# My flatscreen TV is buzzing **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [February 9, 2009, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-flatscreen-tv-is-buzzing/485055 "2009-02-09T14:22:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Knowed\_Out](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/knowed_out/32/7380_2.png) [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-flatscreen-tv-is-buzzing/485055/1 "2009-02-09T14:22:28Z")
I’ve had this TV for about a year, and it started buzzing a couple of days ago. It’s a Samsung 26". I did some googling, and it looks like this is a common problem with all flatscreens, regardless of brand. The forums suggested changing video settings like contrast, since they supposedly draw more energy in making pixels darker or brighter. Tried that, and didn’t notice any difference. There is a noise reduction setting, which I set to High, but it didn’t change. Since I’ve had it for so long, I’ve long since thrown away the receipt, and I’m sure I can’t exchange it. Has anybody else had this problem, and were you able to get it fixed? ---
**Author:** ![Dog80](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6bbea6/32.png) [@Dog80](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dog80)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-flatscreen-tv-is-buzzing/485055/2 "2009-02-09T15:30:12Z")
The noise reduction setting refers to reception signal noise. It has nothing to do audible noise. What type of flatscreen is it? Plasma, TFT, LCD? ---
**Author:** ![Knowed\_Out](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/knowed_out/32/7380_2.png) [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-flatscreen-tv-is-buzzing/485055/3 "2009-02-09T15:41:15Z")
LCD. [This one.](http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/462539680/samsung-ln-26a450?v_c=GoogleBase&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=462539680) ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-flatscreen-tv-is-buzzing/485055/4 "2009-02-09T15:43:43Z")
I don’t suppose it could be the flyback transformer, huh? Hmmm. Suddenly all my “tv making unusual noise” answers are obsolete. Frak. ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-flatscreen-tv-is-buzzing/485055/5 "2009-02-09T16:41:46Z")
Make sure the back of the TV isn’t too close to anything, and maybe try a surge protector or UPS that conditions the power. I guess a 26" TV probably isn’t plasma, but the info [here](http://samsungplasmatvfaq.com/index.php/Troubleshooting#My_Samsung_Plasma_makes_a_buzzing_sound) could help. ---
**Author:** ![longPath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/bb73d2/32.png) [@longPath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/longPath)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-flatscreen-tv-is-buzzing/485055/6 "2009-02-09T18:07:47Z")
TV repair guy here. Samsung factory authorized one, too. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen this. There is a ferite choke on the power supply board that needs to be replaced. I will do some research. BTW, These sets do not have a flyback transformer. ---
**Author:** ![longPath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/bb73d2/32.png) [@longPath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/longPath)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-flatscreen-tv-is-buzzing/485055/7 "2009-02-09T18:30:07Z")
This set is not one that was covered in the bulletin I was thinking of. Still, it is likely a transformer or something in the switch-mode power supply that is buzzing. Another possible source is the inverter for the panel lamps.I often fix issues like this with hot-melt glue. And I missed the nuance in the comment about flybacks. Is that what is known a s a whoosh? ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-flatscreen-tv-is-buzzing/485055/8 "2009-02-09T18:38:21Z")
> [@longPath](#): > > And I missed the nuance in the comment about flybacks. Is that what is known a s a whoosh? Ayup. That sound you’re hearing is not caused by a ferrite choke. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-flatscreen-tv-is-buzzing/485055/9 "2009-02-09T19:00:10Z")
We recently bought a new TV (Samsung 37" LCD) and it made an intermittent buzzing sound. We upgraded to digital cable, and when the guy came to set it up, he said “I’ll take care of that” and did something to correct it while programming it. Unfortunately, that TV broke after ~ 10 days. Fortunately, after a long hard fight with the store we got a replacement. Unfortunately, the new set is beginning to buzz again. Gonna have to try to figure out what the cable guy did… ---
**Author:** ![longPath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/bb73d2/32.png) [@longPath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/longPath)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-flatscreen-tv-is-buzzing/485055/10 "2009-02-09T19:36:41Z")
> [@KneadToKnow](#): > > Ayup. > > That sound you’re hearing is not caused by a ferrite choke. 🙂 In the situation I am describing, the choke is not the source of the noise, but it is the solution. > [@](#): > > Customer report a buzzing noise, humming noise or high pitched sound from set. > this is due a incorrect value of the coil choke LM851 in the SMPS. Unfortunately, Samsung chose not to share any more details. As I am pretty much deaf above 3 Khz, I could never hope to locate the actual source. I have, however, fixed a shitload of these and never had a callback. ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-flatscreen-tv-is-buzzing/485055/11 "2009-02-09T19:44:01Z")
> [@longPath](#): > > In the situation I am describing, the choke is not the source of the noise, but it is the solution. I stand de-humored. ---
