Distorted audio may occur as a side effect of a feature, an issue with a certain audio input, or in rare cases there may be an issue with the TV. Start by choosing your TV type from the images below, then follow some troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue.
Before troubleshooting, please make sure your firmware is up to date. For assistance updating your firmware, visit Updating Your Firmware.
What type of TV do you have?
Press the Smart button on your remote, then click on the image below that matches your screen. (webOS and webOS 2.0 have a subtle difference in the top-right, as shown in the images below)
NOTE: If you do not have a Smart Button, choose HDTV.
Note: It is best to run a Sound Test before troubleshooting.
webOS
Note: It is best to run a Sound Test before troubleshooting.
The Sound Test option will play a test sound on the TV, and you will decide if it is played correctly. To access the Sound Test:
-
Press the Home/Smart
button on your remote, then click the Settings icon in the top-right.
-
Access the Sound/Audio menu, then click Sound Test.
-
A test sound will be played; note whether it is distorted, then proceed to the Troubleshooting section.
-
Is the sound distorted during the Sound Test?
(If your TV doesn't have a Sound Test, choose No)
Yes No -
Try multiple inputs/channels, is the sound distorted on all media?
Yes No -
Would you describe the sound as crackling?
Yes No -
How would you describe the distortion?
no audio low audio Crackling Out of sync with video distant (echo) voices aren't right all volume is the same -
If the sound is not distorted on all inputs, it is likely the issue rests with the output settings of the device you're playing the media from. Here are some general troubleshooting steps that may resolve the issue:
-
Check the cable used to connect the media device to the TV. Make sure it is firmly connected to both devices.
-
Try to use a different cable, or use the same cable on a different TV (in case the cable is malfunctioning).
-
Check the audio output settings on the media device. If they are set properly, the device may need to be replaced.
-
Try to hook the media device into another TV.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
A crackling sound heard during the sound test may indicate an issue with the media device or possibly a blown speaker.
-
Check the cable used to connect the media device to the TV. Make sure it is firmly connected to both devices.
-
Try to use a different cable, or use the same cable on a different TV (in case the cable is malfunctioning).
-
Check the audio output settings on the media device. If they are set properly, the device may need to be replaced.
-
Try to hook the media device into another TV.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
Is the sound out of left/right balance?
(more sound coming from the left or right?)
YesNo -
To adjust the left/right balance of your TV speakers:
-
Navigate to Settings > Sound > Sound Effects > Balance.
-
Move the slider to shift the balance.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
-
Room acoustics can be an important factor for sound quality. In a very large room, the TV speakers alone may not be powerful enough. If this is the case, you may consider a Home Theater, Sound Plate, or Soundbar.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
No audio coming from your TV speakers can happen for several reasons. Please visit Troubleshooting No Audio for specific No Audio troubleshooting.
-
-
Check the cable used to connect the media device to the TV. Make sure it is firmly connected to both devices.
-
Try to use a different cable, or use the same cable on a different TV (in case the cable is malfunctioning).
-
Check the audio output settings on the media device. Some devices, especially cable boxes, may have a separate volume control.
-
Navigate to Settings > Sound > Volume Mode > Auto Volume and set it to Off.
-
Navigate to Settings > Sound > Sound Effects > Clear Voice II and set it to Off.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
A crackling sound may indicate an issue with the media device or possibly a blown speaker.
-
Check the cable used to connect the media device to the TV. Make sure it is firmly connected to both devices.
-
Try to use a different cable, or use the same cable on a different TV (in case the cable is malfunctioning).
-
Check the audio output settings on the media device. If they are set properly, the device may need to be replaced.
-
Try to hook the media device into another TV.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
You can adjust the timing of sound/video. To adjust the A/V sync of your TV:
-
Navigate to Settings > Sound > A/V Sync Adjust.
-
Move the button to the right, then move the slider to shift the timing.
-
If this doesn't solve your issue, consider changing your answer above.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
The Virtual Surround Plus feature may sound a bit distant to some listeners. To disable the Virtual Surround Sound of your TV:
-
Navigate to Settings > Sound > Sound Effects > Virtual Surround Plus.
-
Set to Off.
-
If this doesn't solve your issue, consider changing your answer above.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
The Clear Voice feature may sound a bit distorted to some listeners. To disable Clear Voice on your TV:
-
Navigate to Settings > Sound > Sound Effects > Clear Voice II.
