I am now having the same problem with my Samsung DLP TV. I called Samsung and was told by the Executive customer Relations Manager, Calvin, that this issue has NEVER been reported to Samsung before. I find that hard to believe. Did you ever report the crackling nosie and what did Samsung do to correct the issue, if anything at all?
It started out making noise for only 30 secs or so but now the noise lasts for 45 minutes until it mostly goes away. Once in a while the volume will disappear completely also. This happens w/satellite, dvd, games...everything. I emailed Samsung and they gave me the typical "call a repair center". I would like to try to figure this out first before I spend $100 for them to tell me there is nothing they can do or if it is really worth the repair. Please help, its getting really annoying!

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