Have you noticed a popping or crackling sound coming from your TV when you turn it on? Sometimes, these annoying sounds come up after you’ve turned your TV off.
Don’t worry. Things are not as bad as they sound.
The popping sound is quite common, especially with old table TVs. It is mainly caused by the expansion and contraction of specific components. It can also be coming from a faulty audio system.
This article will discuss the common causes of this distracting sound and detailed steps to help you fix it.
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What Is the Crackling/Popping Sound in a TV?
TVs are made of plastic and metal parts, which are affected by the temperature they are exposed to. Temperature changes of any kind can either cause them to expand or contract.
Popping sounds due to temperature changes are not harmful to you or your TV. However, other more concerning factors can cause popping sounds.
In the next section, we’ll discuss the various possible reasons for your TV’s popping sounds.
Why Does My TV Make a Popping Noise?
1. Expansion and contraction
It is common for electronics to get hot while in use due to the energy being generated.
When your TV is turned on, the heat generated in that enclosed space makes the plastic and metal components expand. This expansion is what makes the crackling or popping sound in your TV.
If the popping sounds come up when you turn on your TV, don’t worry. Anything that expands will contract under the right circumstances.
So, when you turn off your TV, it starts to cool down. Once the heat that caused those components to expand is absent, they contract, returning to their normal state and making crackling sounds again.
2. Faulty speaker or audio system
Crackling or popping sounds in your TV can be caused by a faulty audio system.
This could be a result of a loose or partial connection affecting the transmission of audio signals from your media player to your TV’s speakers.
The popping can also be a result of advanced audio settings. A speaker can only handle a specific volume range, even with the advanced audio feature.
When the volume surpasses the range the speaker can handle, either from how it was built or due to being too old and worn out, it produces crackling or distorted audio.
The problem may also be from the speaker itself. A speaker with a damaged component will produce distorted or crackling audio, especially when set to a high volume. If the speaker is completely blown out, there will be no audio at all.
3. Bad power supply
One of the internal components of a TV is the capacitor. The capacitor is a device that takes electric current and filters it out in the right amount needed for the TV to work.
When the capacitor is overcharged or takes in too much electric current, it makes a popping sound.
A faulty or unstable power source can be harmful to your TV. Therefore, you need to act fast in this situation to avoid further damage.
Warning: If you suspect that your power source has caused the capacitor to overcharge, seek professional help. Do not open up the TV and touch a charged capacitor; it can electrocute and kill you.
How To Fix the Popping Noise on Your TV
As mentioned earlier, the popping sound caused by expansion and contraction might not be harmful, but it can be distracting, especially when trying to enjoy a program.
If that is the case for you, there are ways to stop the sound from coming up. Below are a few steps you can follow to prevent that distracting sound.
1. Moderate Usage
Using your TV for an extended period can increase the heat generated. Please avoid using your TV for long stretches of time, and always keep it turned off when not in use.
2. Proper Ventilation and Placement
The lack of or insufficient ventilation can speed up and increase the heat generation in your TV, triggering the expansion of its internal components.
Make sure that there is adequate ventilation wherever you mount or store your TV.
Ensure the TV is not in a position where the vents are blocked (i.e., against the wall or very close to large furniture).
3. Maintenance
Maintenance is an essential part of owning a TV. Below are ways you can take care of your TV:
- Dust particles can enter your TV through the vents, blocking heat expulsion from inside the TV. It is advisable to regularly clean the inside of your TV.
- Fix and replace any faulty power source, like a wall socket or an extension cord, so that it supplies your TV with the appropriate and consistent current it requires.
- You may also need to get a surge protector and connect your TV to it—surge protectors block out current surges or spikes that can overcharge your TV’S capacitor.
- Also, please have your capacitor checked by a professional TV technician when you notice persistent popping sounds. Replace your TV’s capacitor if it is faulty to prevent any further damage.
- If you discover that your problem is coming from a damaged speaker or connection during the check-up, try to get that fixed or replace the speaker.
- Keep your TV’s volume on a moderate level, and avoid setting the volume too high. Excessively high volumes don’t just affect your speaker — they can also be very harmful to your ears.
- Keep any device that can interfere with audio signals away from your TV setup, like hairdryers, electric drills, and phone chargers.
Conclusion
It is not unusual for electronic devices to develop faults during use. However, it is vital to tackle these issues before they escalate or affect the whole device.
Popping sounds coming from your TV are often a result of temperature changes, power fluctuation, or faults within the TV’s speaker. Once you identify the cause, you can stop the occurrence.
Nonetheless, we strongly recommend employing the proper maintenance practices outlined in the article. After all, prevention is better than cure.
Gabriella ‘Diogo is a content writer with a vested interest in tech hardware and equipment. She shares her knowledge and processes in an easy-to-grasp, lighthearted style. When she’s not testing or researching device performance, you’ll find her writing short stories or rewatching episodes of her favorite sitcoms.