-
Set to Off.
-
If this doesn't solve your issue, consider changing your answer above.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
The Auto Volume feature may be undesirable to some listeners. To disable Auto Volume on your TV:
-
Navigate to Settings > Sound > Volume Mode > Auto Volume.
-
Set to Off.
-
If this doesn't solve your issue, consider changing your answer above.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
webOS 2.0 and above
Note: It is best to run a Sound Test before troubleshooting.
The Sound Test option will play a test sound on the TV, and you will decide if it is played correctly. To access the Sound Test:
-
Press the Home/Smart
button on your remote, then click the Settings icon in the top-right.
-
Access the Sound/Audio menu, then click Sound Test.
-
A test sound will be played; note whether it is distorted, then proceed to the Troubleshooting section.
-
Is the sound distorted during the Sound Test?
(If your TV doesn't have a Sound Test, choose No)
Yes No -
Try multiple inputs/channels, is the sound distorted on all media?
Yes No -
Would you describe the sound as crackling?
Yes No -
How would you describe the distortion?
no audio low audio Crackling Out of sync with videodistant (echo) voices aren't right all volume is the same -
If the sound is not distorted on all inputs, it is likely the issue rests with the output settings of the device you're playing the media from. Here are some general troubleshooting steps that may resolve the issue:
-
Check the cable used to connect the media device to the TV. Make sure it is firmly connected to both devices.
-
Try to use a different cable, or use the same cable on a different TV (in case the cable is malfunctioning).
-
Check the audio output settings on the media device. If they are set properly, the device may need to be replaced.
-
Try to hook the media device into another TV.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
A crackling sound heard during the sound test may indicate an issue with the media device or possibly a blown speaker.
-
Check the cable used to connect the media device to the TV. Make sure it is firmly connected to both devices.
-
Try to use a different cable, or use the same cable on a different TV (in case the cable is malfunctioning).
-
Check the audio output settings on the media device. If they are set properly, the device may need to be replaced.
-
Try to hook the media device into another TV.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
Is the sound out of left/right balance?
(more sound coming from the left or right?)
Yes No -
To adjust the left/right balance of your TV speakers:
-
Navigate to Settings > Sound > Sound Effects > Balance.
-
Move the slider to shift the balance.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
-
Room acoustics can be an important factor for sound quality. In a very large room, the TV speakers alone may not be powerful enough. If this is the case, you may consider a Home Theater, Sound Plate, or Soundbar.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
No audio coming from your TV speakers can happen for several reasons. Please visit Troubleshooting No Audio for specific No Audio troubleshooting.
-
-
Check the cable used to connect the media device to the TV. Make sure it is firmly connected to both devices.
-
Try to use a different cable, or use the same cable on a different TV (in case the cable is malfunctioning).
-
Check the audio output settings on the media device. Some devices, especially cable boxes, may have a separate volume control.
-
Navigate to Settings > Sound > Volume Mode > Auto Volume and set it to Off.
-
Navigate to Settings > Sound > Sound Effects > Clear Voice II and set it to Off.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
A crackling sound may indicate an issue with the media device or possibly a blown speaker.
- Check the cable used to connect the media device to the TV. Make sure it is firmly connected to both devices.
- Try to use a different cable, or use the same cable on a different TV (in case the cable is malfunctioning).
- Check the audio output settings on the media device. If they are set properly, the device may need to be replaced.
- Try to hook the media device into another TV.
- If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
You can adjust the timing of sound/video. To adjust the A/V sync of your TV:
-
Navigate to Settings > Sound > A/V Sync Adjust.
-
Move the button to the right, then move the slider to shift the timing.
-
If this doesn't solve your issue, consider changing your answer above.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
The Virtual Surround Plus feature may sound a bit distant to some listeners. To disable the Virtual Surround Sound of your TV:
-
Navigate to Settings > Sound > Sound Effects > Virtual Surround Plus.
-
Set to Off.
-
If this doesn't solve your issue, consider changing your answer above.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
The Clear Voice feature may sound a bit distorted to some listeners. To disable Clear Voice on your TV:
-
Navigate to Settings > Sound > Sound Effects > Clear Voice II.
-
Set to Off.
