Troubleshooting Common HDMI Connection Issues

## Before You Start: The Quick Wins

Try these first — they fix the majority of HDMI problems in under two minutes:

1. **Reseat the cable** — unplug from both ends, wait five seconds, plug the TV/monitor end first
2. **Switch HDMI inputs** — cycle through all inputs with the TV remote
3. **Restart both devices** — power-cycle the source device and the display
4. **Try a different cable** — swap with a known-good cable if available

## Problem: No Signal or Blank Screen

### Cause 1: Wrong Input Selected

TVs have HDMI 1, HDMI 2, HDMI 3, etc. Make sure you've selected the exact port your cable is plugged into. Some TVs auto-detect; others require manual selection.

### Cause 2: Source Device Not Outputting Video

Check the source device's display output settings. A PC set to a resolution the TV doesn't support will show a blank screen. Boot into Safe Mode (Windows) to reset resolution.

### Cause 3: Cable Doesn't Support the Resolution

A Standard Speed HDMI cable cannot carry 4K@120Hz — it will show no signal rather than a degraded image. You need an **Ultra High Speed HDMI** cable (48 Gbps) for HDMI 2.1 features.

## Problem: Image Flickering or Intermittent Dropout

### Cause: Marginal Signal

Common when the cable is too long, damaged, or of poor quality.

**Steps to fix**:
1. Try a shorter cable or a higher-quality cable
2. Reduce resolution or refresh rate temporarily to test stability
3. Inspect both ends for bent pins or physical damage
4. Use a powered HDMI signal booster or active cable for runs over 5m

### Cause: Loose Connection

HDMI connectors that are repeatedly plugged in and out wear out. Wiggling the cable while connected and watching for dropout confirms a loose connection. Try a locking HDMI adapter or replace the cable.

## Problem: Incorrect Resolution or Refresh Rate

The TV or monitor shows the correct image but at the wrong resolution or refresh rate (e.g., 1080p instead of 4K, or 60Hz instead of 120Hz).

**Steps**:
1. Windows: Display Settings > Advanced display > Resolution and refresh rate
2. PlayStation 5: Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > Resolution
3. macOS: System Settings > Displays > use Option+click for advanced refresh
4. Check that the cable supports the target bandwidth

## Problem: Overscan (Black Bars or Cut-Off Image)

Some TVs add overscan by default — zooming into the image slightly.

**Fix on TV**: Look for 'Picture Size', 'Zoom Mode', or 'Aspect Ratio' and set it to 'Just Scan', 'Dot by Dot', or '1:1'. Disable 'Overscan' or 'Picture Zoom'.

**Fix on source (Windows)**: AMD/NVIDIA GPU control panel > Display > Scaling > No Scaling.

## Problem: ARC / eARC Not Working

**Checklist**:
- Connect soundbar to the **ARC-labeled** HDMI port on the TV (usually HDMI 1)
- Enable **HDMI-CEC** on both TV and soundbar (Anynet+, Bravia Sync, SimpLink)
- For **eARC**: use an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable and enable eARC in TV settings
- Disable competing audio settings while testing

## When to Replace the Cable

- Cable has visible damage: kinks, cuts, bent pins
- Tested on two different displays and both show the same problem
- Issue disappears with a different cable on the same devices