**Author:** ![Knowed\_Out](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/knowed_out/32/7380_2.png) [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-flatscreen-tv-is-buzzing/485055/12 "2009-02-09T19:45:02Z")
> [@longPath](#): > > Still, it is likely a transformer or something in the switch-mode power supply that is buzzing. > > Another possible source is the inverter for the panel lamps.I often fix issues like this with hot-melt glue. I switched to cable from satellite about a month ago. They gave me a master remote for all my components. Should I quit using it for the TV? ---
**Author:** ![longPath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/bb73d2/32.png) [@longPath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/longPath)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-flatscreen-tv-is-buzzing/485055/13 "2009-02-09T19:53:13Z")
> [@Knowed\_Out](#): > > I switched to cable from satellite about a month ago. They gave me a master remote for all my components. Should I quit using it for the TV? I am _clearly_ in way over my head here… ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-flatscreen-tv-is-buzzing/485055/14 "2009-02-09T19:57:03Z")
> [@longPath](#): > > TV repair guy here. Samsung factory authorized one, too. > > I’m pretty sure I’ve seen this. There is a ferite choke on the power supply board that needs to be replaced. I am not the OP, but thank you for the definitive answer. I hope that you remain on the board. It’s always a good thing to have subject matter experts here. And now that I’ve buttered you up, can you tell us what you’d charge for such a repair? I’m curious about whether such a thing is worth it for such a set, given that it sells for $500 or so. ---
**Author:** ![longPath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/bb73d2/32.png) [@longPath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/longPath)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-flatscreen-tv-is-buzzing/485055/15 "2009-02-09T20:13:34Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > I am not the OP, but thank you for the definitive answer. I hope that you remain on the board. It’s always a good thing to have subject matter experts here. > > And now that I’ve buttered you up, can you tell us what you’d charge for such a repair? I’m curious about whether such a thing is worth it for such a set, given that it sells for $500 or so. (homer) MMMM… Butter (/homer) If I came to your home, this repair would be close to $100. including the part and tax. If you brought it to the shop, somewhat less. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-flatscreen-tv-is-buzzing/485055/16 "2009-02-09T20:32:20Z")
OK, that’s not bad. And a 26" set is small enough to fit in a car. So some consumer electronics issues are still worth fixing. I thought we were at the point that these things were disposable. (Mind you, I remember having a black and white television in my parents’ house fail and when it stopped working, bringing all of the vacuum tubes to Radio Shack so we could test them on the machine and then buy the replacement for the defective tube for about five bucks.) ---
**Author:** ![longPath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/bb73d2/32.png) [@longPath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/longPath)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-flatscreen-tv-is-buzzing/485055/17 "2009-02-09T20:39:13Z")
> [@Dinsdale](#): > > We recently bought a new TV (Samsung 37" LCD) and it made an intermittent buzzing sound. We upgraded to digital cable, and when the guy came to set it up, he said “I’ll take care of that” and did something to correct it while programming it. > > Unfortunately, that TV broke after ~ 10 days. Fortunately, after a long hard fight with the store we got a replacement. Unfortunately, the new set is beginning to buzz again. Gonna have to try to figure out what the cable guy did… I too would like to know what the cable guy did. Usually, they make our lives hell… What is the full model number on your TV? There should be a sticker on the back, on right-hand side. ---
**Author:** ![Knowed\_Out](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/knowed_out/32/7380_2.png) [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-flatscreen-tv-is-buzzing/485055/18 "2009-02-09T22:04:46Z")
> [@longPath](#): > > I am _clearly_ in way over my head here… hehe well, I had no idea what you were meant when you talked about the transformer in switch-mode power supply, so that was just my wildassed guess. I take it this isn’t just something I can fix myself by taking off a panel somewhere and replacing a part? ---
**Author:** ![longPath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/bb73d2/32.png) [@longPath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/longPath)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2009, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-flatscreen-tv-is-buzzing/485055/19 "2009-02-09T23:14:51Z")
> [@Knowed\_Out](#): > > hehe well, I had no idea what you were meant when you talked about the transformer in switch-mode power supply, so that was just my wildassed guess. I take it this isn’t just something I can fix myself by taking off a panel somewhere and replacing a part? My humble apologies. The (albeit tenuous) similarity between your ID and that of “KneadtoKnow” had me somewhat confused. I was thinking that the question about remotes was a jest. Depending on your comfort level with technology, you may be able to tackle this yout own self. May we start again? ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2009, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-flatscreen-tv-is-buzzing/485055/20 "2009-02-10T03:01:47Z")
Are there any dangerous voltages on a modern LCD or Plasma TV? Unplugged of course. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-flatscreen-tv-is-buzzing/485055.md?page=2)