Hi all,

Well I've just installed the acoustic tiles behind the plasma and lo and behold going to a white screen results in no discernible buzz - and we're talking a buzz that was easily heard 3-4 meters away on a white screen which wasn't too often admittedly.

This afternoon there was a snow jumping competition with much white snow and very irritating buzz during those scenes.

Now even a full white screen gives a very low degree hum rather than buzz that is audible only with an otherwise silent room. There is absolutely no background buzz left and to say I'm impressed is understatement.

The tiled area measures 1.5m by 1m. I'll post some pictures later.

Tickled to hear that all is going well for you phreek.

Now you can concentrate on the most important part....getting enjoyment out of you beloved Fuji in an (Almost) buzz free environment.

I will be honest with you though bud, I pulled out my P42HHA40US when I first got it in a super quiet room and I tested it for dead pixels by having the white screen on for a couple of minutes and there was absolutely NO buzz at all.

I also put on a about four different DVD's (Region 1's and 4"s) and still no noises whatsoever.
(I still have not permanently got it set-up yet, as I am waiting on a few new pieces or equipment that are on order)

By the way, Have you got a power filter of some sort?

Maybe this may remove the buzz completely...could be worth trying at least?

I have all my gear hooked up to a a Belkin Pure AV-8 myself and it is fantastic...you can see and hear the difference, maybe worth considering this as a possible fix to your problem.

Well its even quieter now and I tried the white screen again - you may remember I thought the baffle reduced the buzz about 60-70%. With the acoustic tiles its definitely 99% or more and this is in an otherwise silent room.

Even I can't believe it - it's like voodoo or something - how these 5cm thick foam tiles achieve this is amazing. You might also remember that I had said that the SA-XR45 had noticeable 'sibilance' and had more audible treble. Well I'm convinced that it was actually my room which was at fault - the music and sound has no edginess now.

I tried the clap test and I can't hear a slap-echo which was definitely there beforehand.

I was a real skeptic of room treatments but I've now got the proof and its well worth it. I'm certain now that even though all plasmas buzz that it's the environment they're in which can amplify it. My wall was bare and I think the room and cabinet space below etc. is such that it was creating a resonant space for it to really echo and amplify.

I'm impressed. Now I can't wait to get the other three tiles on the opposite wall for cancellation of echos behind my head.

I've had the 8-way Belkin power isolator for about three weeks now. It's not related to the power.

I mean the fact that I can't hear the buzz now is convincing proof that it's amplified by resonance and echoing, and those who don't hear it have their plasmas in good environments; and anyone who has buzzing ought to treat the back wall with acoustic tiles to essentially completely eliminate the problem.

Here are some photos as promised. Notoriously difficult to get a good photo of them - I had to expose for the tiles in some and the panel in others.

The first photo is the most realistic as far as overall lighting level goes and shows what I see.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v431/zuiko/ATile.jpg


The next photo is exposed to show the tiles and is brighter than what I see - not the screen is overexposed.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v431/zuiko/ATile1.jpg


Here is a photo showing more of the back and the design I chose given the colour choices I ended up with. This way the bias light creates the shadows in the horizontally arranged middle tiles where the light is and the equally nice shadow effect in the vertically arranged tiles at the edges. The shadow effect would be lost if the middle tiles were arranged vertically and outer tiles horizontally.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v431/zuiko/ATile2.jpg


Just a final one that shows the whole width of the tiles and an intermediate exposure.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v431/zuiko/ATile3.jpg


Their acoustic performance ie. cancelling the buzz echo is superb as I've mentioned above. I think the visual appeal is also there but others may disagree or think a rug is better. My wife is very pleased with the 'feature wall' aspect of these - and is equally pleased that I am happy with their acoustic properties.

Hope you get ideas/enjoy the photos!

Nice One Phreek,
How much did it cost to get it done? That looks cosmetically attractive, no wonder the missus approved it, u should start marketing your creation =)! and claim some royalties there. Good to hear its attractive and effective all at one go.

I have to agree with phreek on this one, as a J35 owner I certainly know what audio and video drop-outs are, and the 8-way PureAV Isolator didn't make any difference to the drop-outs.

Mind you, it is an impressive looking power-board, and importantly, for me at least, comes with an unlimited $$ / unlimited time warranty both for itself and any connected equiptment.

Austen.

