Zenith 44'' LCD Projection TV Audio Problem

[rvinct]

I had recently bought this TV from Best Buy because of its picture quality and affordability. I've been using it and the picture is great. The only problem I'm having with it is it's sound. Once every hour when I watch cable, it makes this click/ static sound then the sound voulume goes down and gradually goes back up to normal. I thought of several ways to solve this problem. First I bought a Stage 2 surge protector and replaced the stage 1 that I was using. I connected the cable through the surge protector to prevent any static from the cable connection. But the TV still doing the same thing. So I decided to exchange the TV with the same model. The new TV was doing fine the first week, then this weekend it started to do the same thing. Could anybody make any suggestions? Is there any way to fix this? Let me know thanks.

[Ratman]

Are you using a cable box or is the incoming cable direct to the TV?

If using a cable box, how is the audio connected?

[rvinct]

I currently have basic cable since I'm still shopping for a good deal. I just connect the cable from the wall to the surge protector and then to the TV. I tried connecting the cable from the wall directly to the TV, it still does the same thing.

[Ratman]

I'd start with a call to your cable company...

Does it ever happen with DVD or VCR?

[rvinct]

I'm using my Playstation 2 connected to it directly and played on it for hours without any sound problems so far. I have a home theater receiver and that is what I use when I'm watching DVDs.

[Ratman]

Well... if it happened with two TV's and doesn't happen on other sources, I'd suspect your cable provider should address the issue.

[RickP978]

I have the same set and have noticed the same sound problem. I also have a SA 8300 DVR with service through Charter. I can replay the sound event by using the rewind feature of the DVR, so my guess it is within the cable box/cable distribution of the signal.

Rick

[rvinct]

The Problem actually became worse and I had to call Zenith about it. They asked me to call their service center and the technician told me that I was the fourth person to call with the same problem with the Zenith LCD TV. He even told me the problem before I even told him what it is. He also mentioned that Zenith already know that there is a problem and he is waiting for parts. So now they are going to pick-up my TV for service. Final Four without my Big screen TV... What a bummer.

[RickP978]

Where did you get the number for Zenith service and support? If they know about this as a specific problem, I'll contact them instead of Best Buy.

Rick

[Ratman]

In your manual:
1-877-9zenith
http://www.zenithservice.com

[Jeandon]

I just came across the Zenith 44" LCD HD model #E44w46LCD and more or less selected it out the myriad number of sets available. If that is the one you have please elaborate on its advantages as well as the audio problem you are experiencing. I printed out the specs on the Internet but for some reason cannot relocate it even with entering the website page. I just get the "I'm sorry" page. I wanted to get a model that I could place on the wall but I don't see any mention of that in the description. I have a 23' Zenith LCD HD model that I'm tickled with and would lean toward another Zenith product if it had a recommendation for it.
Thanx.
Jeandon

[RickP978]

I like the design and weight (or lack thereof) of the unit, the quality of the display in HD, the significant number of inputs for audio and video as well as the price/value.I too have experienced the popping sounds with a drastic reduction in sound volume. Zenith service is coming out soon to repair the problem. I am satisfied so far. BTW, my set was built in July, 2004. Maybe this has been identified and corrected in units produced later in the year.

[wt1o]

I had the same TV. It had the audio crashing problem. It then developed a problem with very poor rf performance on channels 7 - 12. They replaced boards twice, once fixing the rf performance but never the static crash. During the process the component video inputs stopped working. After 3 months of repairs Zenith gave me a new tv (same type but black outline). E44W48LCD. I still have the 4 year warranty from Best Buy. This new tv has great reception, component video works, but the static crash is still there. Static is only on rf reception. If you run a VCR tuner and feed the tv with a video cable you can get rid of the static, but you lose picture in picture. I was thinking maybe it was my monster AC filter but I tried all combinations of filter/nofilter/external antenna, vcr, no vcr. The tv has a problem. When they came to take the old one away the guys said "its another one". They have take many of these tv's back. I will be calling Best Buy again.

[aarmenta23]

I have the same problem and was told its a software corruption when the best buy technician came on-site. Apparently its something that can be fixed with the correct download. Unfortunately he didn't have the upgrade on his laptop so I have to reschedule an appt. for them to come in. Hopefully it fixes it. I'll keep you updated.

[RickP978]

I have had a service tech out three times to repair this problem. I have now been told that LG is replacing the set, since their latest software fix still has not solved the problem.

Rick

[sophie]

Hello All,
I purchased my zenith model # E44W46LCD in November 05. I had a problem with the green at the bottom and the crackle sound. They replaced a few parts in it but it still has the audo problem. Sounds like a short in the speakers. A quick crackle. I understand through the tech. that this is a problem with the set and there is no known cure. Is this true or not? Also if I were to use a surrondsound system would it fix the problem. I ask this becasue if it is the speakers on the set that would bypass them.

Thanks for any info you can give. :bow: