We have already written several times about how best to connect a home cinema system, and in most cases, an HDMI cable is the best solution. However, after connecting equipment via HDMI, you may encounter problems such as no image or audio. In this article, we’ll give you some easy ways to find out where the problem is.
Problems with HDMI
Two devices that are linked with HDMI must be able to communicate with each other and use copy protection called HDCP. The fact that both devices can see and communicate with each other is also referred to as the ‘HDMI handshake.’ If it does not work (properly), this can result in no image being forwarded and displayed. The suggestions below can help you investigate the cause of the problem.
Check the connections
It sounds pronounced, but check that everything is connected correctly. It may just be that you have used the wrong input or output, and if this is not the case, a connector may be bent, or a cable may have come loose due to moving equipment.
Check or replace the cables
It is a misconception that an HDMI cable of 100 euros gives a better picture than a cable of 10 euros. An HDMI cable works or it doesn’t; it’s that simple. If you have tried everything but still do not get a picture through your HDMI cable, it may sometimes be the case that another (cheap) cable works. So it pays to have tried at least two cables before you give up.
Check the settings
Before enjoying your newly connected home cinema system, it is essential to check whether the correct settings are used for HDMI. For example, is the video resolution set correctly (can the display handle this resolution?), and is the correct input assigned to the correct connection on your home cinema set or receiver? It is also possible that the source is set only to transmit audio or only video via HDMI.
Turning on equipment
Sometimes it is possible that all equipment is connected correctly and that all settings are correct, but you still do not get a picture. This is usually when an HDMI signal is forwarded via, for example, a receiver or home cinema set. One of the reasons for this may be the order in which equipment is turned on. It can help you switch on your home cinema system in different orders and see if an image appears. For example, first switch on the Blu-ray player, then the receiver, and then the TV. If you have a receiver or home cinema set with multiple inputs, switching to another input and back can sometimes also ensure a correct ‘handshake.’
Remove devices
If the above methods still do not answer the question of where the problem is, you can try to simplify the process of sending the image to the TV. Do you use a receiver, home cinema set, or sound bar between the source and the TV? Then disconnect it and connect the source directly to the TV. If you get a picture, you know the problem is with the receiver, home cinema set, or soundbar. You can connect the source directly to the TV and lay a separate (digital) audio cable to the receiver, home cinema set, or soundbar. This is not an optimal solution because HD audio formats are currently unsupported, but at least you have image and sound.
Firmware updates
Because the ‘HDMI handshake’ can be influenced by the software on one of the connected devices, it is wise to check immediately whether there are firmware updates for your TV, Blu-ray player, home cinema set, and receiver, for example. This update may bring newer software that enables a correct handshake.
Contact the manufacturer
Unfortunately, you may still not get an image after trying the above solutions. This could be due to a hardware or software problem. Search the internet for users who have the same complaint, and they may have found a solution. In addition, contact the manufacturer. They may take the device back to check and repair it.
