I went to Best Buy and talked to the experts. I got prices and went home to do my research. I found a great deal on a great tv at Comp USA. They're big online but they have a local store here. I bought a 40 in Toshiba LCD and the picture blows me away. All the reviews were raves and looking at the picture I see why. The only problem is the sound really stinks. It sounds like an old am fm radio. The sound on my 10 yr old tube tv was better. None of the reviews mentioned that! But I have a feeling it's a plot to get me to buy a home audio system! I've gone through all of the audio settings and there is nowhere to adjust the bass or anything specific about the sound. It just asks SAP or Stereo. I'm wondering if I got a lemon or if they really don't bother giving you good sound quality so you'll buy the audio system. Does your flat panel tv have rich full sound full of bass? Or is it flat as the screen like mine?
I just called COMp USA. Definately not a refurbished tv! That was a relief. They told me that flat penal tvs just dont have enough space for a sound system. The one little speaker they come with usually either points down or toward the back, just due to a lack of space and because consumers respond to a sleek look. He did tell me there is a seperate audio control menu with more controls than the one I found on the setup menu. They are going to walk me through the controls when I get home. He said not to expect miracles though. The tvs were designed to need an additional sound system and that flat panels are known for thier "tinny" sound.
The only thing that came to mind for me is that Comp USA sells A LOT of refurbished stuff. Is it possible that it's refurbished and that's why the sound isn't a clear as you anticipated. Sounding like am old am/fm is not what you should expect. Comp USA has lots of rules regarding returns, but I think you can exchange it for the same item if yours is defective without any penalties.
We just bought an LG and the picture AND sound quality are great! I don't know anything about toshiba, but I would think you probably got a lemon. I would hope the sound wouldn't be that bad for a new TV. You might go to Best Buy and check out the display model to see how theirs works.
GL!
I just purchased a new 32" Vizio that I am pretty certain is possessed. The sound will be normal and controlled one minute and the next minute it will be shouting and blaring at you. Can't find an appropriate sound adjustment on the dang thing. I'm living through it with the understanding that when it gets loud it's yelling at me. Makes for some good laughs. Best to you with your TV.
Do you have digital cable and/or a cable box? We had some sound issues with our tv in the past that were solved by turning up the volume on the cable box. In fact, we need to turn up the cable box's volume everytime it gets reset or unplugged.
