How to Fix TV Noise: 3 Easy Methods You Should Know [Video]

The steps on how to fix TV noise are usually fairly straightforward but seeing there is never a one-size-fits-all solution to this problem, we may need first to find the exact cause of the humming sound to help us troubleshoot and fix the issue.

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There are several causes of TV humming, including faulty speakers, over-modulation, ground loops, and CRT scanning. A quick fix would be power cycling the TV and disconnecting any connected cables, waiting two minutes before reconnecting them.

Below, we described three different methods on how to fix TV noise with their simple steps.

How to Fix TV Noise

How to Fix TV Noise
How to Fix TV Noise

The first thing to do when looking for how to fix TV noise is to observe if there is any humming sound coming from the TV when the backlight is set to around 100%.

The noise to look out for is typically low and soft, yet it can become disturbing, especially when the power inverter controls the backlighting causes an issue.

Smart TVs have similar features, but their audio settings and the methods for adjusting them differ from brand to brand. Nevertheless, these tips from our experts should teach you how to fix TV noise according to what the cause is.

Method 1: General Fixes

Step 1: Turn up the TV volume

Start by increasing the volume on your TV and or connected media device (streaming player, Blu-ray player, cable or satellite box, etc.).

Step 2: Ensure the Settings Are Correct

Next, go to the audio settings on your TV and other connected devices to ensure the devices are working correctly.

Step 3: Turn off the TV

Next, turn the TV off before disconnecting it and any other connected devices.

Step 4: Check the TV Cables and Ports

Be sure to check the cables and ports on the TV and those on your devices. Ensure that they are securely connected. Are the ports clear of dust or debris? If so, it could be that the HDMI sound on the TV was not working.

Step 5: Switch from one Media Device to Another

You can try switching the media device for another one or changing the TV’s speaker output to the internal speakers to see if that fixes the problem.

Step 6: Check for and Install any TV Software Updates

The final step in the general method on how to fix TV noise is to check the audio settings of your connected devices to see if the problem is with one of them.

Then, unplug it for at least ten seconds and turn it on again. Repeat steps 4 and 5 on this device, and then turn it on.

Lastly, install any software updates you can find, and if you still don’t hear the sound, connect this device to another TV or perform a factory reset.

Method 2: Software Fixes

The noise may sometimes occur due to an issue with software issues, which can be fixed using coil whine. And the software method on how to fix TV noise is described as follows:

Step 1: Return/Replace the Defective Component under Warranty

A GPU/PSU/motherboard that is under warranty can be returned through an RMA (return merchandise authorization) and replaced.

Manufacturers may cover coil whine under warranty, but most do not. You can usually find out whether they do on their website.

Most people expect replacing the component with an identical model will result in the same issue, but this is not necessarily true.

An issue could occur with the particular batch of coils used, or the microscopic tolerances on that coil could have been off. The replacement component likely uses a different coil.

Using the warranty or RMA option can save you a lot of time and hassle when troubleshooting and fixing the problem. Although there is no guarantee that these tricks might work, it can’t hurt to try.

Step 2: Wait for Sometime

You can wait a couple of days (or for as long as you tolerate the sound) to see if the coil whine disappears on its own. In some cases, it gradually diminishes as the coil ‘wears in,’ and it is completely gone after a couple of weeks.

According to some people, stress testing the PC using benchmarking software can reduce coil whine. Despite the lack of evidence that this method works, it may still be worth trying.

Step 3: Change Power Draw

The purpose of these software fixes for coil whine is to change the frequency at which the coils oscillate. This is accomplished by changing the power draw of the graphics card or motherboard. This, in turn, affects the amount of power the PSU supplies.

Step 4: Setting a Frame Rate Limit

Finish up by reducing the number of frames per second (FPS) that the GPU outputs, as this is one way to the power draw to a graphics card. Sometimes, software and games do not have a ceiling on the number of frames per second.

High FPS indicates more power and current passing through inductor coils, resulting in coil whine.

Method 3: Hardware Fixes

Coil whine can also be fixed or reduced using hardware-related solutions in software. They are typically more costly (either financially or in terms of time), but they offer a more permanent solution.

Below are the steps on how to fix TV noise using hardware solutions:

Step 1: Distance the Device

The simplest solution is to move the TV further away from the ears. Coil whine is one example of a high-frequency sound that decreases in volume rapidly over distance.

It makes a big difference in making the noise inaudible if you move the computer an extra meter away from you.

You need enough space for this. Also, the cables need to be long enough for it. It isn’t always an option, but it is relatively easy to accomplish when it is.

Step 2: Keeping the Inductor Coils Secure

The last step in how to fix TV noise with hardware is to prevent the inductor coil from vibrating at all.

You will find the most radical solution at the other end of the spectrum; securing the coils. Inductor coatings with non-conductive materials, such as hot glue are used.

In most cases, this can be done using insulating varnish, epoxy, or hot glue. Using these liquids can work since they are non-conductive and usually dry up after some time. Once it finds a way to work, it permanently fixes the issue.

