Why do televisions make that creaking noise?

Question

I just wondered, I haven't used my TV all day today and randomly it'll make a weird snapping or creaking noise that makes me jump, why does it do that?

Answer 1

TV's run hot and the plastic parts expand when it's on and heating up.  It goes the other way when cooling.  

It's either you just happened to be there when it shrinks a little (vibrations from walking across the floor could do it as well)or it's on stand by and does use a little bit of power and gives off a little bit of heat.