Monitor flashing red green blue and black and white (mostly white)

Troubleshooting Monitor Flickering with Red, Green, Blue, Black, and White Colors During Gaming Sessions

Many gamers experience visual disruptions such as flashing colors on their monitors, which can significantly impact the gaming experience. Recently, a user reported frequent flashes of red, green, blue, black, and white, mostly manifesting as a predominantly white display, during gameplay on their Samsung Odyssey monitor. Interestingly, this issue seems confined to gaming moments and does not occur during menu navigation or other activities.

Understanding the Issue

The flashing occurs intermittently, lasting anywhere from a fraction of a second to up to ten seconds. Such fluctuations can be caused by various factors, including connection issues, hardware incompatibilities, or monitor malfunctions. The user’s setup involves a PlayStation 5 console connected to the monitor via HDMI, prompting questions about whether the cable or the monitor itself is the culprit.

Possible Causes

1. HDMI Cable or Connection Problems
   A faulty or low-quality HDMI cable can introduce signal disruptions, leading to visual artifacts or flickering. Loose connections or damaged cables are common issues, especially if the cable has been bent, pinched, or subjected to wear over time.

2. Monitor Hardware or Firmware Issues
   The Samsung Odyssey series is renowned for its high-quality display technology, but like all electronics, it can encounter hardware malfunctions or firmware bugs. Refresh rates, color settings, or internal circuitry issues might cause flashing or flickering.

3. Compatibility or Signal Interference
   Incompatibilities between the console’s output settings and the monitor’s input capabilities could result in unstable visuals. Ensuring both devices are set to compatible resolutions and refresh rates can help reduce flickering.

4. Software or Settings Misconfiguration
   Incorrect display settings on either the PS5 or the monitor can contribute to visual anomalies. Checking and adjusting resolution, HDR settings, or game-specific display options could alleviate the problem.

Troubleshooting Steps

To identify and resolve the issue, consider the following steps:

• Inspect and Replace the HDMI Cable
  Use a high-speed HDMI cable certified for the resolutions and refresh rates you are employing. If possible, substitute with a different cable to rule out cable faults.

• Secure the Connections
  Ensure that all HDMI connections are firmly seated on both the PS5 and monitor ends.

• Update Firmware and Software
  Check for firmware updates for your Samsung Odyssey monitor. Likewise, ensure