Monitor losing signal when viewing recorded videos in “Movies & TV” Windows app, or when trimming using the “Edit in Photos” option

Understanding Monitor Signal Loss During Video Editing on Windows: A Technical Perspective

Introduction

Many users experience unexpected monitor disconnections while working with video files on Windows, particularly when using the “Movies & TV” app for playback or trimming, or when editing videos via the “Edit in Photos” feature. This issue can disrupt workflows and cause frustration, especially during intensive editing sessions. This article explores potential causes, diagnostic steps, and solutions to address signal loss issues in a multi-monitor setup with specific hardware configurations.

System Overview

CPU: Ryzen 7 3700X
GPU: RTX 2070 Super
Monitors: Samsung LC32G7 (main), plus two additional displays
Operating Environment: Windows 10/11 with HDR enabled
Peripherals: Multiple monitors configured for a triple display setup
Recording Software: OBS Studio for capturing gameplay clips

Issue Description

The primary problem involves the Samsung monitor losing signal when opening, viewing, or trimming videos via the Movies & TV app or the Photos application’s “Edit” feature. The disconnection durations vary from approximately 10 seconds to over 30 seconds, disrupting the editing process. The phenomenon appears limited to the Samsung monitor, with other displays remaining active and functional, although Windows occasionally attempts to reconfigure desktop settings, indicating a temporary loss of signal.

Additional Observations

The issue is recent, emerging within the past few months after years of system stability.
Cables have been inspected and are confirmed secure and undamaged.
All device drivers, including GPU and monitor drivers, are fully up to date.
The problem is exclusive to video-related activities; regular use and other applications do not induce disconnections.
The disconnections are more frequent or pronounced during video trimming or when opening videos in the Photos app, suggesting a potential link to video decoding or rendering processes.

Potential Causes and Diagnostic Tips

HDMI/DisplayPort Connection and Cables
Ensure that cables are certified and capable of handling HDR and high data rates.
Test with alternative cables to rule out hardware faults.
If using adapters or hubs, try direct connections.
Graphics Driver and Firmware
Update your NVIDIA RTX 2070 Super drivers to the latest version.
Check for firmware updates for your monitor, if available.
Consider rolling back recent driver updates if the issue started after an update.
Monitor Settings and Firmware
Verify that HDR