Frequently Asked Questions
How can I solve my HDMI handshaking issues?
Last Updated 5 years ago
HDMI Connectivity
Whenever two or more devices are connected using HDMI cables, during the power on cycle there is an initial “handshake” communication between the devices.
This takes place only during the first three to five seconds after powering on the devices. If this handshake is successful, you will achieve normal Video and Audio.
When having handshake issues, especially whenever you introduce a new device to your system, turn on the TV first, before powering on the other devices.
HDMI handshake issues can affect video and audio,as both are transmitted through these cables.
Some examples are:
NOTE: If you have recently introduced a new TV to your system, you may be experiencing issues with the CEC settings of the TV.
Some brands, as we’ve experienced, may start out in conflict with the rest of the system. In this case, you may try toggling on/off the CEC control setting (CEC has proprietary labels for each brand), then, unplug the TV from AC power for one or two minutes.This has served to resolve many of our customers “new TV” HDMI issues.
Often, there can be handshake issues simply due to a poor connection.
In our experience, the first thing to try, in order to correct an HDMI connection issue is, to perform a “hot swap” of the affected HDMI cable at the back of the processor.
To do this, you must have the source devices, processor, and TV powered on.
Whenever two or more devices are connected using HDMI cables, during the power on cycle there is an initial “handshake” communication between the devices.
This takes place only during the first three to five seconds after powering on the devices. If this handshake is successful, you will achieve normal Video and Audio.
- Any TV, or monitor, in an HDMI connected system, is the Sink, or HDMI receiving device. This is the device in your system that is most responsible for completing a successful handshake.
- Any processor or receiver, in an HDMI connected system, is an HDMI repeater device, as it can both send and receive.
- Any source device, such as a Blu-ray player or set top box, is an HDMI sender.
When having handshake issues, especially whenever you introduce a new device to your system, turn on the TV first, before powering on the other devices.
HDMI handshake issues can affect video and audio,as both are transmitted through these cables.
Some examples are:
- Flashing picture, no picture, audio popping or crackling sound, snow on image, or no audio.
- Resolving HDMI handshake issues is easiest when observing the results of unplugging and re-connecting in real time. The following three steps will assist you in this resolution.
- First, ensure each end of the cable is plugged in securely. Then perform this procedure using the HDMI connection at the back of the processor.
- Second, try plugging and unplugging the HDMI cable, at the back of the processor, one to three times in quick succession. Then, observe the playback material to verify the connected HDMI cable has achieved a solid connection. It should take only 3 to 5 seconds (handshaking time) to see a result.
- Third, when it appears a solid connection is made, you may try to gently wiggle the cable at the back of the processor, while observing that neither the Video nor the Audio is affected by this. If you are able to affect the video or audio, then repeat the ‘hot swap’ procedure.
- If your system has been in place for some time, it may be necessary to use a droplet cleaning solution to remove any oxidation that may have formed on any of the 19 pin contacts.
- Once a solid connection is achieved, it should not be necessary to repeat this procedure.
NOTE: If you have recently introduced a new TV to your system, you may be experiencing issues with the CEC settings of the TV.
Some brands, as we’ve experienced, may start out in conflict with the rest of the system. In this case, you may try toggling on/off the CEC control setting (CEC has proprietary labels for each brand), then, unplug the TV from AC power for one or two minutes.This has served to resolve many of our customers “new TV” HDMI issues.
Often, there can be handshake issues simply due to a poor connection.
In our experience, the first thing to try, in order to correct an HDMI connection issue is, to perform a “hot swap” of the affected HDMI cable at the back of the processor.
To do this, you must have the source devices, processor, and TV powered on.