Why is my TV Making a Weird Noise?

How to Fix TV Noise
How to Fix TV Noise

As mentioned earlier, to know how to fix TV noise, it is good first to find out why the TV is making weird noises in the first place.

If your TV makes weird noises after you shut it off, it may be due to the thermal contraction of some internal components. These components can be metal or plastic. Due to the heat generated by the TV, they tend to expand when it is on. However, when you turn it off, they contract.

Cause of TV Noises

Defective Speakers

TVs come with built-in speakers. These speakers can be damaged for various reasons, ranging from moisture to physical wear. Damaged speakers always produce a humming or buzzing. It makes a sound that can annoy you and your visitors.

Excessive Modulation

Almost all digital televisions have an RF modulator, which is a device that converts audio and video signals from peripherals like DVD players and cable boxes into TV signals.

Occasionally, your TV may experience over-modulation when the signals are too strong for the modulator to handle, resulting in video and sound distortion. As a result, the TV may produce an annoying humming sound.

Loops in the Ground

There may be a ground loop if there is a difference in voltage between two grounding points. The outlets in your home might have a different electrical potential, although this difference is almost unnoticeable.

When several interconnected devices are on television, this will cause electrical ground loops. If you connect your DVD player, subwoofer, cable box, and TV using different extension cords to various outlets, you will hear a high-pitched sound.

Scanning CRTs

Be prepared for more buzzing and humming sounds if you love your old CRT TV. While scanning frequencies, a cathode ray tube fires electrons towards the screen producing a low humming sound.

Interference from Electromagnetic Fields

A humming sound can be electromagnetic interference caused by other electrical devices such as microwave ovens, Bluetooth speakers, Wi-Fi, routers, computers, and amateur radios.

Furthermore, these gadgets can interfere with frequency signals and disrupt the normal operation of your TV.

Unbalanced Volume

Unbalanced audio volume can also cause TV humming if you use a cable box or digital receiver with separate volume controls.

When your TV volume is higher than the volume of the cable box or receiver, your TV might produce an annoying buzzing sound. In contrast, if the volume on your cable box is too high, your TV might hum due to the imbalance.

Incorrect Backlight Setting

Incorrect backlight settings can cause TV humming, believe it or not, and you can adjust the backlight level on your TV and notice the difference.

You will probably hear a low humming sound from your TV when the backlight is 100 percent. In most cases, the sound is soft but can become louder if the power inverter, which controls the backlighting, malfunctions.

Faulty or Obstructed Cooling Fans

Many TVs, larger models, come with cooling fans and vents to prevent overheating and maintain a comfortable working temperature.

Your TV could overheat if these vents and fans are blocked, and it might produce a humming sound.

Inadequate Ventilation and Temperature Changes

Your TV can make abnormal sounds due to poor ventilation and temperature changes (not necessarily humming).

Usually, a popping or crackling sound is caused by temperature changes. When the temperature changes, the TV may expand or contract marginally, making a cracking sound in the process.

What is TV coil whine?

 TV rings
How to Fix TV Noise

While discussing the different methods on how to fix TV noise above, we mentioned coil whine, and it is only expected that we explain what it is and what it does.

The TV coil whine is a high-pitched sound caused by vibrations in the coil. A current flowing through an inductor (an electronic component) causes the copper wire of the inductor to vibrate with a high, audible frequency against its core, and this noise is known as coil whine.

The coil whine occurs when your TV gets hot and starts whining. The graphics card is one of the biggest culprits of coil whine, but it can also come from other components. Usually, coils vibrate at frequencies that are outside of our hearing range.

Several parts may be responsible for this noise in the TV, including the horizontal flyback transformer, deflection yoke, other transformers, and even ferrite beads in the deflection circuits. Also, transformers or chokes in the switching power supply if this is separate from the horizontal deflection circuitry. A portion of shielding sheet metal may if a magnetic component is close.

Can coil whine be fixed?

Fix TV set
How to Fix TV Noise

GPU coil whine can cause a vibration in the whole PC case, but fortunately, it can be fixed.

The easiest and most reliable way to resolve this issue is to use an optical SPDIF cable to connect to an external DAC/amplifier.

Now that you know that you can stop or reduce coil whine, you should also know that there are various methods to get this done.

But if those methods do not work, you can always go for more advanced solutions such as using a sound insulator or replacing the old power supply component.

Please note that these methods do not have a 100% success rate, so your results may differ. Methods in this category are in the software and hardware categories. These are a few things to try before moving on to the solutions.

Conclusion

TV noises are not as rare as we might want, with different Television owners experiencing them for various reasons.

The steps and methods on how to fix TV noise above can help you mitigate the issue if you are experiencing it or might experience it in the future.

However, you must stick to the simple fixes and leave the professional ones for the experts to avoid aggravating the issue or causing more damage.

That is to say, use the steps on how to fix TV noise above wisely.

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