Learn how to troubleshoot and fix common issues with your home theater speakers, from buzzing sounds and cable problems to simple checks like the mute button, before calling technical support.
Nearly everyone nowadays has a home theater speaker system installed in their home. Most commercially available LCD TVs are bundled with speakers, and it is a true joy to watch your favorite movies or television series with excellent video and audio quality. However, it is entirely possible for your speakers to malfunction in the middle of a viewing session, and you may want to take a quick look before calling technical support. Read the article below to see if there are steps you can take on your own.
- Checking the mute button: Sometimes this is the easiest culprit to catch, as people frequently forget they hit the mute button. Check your remote control or TV display to see if the system is muted or if the remote control still has working batteries.
- Pinpointing the erring speakers: If there is a buzz in your speakers and you do not know where it is coming from, you can locate the source by methodically lowering the volume of all speakers except one. Do this until you can identify which speaker the buzzing sound is coming from, and check for any obstructions on the speaker unit itself.
- Checking the cable box: If your cable box is humming, you can fix it by disconnecting it from the cable feed while it remains connected to the receiver. This should eliminate the humming sound. If this does not work, there may be an issue with your cable ground, which you can resolve by purchasing a ground loop isolator.
- Checking your connection to the TV or projector: A disturbing humming sound can also originate from your video output unit, such as your TV set or projector. You can verify this by temporarily disconnecting it from the audio source to see if the humming stops. You can also resolve this issue by obtaining an isolation transformer compatible with your projector or TV unit.
- Checking the cables: Other common culprits are the cables connecting your equipment. Check to ensure they are snugly plugged into their proper terminals, remain in good condition, and have no exposed wiring.
A thorough cleaning of your speakers, their outer covers, and surfaces is also a good way to eliminate or reduce the chances of a malfunction during use. If all of these measures fail, it is time to consult your equipment's instruction manual. If the troubleshooting guides there do not help, you should call the customer service hotline and be ready to present your receipt and warranty card, if applicable. Your unit may also be suffering from overheating or overuse. Make sure not to use it for extended periods without a break; even if the manufacturer states it can handle high volume levels, it is best not to abuse your equipment. Any popping or sparking must be brought to the service staff's immediate attention, as you may have an electrical wiring issue.
Troubleshooting Home Theater Rear Speakers
Learn how to troubleshoot and fix common issues with your home theater speakers, from buzzing sounds and cable problems to simple checks like the mute button, before calling technical support.
Nearly everyone nowadays has a home theater speaker system installed in their home. Most commercially available LCD TVs are bundled with speakers, and it is a true joy to watch your favorite movies or television series with excellent video and audio quality. However, it is entirely possible for your speakers to malfunction in the middle of a viewing session, and you may want to take a quick look before calling technical support. Read the article below to see if there are steps you can take on your own.
- Checking the mute button: Sometimes this is the easiest culprit to catch, as people frequently forget they hit the mute button. Check your remote control or TV display to see if the system is muted or if the remote control still has working batteries.
- Pinpointing the erring speakers: If there is a buzz in your speakers and you do not know where it is coming from, you can locate the source by methodically lowering the volume of all speakers except one. Do this until you can identify which speaker the buzzing sound is coming from, and check for any obstructions on the speaker unit itself.
- Checking the cable box: If your cable box is humming, you can fix it by disconnecting it from the cable feed while it remains connected to the receiver. This should eliminate the humming sound. If this does not work, there may be an issue with your cable ground, which you can resolve by purchasing a ground loop isolator.
- Checking your connection to the TV or projector: A disturbing humming sound can also originate from your video output unit, such as your TV set or projector. You can verify this by temporarily disconnecting it from the audio source to see if the humming stops. You can also resolve this issue by obtaining an isolation transformer compatible with your projector or TV unit.
- Checking the cables: Other common culprits are the cables connecting your equipment. Check to ensure they are snugly plugged into their proper terminals, remain in good condition, and have no exposed wiring.
A thorough cleaning of your speakers, their outer covers, and surfaces is also a good way to eliminate or reduce the chances of a malfunction during use. If all of these measures fail, it is time to consult your equipment's instruction manual. If the troubleshooting guides there do not help, you should call the customer service hotline and be ready to present your receipt and warranty card, if applicable. Your unit may also be suffering from overheating or overuse. Make sure not to use it for extended periods without a break; even if the manufacturer states it can handle high volume levels, it is best not to abuse your equipment. Any popping or sparking must be brought to the service staff's immediate attention, as you may have an electrical wiring issue.
Troubleshooting Home Theater Rear Speakers
By Howtodotips
Learn how to troubleshoot and fix common issues with your home theater speakers, from buzzing sounds and cable problems to simple checks like the mute button, before calling technical support.