Have you ever been relaxing in front of your TV when suddenly you hear an annoying humming sound coming from your device? Not only can it be distracting, but it may also be a sign of a potential issue.
Understanding the meaning behind TV humming and knowing some troubleshooting tips can help you address the problem and enjoy your TV-watching experience without any disturbances.
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
TV Humming: How To Fix
To fix the TV buzzing sound, try unplugging it for a few minutes and then plugging it back in. If the problem persists, ensure the device is properly grounded and check for any loose or damaged cables. If all else fails, consult a qualified technician for further assistance.
What Does TV Humming Mean?
TV humming is a low-frequency, steady noise that comes from television. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as electromagnetic interference, a faulty power supply, or internal component damage. While it may not always be a cause for concern, persistent or loud humming may indicate a more serious problem that requires professional attention.
What Is the Cause of TV Humming and How To Fix It?
To fix a humming TV, identifying the cause of the sound is crucial. Here are the main causes of TV humming and their solutions.
1. CRT Scanning
If you’re attached to your old CRT TV, be prepared for some buzzing and humming noises. These TVs work by shooting electrons into the screen, which produces a low buzzing sound.
Solution
The low buzzing sound from CRT TVs is normal and usually not noticeable. However, if it bothers you, you can still enjoy your classic TV by reducing the volume or considering upgrading to an LCD TV.
Just make sure to recycle your old TV responsibly.
2. Ground Loops
TV humming from ground loops can happen when multiple devices are plugged into different wall outlets, causing a voltage difference. This can result in an annoying humming sound when you connect your TV, cable box, subwoofer, and DVD player using different extensions.
Solution
To fix ground loop hums, use one power extension and connect it to a single wall outlet at a time. If the issue persists, install a ground loop isolator between your peripherals and the TV.
3. Electromagnetic Interference
Other electronic devices like amateur radios, microwaves, computers, WiFi routers, and Bluetooth speakers can cause electromagnetic interference that leads to TV humming. These gadgets can also affect frequency signals and disturb your TV’s performance.
Solution
To avoid electromagnetic interference, keep wireless frequency and electronic devices, as well as metal objects, away from the TV. Additionally, make sure that any auxiliary cables are not entangled or intertwined with each other.
Simple adjustments can eliminate unwanted noise and improve your TV viewing experience.
4. Overmodulation
Most digital TVs have an RF modulator that converts signals from peripherals like VCRs, satellites, cable boxes, and DVD players into TV signals.
When these signals are too strong for the modulator, video and audio distortion occurs, leading to a humming sound from the TV, also known as overmodulation.
Solution
To fix overmodulation in your TV, there are two ways to do it:
First, try installing an attenuator between the cable box and the TV receiver if you use a satellite tuner or cable box. This reduces the signal strength and stops the TV from buzzing.
Alternatively, consider upgrading your cable box or satellite tuner to a newer model.
5. Unbalanced Audio Volume
TV humming can be caused by unbalanced audio between your TV and digital receiver or cable box and their volume levels.
If the volume on your TV is too high or too low compared to the digital receiver or cable box, it can cause a humming sound.
Solution
To fix this issue, balance the volume of your TV with your digital receiver or cable box. Ensure the volume is not too low or high on either device and check that the audio cables are correctly plugged in. Remember to experiment until you find the best balance.
6. Faulty Speakers
Every TV has built-in speakers that can get damaged over time due to wear and tear or moisture. As a result, your TV may start making a humming or buzzing sound.
Solution
To check if the humming sound is coming from your internal speakers, mute your TV. If the sound disappears, connect your TV to external speakers to turn off the faulty internal speakers and stop the buzzing sound.
If that doesn’t work, replace the faulty speakers with new ones. You can contact your TV manufacturer and ask for new replacement parts. However, be careful when unscrewing the TV to avoid damaging the screen or receiving an electric shock.
7. Improper Backlight Setting
Did you know that incorrect backlight settings can cause TV humming? If you adjust the backlight level to 100 percent, you may hear a soft humming sound.
Moreover, if the power inverter that is responsible for backlighting malfunctions, this sound can become more audible.
Solution
You can try adjusting the backlight setting on your TV. To do this, follow the below steps:
- Press the Home button on your TV remote.
- Navigate to Settings > Picture Settings and then adjust the backlight settings up or down.
Note that some TVs may produce a humming sound at 100% backlight level, while others may do so below 100%.
So, always keep your backlight settings in check, and don’t forget to save the changes before exiting the settings menu.
