Speaker hum

[Prophecy]

Hey guys, just need some technical help here.

 

First, this is my setup-

 

BenQ G2220HD 22" widescreen monitor

Logitech EX 100 wireless mouse/keyboard combo

Logitech Z4 2.1 speakers

Acer Aspire 4741G laptop

And I also have my ps3 plugged into the monitor and speakers.

 

I have the ps3 plugged into the monitor via a DVI/HDMI converter, and to the speakers through the RCA cables to an RCA/3.5mm converter, directly to the input on the speakers.

 

Then the laptop is connected to the monitor via VGA, and to the speakers with a 3.5mm cable going from the laptops audio jack to the component jack on the speakers wired remote.

 

The setup itself works fine, the video and audio works for everything, has since I got my ps3, and worked just fine exactly the same when I had an xbox 360.

 

The problem is that when I have both the laptop and ps3 audio plugged, I get an annoying humm from the speakers. It goes away when I unplug the ps3 or laptop audio.

 

Another thing I noticed is that the loudness and frequency of the humm changes depending on whats happening on screen. Darker colours give a deeper humm, lighter colours give a higher humm. Dont ask me to explain beyond that, I know nothing about audio stuff :P

 

Just wanted to know, is there any way to get rid of this annoyance? Could things be too close together?

 

(Also, the actual volume- not the volume of the humm- drops when I have both plugged in, but I think thats because its having to share between both things.)

[Ryzza5]

Sometimes laptops create an audio hum depending on how nice or cheap the audio hardware is. The quality of the cables and connections can also cause this.

 

Since you belive the monitor is causing interference, try to get more expensive audio cables with gold connectors from your nearest electronics store (or online). From reading your description I'm pretty sure no audio cables are plugged into the monitor (I have the BenQ E2420HD - great monitors). HOw close are the cables to the monitor? What happens if you route them so that none go near it?

 

Data transfer can sometimes interfere as well. Unplug USB devices and other peripherals to see if there's any effect. Try getting newer sound card drivers. Maybe try powering the speakers from another power point separate to where your PS3 and PC are. A higher quality power board with surger protection might help.

 

Sorry for the ambiguity, but that gives you a few places to start trying in any case.