(phreek, we need some day-time photos to get a good look, and what the heck were you doing watching "Idol", even a Fuji isn't going to make Idol look good )

Can i ask, how far the plasma was from the nearest wall? Was it in the middle of the room when you tested it?

I like the power board. I've connected the antennas through it too as most lightning strikes get equipment through the antenna than the power.

The audio dropouts are due to impulse noise and the biggest culprit at our house is the washing machine. On rinse cycle HD TV becomes unwatchable really.

An antenna upgrade is the next cheap but real improvement I'm going to make.

The plasma was 23cm from the back wall and remains there.

The tile has taken up 5cm of space so there is now 18cm between the back of the plasma and the tiles. I haven't tested the plasma anywhere else but judging from the results of this exercise I can say with confidence that the environment of the plasma is what generates the amplification of the buzz.

You know i agree here.

I glad to hear it worked so well.

Where did you purchase the tiles?

Local Queensland company...

www.fonic.com

Absolutely brilliant really. Not only for the plasma buzzing, but the room acoustics in general.

It's quite obvious that the wall was causing quite a high-freq/treble amplification because the change in sound from the XR45-speakers has improved dramatically. There's no edginess left, and when I clap my hands I no longer hear the slap following the echo.

Previously there was a clap echo followed immediately after by a sharp 'clack' type sound. Now gone. It's amazing how much difference such a small change can make to the whole room's acoustics.

I'm putting up some tiles behind the listening area to eliminate the bare area there too.

Shinrai,

Do you still hear buzz from your Fujitsu plasma screen?

I've had my frame behind the plasma up for a week now and i've enjoyed not being able to hear it. It's there, slighlty, but not as intrusive as before. Last night, i was switching around some connections on the plasma and had to take it off. Wow, i had almost forgotten how bad it is.

I ordered my tiles last week. I'm expecting they will go a long way to reducing the buzz even further.

Just doing something will help.

Now that we have two people confirming substantial improvements, hopefully others will find some comfort that there is a solution to the buzz. Not coming from the manufacturers though.

Unfortunately, the fix can reasonably cost anywhere form $50 - $200+. But consider that it's a long term fix with long term satisfaction. Well, at least until the SED comes along. Geez, that better not buzz!

Hey Phreek, i ordered another 3 tiles and i'm going for a larger area like yourself.

Mine are plain grey and Cameron at fonic says a light, breathable, hession will be fine. Lincraft and spotlight have got heeps of these in many colours just in case anyone wants to go down this path.

The larger area is definitely the way to go.

Fortunately with the 42" and the dimensions of the tiles the proportion is good ie. 1.5:1 rectangle. The tiles go about 18cm above and below and about 25cm to the left and right.

I showed my wife last night the reduction of the buzz on white screen when the house is quietest and the fridge can be heard quite easily from the living area. She was very impressed that there was no detectable noise at all and that the fridge's noise was audible - whereas the plasma would easily have outbuzzed the fridge without the wall treatment.

You'll be impressed at the results too - the baffle while it reduced the noise about 70% doesn't compare to the silence of this. At low ambient room noise levels the plasma buzz was faintly heard at all times - that is 100% gone - nothing at all - and like I've reported even the high pitched white screen noise is essentially gone to undetectable.

What did you use as a backing?

Corflute. You can get some from a local signwriter - the stuff real estate signs are made from. A white plastic 'cardboard'. Make sure you hang it up with the lines horizontal - as corflute is strong at the lines.

Make sure the corflute is cut about 2cm shorter on both dimensions otherwise you'll see it at the edges.

Used liquid nails dolloped on 5 points - corners+centre to put up the tiles.

Hung up on two screws spaced 75cm apart. Small holes were made in the corflute 5cm measured from the edge of the foam.

This way it's portable too so if I move then it can go with me.

Here is the daytime photo suggested above. The colours look darker when not directly lighted with the bias light.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v431/zuiko/ATile4.jpg

The makers of the tiles have done experiments on the tile's performance when fitted vertically or horizontally and apparently there is no difference even when mounted all vertically or horizontally. You might have seen professional recording studios or radio stations have alternating directions and that's where I got my inspiration from and chose the sequence to enhance the bias lighting's shadowing. My wife suggested that had I used the burgundy tiles on the outside vertically it would pay homage to the classical movie theatres with their big burgundy curtains.

Today I've had an opportunity to test the sound system at reference volumes (75-85dB) and the treble is balanced and tamed - I was blaming the digital amp unfairly; the room was to blame and the plasma's buzz is a high frequency treble note so I am not surprised the treble is much improved.

