HDMI switching problem for TV viewing

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

My computer and TV view are integrated using an AVR for switching between five HDMI inputs: three computers, a cable box, a BluRay player. For all devices, the video output goes to a 55" TV and the audio comes from the home theater speakers. Two of the computers are laptops running Win 10 and Win 11, and the third is a Mac Mini, which doesn't have a screen.

On a typical day, in the evening we watch TV (either from Spectrum or Netflix). Then we shut down the AV stuff, including the monitor, but leave the computers running. The next morning, I have an early Zoom meeting, for which I use one of the computers.

Recently, when I turn on the monitor and AVR, it takes a long time for the image to appear on the TV, although it is on the laptop. That time has been getting longer and longer (now, over an hour!). Prior to today, I could switch to the cable box and its image (and audio) would immediately appear. However, this morning, I tried even switching to the cable box as a test, but nothing. The TV remote, which I don't use for anything except Netflix, had no effect. I was going to switch the TV's HDMI inputs, but Nada Suddenly, a half hour later, the monitor showed its connections, and I could switch to my Zoom computer. My immediate reaction was to consider replacing my TV (it's a Roku/TCL model which I bought about 8 years ago). But, would you think it's the TV or the AVR?

Featured Answer

wdccruise

2 years ago

I would connect a monitor to the AVR (instead of the TV) to to see how everything works absent the TV.

The TV is never really "off" because it must respond to the remote. I'd unplug it and plug it back in to see if to see if that makes any difference.

My TCL Roku TV receives firmware updates over the Internet. If yours does, I'd make sure the firmware is up to date.

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Comments (12)

dadoes
2 years ago
Are your references of TV and monitor referring to the same display device (the TCL-brand/Roku TV)? Is AVR an acronym (Audio Video Router?) or a specific brand/model of device? Does it perform incoming signal conversion, such as VGA computer video to HDMI, for connection to the TV? Can you connect the laptop directly to the TV without involving the AVR to remove it from the signal path to determine if it's the problem?
mtvhike
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks, Dadoes, for your attention. The TV and the Monitor are the same device, a TCL 55" flat screen model with Roku software. It has many inputs, but I'm only using one of the HDMI ones, and using the AVR as the HDMI switcher.

The Audio Video Receiver is a Yamaha home theater device which also has many more inputs than I use, but it does have 7 HDMI inputs and 2 HDMI outputs, as well as many analog I/O connections.

All three of the computers have HDMI monitor connections. Right now, everything seems to be working; it's the startup problems I'm worried about.

Yes, when everything is working, I can take the HDMI cable from the computer and move it from the AVR to the monitor. This morning, however, I couldn't even get a live display on the TV, with no response from its remote (except turning it on and off). Then, all of a sudden, after 15 minutes or so, the home page of the monitor showed up and I could select any input I wanted.
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mtvhike
Original Author
2 years ago
Unfortunately, I don't have a spare monitor. Are you saying that I should unplug the TCL (because turning it off using its remote doesn't really turn it off), then reatart it?
wdccruise
2 years ago
Based on your description, it's unlikely there's a problem with the AV system but the only way to know is to test it separately from the TV. I'd borrow a monitor from work or a friend if possible.

I'm suggesting turning off the TV, unplugging it, waiting a few seconds, and plugging it back in. What is the TCL TV model number?
mtvhike
Original Author
2 years ago
TV model number is 55S403, mfrd in 2017.
wdccruise
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
From the user guide:

"Once you’re connected, your TV will automatically update with the latest software—plus you can start streaming the entertainment you know and love. Unlike other TVs, your new Roku TV automatically receives regular software updates in the background when it’s connected to the internet. This allows it to give you a better and better experience."

So if you haven't done so, you should connect your TV to the Internet via wi-fi or Ethernet to keep the software updated (as well as getting access to the channels Roku supports).
mtvhike
Original Author
2 years ago
It has always been connected using Ethernet and I can stream Netflix with no problem.
mtvhike
Original Author
2 years ago
Update: The issues with the TCL TV continued and got worse, so I decided to replace it with a Sony KD-55X80CK, which works find. I only wish it came with an instruction manual!
dadoes
2 years ago
https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/product/kd-55x80ck/manuals
mtvhike thanked dadoes
mtvhike
Original Author
2 years ago
Unfortunately, there is no printed operations manual, only an installation and a safety one. I think most if the information I want is in the web-based help guide, but I would prefer a printed version of this. I guess I just have to get with the 21st century!
wdccruise
2 years ago
Sony KD-55X80CK:
- Help Guide online
- Help Guide printable