an APC voltage regulator (from Amazon) to clean the power source, but didn't want to waste time and money if it won't help. I bought the TV from Newegg last week, so it will be a hassle to return it if it's really a faulty TV. Look forward to receiving your advice. I'm uploading a video to Vimeo now - it should be done converting in about an hour and I'll post the link then. (it's' just a video of a buzzing TV, though!) Thank you! apparently I can't post links because I'm a new member, but if you search for those items, you might see what I'm talking about. I'll have to figure out a way to share my video with those interested

10-02-2009, 02:35 PM	#2
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 28,369	Welcome to the forum! It could be the power in your house but it could also be a defective power supply in the TV too. Are you saying when you unplug (from the wall) a charged UPS and use that power the buzzing goes away? If that is how you did it then it does look like it could be the house power lines as the cause. Have you tried moving all cables connected to the TV away from all other cables? Have you tried making sure that all connected devices are plugged into the SAME outlet? This is important as you might also have a ground loop issue as a likely cause. By making sure everything connected via A/V cables is plugged into the same outlet you could see if the buzzing goes away. If it does when you do this, then it is almost definitely a ground loop issue. The cheap way to resolve this is get a surge with enough outlets to have everything plugged into the same outlet. Hope this helps! __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier

10-02-2009, 02:50 PM	#4
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 28,369	Well if nothing else is connected and you do not even have a cable box connected i would say it could be the TV itself. Could you try plugging it into a neighbors house outlet and see if the buzzing is still there? If it is not there, then it is not the TV and you need to get an electrician to check the house wiring or maybe simply run a dedicated line from the breaker panel as the cheapest solution that doesn't just mask the issue. When a power supply buzzes that usually means it is under stress. Try plugging it in at a neighbor's house to see instead of bringing it back to the store to confirm it is your house wiring that is the problem. __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier

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10-02-2009, 02:41 PM	#3
kosmokramer7 A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 10	Thanks for your quick reply! Answers to your questions: - Your first statement is correct. The buzzing goes away when I unplug a charged UPS from the wall power socket (and the tv is plugged into the UPS). Basically, when the UPS switches over to battery power, the buzzing stops on the TV. If this indicates a problem with the house's power supply, how can I resolve this? - The TV currently isn't connected to any other A/V devices. I literally took it out of the box yesterday, plugged it into the wall to see if it worked, and immediately heard a buzzing noise coming from the back of the TV. I've even moved the TV into the hall to try that outlet with nothing else plugged in and I still heard the buzzing. Any more advice? Would the voltage regulator fix this issue? It's driving me crazy - sounds like there's a bee flying around my head!

10-02-2009, 02:58 PM	#5
kosmokramer7 A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 10	I'm going to go do that right now. Stay posted . . .

10-02-2009, 03:26 PM	#6
kosmokramer7 A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 10	I tried a few different outlets in the house and it still buzzed at every one. Then I just took it next door and same thing happened there. Am I correct in assuming that this TV power supply is faulty then? I just don't want to have Newegg say "there's no buzzing sound" or "it's at an acceptable level" when they receive it, so I'm trying to exhaust all other options. Thanks for your advice!

10-02-2009, 03:27 PM	#7
kosmokramer7 A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 10	Oh, here's the video of the buzzing: http://vimeo.com/6870286

10-02-2009, 04:21 PM	#9
kosmokramer7 A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 10	It makes the sound when there is absolutely nothing (but power) plugged into the TV. The sound is not coming from the speakers. It's coming from the back of the TV (sounds like it could be a power supply or another similar component within the TV).

10-02-2009, 08:55 PM	#12
Gamblor What is HD? Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 1	I just bought this exact same tv from Futureshop in Vancouver, Canada about 2 hours ago. I too have this buzzing noise, and I have tried it with cable and antenna signals, both giving me the buzzing noise. I'ts decently loud but not overwhelming, but enough for me to look up the problem and hope for a solution. I am fortunate enough to return or exchange this product with no problems, but would prefer to find a solution. I'll keep you posted as I am still tinkering with power options and such.

10-03-2009, 12:28 AM	#13
kosmokramer7 A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 10	I live in a rural home. I've tried everything suggested and the buzzing still persists. Sooo . . . I just went out and bought the Panasonic TC-L32X1 and got an RMA # to return this Toshiba to Newegg for a refund. I know Newegg's ToS state that they do not pay for return shipping (even on defective items), but I'm assuming they made an exception because they emailed me a return shipping label. They also emailed me an RMA number with a note that says restocking fees have been waived. I will be really happy if they give me a full refund (and free return shipping) on this defective Toshiba. This new Panasonic really blows the Toshiba away. Better speakers, no buzzing, and (in my opinion) better picture.

10-03-2009, 01:11 AM	#15
kosmokramer7 A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 10	You must be mistaken. The Panasonic TC-L32X1 is an LCD HDTV. I'm very certain this Toshiba (to be returned) is a defective unit. Before I bought the new set this afternoon, I drove the Toshiba to my office (several miles away) to test it there. Same loud buzzing noise when I turned the backlight up past 60%. It's now been tested in three different locations (with no a/v devices connected) and each time the back of the TV buzzed/hummed as loud as in the video I posted above.