Panasonic TV Sound Distortion (Here’s Why With 9 Fixes)

Have you ever noticed some weird distortion or buzzing sounds coming from your Panasonic TV when you turn up the volume? It can range from subtle coloration to a really bad buzzing noise on certain notes or frequencies.

It can be so bad that it sounds like something is broken. It’s especially noticeable when you turn up the volume. And it seems like it’s becoming more common. Has this happened to you?

I have witnessed this at my day job while repairing a Panasonic TV which had an audio distortion issue although there can be various reasons for it, the good news is, most of the time this speaker crackling is caused by a connection problem.

A bad wire somewhere between your amplifier and your speaker driver can cause the audio driver to move abruptly and that’s what can cause the interference. It’s worth checking all the connections to make sure everything is plugged in properly. You might also want to check if the cable is damaged or if the connector is corroded. Give it a try and see if it fixes the problem

Don’t worry, I have created this in-depth guide in which I have considered all the possible reasons which can lead to sound distortion on your TV along with that I have provided ways to identify the particular issues because it is required to rule out different possibilities to reach to the root cause.

So without further ado, let’s proceed and see the reasons as well as what needs to be done to get them sorted.

Causes of sound distortion in Panasonic TVs

Okay, first things first, let’s make sure the volume is turned up and the mute button is not on. Double-check all the connections to ensure they are correct and secure.

It’s also a good idea to try listening to audio from another device, like a Streaming device, DVD player, or gaming console, to see if the problem is coming from the TV or the audio source.

If you’re connecting your TV to a Panasonic Home Theater system via HDMI cable, then it’s worth checking the VIERA Link controls as well. Make sure they are set up correctly and the audio settings are configured properly. These are some simple things you can try before diving deeper into troubleshooting.

Now, let’s check them individually along with troubleshooting.

How do I fix the distorted sound on my Panasonic TV?

Here are the reasons below along with the troubleshooting as to what needs to be done to get it sorted.

1. Incorrectly wired speakers:

One of the main causes of sound distortion on Panasonic TVs is incorrect wiring. When your speaker wires are not connected properly, it can cause a buzzing or humming noise when you turn up the volume.

In that case, make sure to check all connections properly if you are using external speakers or audio receivers with your TV.

2. Faulty audio components:

If the speakers themselves have an issue, it could be causing interference and distortion in your TV’s audio output.

It could also be due to faulty connections in other audio components such as amplifiers or receivers that you’re connecting your TV to.

3. Poor audio formats:

If you are using USB or Hard drive storage with your Panasonic TV and getting distorted sound, it can be because some audio files, such as MP3s or WAVs, may not be compatible with your Panasonic TV’s sound system. This can result in distorted sounds and poor-quality playback.

If that’s the case ensure that audio codecs and audio format are compatible or else you need to manually convert the audio files to different formats.

4. Outdated firmware:

You should always make sure that you have the latest firmware installed on your Panasonic TV. Older versions of software can cause issues with the sound output and create distortion problems for some users.

Check what the software version is on your TV by navigating to Menu > Setup > About and update it either via OTA or via USB by downloading the latest firmware from the official Panasonic website.

5. Malfunctioning HDMI ports:

If you are using HDMI cables to connect your TV to other audio components, it’s possible that one of the ports might malfunction or not work correctly. This can cause sound distortion and should be checked if you are experiencing any issues with your Panasonic TV sound.

If this is the case, one of the easiest solutions is to get a compressed air can and blow out the back of the television along with all ports available such as HDMI, Optical, as well as RCA. This often fixes the problem in most cases.

6. Volume levels:

Setting your volume too high or too low can also cause sound distortion that’s why don’t forget to adjust the volume settings according to your preferences.

7. Poor quality cables:

If you are using low-quality audio cables, it can also cause sound distortion on your Panasonic TV.

Make sure to use good-quality cables and check them periodically for any signs of damage or wear and tear.

8. Audio IC Issue:

If you are experiencing a sound distortion in your Panasonic TV, it could be caused by a faulty integrated circuit (IC). This IC, or integrated circuit, is responsible for processing and amplifying sound signals so they can be transmitted to your speakers.

If this component (IC) has become damaged due to wear-and-tear or other damage, it may cause sound problems such as static, crackling, distortion, humming, or buzzing. In some cases, these symptoms may also be accompanied by picture quality issues such as flickering screens.

Moreover, If you feel uncomfortable attempting to replace the IC yourself due to a lack of technical knowledge or specialized tools, then consider replacing the board that contains the IC.

Note: Before doing so, however, make sure to check if there is a warranty on the product still valid in order for you to be able to receive a replacement at no additional cost.

9. Temporary Glitch:

Rebooting your Panasonic TV and connected devices such as a Set Top Box (STB) or streaming device is an important step in troubleshooting sound distortion.

The process of restarting (Cold Rebooting) the device can help to reset any software issues and delete any temporary files or incorrect settings that may have been causing the audio issue.

To reboot, simply turn off and unplug your Panasonic TV and all other connected devices from the wall socket then wait for about 2-3 minutes before turning them back on again.

10. Contact Support

Lastly, if none of these steps resolve the issue it’s advisable to contact official support or consult professional assistance from a technician who specializes in TVs and home theater systems.

Different types of audio connections available for Panasonic TVs

Panasonic TVs offer a variety of audio connections, you can always try them out to connect your audio receivers to the TV for better sound quality.

The most common types of audio connections available for Panasonic TVs include HDMI, optical (TOSLINK), analog RCA, HDMI ARC, and digital coaxial.

Depending on your system setup, you may also be able to connect via USB or Bluetooth.

Choosing the right connection type is important as it affects the sound quality and compatibility with other devices in your home entertainment setup, to get a high-quality 7.1 channel Dolby Atmos sound, an HDMI ARC connection is preferable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is clear that sound distortion in Panasonic TVs can be a frustrating and difficult problem to deal with. However, with the help of this article, we have outlined the most common causes and offered potential solutions for each one.

With proper troubleshooting steps in place, it should be possible to resolve any issues related to sound distortion on your Panasonic TV. If you are still having difficulty after trying all of these measures, then contacting customer service may be necessary as they may need to look into further technical support or send replacement parts if needed.