Plasma TVs, what size transformer do I need?
Aug 22nd 2012, 8:25 pm
#49
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Re: Plasma TVs, what size transformer do I need?
Transformer efficiencies are in the order of 95%+, and the direction shouldn't really make any difference. These things are literally just transformers - they don't regulate the voltage, do frequency conversions etc.
On the original question: I have a couple of smaller transformers feeding smaller things like an amplifier etc and they don't make any appreciable noise. I don't know if there's much you can do except look for a different/better/bigger transformer and hope for the best?
The good news is European (PAL) TVs are usually happy with US (NTSC) signals, so anything except the integrated tuner should work fine here. The reverse is not universally true, as I found after trying to watch my PAL DVDs...
On the original question: I have a couple of smaller transformers feeding smaller things like an amplifier etc and they don't make any appreciable noise. I don't know if there's much you can do except look for a different/better/bigger transformer and hope for the best?
The good news is European (PAL) TVs are usually happy with US (NTSC) signals, so anything except the integrated tuner should work fine here. The reverse is not universally true, as I found after trying to watch my PAL DVDs...
Aug 22nd 2012, 8:57 pm
#50
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Location: Louisiana
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Re: Plasma TVs, what size transformer do I need?
Stepping up or stepping down the voltage makes no difference to the amount of heat the transformer produces. It is a function of core efficiency and power drawn.
A buzzing transformer is usually related to how the core has been manufactured. A good quality laminated core will be given a thick coat of lacquer during manufacture. Stingy manufacturers use less lacquer. If the laminations are not sufficiently well lacquered then they can vibrate at mains frequency which is, of course, audible (50 or 60Hz dependent on location). The mounting arrangement can also be a contributing factor.
A buzzing transformer is usually related to how the core has been manufactured. A good quality laminated core will be given a thick coat of lacquer during manufacture. Stingy manufacturers use less lacquer. If the laminations are not sufficiently well lacquered then they can vibrate at mains frequency which is, of course, audible (50 or 60Hz dependent on location). The mounting arrangement can also be a contributing factor.
Aug 22nd 2012, 9:51 pm
#51
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Re: Plasma TVs, what size transformer do I need?
why would you need it for the laptop? The power source for laptops these days work on both 110 or 220 volts
Aug 22nd 2012, 11:48 pm
#52
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Re: Plasma TVs, what size transformer do I need?
$30 Philips DVD player from Walmart or anywhere will sort that out, regionless with a remote hack and able to play NTSC/PAL with a NTSC output, heck, they have component out so doesn't matter.
Aug 23rd 2012, 12:14 am
#53
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Re: Plasma TVs, what size transformer do I need?
That reminds me: I've been trying to find a multi-region DVD player and can't. I've only looked in Walmart, Target, and Best Buy - not online yet. If they are multi-region then they don't advertise it on the boxes! We don't have many DVDs but DS has a box set of about 20 Thomas the Tank Engine DVDs (the classic series) that he likes. Would be nice to get them working again. In hindsight I should have ripped them but too late now.
Aug 23rd 2012, 1:05 am
#54
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Re: Plasma TVs, what size transformer do I need?
That reminds me: I've been trying to find a multi-region DVD player and can't. I've only looked in Walmart, Target, and Best Buy - not online yet. If they are multi-region then they don't advertise it on the boxes! We don't have many DVDs but DS has a box set of about 20 Thomas the Tank Engine DVDs (the classic series) that he likes. Would be nice to get them working again. In hindsight I should have ripped them but too late now.
There are 2 annoying things about it though. If you don't make a menu selection for 10-15 seconds, it will select the one that it's on. This is very annoying if you use HDMI and are a slacker like and just turn the TV off when you finish watching something. It will run through to the end of the disc, return to the menu, select the default option which is normally play and turn your TV back on again. The other issue is the remote, it has a short range and you basically can't use it at an angle. There is some minor setup you have to do on it like selecting resolutions and stuff like that as well. However, as a DVD player it's great, probably the best I've owned. It plays everything right out of the box, I've used region 1, 2, 4 and 0, PAL and NTSC, with no issues. I'm not a fan of up converting but it does a nice job and the picture is very nice for a DVD player. NOt blu-ray standard by any means like some people claim of up converting DVD players but still good. It's small and comes with a (short) HDMI cable and if you wait you can usually get it for a few dollars less than the $40 it's selling for right now.
Aug 23rd 2012, 3:13 am
#55
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Re: Plasma TVs, what size transformer do I need?
I splashed out on this when I moved here. It's multi region for DVD and blu-ray, outputs to NTSC or PAL and is dual voltage. So it will work anywhere in the world, with discs from anywhere in the world. Picture quality is great, and if I move country again all I need is a new kettle cord with the right plug on it.
If you don't want the blu-ray aspect, they have DVD equivalents for $40, brand ones for $10 more. Seems like a bargain to me. The website is slightly amateur but i had no problem with the order or delivery.
If you don't want the blu-ray aspect, they have DVD equivalents for $40, brand ones for $10 more. Seems like a bargain to me. The website is slightly amateur but i had no problem with the order or delivery.
Aug 23rd 2012, 3:15 am
#56
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Re: Plasma TVs, what size transformer do I need?
That reminds me: I've been trying to find a multi-region DVD player and can't. I've only looked in Walmart, Target, and Best Buy - not online yet. If they are multi-region then they don't advertise it on the boxes! We don't have many DVDs but DS has a box set of about 20 Thomas the Tank Engine DVDs (the classic series) that he likes. Would be nice to get them working again. In hindsight I should have ripped them but too late now.
http://www.videohelp.com/dvdhacks
Aug 23rd 2012, 5:14 am
#57
Septicity
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Re: Plasma TVs, what size transformer do I need?
Even if it isn't, it's $40 and 15 mins to swap out a desktop power supply.
Aug 23rd 2012, 9:13 am
#58
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Re: Plasma TVs, what size transformer do I need?
Aug 23rd 2012, 2:40 pm
#59
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Re: Plasma TVs, what size transformer do I need?
Most come with a kettle lead which can be swapped for a US one. Be careful with Costco, no matter how defiant you are. Not everything is cheaper than other stores.
Aug 23rd 2012, 2:42 pm
#60
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Re: Plasma TVs, what size transformer do I need?
