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Computer sound into tv

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techie131

MIS
Jun 23, 2005
60
CA
I have a computer plugged into a tv using a s video cable and stereo to rca cable for the sound. The video is found but I noticed that the tv gives off a buzzing sound. If I am actually playing something on the tv that has sound it sounds just fine. The buzzing sound is only there when I have nothing playing on the TV. Can anyone tell me what could be causing this buzzing sound
 
not wholly sure but it could be that the sound is too high. I have had this problem with head phones on my PC and reducing the volume seemed to solve the problem. if nothing else makes the buzzing tolerable. hope this helps.
 
Are you sure it's plugged into the Audio on the PC and not the Mic? Maybe also try another RCA cable; it may be bad
 
techie131,

I'd tend to agree with the latter 2 posts. If I had to put the likely causes in order, they'd be:

1. Plugged into wrong holes - but since you have sound, I doubt that here.

2. Grounding issues - I found out that especially when dealing with audio, this can be an awful nuisance. You could very well have created a ground loop in the equipment which is only showing up in the buzzing sound. Fun getting those sorted out - there are LOTS of forum postings on different sites about the very issue, particularly related to audio.

3. Bad wires - possible, but not as likely to give you the "buzz" - more likely to cut in and out, or pop if you touch it, etc.

4. Bad audio drivers on the computer. It's possible, but not likely. Did you test the sound with normal PC speakers before going to the t.v.

5. Problems with the audio on the t.v. It's possible for the t.v. to have issues with external sound sources, such as a PC, but no issues with sound from the t.v. itself (assuming you use a built-in t.v. tuner.

For the grounding issue, there are different things to check. First, make sure you are plugged to a grounded outlet. If you don't have a grounded outlet, then a Series Mode surge protector could help, as it protects without a ground. It also is great for audio applications, b/c the way it works basically eliminates the possibility for such noise to even exist via ground-loops. A ground loop, basically, when some extra juice pops off one device onto the ground, and then comes up the other ground... and well, loops... [smile] Well, probably not the best explanation, and maybe not 100% correct. If you want to know the ins and outs, and more detail, there are TONS of resources on the web.

For info on some Series Mode Surge protectors, look at one of these:


and


and


I got 2 Brick Wall surge protectors ($300 or so) models on eBay a few years ago for about $100 each. Haven't seen as good a deal since. I have seen a few from the other manufacturers, though, on eBay. You can find them otherwise, but don't expect it to be cheap.

Oh, when I did research, previously, on Series vs MOV surge protectors, I did come across at least one or two people on forum boards saying that Series Mode wasn't all what it was cracked up to be. However, 99% of what I could find said that it is. [wink]

One other thought - with the grounding - it could simply be a problem within your computer which wasn't noticed until this issue.

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me
 
techie131,

Did you get the issue resolved?

--

"If to err is human, then I must be some kind of human!" -Me
 
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