-
If this doesn't solve your issue, consider changing your answer above.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
The Auto Volume feature may be undesirable to some listeners. To disable Auto Volume on your TV:
-
Navigate to Settings > Sound > Volume Mode > Auto Volume.
-
Set to Off.
-
If this doesn't solve your issue, consider changing your answer above.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
Netcast
Welcome to section 2....
Note: It is best to run a Sound Test before troubleshooting.
The Sound Test option will play a test sound on the TV, and you will decide if it is played correctly. To access the Sound Test:
-
Press the Home/Smart
button on your remote, then click the Settings icon in the bottom-left.
-
Access the Sound/Audio menu, then click Sound Test.
-
A test sound will be played; note whether it is distorted, then proceed to the Troubleshooting section.
-
Is the sound distorted during the Sound Test?
(If your TV doesn't have a Sound Test, choose No)
Yes No -
Try multiple inputs/channels, is the sound distorted on all media?
Yes No -
Would you describe the sound as crackling?
Yes No -
How would you describe the distortion?
no audio low audio Crackling Out of sync with video distant (echo) voices aren't right all volume is the same -
If the sound is not distorted on all inputs, it is likely the issue rests with the output settings of the device you're playing the media from. Here are some general troubleshooting steps that may resolve the issue:
-
Check the cable used to connect the media device to the TV. Make sure it is firmly connected to both devices.
-
Try to use a different cable, or use the same cable on a different TV (in case the cable is malfunctioning).
-
Check the audio output settings on the media device. If they are set properly, the device may need to be replaced.
-
Try to hook the media device into another TV.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
A crackling sound heard during the sound test may indicate an issue with the media device or possibly a blown speaker.
-
Check the cable used to connect the media device to the TV. Make sure it is firmly connected to both devices.
-
Try to use a different cable, or use the same cable on a different TV (in case the cable is malfunctioning).
-
Check the audio output settings on the media device. If they are set properly, the device may need to be replaced.
-
Try to hook the media device into another TV.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
Is the sound out of left/right balance?
(more sound coming from the left or right?)
Yes No -
To adjust the left/right balance of your TV speakers:
-
Navigate to Settings > Sound > Sound Option Settings > Balance.
-
Move the slider to shift the balance.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
-
Room acoustics can be an important factor for sound quality. In a very large room, the TV speakers alone may not be powerful enough. If this is the case, you may consider a Home Theater, Sound Plate, or Soundbar.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
No audio coming from your TV speakers can happen for several reasons. Please visit Troubleshooting No Audio for specific No Audio troubleshooting.
-
-
Check the cable used to connect the media device to the TV. Make sure it is firmly connected to both devices.
-
Try to use a different cable, or use the same cable on a different TV (in case the cable is malfunctioning).
-
Check the audio output settings on the media device. Some devices, especially cable boxes, may have a separate volume control.
-
Navigate to Settings > Sound > Volume Mode > Auto Volume and set it to Off.
-
Navigate to Settings > Sound > Clear Voice II and set it to Off.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
A crackling sound may indicate an issue with the media device or possibly a blown speaker.
-
Check the cable used to connect the media device to the TV. Make sure it is firmly connected to both devices.
-
Try to use a different cable, or use the same cable on a different TV (in case the cable is malfunctioning).
-
Check the audio output settings on the media device. If they are set properly, the device may need to be replaced.
-
Try to hook the media device into another TV.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
You can adjust the timing of sound/video. To adjust the A/V sync of your TV:
-
Navigate to Settings > Sound > A/V Sync Adjust.
-
Set to On, then move the slider to shift the timing.
-
If this doesn't solve your issue, consider changing your answer above.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
The Virtual Surround Plus feature may sound a bit distant to some listeners. To disable the Virtual Surround Sound of your TV:
-
Navigate to Settings > Sound > Virtual Surround Plus.
-
Set to Off.
-
If this doesn't solve your issue, consider changing your answer above.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
The Clear Voice feature may sound a bit distorted to some listeners. To disable Clear Voice on your TV:
-
Navigate to Settings > Sound > Clear Voice II.
-
Set to Off.
-
If this doesn't solve your issue, consider changing your answer above.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
The Auto Volume feature may be undesirable to some listeners. To disable Auto Volume on your TV:
-
Navigate to Settings > Sound > Volume Mode > Auto Volume.