Here is a picture of the backing Corflute material on the tiles I'm preparing for the opposite wall.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v431/zuiko/ATile6.jpg


Overall a very worthwhile project for the plasma buzz and the secondary but significant improvement in room audio dynamics. A final photo until I have the second set of tiles up and anyone's interested in seeing those.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v431/zuiko/ATile5.jpg


I'd be more than happy to provide any other details if anyone else is interested in something like this. There are other manufacturers of acoustic tiles so you may be able to find other styles that may suit your decor.

(phreek, we need some day-time photos to get a good look, and what the heck were you doing watching "Idol", even a Fuji isn't going to make Idol look good )


lol !!

You have done well phreek...

It actually looks really attractive also, almost gives in a real Cinema feel in some areas.

But the point that is important is that it is practical above all else and is working for you.

I agree that the environment plays a big part in any Home Cinema set-up and I think as some of us do, that we don't really focus on this as much as what we are going to put in it.
Very few of us are able to afford a dedicated Cinema room, so we just have to make the best out of what we have got available to us.

My room is carpeted and I also have very thick curtains at my rear, I also have a big wool partition to separate one area (I have a very large L-Shape lounge room adjacent to the left at the front of the room) from the main Home Cinema area and it sounds really good and tight with no reflection at all.

Before I put the partition up I was losing a large amount of bottom end and a smidgen of my tops in this area.

I also intend on putting a larger partition behind the plasma in due course so as to keep it just that little bit tighter still
My walls are all plaster and this combined with everything else (for me anyway) gives me a really good balance, never ideal, but good enough for me.

Just an update.

I put up my sound tiles just now. 6 in total - 3x2 formation on the wall, about 20cm or less from the plasma.

Simply put, these tiles rock! The sound reflection off the wall has been cut down substantially. At this stage i'd have to say i can't hear the buzz from where i normally sit. And you can include the fans, in that less than professional analysis, which is just a great bonus.

So, I'm one happy camper.

I'm about to cover them with a light yellow fabric but it turns out the dark grey colour looks nice. Even the wife liked the look.

I actually put the tiles on a 16x9 timber frame and the fabric is going to be pinned to the inside of the back. So it's actually going to be easy to clean and change colours if we want. The frame is hanging on 3 hooks screwed into studs. You can't see these.

Thanks to Phreek for encouraging me to put the tiles on the wall. Plenty of airflow now.

Sorry guys, I have to disagree with the statement about more antennas copping it than via the power. The power grid is notorious for importing transient surges into the home, and should be protected if possible. It is good that you are able to plug the antenna cable into the power board as this probably provides equipotential bonding which will eliminate damage caused by the various domestic earth connections actually becoming different voltages during an electrical storm.

Why is this thread still pinned?

Unless big tv manufacturers have solved powersupply and buzz issues in general i would easily consider this thread very relevant. Hopefully it's helped people resolve these issues.

the buzz from my plasma is due to the crappy $2 fans for cooling.

If I stop the fans from spinning (temporarily only of course), then zero buzz.

I have been pretty tempted to replace the fans myself, but not yet had the courage!

cheers

I can't say i've been able to hear a Plasma buzz unless I stuck my ear right my behind,

way to drag up an old thread

sigh.... reported

Dondomains is that you ?


..oh no hang on... "ear right up behind"

thats got to be Christopher MJT!!!!

Does anyone know if Buzz from a Panasonic Plasma (50PX70a) is normal?
How much buzz should there be. It is definitely noticeable when its quiet.
When audio volume is on it over powers it but you can still makeout the buzz.
Its coming from the rear on both sides of the unit where the transformers are.

Zacspeed, I just bought a panny 42PV70 (or or px how it's called in other parts of the world) and it's making a loud buzz especially on white scenes Really annoying and it's audible when there is quiet in the room even from 3-4 meters away.

And exactly like your case, the buzzing is coming from the left and right upper parts of the panel or something like that...from what I heard, very few people have our problem with the new models. Really don't know what to do, I'm sure panasonic will say "this thing is normal, we cannot fix it"

Maybe, and this is only a suggestion, you could actually tell Panasonic that it is too loud and see what they say ???

Austen.

