HDMI has made viewing images easier by transmitting audio and video using a single cable, yet it hasn’t come far from trouble like any other technology. Therefore, if you have realized that it is giving you problems, it does not work, it fails, it seems that it does nothing or suddenly it has stopped working, we will tell you the main solutions to the problems that usually occur.
Initial checks
Connection failures or bad contacts are usually the main causes of image and video problems, that is why it is important that in case you do not know what is happening or want to make a first check, you pay attention to what HDMI and cables They are in good condition and perfectly connected. Check that the TV connector is intact, as well as your cable, and also that it is perfectly cleansed. If it lacks cleaning, use compressed air for it, the cans are not excessively expensive and will serve you for other uses.
If it doesn’t work or has problems, try remove all connections, wait a few minutes, reattach them carefully and making sure they are properly seated, and turn on the SMART TV. Sometimes this simple check solves many problems.
An interesting initial check is to test in the other connector of the television, since televisions can often have more than one, to see if it works since in this case it could be due to the cable and you would have to change it for another or resort to other solutions.
Of course, first of all, you have to make sure that your TV is configured for the correct inlet port. It may happen that you have it to show the channels or your streaming account. Go to the TV remote and choose the port that you are going to connect on your TV. If you have more than one, verify that it is the one you are going to connect. Generally, this is usually the HDMI 1 input, although you may connect it to HDMI 2 or another, so pay attention to this aspect. You can find it on the remote at Sources, Fonts or something similar.
Main problems
Once you have made the initial checks, we will tell you about some of the main problems that usually occur and what are their most frequent solutions, although it may be that one of them can solve another problem or that by doing the initial checks you have solved that when you HDMI fails. As these problems or errors tend to occur more frequently than desired, we tell you the first thing to do in each case, it may be that you will be fine with that.
Sound and image cuts
One of the most frequent problems that usually occur with this type of connectivity are sound or image problems. Suddenly you see cuts in the image, the screen is poorly visualized or the sound does not work as it should. This is usually due to a false contact or bad connection in the connector with the input. Check that it is well placed or that it did not move from its place. For this, it is recommended that take it off safely and replace it making sure that it is well seated and that you do not force it.
If this does not solve the problem, it could be due to a damaged cable, so it checks that it is well placed, without being taken out or twisted or forced, and that it is not worn. This usually happens when some heavy things, such as furniture, are placed on top of it that end up damaging it.
Another test entry, if the TV has it, to see if the problem is with the input and not with the connector. Sometimes, due to frequent use of this, it can end up wearing out. It is used to make the check one that you do not use frequently you will be able to see if this is the problem.
Spots or poor sharpness
If what you are viewing is poorly defined or has spots, you should check the settings of the device to check if the image passes taking into account the native resolution of your TV or higher. This is usually due to resolution.
You can also change the automatic TV resolution selection and choose it manually depending on the connected device. If you do not know what it is, check the box, instruction manual or look on the internet for the device model.
The signal may not arrive well even with a well connected cable, which we have already checked before, due to problems of connectivity, so this makes it necessary to match the quality and aspect ratio the TV with the connected device or computer.
Your new device does not appear
If you have bought a new device and it does not appear on your TV, this may be due to the HDCP, data protection system, or EDID, responsible for identifying the device.
In this case, what you should do is update the firmware of your device. This update can fix other issues, such as undefined resolution or colors. We assume that you have selected the same port on your SMART TV that you connect the device to, but look carefully that you have done so because sometimes there is confusion with the connector number.
Picture without sound
If the picture appears without sound when connecting the computer to the TV with HDMI, this is usually due to a problem with the software. Therefore, we recommend that you review the settings.
In Windows, you can go to Control Panel, Hardware, Sound, and Manage Audio Devices. Verify that the Exit is enabled, and it also checks that the computer has volume and high enough. Make sure you have not accidentally turned off the sound on your TV.
Problems with a long cable
Problems with long cables should not have to occur if they have licenseas they have gone through all the test specifications and quality checks. There are few cases in which these, near strong signal sources, could create interference.
Therefore, you should check the specifications, although if it is from an authorized manufacturer you should not have problems. If so, go to where you bought it to explain your case. The problems usually occur with manufacturers without a license or if you make your own to make it bigger, to save on your purchase.
Other checks
If the problem is not any of those named, or you are not completely clear, you can try other possible solutions to see if this stops failing or your HDMI finally works, since sometimes you can not detect what is happening and can be the simplest thing in the world. In other cases, the solution it is more complex than it initially appeared. Therefore, we recommend that you try something else.
Hardware troubleshooting
If you are trying to connect your computer to your SMART TV and it doesn’t work, you can try running the troubleshooting hardware and peripherals that is in Windows and with which you will find any problem that is related to the port to solve it easily.
In order to test this, you must give Windows + I to open your computer’s settings. You have to give to Update and security and on the left Solve problems. In Find and Fix other problems you will go to Hardware and peripherals. You give Run troubleshooter and let it act. Follow the instructions on the screen and find out if the problem has been fixed.
Upgrades
A good check is to check that there is a new firmware version and update your appliances and devices to this, especially the ones that you are going to connect to each other, to ensure maximum security since updates are usually made to improve the service, but also to resolve some errors.
You can also update the graphics drivers if it does not work with your computer, since in some occasions the problems are usually due to outdated driver graphics, which usually affects the operation of the interface. It is good that you usually have your drivers updated to the latest version. Do it in Device Manager, you can look for it in the search engine of your operating system.
Change display settings
If you use multiple monitors on your computer, you may not receive video and audio with incorrect display settings. Therefore, you must give to Windows + P to view the list of screen display modes. Only PC screen will appear, duplicate, enlarge, only second screen and connect to a wireless projection. You can switch to the settings that suit your current situation.
Factory reset your SMART TV
If the problem is not solved, you can also reset your TV to the factory settings to troubleshoot HDMI port problems or other problems that can be caused by misconfiguration. The settings will return to their factory values, those that came when you bought your device, so if you have made any changes that you should keep, you will have to do it again later. First of all, check that this does not solve the problem. It is usually the last method to resort, but also quite effective in many cases.
Use converters
If the cable does not work, you can change it directly. However, if it is a TV connector and there is no more, the problem can be complicated. One of the solutions that you can resort to, evaluating all aspects, is the use of converters. For example, from HDMI to Scart, to RCA, to VGA with audio jack cable, to YPbPr. You can assess the possibility of using them, although first check that they are compatible with the devices and are the best solution. This is something that is up to you after making a general analysis of the situation.
Use a wireless one
If it doesn’t work, you can try a wireless HDMI, with which you can connect your devices, even if they are in different rooms with a good signal quality. For that, you just have to use the wireless display. You need to connect the adapter to the TV and to the device. It is perhaps not the best solution because it is not the cheapest, but you can use it as an alternative.
Try another
It may not work for you because it is too worn, broken, or simply stopped working and you don’t know the cause. Therefore, sometimes the solution is to change it to new one and test that this new one goes on your SMART TV. Even if you have tried to avoid taking this step, sometimes it is the best solution. To avoid that it could happen to you soon, buy a new, certified and quality cable.
The post What do I do if the HDMI cable fails? appeared first on ADSLZone.