Before replacing your TV or receiver, try these industry-standard accessories. Most AV problems (no signal, buffering, audio dropouts) are caused by cabling or network issues, not broken hardware.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

When to buy vs when to troubleshoot

Buy a new cable if: You see "No Signal", black screens, or flickering only on specific sources (like PS5 or Apple TV).
Buy a mesh system if: Your Wi-Fi buffers in specific rooms but is fast near the router.
Buy a surge protector if: Your devices randomly reboot or rebooting fixes them temporarily.

The 8 Approved Accessories

Zeskit Maya 8K 48Gbps Certified HDMI Cable (6.5ft)

Best for: HDMI issues.

Why it helps: A certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable to ensure full 48Gbps bandwidth for 4K120, HDR, and eARC stability.
Use case: hdmi, no signal, black screen
Link: Zeskit Maya 8K 48Gbps Certified HDMI Cable (6.5ft) (paid link)

TP-Link Deco AX3000 WiFi 6 Mesh System (Deco X55)

Best for: NETWORK issues.

Why it helps: A robust Wi-Fi 6 mesh system to eliminate dead zones and buffering in larger homes.
Use case: wifi, buffering, weak signal
Link: TP-Link Deco AX3000 WiFi 6 Mesh System (Deco X55) (paid link)

Amazon Basics Cat 6 Ethernet Cable (10ft)

Best for: NETWORK issues.

Why it helps: A simple, reliable Cat 6 Ethernet cable to rule out Wi-Fi interference and speed issues.
Use case: ethernet, wired, lan
Link: Amazon Basics Cat 6 Ethernet Cable (10ft) (paid link)

Amazon Basics Toslink Digital Optical Audio Cable (6ft)

Best for: AUDIO issues.

Why it helps: A standard optical cable to bypass HDMI ARC issues and get solid digital sound.
Use case: optical, toslink, soundbar no sound
Link: Amazon Basics Toslink Digital Optical Audio Cable (6ft) (paid link)

Belkin 12-Outlet Pivot-Plug Power Strip Surge Protector

Best for: POWER issues.

Why it helps: A reliable surge protector to prevent power cycling and protect sensitive A/V gear.
Use case: power, surge, protection
Link: Belkin 12-Outlet Pivot-Plug Power Strip Surge Protector (paid link)

Panasonic Eneloop Pro AA/AAA Charger Kit

Best for: REMOTE issues.

Why it helps: High-capacity rechargeable batteries to keep remotes and controllers working reliably.
Use case: remote, batteries, controller
Link: Panasonic Eneloop Pro AA/AAA Charger Kit (paid link)

Screen Mom Screen Cleaner Kit

Best for: PICTURE issues.

Why it helps: A safe, streak-free cleaner for delicate TV and monitor screens.
Use case: clean, screen, dirty
Link: Screen Mom Screen Cleaner Kit (paid link)

SofaBaton U2 Universal Remote