I called Panasonic and they said it shouldnt make a buzz but they referred me to a service agent. I had the service agent attend my house and inspect the unit. They said all Plasmas make a buzz and that it was normal.
Depends on hearing of people also as some people arent atune to such sounds liek that.
Im at a loss too, I mean even now I hear it all the time.
APparently room acoustics has a large part to play in it. My lounge for now is all solid surfaces mainly and im going to look at the acoustic tiles behind.
Ive a friend also with a Pana but the PX700 and theirs also does the same buzz.

If you end up finding a solution for it please let us know here.
The intensity of my buzz would be comparable with the buzz/hum you get from the refrigerator running and the buzz from 240V fluro tubes.

Zacspeed yes, I was thinking the other day that the buzz is like a refrigeratior hum The room in which I have the TV is also almost "naked", I have only the bed and the walls, a small carpet under the bed and some drapes that are also small - maybe this has an impact too.

Ok here is what I tried: I bought an Automatic Voltage Regulator (http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=LE1200I), that regulates the voltage in the line. But it didn't help, is Ok for protecting and delivering a constant tension to the plasma, but regarding the buzz it did nothing.

I want to try next an UPS to make the plasma plasma run on batteries just for a test. This way I will know for sure if it's the electrical circuit fault or the plasma fault.

Then if it's plasma's fault, I want to call Panasonic to see what they are saying, probably they say like your case, "it's normal". I woldn't mind paying for the reparir/replace of the faulty parts (they are just some transformers, how expensive they might be ? ) but I want to get rid of the buzz . If this thing will not work either, the only solution I see is to make a wall behind the plasma with acoustic tiles...

While the voltage regulator and UPS might be a good idea for other reasons, unless you generate your mains electricity by pedalling a stationary generator and buy a fully line-interactive pure sine-wave UPS, it's fair to say that your mains supply is (99.99999% of the time) "cleaner", more stable and better regulated then any other setup................



But ....................


So, to summarise.....You've just brought a brand-new Plasma, it makes, what you consider, excessive noise, and the first thing you do is buy an AVR, then you're going to buy a UPS, and if that doesn't work then you're going to complain to Panasonic ???

Do you think it might be a good idea to speak to the manufacturer prior to spending your money attempting to fix it ?????

Austen.

Oh Austen, you're always pushing that "logic" and "rational thought" line. I'd hate to see you try and have a conversation with any of my exes...

Austen, I have a bad power line, it's underpowered (under 220 volt as it should be normal here), and I bought the AVR mainly for protecting the plasma. Yes initially, I thought this buzz may be because the power line spikes but I didn't bought this AVR only for that, they were ordered in the same time (plasma arrived earlier, the avr after some days).
I don't want to buy an UPS, I wanted to take one from a friend and see if it's on battery power then the plasma will do the same because I heard a lot of these buzz problems aren't plasma's fault, they are because of bad power lines, bad house circuitry or even other consumers in the house or neighborhood (neon lamps, refrigerators, etc).

I don't want to fight with panasonic until I know it's not my fault, I've heard some cases of people who complained, they received another unit that was making the same noise and in the end it seemed that their house was the "problem" since the tv taken somewhere else was quieter.

there a few different things going on in this thread, but heres my question...

i have a new pioneer LX508 and i can here a buzz coming from it. this is my first plasma screen, so what is the issue here:

a. i should invest in better sound proofing [i have to admit the room has a bad echo]?
b. should i invest in a better shielded power cables - is this mains hum?
c. is it normal? [not likely]
d. is it a fault with the screen? [not likely]

anybody what to share some wisdom? its sounds like the screen, but it could be something environmental? i know these have been covered in previous replies. however, has anybody got something concrete eg. shielded cables are the best thing [this is currently my most logical conclusion here].

mate the buzzing is normal, its the inductors in the power supply and drive boards.

if its annoying you run your panel in save1 mode, hit home menu then go to power control and change that setting, save2 is good for night

this will dull the panel but it will decrease the noise dramatically

I just got my Lx 508 Plasma delivered and set up today and guess what?....I can also hear a buzzing sound when the unit is switched on.... it's bloody loud! I can hear it over my 5.1 sound when listening at decent level of volume. For paying 5+ grand for the screen I would have expected it to be a bit quieter, especially since Pioneer are ranked as the premium screen for plasmas. Sounds like it's coming from the 2 x cooling fans on back of case...had a listen and I think it is the fans....but not sure. Will give it a couple of days but it's already driving me crazy due the high pitch. I have changed the settings under Power but to no avail...it's still there loud and strong!

