Samsung TV Problems With Humming
By Mindi Orth
Although some Samsung TVs naturally emit a soft hum resulting from the electrical charge used to create the screen images, excessive or loud humming may indicate a problem. Several factors can cause this noisy disturbance, including incorrect installation, connection troubles and interference. Troubleshoot the TV and connections to determine if the hum is the result of these external factors or if malfunctioning hardware inside your Samsung TV is to blame.
Source
A problem with the audio and video input source remains the most common culprit behind audio distortion and humming. Change the channel to determine if the sound is a result of a specific broadcast issue. Verify input source operation. For example, if you connect directly to a cable wall jack, then connect a different TV to rule out a problem with the jack. If you use a digital receiver or cable box, connect a different TV to the box to confirm device functionality.
Placement
Placing your Samsung TV too close to the wall or other solid surface may result in excessive noise such as humming and buzzing. As the back of the TV touches the wall, the audio may produce vibrations that cause the TV to tap, or vibrate, against the surface. In addition, an improperly mounted TV may vibrate against wall-mount hardware. Leaving space between the back of the TV and any solid surface prevents this from occurring.
Picture Settings
Some picture settings may cause your Samsung TV to hum. If you turn your television’s brightness setting too high, the TV may emit a loud hum. Although this doesn't occur with all television models, it's common with plasma TVs. Turning down the brightness settings often resolves the problem.
Cables
The cables connected to the back of your Samsung TV may be to blame for the humming you hear. A loose cable may diminish picture and sound quality and create a noisy hum. Connecting a cable to the wrong port on the back of your TV also may result in audio and video problems. Confirm the cables connect securely into the appropriate jacks to avoid audio noise and distortion. In addition, inspect the cables and replace them if you find any signs of damage, including exposed wires and loose connectors.
External Speakers
Problems with the external speakers connected to your Samsung TV may cause audio distortion and humming. This noise often increases as you increase the volume of the speakers. Confirm that the speaker cable connects firmly into the audio output jack on your Samsung TV. Turn off the external speakers and use the TV’s internal speakers. If the humming continues after you turn off the external speakers, then the speakers aren't to blame.
Hardware
When certain hardware components within your Samsung TV malfunction, a humming noise may result. Many Samsung TVs feature a sound test you can use to diagnose potential hardware problems. This test allows you confirm the problem lies with the TV hardware and not with an external factor such as cabling or video sources. To gain access to the sound self-test, press the “Menu” button on the remote control, and then select “Support.” Select the “Self Diagnosis” option, and then select “Sound Test.” If you can't hear the test melody, then your Samsung TV has experienced some sort of hardware failure. Refer to your warranty for coverage information and detailed instructions on whom to contact for the repair. If the warranty on your Samsung TV has expired, you can choose to perform any repairs yourself or you can contact a service repair technician for additional assistance.
Writer Bio
Mindi Orth began writing in 1996 as a technical writer for a consulting firm. She has experience in business documentation and has authored training and instructional materials. Orth holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Baldwin-Wallace College.