8. Obstructed or Malfunctioning Cooling Fans
Most large TVs have integrated cooling fans and vents to maintain a proper temperature. Over time, debris and dust can accumulate over these fans and vents, blocking the airflow. As a result, obstructing these can cause the TV to overheat and make a buzzing sound.
Solution
To resolve this, keep the area around your TV clear and dust up the fans and vents.
9. Temperature Changes and Poor Ventilation
As discussed above, if your TV is not ventilated correctly or experiences temperature changes, it may make unusual noises.
Temperature changes can make the TV contract or expand slightly and make a cracking noise.
Solution
To prevent this TV damage due to temperature, ensure your TV is kept in a well-ventilated area to allow good airflow.
In hot areas, it is better to mount the TV on the wall instead of keeping it in an enclosed cabinet. However, if you must use a cabinet, ensure it is well-ventilated.
Additionally, avoid exposing your TV to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
Additional Fixes to Stop TV Buzzing Sound
If the above solutions didn’t work, here are other quick fixes to stop the TV buzzing sound in no time:
1. Soft Reset Your TV
Soft resetting your TV can solve a range of audio and picture problems, including preventing a humming sound. Follow these steps to do so:
- Turn off and unplug the TV from the power outlet.
- Hold the power button for 30 seconds to drain any residual power inside your TV.
- Plug the TV back in and turn it on.
Listen for any unusual sounds. In case the humming persists, consider checking the grounding or moving on to the next fix.
2. Check the Cables
Ensure all cables are securely connected to the correct, color-coded inputs on the TV and external devices.
- If using RF coaxial cables from a cable provider or antenna, try changing channels to see if the buzzing stops. If it does, the TV may not be the issue. Remember to check for loose or damaged cables as well.
- For component cables, ensure the red connections for video and audio are in the right ports.
3. Check for TV Firmware Update
The next thing you can do is check for a firmware update on your TV. Here’s how.
- Go to Settings and click on Support.
- Select Software Update and see if there’s an update available.
If there is, install the update, and your TV will automatically reboot for a few minutes. Once updated, check if the TV humming issue persists.
4. Replace the Audio Cable
If the above solutions don’t work, consider replacing the audio cables connected to your TV, like the RF coaxial or HDMI cable. Once you do, check if you still hear the TV buzzing sound.
If the humming, crackling, or buzzing continues even after changing the audio cables, seek assistance from a qualified technician and ask for repair.
5. Connect an Alternate Device to the Same Input on the TV
To identify the source of the buzzing or humming on your TV, connect a different device using the same cables and input. For instance, connect a DVD player to the same input that your cable box was connected to.
If the second device doesn’t produce the same noise, it means that the original device is causing the issue. You may need to replace or repair the faulty device to fix the problem.
6. Try Connecting the External Device on Another TV
To identify if your TV is the cause of buzzing, crackling, or humming sounds, try connecting the external device to another TV using the same cable.
If the issue persists on the second TV, then your TV is not the problem. Additionally, if the problem is with the TV, try connecting a different external device to it to rule out any other causes.
7. Perform a Factory Reset
If you’re still hearing the TV humming, crackling, or buzzing, consider performing a factory reset on your TV. Restoring your TV to factory defaults can help resolve a range of issues. However, resetting your TV to factory defaults will delete or remove all your data and personal settings.
Follow the steps below:
- Press the Home button on your TV remote.
- Navigate to Settings > Storage and Reset or Device Preferences > Factory Reset.
Confirm your actions, and your TV will restore to its factory defaults in a few minutes. Check if the TV humming stops. If it doesn’t, contact your TV manufacturer for further assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is normal for some TVs to make a humming noise, especially when they are powered on. This humming sound is typically caused by the electrical components inside the TV, such as the transformer or capacitor. However, if the noise is unusually loud or persistent, it may indicate a problem and should be checked by a technician.
A buzzing TV is not necessarily dangerous, but it can be a sign of a potential issue with the device. In some cases, the buzzing may be caused by a faulty power supply or other internal component, which could pose a safety risk. It’s best to contact a qualified technician if your TV shows any unusual behavior.
The Bottom Line
A humming TV can be a frustrating issue to deal with, but it’s important to understand the meaning behind it and how to troubleshoot the problem. By following the tips outlined, you can identify the cause of the humming and take appropriate steps to fix it.
Remember, if you’re unsure about any aspect of TV repair, always consult a qualified technician to ensure your safety and prevent further damage to your device.
Were you able to fix the TV humming issue? If so, please share your experience in the comments below!