Interesting topic - my plasma has buzzed from day 2 of ownership - Panasonic 50px70a - it certainly seems that some people hear these frequencies more than others as some guests cannot hear it at all, to me it is extremely annoying and can be cleary heard over a moderate volume. Its certainly louder than fridges running in open space in the next room.

Some DIY options - anyone tried these?

Jon Risch

John Slayer's wall units

This probably isn't the ideal place to post this since the thread talks abt Plasmas, but my Sony Bravia KDL 46XBR has a very annoying fan noise. It kicks in after 5 seconds of powering up and is very noticeable when watching the tv in the evening with no outside noise interference. Lotus7 has certainly hit the nail on the head by saying some people are more attuned to these frequencies than others because it annoys me a great deal but any visitors don't seem to notice.

This is the third XBR that I've experienced this same noise with - I previously owned a 40" model which was noisy, took that back to Sony Central and compared to another 40" to find that too was noisy so I put it down to that model being susceptible to a loud fan noise. In fact, user reviews on other websites seemed to point this out. As such, I upgraded, only to find the 46" has exactly the same noise. So either I'm extremely unlucky in getting three dodgy units in a row, or I should just learn to live with it.

After reading other posters feedback on acoustic tiles and other possible solutions I'll definitely look into those. I'm so glad a forum such as this exists to go to for help. I'm crossing my fingers that the tiles do the job...

I have the Panasonic PX700A and the buzz is very annoying. The TV service man came recently and also said that it's normal.

Has anyone worked out how to get rid of the buzz coming from the Panasonic PX700A?

Hi all

I also bought a new LX508 just less than a week ago. (beautiful display by the way), but the buzz is a problem for me too. I only really notice it when the volume is low or the room is quiet. it's not louder than my fridge in the next room though. but it's enough to dampen my viewing/listening pleasure after the long awaited decision to get this state of the art TV. My missus never noticed it until I made hear attune to it, but I tune in to small things like this for some reason (very sensitive ears). The acoustic tiles sound very promising. I will first experiment holding up a carpet on the wall behind it to see if it makes a difference.

Looks like "buzz" noise is a normal behaviour of all plasma technologies, below is a quote from Panansonic I found on a blog from "High Def Forum"....
-------------------------------

Plasma panel buzzing is a normal phenomenon. They work on a totally
different principle to colour televisions and have different operating
characteristics.
The level at which the operating buzz becomes noticeable is always
subjective, one person may hear it whilst another does not.

The following points help to understand the factors surrounding the
buzzing:

The picture scanning drive circuits operate at high frequencies and powers.
It is these circuits that cause the buzzing sound. The circuits are used to
create both the picture and reuse energy to keep the unit efficiency high
and panel heat emission low. This over-heating control is very important on
the panels that do not use fans i.e 37� and 42� The resulting loss of fans
makes for a quieter panel operation.

Due to the very high amount of power processing required, the 50� panels
have 4 cooling fans which will also contribute to the overall noise these
plasma panels will produce.

The buzz will appear more concentrated at the sides of the unit since this
is where the power circuit boards are situated.

Because we do not employ cooling fans, the buzz may be heard in very quiet
surroundings. Plasma buzzing is normal and will always occur, but the level
of buzz is what matters.

Generally speaking the buzz will only be heard in quiet surroundings [with
low levels of audio from whatever sound system used] and with the user
seated too close to the panel [less than12’ for 42� and 10’ for 37� panels.

A typical scenario is using the panel in the middle of the night when
listening to news broadcasts at low volume. In this situation buzz might be
heard during the silent breaks in the audio, but not so much during speech.
This is not abnormal nor does it indicate a faulty panel.

If the buzz is heard above normal ambient daytime noise and audio levels at
more that 12’ a problem might be present.

The method of panel installation will also affect the amount of noise
heard. Wall mounting the panel will cause buzz emitted from the back of the
panel to be reflected off the wall and into the room more than if the unit
is located on the pedestal which is seated 2 to 4 feet away.

Hard wall surface i.e. painted/wooden panels will be more effective
reflectors than say walls that are covered in softer finishes, wall papered
or curtained.

Changing the picture mode in the picture settings menu between
dynamic/normal cinema will also reduce the level of perceived noise since
this affects how much power the panel is processing and this the level of
power produced.

Having too much brightness and contrast with the dynamic mode setting on,
can overdrive the panel and cause louder buzz levels with strong picture
signals i.e. DVD or Sky digital signals. Changing these settings can lower
the level of buzz produced. Use ‘normal’ picture mode and lower
brightness/contrast settings to reduce this effect.

