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Plasma Buzz

Scott Wilkinson  |  Jul 6, 2011

I bought a Panasonic TC-P50ST30 plasma TV (seen here), and I hear a slight buzz from where I sit if there is no sound playing. I read that this is normal for plasma technology. Is that true? Should I call Panasonic for a replacement?

Hunter Cvetko

This is fairly normal for a plasma TV. If you can't hear it while watching regular program material at a comfortable volume level, I wouldn't worry about it. I don't think there's any need to call Panasonic for a replacement, which might very well have the same buzz.

It becomes a more serious problem if you live at a high altitude—say, above 2500 to 5000 feet, depending on the model—where lowered atmospheric pressure can cause the plasma to run hotter and emit a loud buzz as well as increased fan noise. In this case, you need to find a plasma that has been rated for high-altitude operation. If you live at a high altitude, go to a dealer in your area and see if the plasma TVs in the showroom are buzzing—or perhaps the dealer doesn't carry plasma TVs for just this reason. In this case, an LCD TV might be a better option.

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COMMENTS
AVtheaterguy's picture
Submitted by AVtheaterguy on July 7, 2011 - 11:33am

On my 42" Pioneer Plasma (PDP-4271) I get the buzz, but I find that the buzzing increases and decreases in volume based on how much "WHITE" is on the screen. If the screen is very bright, or WHITE, I hear a lot of buzzing, but durring darker scenes the buzzing is almost non-existent.

I always figured that was a function of the plasma cells charging being hot (i.e. bright).

At least that's what I thought was the case.

-Adam

benjaminHjill's picture
Submitted by benjaminHjill on October 19, 2012 - 2:55am

Is there a downside to donating to much plasma over a period of time?It seems like every time i donate later in the evening my stomach seems upset.
Suezz Shah

JAKEMON's picture
Submitted by JAKEMON on July 7, 2011 - 4:47pm

I have a Pioneer Elite Pro 141-FD The Signature 60" Plasma and it does not hum. Perhaps it is due to the lack of a tuner as this is a monitor.

Regards,

David

herrysam's picture
Submitted by herrysam on July 8, 2011 - 9:39pm

This is a very good information about Panasonic TC-P50ST30 plasma TV.Those people buying a Pansonic products but her knowledge is not clear about products.This is a helpful post.

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