Center Sync crackle / static.

[MegaRid]

I'm having an issue using my A95K tv as the centre speaker for an HT-A5000 sound bar - namely crackle / static.

It is not regular, certainly not constant, but crops up from time to time and is quite off-putting.

The tv is connected to the sound bar via HDMI using the e-Arc channel. The sound bar is then connected back to the tv using the 3.5mm jack cable supplied with the tv.

I have contacted Sony Support over this but their trouble-shooting advice only went as far as to suggest unplugging everything. I have read, in a number of places, static if often caused by dirt or dust which can be blown away. I have also read suggestions of using compressed air to do the job but don't know if this sounds like the very most sensible idea!! 

Has anyone else had this problem?? Can anyone advise on the dust theory or suggest anything else that might help??

[tomtomnavajo]

The centre speaker cable does not appear to be shielded. I am wondering if the cable is picking up outside RFI and feeding into the PCB. Just a thought!

[MegaRid]

Tomtomnavajo,

Hey.

All thoughts are welcome mate - thanks for the input!! Unfortunately, I can say that I bought a replacement cable from Audioquest - not particularly expensive but with (apparently) decent shielding - and my issue continued. I do get the impression there are different issues being spoken about on this thread - I got mine down to being purely a static sounding crackle, most commonly when looking through menus or similar - but I do know that upgrading the 3.5mm jack cable didn't help.

All other thoughts and suggestions still more than welcome!!

[Dazzler001]

Hi, just been reading all the comments on this issue.

I have been in contact with Sony for months now trying to resolve the same problem.

I have a bravia XR65A84K t.v (manufactured on 1/23), the AH3000 soundbar, rear speakers and sub.

I can hear a constant high pitch hissing noise and every time I press a button on the remote there's a clicking noise from the TV. When I unplug the centre speaker cable the sound goes away but obviously I'm not able to use the centre speaker so want it to be on as it's one of the main reasons I brought the t.v( it is recessed so I wanted front facing speakers inside.

After a few months of back and forth Sony sent another company out to replace the motherboard. To start with it seemed fine but I realised the engineer didn't push the s lead in fully so it wasn't on. When I pushed it fully in I'm getting the same problem as before.

I'm back to contacting Sony support who are again passing me back and forth and my latest reply was that they cannot hear the problem on the video and I'm too close when recording. ( I explained I needed to be close as a mobile phones mic can't pick up the high pitch noise....they've now basically called me a liar so my next step is to seek legal advise I think. 

It's a shame a I paid a lot for all this set up as I originally wanted an LG but the Currys salesman said Sony were a better t.v and company...... Never again

[Hlebo1412]

Hello on everybody!

I just wanted to let you know about my case. I have bought a SONY HT-A3000 Soundbar a couple of days ago and noticed that static noise when TV-CENTER function was on on my SONY BRAVIA XR-55X94K TV. After contacting the SONY support they've said to me that because my TV is still under warranty they will order the spare parts and send an technician to repair the TV at my home. Today was the technician here to repair the TV and I must say that he was a little bit odd, because he started saying that if he can't hear the noise, then I will have to pay the bill for the repair, and then tried, so to say, a couple of other excuses trying to prove that nothing is wrong with the TV. 

After examining the Soundbar and couple of other things, he said that there really was a problem with the TV and started repairing it. Funny enough he had only one spare part with him and that was completely new motherboard. I've had a feeling that they already know what the problem is and after changing the whole motherboard the problem was solved. Everything works like a charm.

So my advice to you guys, if your TV is still under warranty, contact the SONY support with repair request and get that motherboard changed. 

Best regards!

[jofreet]

Hi,

Thank you for the reply that is really helpful.

To be honest I think my TV is out of Warranty now and way Sony is treating customers I don’t think I’ll buy an other Sony TV and this is after 30 years of buying Sony.

I’ll probably buy an LG next time. If Sony was fare minded they would offer some compensation as I bought the TV and Sound bar to use this centre channel.

I’m really annoyed about this whole experience with Sony.

I’m glad you got yours sorted out though

[Hlebo1412]

Thanks!

Yeah I understand what you mean. I mean the whole approach from SONY is a little bit fishy. My thoughts are that they've taught that not everyone that bought a TV with the S-Center function would also use it, but I mean still... U could make a public announcement which models have this problem and give the people some chance to get that fixed.

[Hlebo1412]

Hello on everyone!

I just wanted to report that after the last Firmware-Update 6.7630 the hissing noise is back. Although not that loud and at the same level (not getting louder when volume is increased). That is why I think and hope, really hope there is a software update issue.

I didn't get the extended warranty after the replacement of the motherboard and now I'm also out of warranty coverage.

Can someone please verify that it is actually a software issue? 

Thank you! 

Best regards!

[TheGOAT]

@Hlebo1412 I believe it is not related to the software as it's a sound issue, especially if it happens on all the contents you play. So, if you have done all the recommended troubleshooting steps, you need to reach their technical department: https://services.sony.co.uk/supportmvc/en/contact/

[Hlebo1412]

Just to elaborate on the problem.

What I have noticed in the meantime, the static noise is coming out of the side slots on the TV (see picture).

And the static noise is always there when you turn on the TV. It's on the steady level (doesn't get louder with turning the volume up) no matter what sound option or streaming app you choose. One thing that I did notice, when you plug in the S-Center cable into the TV, the noise gets a little bit louder but then stays like that again, doesn't get louder with turning the volume up.

But honestly, I didn't notice that the static noise interfere with the sound quality when watching the TV, and with the fact that my guarantee period is over, Sony didn't set the new guarantee period after changing the whole motherboard. That was also a thing. After changing the motherboard, and the technician convincing me that everything is in perfect order, soon afther that, my other devices and Alexa did recognize the TV as completely different model (XR-65X90J i belive)... But well...

I just don't see the point paying repairs for the TV even Sony obviously can't really repair.

[TheRealOG]

Hey Hlebo1412, if the repair didn't pass the 90 days, you may contact the ASC directly, if it did, try contacting Sony support as suggested to see what can be done!