It is normal for the buzz tone and level to change the picture content
because the panel drive circuits are processing different amounts of power
and adapting their drive cycles.

Plasma panels do not run in total silence. They do buzz as a normal part of
their operation but this level of buzz is quite low and may be
intermittently noticed in quiet surroundings.

Please ensure these facts are understood and check your panel against a
dealers display unit before requesting service since abnormal levels of
buzz are not always ‘abnormal’ but just the normal operating buzz of plasma
technology.
----------------------------------------------

I think the buzz sound comes from the front panel itself, not from behind the plasma. It is part of the plasma technology. I do not think any acoustic tiles behind the plasma will do much. Maybe should have bought an LCD instead.

A few people have mentioned that their LCD's are buzzing too. But without comparing them who knows if it is even the same kind of sound.

Hey there,

As I am about to take delivery of an LX508 this topic caught my eye. Firstly let me just set the record straight with my humble thoughts on the subject of the power up hum or buzz as you put it-
One punter here wrote earier on that he/she thought it may be his/her cooling fans ...this is entirely very possible as we all know the noise of our PC fans when they get going in a quiet envirionment, this however is in tandem with....

Secondly, and most probably, is the thoughts from many that this background hum is produced as a by-product of drive circuitry within the chassis of these both LCD and Plasma display panels. As paticular power supply circuits operate under, load sometimes their components will produce sound particularly when this load is at a maximum ( white screens= all gas cells energised ), due to the design of such circuits to save both cost and weight the good old transformers of years gone by ( which incidently used to "squeal" after a long period as well!....many years typically ) have been turfed out and replaced by what are know as switch-mode power supplies with are basically transistors being switched on/off at high speeds .. around 16.5kHz typically, supplying the power requirements of the surrounding signal/control processing circuitry. All of this awesome signal processing, power supply and regulation and control logic produces heat ( another enemy of electronics) and noise....most of which is pitched so high as to be inaudible to the human ear but is present nonetheless. Also it should be noted that the discharge of voltage through each plasma pixel not only creates a burst of ultraviolet light (and a broad spectrum of electromagnetic ‘garbage’), it also causes a small mechanical vibration, some say this is more audible at higher altitudes where the air pressures on the glass panel plates are lower ...allowing the glass to vibrate more freely. This combined with lower production values would explain this buzz reported by so many.

As a result of the average consumer wanting cheaper and cheaper high quality display panels...something has to give....and that something is usually shielding or buffering or construction materials...that is why you can buy a Plasma display panel for $5,000 these days instead of the $30,000 it was not so many years ago...and why its on a plastic chassis with bugger all baffling and minimal shielding.
If anyone here was to purchase a Bang and Olfsen plasma panel we wouldn't even be seeing this topic....but then you wouldn't want to hear a hum for $36,500 in 2008 dollars that is...the buzzing will still be there in the B&O...its just that the required extra materials and design are also there to counter it! This is why some OEM's (original equipment manufacturer's) are saying some audible buzzing is "normal" for their panel.

The original soloution of sound absorbent/deflecting materials to the rear of the panel is a good one as this basically achieves what the OEM was not prepared to achieve due to cost constraints to enable greater consumer takeup of his product, also try soft furnishings in the room as they reflect less sound and only then IMHO ...if the buzzing is still very apparent contact your retailer...otherwise you risk being stuck with a call-out fee bill for "no fault found"....how do I know this?

I am a technician of 26 years experience in repair installation and modification of both consumer and industrial and military electronics...my two cents for what its worth

Cheers!

BigDog

ps..and a big negative on the comment earlier about "most" faults on TV's or appliances by lightning strike....I have found 99% of faults coming from power surges/spikes coming down the 240V line rather than antenna strikes ( brown-outs are another common cause of faults ...where the incoming supply from the street is down around 3/4 - 1/2 voltage and your equipment ( including fridges...washing machines etc ) tries to still deliver performance but just burns itself out trying )...but....believe me...if lightning struck your antenna....a blown Plasma Panel would be the last thing on your mind....try getting out of the house in one piece first! A lightning discharge is incredibly powerful--up to 30 million volts at 100000 amperes!!

pps..for the future! - another problem looming on the horizon for all consumers world-wide is the impact of the use of lead-free solder in all industries legislated from 2006 ( bar the Military) for reliability of solder joints will now be an issue.....