As an owner of a Vizio TV, I know first-hand how frustrating it can be when the TV makes a popping sound. It can be a real nuisance and can disrupt your viewing experience. I was determined to get to the bottom of this issue so I did some research and tried a few tips and tricks to troubleshoot the problem. I’m writing this blog post to share how I solved the popping sound issue and what other solutions I discovered. Keep reading to learn more about the causes and fixes of the Vizio TV popping sound issue.
A popping sound on Vizio TVs can indicate issues with the cable connections, poorly optimized audio input, or signal interference. It might even point to hardware issues, like a blown capacitor.
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Loose or Faulty Cable Connections | Frayed, torn, or damaged cables, or loose connections. | Inspect and replace damaged cables. Tighten loose plugs. |
| Enabled SRS TruVolume and SRS TruSurround Features | SRS TruVolume and SRS TruSurround may drown out certain sounds and maximize background noise. | Disable TruVolume and TruSurround in the Audio Settings menu. |
| Signal Interference From External Devices | Devices connected to the TV or other electronics in the room release radio waves that interfere with the audio signal. | Troubleshoot external devices, disconnect and test them one at a time. Move electronic devices away from the TV. |
| Power Supply Issues Damaging the Capacitor | An incorrect power supply can cause power surges that damage the capacitor. | Check the power supply and consult a professional technician or Vizio’s customer support services for repair or replacement of the capacitor. |
| Unidentified Glitches | Glitches in the TV’s system causing popping sounds. | Perform a power cycle by turning off and unplugging the TV, holding the power button for 30 seconds, and cooling it down for an hour. |
Table of Contents
4 Common Causes Behind Popping Sounds on a Vizio TV
Let’s first check some of the most common causes. This way, you can identify the exact source of the popping or crackling sound inside your Vizio TV.
- Loose or Faulty Cable Connections
Frayed, torn, or damaged cables running from your Vizio TV to input devices or external speakers can affect the audio quality.
However, even intact cables can still cause distorted sound if the connection is loose.
- Enabled SRS TruVolume and SRS TruSurround Features
Vizio TVs offer many audio features, including SRS TruVolume and SRS TruSurround. Instead of having sound all over the place, both features can provide an immersive experience.
However, the downside is that you could hear a popping noise. It’s possible that these features are drowning out certain sounds from the TV while maximizing the background noise, creating a distracting sound.
- Signal Interference From External Devices
Your TV’s input sources can directly interfere with your sound system, causing the popping sound you’re hearing. For instance, this could trace back to the devices connected to your Vizio, such as a DVD player or a gaming console.
Other electronic devices in the room may be the culprit, as they release radio waves that could also interfere with the audio signal.
- Power Supply Issues Damaging the Capacitor
An incorrect power supply can cause a power surge to your TV, damaging the capacitor responsible for stabilizing the electric flow inside the Vizio TV set.
In that case, your capacitor will overheat and emit a popping noise. If you leave this issue unfixed, it may worsen and lead to hardware failure.
5 Ways to Fix a Vizio TV With Popping Sounds
Now that we’ve considered what could be causing the popping or humming sound on your Vizio TV, let’s see what you can do to fix the issue.
- Inspect and Replace Damaged Cables
If you have a cable service, inspect your coaxial cable for any damage and tighten loose plugs. You might also want to check if your dish is still intact if you’re running on satellite services.
If you spot anything that’s damaged, such as a worn-out cable or a dented satellite dish, you’ll need to get replacements. We recommend opting for cables with greater shielding to avoid signal interference that causes static noise.
- Adjust the Vizio TV’s Sound Settings
If TruVolume and TruSurround are enabled on your Vizio TV, you can disable them to see if it solves the popping noise.
To turn both features off, grab your remote and press Menu > Audio Settings. From there, you can open Advance Audio and choose to disable TruVolume and TruSurround.
- Troubleshoot External Devices
Disconnect the devices connected to the TV and try streaming content from multiple sources, one at a time. This can help you identify which device is causing the popping sound. After finding the culprit, check for damaged ports, faulty hardware, or outdated software.
If the popping sound persists, try moving any electronic devices away from the TV to prevent signal interference. You might even need to remove something as small as a phone from the room.
- Check Power Supply and Get Professional Help
If you suspect a failing capacitor, check your power sources to confirm if your power supply is fluctuating. If so, only an experienced professional may repair or replace a failing capacitor.
So, you’ll need to call a TV technician or Vizio’s customer support services to tackle the repairs.
- Perform a Power Cycle
Another solution that you can try is doing a power cycle. It can help tackle any unidentified glitches on your TV.
To run a power cycle, follow these steps:
- Turn off and unplug your Vizio TV.
- Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds.
- Cool down your TV for an hour.
- Plug it back in and check if the popping noise is gone.
Conclusion
A popping sound on a Vizio TV can be due to shaky connections, signal interference, faulty hardware, or glitches. It could even be caused by a sound feature that’s amplifying the background noise.
Once you’ve determined the culprit, you can try the simple solutions first, from replacing damaged cables to disabling the Vizio’s extra sound features.
If all else fails, you might need to contact Vizio’s support services for help.
