HDMI tips and troubleshooting

The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI®) is a specification that combines video and audio into a single digital interface for use with DVD, Blu-Ray Disc™, Android TV™, Google TV™, soundbar, set-top boxes, and other digital audio-visual devices.

Review these HDMI tips first

1. For a TV, the power reset or restart of the TV is a recommended troubleshooting step that can possibly resolve the HDMI signal issue

   • To perform a power reset
     • Turn off the TV, unplug the power cord for two minutes, then turn on the TV
       Note: Skip this step if your power cord is not accessible.

   • Restart your TV using the TV remote. These options vary depending on your TV:
     • Use the option that best matches your TV when using the power button on the supplied remote control to perform a restart:
       • Press and hold the POWER button until Power off appears on the screen
       • Press and hold the POWER button until a menu appears → select Restart
     • Use the option that best matches your TV to restart the TV using the Settings menu:
       • On the supplied remote, press the Quick Settings button, then select Settings → System → Restart → Restart
       • On the supplied remote, press the HOME button, then select Settings → About → Restart → Restart
       • On the supplied remote, press the HOME button, then select Settings → Device Preferences → About → Restart → Restart

   Note: For power reset instructions for other devices refer to the operation guide for the device.

2. Cable length - For 4K video performance. the length of the cable should be no more than 3 meters/10 feet. Longer cables may work, but the operation is not guaranteed.

   Note: In some cases, HDMI amplifiers can be used to increase performance on longer cable lengths.

3. Cable type - Do you have the right type of HDMI cable needed to transfer audio/video signals between your TV and other devices?

   There are four types of HDMI cables and they are backward compatible (HDMI standard):
   • Standard (HDMI 1.0 to 1.2a) - Designed for basic consumer applications such as DVD players. The cable has a bandwidth of 5Gbps and supports up to 1080i (interlaced) or 720p (progressive) resolutions.
   • High-Speed (HDMI 1.3 to 1.4a) - Designed to transmit 1080p, 4K at 30hz, and 3D signals. The cable has a bandwidth of 10.2Gbps.
   • Premium High-Speed (HDMI 2.0 to 2.0b) - Designed to support HDR (High Dynamic Range) and 4K (60Hz) video signals and expanded color schemes.
   • Ultra High-Speed (HDMI 2.1a) - Provides the best signal transfer capability. The cable has a bandwidth of 48Gbps, transfers resolutions up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz, and supports new features such as Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).
     • Note: When using High-Speed or Ultra High-Speed cables, the video output of the device may need to be set properly. See your for details.
4. Verify that the HDMI cable transfers data:
   • Change to another port on the TV and then the device.
   • Connect the cable to another device and then to the TV.
     • If the cable works, then the HDMI port on the device or TV may be defective.
     • If there is still no signal transfer after switching ports and devices, then replace the HDMI cable.

If the issue still occurs, additional HDMI cable tips and troubleshooting is available.

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