Plasma TVs, what size transformer do I need?
Aug 23rd 2012, 3:44 pm
#61
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 46
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.
This one for $50 does region free blu-ray and dvd if you install an older firmware file. There's also a version for $10 less that does the same thing (just search Insignia blu-ray at Best buy). I'm hesitating on it as the reviews are mixed and the only ones you can find seem to be refurbs, which doesn't bode well. There's a thread about it here and links to the firmware and instructions.
Last edited by Dazey; Aug 23rd 2012 at 3:50 pm.
Aug 23rd 2012, 3:49 pm
#62
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 46
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 23rd 2012, 4:15 pm
#63
So I am where?
Joined: Oct 2009
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 485
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.
Another neat way is to buy a cheap external dvd for the computer and only play British DVD's in it, it programs the firmware by the dvd's played in it.
http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-W...zon+basics+dvd
I can now watch my british dvd's on the PC, which means I can also watch them on the tv, if the more expensive phillips dvd players belly up.
Aug 23rd 2012, 6:36 pm
#64
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Joined: Aug 2004
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 92,170
Re: Plasma TVs, what size transformer do I need?
Nearly everything can be hacked to be regionless, except a bunch of Sony players. Nearly all of them won't be sold as regionless players in the big stores though.
Aug 23rd 2012, 9:19 pm
#65
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Re: Plasma TVs, what size transformer do I need?
Is that some sort of gentleman's agreement between the manufacturers and the studios? Or even a law? The one and only time before I bought one was in Richer Sounds and it was actually advertised as multiregion. Different country, different stores and all that. Ironically I don't think we ever used non local region discs in it!
Aug 24th 2012, 4:09 am
#66
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Joined: Aug 2004
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 92,170
Re: Plasma TVs, what size transformer do I need?
Is that some sort of gentleman's agreement between the manufacturers and the studios? Or even a law? The one and only time before I bought one was in Richer Sounds and it was actually advertised as multiregion. Different country, different stores and all that. Ironically I don't think we ever used non local region discs in it!
Aug 25th 2012, 1:09 pm
#67
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Joined: Jun 2010
Location: Evanston, IL
Posts: 135
Re: Plasma TVs, what size transformer do I need?
http://www.nine220volts.com/
We got a lot of our transformers from this place and are using them all the time. Have other appliances as well.
BTW, those of you who have transformers on the wooden floor or even on the carpet - go get couple of bigger tiles from Home Depot and put them on that.
We got a lot of our transformers from this place and are using them all the time. Have other appliances as well.
BTW, those of you who have transformers on the wooden floor or even on the carpet - go get couple of bigger tiles from Home Depot and put them on that.
Aug 25th 2012, 4:33 pm
#68
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 46
Re: Plasma TVs, what size transformer do I need?
http://www.nine220volts.com/
We got a lot of our transformers from this place and are using them all the time. Have other appliances as well.
BTW, those of you who have transformers on the wooden floor or even on the carpet - go get couple of bigger tiles from Home Depot and put them on that.
We got a lot of our transformers from this place and are using them all the time. Have other appliances as well.
BTW, those of you who have transformers on the wooden floor or even on the carpet - go get couple of bigger tiles from Home Depot and put them on that.
Have you used these on anything along the lines of a plasma tv? Did they buzz or hum a lot? And what was the wattage of the transformer and of the tv? Thanks!
