Do you agree with SONY tech support stating a low power rated surge protector can cause audio/video drops?

Question

I called them today about losing audio at times in my Bravia LCD TV until I turned off some of the bells and whistles. After the discussion I realized that it began after I installed an UPS/Surge protector that I originally purchased just for my PC.

I have seen other posts concerning audio issues. Do you think this may be a possible cause?

Answer 1

Hey Dano what are you on man. I have seen this same issue with UPSs that work correctly until someone turns on a printer, then the whole system goes haywire. Good catch 42.

No model numbers to be sure but I see at least a 7-15 amp load so right around 900-1500 Watts of draw not a lot of supplies can provide that easily.  

Answer 2

Wow that really must be a under powered UPS. You need to add up the running rate of current for everything you have connected. It has been my experence that it is usually sat or cable receivers that are deceptive as to what current they draw. Use that information to get a properly sized one.

I would like you to provide a list of what you have (include model numbers) as well as the model of UPs you have. Then with a little math we can educate some who don't read the question properly or who have no experence in the industry.

Note to those would disagree: Voltage is merely the diference of potential. Current flow is what a device needs to run porperly. So a undersized cap or transorb will cause current supply stability issues. ENL and EFL come to mind. Given the buffering in these UPSs it is very possible for the proper voltage to be provided (NOTE that is not supplied) and not enough current supplied.  

Answer 3

I have heard of this for the television, but not for the audio.

Here is the issue: A TV that uses a high voltage bulb (DLP, Projector), need a LOT of current and voltage in the first few seconds to ignite.  This means it needs a power surge.  The surge protectors try to prevent this.  Sony and other companies recommend you NOT use a surge protector for the TV. The 'clamping' of the AC power can damage a TV.

But this should not affect the sound.

Other issue: A computer UPS and a Home theater UPS are two different things.  A computer being all digital does not care if a UPS creates saw-tooth waves.  But the analog portion of a home theater is sensitive to noise on the AC lines.

A UPS for a computer - makes a LOT of noise as it is basically a car-battery charger in-line with your AC power.

APC has some units specially designed for home theater/audio users. You really dont want to a generic UPS for your audio system.

So try NOT plugging the TV into the UPS.  If the problem keeps up - remove the UPS altogether.

Answer 4

No that is not possible if the surge protector is OK and providing enough voltage for the TV to operate.  I think they are just "grasping at straws" because you mentioned that you added a surge protector and they don't really know what is causing your problem.

A good way to troubleshoot this would be to remove the surge protector temporarily and see if the problem continues.

Answer 5

I agree with others but would say it has to be a UPS issue and nothing to do with a surge protector in general.  S/P's may not protect properly but they let the current flow until they're triggered.