As a frustrated TV owner, I’ve spent too much time trying to figure out why my TV’s sound seems distorted. After doing extensive research on the causes and solutions, I’m writing this blog post to share my experiences, along with the different tips and tricks I discovered. In this post, I’ll be discussing the causes of distorted sound from a TV and some of the ways you can fix it.
Your TV likely has distorted sound due to external or internal factors. The external causes are signals or connections that might be interfering with your TV’s functions. On the other hand, the internal factors are problems inside the unit or with its settings.
| Cause of Sound Distortion | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Signal Interference | Interference from other electronic devices or issues with antenna reception | 1. Identify and move interfering devices away from the TV |
| 2. Adjust the antenna for better reception | ||
| Problems with Cable Connection | Loose or damaged connections (composite, AV, HDMI) | 1. Reconnect all cables securely |
| 2. Inspect cables for damage and replace if needed | ||
| External Speaker Issues | Issues with connected external speakers | 1. Check speaker functionality |
| 2. Use proper settings to match TV model | ||
| Soft Reset | Technical glitches within the TV | 1. Turn off the TV and unplug it from the wall outlet for 60 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on |
| Problems with TV Settings | Issues with inbuilt system settings or equalizer settings | 1. Perform a Sound Test if available |
| 2. Reset the equalizer settings or perform a Factory Reset if needed (be aware that you’ll need to reconfigure settings) | ||
| Poor Maintenance | Improper handling or lack of care | 1. Keep the TV away from moisture and extreme temperatures |
| 2. Avoid extended periods of use, turn off when not in use, and allow proper ventilation | ||
| 3. Regularly clean dust from the TV set |
Table of Contents
What Causes TV Sound Distortion?
Sound distortion indicates that something has changed in the system’s original configuration. It differs depending on the causes and how serious the problem is. It can make the audio sound harsh or impure.
The problem may be caused by random unrelated/external signals added to the TV’s original component, which include the following:
- Signal interference
- Problems with cable connection
Sound distortion may also be due to related/dependent factors to the original component of your TV set, such as:
- Problems with settings
- Poor maintenance
How Do I Fix the Distorted Sound on My TV?
To troubleshoot the problem, you must first know what’s causing the sound distortion. Here’s a look at some of the causes of the TV’s audio problem due to external factors and how to fix them:
Fixing Sound Distortion Caused by External Causes
It is possible that the problem may be caused by something you have attached or forgot to attach to your TV set.
Signal Interference
There may be other electronic devices placed in close range of your television. These devices emit sonic waves, radio waves, electromagnetic waves, and other signals that may cause signal interference on your TV.
To check if any devices are causing signal interference, you can try turning on one device at a time, along with your television. Do this until you find which device is causing the trouble.
Once found, move the device that’s causing the interference away from the television or vice versa.
On the other hand, if you’re using an antenna, you may be having problems with signal reception. You can try adjusting the antenna to check if this will solve your dilemma.
Problems with Cable Connections
Check all the cable connections of your TV (composite, AV, and HDMI). The first thing you’ll need to do is remove and reconnect all cables from the input source and your TV set.
Then, ensure that all cables are properly (and tightly) connected in their designated slots. You should also check the cables for any sign of damage. If you think they are irreparable, then go and buy a replacement.
Other External Causes of Audio Problems
If you have connected external speakers to the unit, check that they are working fine.
You must also ensure that you have used the proper settings to match your TV model. You can read more about this in the speaker’s product manual.
Fixing Sound Distortion Caused by Internal Causes
The problem with the TV audio may also be caused by something found within the unit. Here are the possible internal causes of the TV unit’s audio problem.
Try a soft reset
A soft reset, is where you turn off the TV and unplug it from the wall outlet. You then usually have to wait for 60 seconds then you can put the plug back in and turn the TV on again. Performing a soft reset clears a device’s internal memory of running programs, which often clears up any technical glitches.
Problems With Your TV Settings
Your TV comes with inbuilt system settings, which you can access by using its remote control.
If you have the option to choose Sound Test from the menu, perform this self-diagnosis to find out if the audio sounds good or not. If it’s working well, then the problem may be with other settings or cable connections.
Reset the Equalizer settings if the audio distortion persists. If this doesn’t solve the problem, try resetting the TV configuration.
You must remember that if you’re doing a Factory Reset of your TV settings, you need to rechoose all your desired settings. You may also be required to enter a default PIN included in your TV set’s manual.
Poor Maintenance
The sound quality of your TV may decline due to improper handling and lack of maintenance and care. Here are the ways of keeping your TV sets properly working:
- Keep the unit away from moisture.
- Avoid turning on the TV when the temperature is freezing because the condensation can cause it to malfunction.
- Refrain from using the TV for an extended period since it may cause burn-ins that can affect the quality of its image and sound.
- Turn it off when not in use since the unit has a limited lifecycle of about 65,000 hours.
- Place the unit in a room where it can get enough ventilation to cool itself once you turn it off.
- Wipe off the dust from the TV set regularly to prevent it from settling.
Conclusion
Sound distortion is a common problem that many television users face. You have to determine if it’s caused by an external or an internal factor, so you can try to address and fix the issue.
Look into all the factors listed above and perform the necessary checkups and quick fixes. If nothing works and the problem persists, it’s your green light to call a handyman who is an expert in the field.
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