When any mix of TVs, receivers, soundbars, and streamers shows “No Signal” or a black screen, use this order: isolate the failing hop, prove a clean 4K path, then add features back.
Quick answer
- Use the TV’s 4K/120/eARC port and reseat the cable; avoid side/secondary inputs.
- Swap to a certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable to rule out bandwidth problems.
- Start the source at 1080p or 4K60 SDR, then reintroduce HDR/VRR once stable.
- Power-cycle in order: TV → receiver/soundbar → source; enable Enhanced/8K on receiver HDMI Out.
Symptoms
- “No Signal” or black screen when enabling HDR/4K.
- Picture returns only when lowering resolution/refresh.
- Works direct to TV but fails through receiver/switch.
Quick checks
- Confirm the TV is on the correct HDMI input and that port supports 4K.
- Inspect and firmly reseat the HDMI cable; avoid wall plates/adapters while testing.
- Test a known-good source on the same port; test your source on another display.
- Update firmware on TV, receiver, and source.
Step-by-step fix
- Direct path first – Connect source ΓåÆ TV directly with a short certified cable. If picture returns, the middle device is suspect. Recommended: Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (paid link).
- Use the best HDMI port – Move to the TV port labeled 4K120/HDMI 2.1/eARC. Enable Enhanced/Deep Color for that port.
- Set a conservative mode – Configure the source for 4K60 SDR (or 1080p) first. Confirm stability, then enable HDR and higher refresh.
- Add the receiver back correctly – Use the receiver’s 8K/Enhanced output to the TV’s eARC port and a certified cable on both hops. Turn off video processing while testing.
- Disable extras temporarily – Turn off VRR/ALLM/CEC while stabilizing; re-enable after the link proves stable for a few minutes.
If you still cannot get a picture
- Try a different certified cable and another HDMI port on the TV.
- Bypass splitters/switches; many fail at HDR/4K.
- If only one receiver input works, stick to the labeled 8K/4K120 input.
- Document which combinations work/fail; use that when contacting the TV or receiver vendor.
FAQ
Why does HDR trigger “No Signal”? HDR increases bandwidth; marginal cables or ports often fail only when HDR is enabled.
Does the HDMI port label matter? Yes. Many TVs only enable full bandwidth on one or two ports. Use the one marked 4K/120, HDMI 2.1, or eARC.
Can ARC/eARC cause this? ARC itself should not block video, but eARC ports are often the highest-bandwidth inputs; using them avoids under-spec ports.
Do I need new cables for 4K60? If you see intermittent black screens, a certified cable is the fastest way to rule out physical signal loss.