-
Set to Off.
-
If this doesn't solve your issue, consider changing your answer above.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
HDTV
Note: It is best to run a Sound Test before troubleshooting.
The Sound Test option is only available on select models. If your model supports it, you can find the sound test by following these instructions:
-
Access the Settings menu, then choose the Customer Support or Support tab.
-
Choose Sound Test to begin.
-
A test sound will be played; note whether it is distorted, then proceed to the Troubleshooting section.
-
Is the sound distorted during the Sound Test?
(If your TV doesn't have a Sound Test, choose No)
Yes No -
Try multiple inputs/channels, is the sound distorted on all media?
Yes No -
Would you describe the sound as crackling?
Yes No -
How would you describe the distortion?
no audio low audio Crackling Out of sync with video distant (echo) voices aren't right all volume is the same -
If the sound is not distorted on all inputs, it is likely the issue rests with the output settings of the device you're playing the media from. Here are some general troubleshooting steps that may resolve the issue:
-
Check the cable used to connect the media device to the TV. Make sure it is firmly connected to both devices.
-
Try to use a different cable, or use the same cable on a different TV (in case the cable is malfunctioning).
-
Check the audio output settings on the media device. If they are set properly, the device may need to be replaced.
-
Try to hook the media device into another TV.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
A crackling sound heard during the sound test may indicate an issue with the media device or possibly a blown speaker.
-
Check the cable used to connect the media device to the TV. Make sure it is firmly connected to both devices.
-
Try to use a different cable, or use the same cable on a different TV (in case the cable is malfunctioning).
-
Check the audio output settings on the media device. If they are set properly, the device may need to be replaced.
-
Try to hook the media device into another TV.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
Is the sound out of left/right balance?
(more sound coming from the left or right?)
Yes No -
To adjust the left/right balance of your TV speakers:
-
Navigate to Settings > Audio > Balance.
-
Move the slider to shift the balance.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
-
Room acoustics can be an important factor for sound quality. In a very large room, the TV speakers alone may not be powerful enough. If this is the case, you may consider a Home Theater, Sound Plate, or Soundbar.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
No audio coming from your TV speakers can happen for several reasons. Please visit Troubleshooting No Audio for specific No Audio troubleshooting.
-
-
Check the cable used to connect the media device to the TV. Make sure it is firmly connected to both devices.
-
Try to use a different cable, or use the same cable on a different TV (in case the cable is malfunctioning).
-
Check the audio output settings on the media device. Some devices, especially cable boxes, may have a separate volume control.
-
(Select Models) Navigate to Settings > Audio > Auto Volume and set it to Off.
-
(Select Models) Navigate to Settings > Audio > Clear Voice and set it to Off.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
A crackling sound may indicate an issue with the media device or possibly a blown speaker.
-
Check the cable used to connect the media device to the TV. Make sure it is firmly connected to both devices.
-
Try to use a different cable, or use the same cable on a different TV (in case the cable is malfunctioning).
-
Check the audio output settings on the media device. If they are set properly, the device may need to be replaced.
-
Try to hook the media device into another TV.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
On Select Models you can adjust the timing of sound/video. To adjust the A/V sync of your TV:
-
Navigate to Settings > Audio > A/V Sync Adjust.
-
Move the slider to shift the timing.
-
If this doesn't solve your issue, consider changing the distortion description above.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
On Select Models, the Virtual Surround Sound feature may sound a bit distant to some listeners. To disable the Virtual Surround Sound of your TV:
-
Navigate to Settings > Audio > Virtual Surround Sound.
-
Set to Off.
-
If this doesn't solve your issue, consider changing the distortion description above.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
On Select Models, the Clear Voice feature may sound a bit distorted to some listeners. To disable Clear Voice on your TV:
-
Navigate to Settings > Audio > Clear Voice.
-
Set to Off.
-
If this doesn't solve your issue, consider changing the distortion description above.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-
-
On Select Models, the Auto Volume feature may be undesirable to some listeners. To disable Auto Volume on your TV:
-
Navigate to Settings > Audio > Auto Volume.
-
Set to Off.
-
If this doesn't solve your issue, consider changing the distortion description above.
-
If the issue persists, Contact Us.
-

Sanmi is a Home Appliance expert and author of this help library article. Please leave him feedback below about the page.