Pioneer Kuro 5020, buzzing / humming noise?

[blurayuser09]

I just bought a Pioneer Kuro PDP-5020FD TV from Magnolia / Best Buy in the USA. The Kuro has a beautiful picture, but it's producing a buzzing or humming noise. I sit about 10-12 feet away, but I can still hear the sound even with the TV volume at a reasonable level. The buzzing varies with more noise when there's a bright picture. I have to say that my hearing is very good.

Anyone else have this problem? Should I exchange it, or is this a prevalent problem in all Kuro 5020 sets, or in all plasmas? Do you think the Sony XBR LCDs make this noise? I wouldn't mind exchanging for an XBR, since I'm quite sensitive to this time of hum.

[ManUtd]

There was a huge thread in AVS about humming/buzzing and I don't remember if there was one here too. Anyways, I suggest you get it replaced. For me it is only acceptable if I could only here it when I'm within a couple of feet from the panel and not from my normal viewing distance.

[syk69]

Originally Posted by blurayuser09

I just bought a Pioneer Kuro PDP-5020FD TV from Magnolia / Best Buy in the USA. The Kuro has a beautiful picture, but it's producing a buzzing or humming noise. I sit about 10-12 feet away, but I can still hear the sound even with the TV volume at a reasonable level. The buzzing varies with more noise when there's a bright picture. I have to say that my hearing is very good.

Anyone else have this problem? Should I exchange it, or is this a prevalent problem in all Kuro 5020 sets, or in all plasmas? Do you think the Sony XBR LCDs make this noise? I wouldn't mind exchanging for an XBR, since I'm quite sensitive to this time of hum.

you can either set it to power save mode 2 which will eliminate the buzz but max brightness potential will be lowered, or get used to it. because it sounds like your sensitive to the normal buzz that these pioneer plasmas emit. unless you can still hear it with volume set how you normally watch a movie then its defective.

[Tempest]

I was thinking of going Plasma for my next TV.. Is this normal for them to Buzz? I don't want to hear anything from a TV except the intended sound from the speakers. I don't care how good a picture you get, if you have to put up with a buzzing sound while watching a movie that is a definate deal breaker.

Do all plasma's making noise like this or just some? or just those defective?

[gtmorgan23]

plasmas tend to buzz at higher altitudes. More then likely his is defective if it is that loud. My plasma doesnt make a peep.

[DeadDog]

I don't have a Pioneer Kuro, but my set buzzes some. I never hear it though. I've only noticed it when I've had the TV muted and I'm standing right next to it.

Maybe you just have really sensitive hearing like you said. I can't notice mine at all when the volume is on at any level.

[blurayuser09]

Originally Posted by Tempest

I was thinking of going Plasma for my next TV..

Does your Sharp Aquos make a buzzing sound?

Does anyone know if the Sony XBRs make this type of noise?

[Sonny]

My 5020 has no buzz even when I stand behind it with the volume on mute or other wise. I've had a panasonic that I could hear if I stuck my head behind the set... This sounds like the OP should trade it out for another. I just muted my 5020 & with all other things silent if I put my ear to the back I can hear the faintest "buzz" I could possibly hear. I have perfect hearing, so I don't need to be told that I'm deft.

[graf1k]

Originally Posted by blurayuser09

Does your Sharp Aquos make a buzzing sound?

Does anyone know if the Sony XBRs make this type of noise?

I had a 46XBR6 that made a very slight buzzing noise that was only really audible when the TV is muted or volume is low and you are standing very near the back of the TV.

[aphex]

besides Sonny's apparently :X, 5020's tend to have a buzz. It's usually not noticeable unless it's a bright ass part of a movie where no ones talking. And it's usually only audible if you're sitting directly in front of it.

[Gremal]

All electronics emit some noise. It's no louder than my PS3 fan, Tivo 3 drive or PS Audio Premier fan that occasionally kicks in.

And certainly no louder than my neighbor who drives a Harley.

Don't sweat the small stuff.

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by aphex

besides Sonny's apparently :X, 5020's tend to have a buzz. It's usually not noticeable unless it's a bright ass part of a movie where no ones talking. And it's usually only audible if you're sitting directly in front of it.

I'm the only lucky one in the world I guess. I can hear a buzz if I put my head behind the TV if my ear really up to it is what I was saying, other wise it's silent. I'm sitting in front of my 5020 typing this on my iPhone. If you wanna stop by , the doors open? My HD DVR is louder than anything...

[blurayuser09]

I talked to the sales guy at Magnolia who sold the Kuro to me. He said that I could return it, but they don't have any more Kuros in stock for an exchange. Apparently new models are coming out.

[Cplhicks]

I have a 5020 and I haven't heard any buzzing. It's an amazing set.

[RogerR]

I was hearing a modest humming the last few days on my 5020, and I just performed the Firmware update that was posted today, and I can't hear a thing now. So it's POSSIBLE that the firmware update might help. Or it might not. Worth a shot. (See other thread about firmware update.)

[blurayuser09]

Originally Posted by syk69

you can either set it to power save mode 2 which will eliminate the buzz but max brightness potential will be lowered, or get used to it. because it sounds like your sensitive to the normal buzz that these pioneer plasmas emit. unless you can still hear it with volume set how you normally watch a movie then its defective.

Thanks. I just tried Energy Save mode 2. The buzzing was reduced noticeably. I also noticed that pure whites were darker but other colours didn't dim as much. Can anyone else tell the difference between Energy Save off and mode 2, in terms of buzz and picture?

[syk69]

Originally Posted by blurayuser09

Thanks. I just tried Energy Save mode 2. The buzzing was reduced noticeably. I also noticed that pure whites were darker but other colours didn't dim as much. Can anyone else tell the difference between Energy Save off and mode 2, in terms of buzz and picture?

from what i have read what the power save mode does is reduce the max brightness potential. i have tried power save mode 2 and i cant even hear the buzz anymore, and to tell u the truth i dont notice any difference in picture quality hah but i already got used to the faint buzz from my set its not that bad i can only really hear it if i look for it and volume is really low so i got used to it. so i just leave the power save modes off.

its just some people are more sensitive to picking it up. thats why some say they dont have it and some say they do, it depends on the person as well as room acoustics. although if its real loud like you can still hear it even with normal volume levels then there is something wrong.

if you are not comfortable with it then return it. no sense in having a tv your not happy with.

[graf1k]

Just took delivery of my Kuro today. Holy crap it looks amazing!

As for the buzzing, with all power save off and the TV muted, I can hear an extremely faint buzz when standing within about 1 foot of the TV. When in power save 1 or 2, it's completely inaudible. Guess I got lucky!

[blurayuser09]

Looks like Pioneer is ending production of all their TVs. No wonder that the Kuro was on such a steep sale. Who's gonna repair my Kuro over the next 5 years (if needed)? What with this buzzing sound, I might as well return it and get that Sony 40" XBR7 LCD I was eyeing.

[graf1k]

if you are going for a 40" XBR7 you might as well buy a 40" XBR6 and save yourself some money.