Trying to connect my PC to TV using bidirectional HDMI cable and DP to HDMI adapter for my GPU. Nothing works.

Troubleshooting HDMI Connectivity Between PC and TV: A Step-by-Step Guide

Connecting your PC to a television for seamless display can sometimes be a complex process, especially when dealing with various adapters, cables, and settings. This article provides a comprehensive overview of common issues and effective troubleshooting strategies for connecting a PC to a TV using a bidirectional HDMI cable and a DisplayPort (DP) to HDMI adapter.

System Overview

• Graphics Card: AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT
• Television: Sony KDL-32EX720
• Cables: Bidirectional HDMI 1.4, 10 meters, supporting Full HD at 60Hz
• Adapter: Ultra HD 4K DP to HDMI, supporting 60Hz

Initial Observations and Common Symptoms

Despite proper connections, users often face issues such as:

• The TV only shows a faint icon indicating a device is connected in its menu but remains blank
• No notifications or prompts appear on the PC indicating a new display has been detected
• Keyboard shortcuts like Win + P fail to switch display modes
• Adjusting display settings via Windows does not recognize the TV as a secondary display
• Attempts to switch display modes or turn on “Extended” mode do not yield results

Troubleshooting Approach

1. Confirm Physical Connections

2. Verify that the bidirectional HDMI cable is securely connected to the GPU’s HDMI port and the TV

3. Test different HDMI ports on the TV to rule out port-specific issues
4. Connect the DP to HDMI adapter to all available DisplayPort outputs on your graphics card

5. Try plugging the HDMI cable directly into the motherboard’s HDMI port as an alternative

6. Observe the TV’s Input Status

7. Check if the TV detects the signal by observing the port icon or input label

8. Ensure the TV is set to the correct HDMI input source corresponding to the connected port

9. Power Cycle Devices

10. Turn off both the PC and TV

11. Disconnect and reconnect all cables

12. Power on the TV first, then the PC to allow the TV to recognize the connected device

13. Use TV “Activation” Settings

14. Some TVs have a setting that sends an “activation” signal when establishing an HDMI connection. Ensure this feature is enabled, if available

15. Modify Windows Display Settings

16. Access “Display Settings” by right-clicking the desktop or through Control Panel

17. If the TV isn’t detected automatically, try manually detecting displays
18. Use “Advanced Display Settings