HDMI output not compatible with Samsung TV?

Question

Hello there!

I recently bought a Dell OptiPlex 3080 MFF (i5-10500T/8GB/256GB/W10) to replace my big old HTPC.

When I received it, I connected it to my Samsung QE55Q8FNA Smart 4K UHD 55" TV (that worked perfectly with my old HTPC). I connected it to HDMI port 3, selected it and turned the Optiplex on. I would get the initial DELL logo screen, but after that I would get just a black screen (not blank-no signal, black). The TV would display “1024x768 @60Hz” for a few seconds on the top right when the PC was turned on. I figured something’s wrong, but I tried different ports, cables etc anyway. And an HDMI switch between the PC and the TV. All remained the same.

I took the PC to the office, connected it to my AOC monitor via Display Port, and all was good, finished configuring Win10 etc. Tried connecting the PC to the monitor via HDMI as well, all was good! Took the PC back to living room. Again, just got the initial DELL screen, black screen afterwards. I brought the office AOC monitor to my living room, connected it to the DP and the TV to the HDMI port of the DELL, turned it on and it worked, I had signal on both screens. The resolution on the TV was automatically adjusted to the recommended 3840x2160 with a 29,970 Hz refresh rate and RGB color format.

I tried different resolutions, they all worked, but the PC would only boot when the AOC monitor was connected, I got the DELL logo and black screen when tried to boot with only the TV connected. The DELL has an Intel UHD Graphics 630 “card”, so I don’t get many options on the Windows Display options. I can have the option “display only on monitor 2” enabled and it will still boot with the AOC connected, but displaying nothing (power-saving mode) on it. Monitor 2 (Samsung) cannot be selected as Main Display.

I found many threads describing similar problems, many had different causes, but no one was the same as mine (exact same problem and graphic card), all where with NVDIA or AMD graphic cards that allowed different parameter settings. Any help would be much appreciated, as I cannot seem to be able to find a solution that works, and the AOC monitor needs to go back to the office, and the DELL won’t boot without it. Thanks for your time!

fireberd · Answer

The HDMI port is  a 1.4 version (common). Reinstall the Intel UHD Graphics driver (reboot after installing) and see if this helps. Support for OptiPlex 3080 | Drivers & Downloads | Dell US

Chino de Oro · Answer

Not sure if it would help but have you try to change the HDMI input on Samsung TV to PC mode.

Jezuz · Answer

Had some free time today and tried this, didn't work... My guess is Bios starts on one resolution (that is displayed on the Samsung, as I see the Dell logo) and then there is an HDMI handshake issue or a Windows monitor recognition issue, and it doesn't boot on the Samsung... When the AOC monitor is connected as well, even when I have selected to display only on the Samsung on Windows settings, I get the Dell boot screen on the AOC and then I get the Windows login screen on the Samsung...

Jezuz · Answer

Yes, it detects it automatically and changes to PC mode

redxps630 · Answer

Re: I brought the office AOC monitor to my living room, connected it to the DP and the TV to the HDMI port of the DELL, turned it on and it worked, I had signal on both screens. The resolution on the TV was automatically adjusted to the recommended 3840x2160 with a 29,970 Hz refresh rate and RGB color format.

When you have signal on both AOC and Samsung, what if you unplug AOC DP cable or turn off AOC power while pc is powered on?

It seems strange pc would only show video on hdmi port when there is a monitor connected to DP port.

Chino de Oro · Answer

@Jezuz , I tried similar set up before and I found out many Samsung 4k TV are very picky at the input from PC.  They only take 1080p or 2160p, anything in between will just a wallpaper screen with message to check input device.  Try this to see if it will work for you:  Unplug all the monitor (tv) cables, boot your pc on and look at the activity light to see if it complete booting, probably around 2 minutes.  While the Samsung is off, plug in the HDMI cable, turn on the TV.  If the signal is received and display, go to Intel Command Center and verify the settings, make change if needed.  Run windows update to allow any additional update to drivers.  Restart your pc and hope the display will stick and turn on.

Jezuz · Answer

Thanks again for your reply!

I thought I tried this before, but I tried again what you suggested:

1) Disconnected both HDMI and DP cables from the DELL.

2) Turned it on and left it for a few minutes. (LED was constantly blinking around every second)

3) With the Samsung TV off, plugged in the HDMI cable and turned the TV on.

No luck, Samsung seems to sense there is an input but doesn't seem to want to display it, and the DELL probably won't finish booting without the TV. I guess there is a weird HDMI handshake going on that doesn't complete on both sides.

Samsung displays "HDMI 3 - Unknown", while when a monitor is connected DELL boots in a matter of seconds and Samsung displays "HDMI 3 - PC" on the input menu.

If I go to the input menu and choose the HDMI 3 input again,I get a message on the top right of the screen for a few seconds that says "1920x1080 / 60p". The PC, when it boots, recognises the Samsung as a 30Hz monitor (actually something like 29,98Hz), maybe the fault is there?

Jezuz · Answer

The HDMI port will display video when connected to the monitor. And will also display video if I disconnect the monitor, the DELL just won't boot when only connected to the Samsung TV, once it boots it can display normally all resolutions on the TV.

AKMSBSD · Answer

If it's possible, try reducing the resolution ON the Samsung TV. The computer may not be able to handle the output to the 4k TV.

By reducing the resolution, it changes the demand for the onboard graphics on the device and might make it more compatible. Instead of 4k or 1080p, try 720p if it's available. If your device is connecting to another monitor just fine, it' is most likely the requirement of the Samsung device for a higher resolution that your PC can't handle.

I noticed you said you had it on Display Only on Monitor 2, try setting your PC to duplicate rather than displaying only 1 monitor if you can.

It was also suggested that you update drivers to your device. If you connect to a smaller monitor and power it on, download Dell Command Update and update your drivers or you can go to Dell.com and find the specific drivers for your device. Specifically update all your video drivers.

redxps630 · Answer

what if you try a dummy DP adapter to simulate a monitor.

recently a user asked a question of pc not POST remotely when "headless". a possible way to circumvent this issue is to use a dummy video adapter.

Chino de Oro · Answer

@Jezuz , have you try to connect using displayport from your PC? If you haven't, give it a shot. Don't use adapter, try a complete cable like this one https://www.amazon.com/DisplayPort-Gold-Plated-Connectors-Display-Compatible/dp/B081GGNWCX/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=displayport+to+hdmi&qid=1619567896&sr=8-6

Jezuz · Answer

Re: @Jezuz , have you try to connect using displayport from your PC? If you haven't, give it a shot. Don't use adapter, try a complete cable like this one https://www.amazon.com/DisplayPort-Gold-Plated-Connectors-Display-Compatible/dp/B081GGNWCX/ref=sr_1_...

- I have a drawer full of video cables, but not one like this, I will try to find one and see if it works, thanks!

Jezuz · Answer

Re: what if you try a dummy DP adapter to simulate a monitor. Recently a user asked a question of pc not POST remotely when "headless". a possible way to circumvent this issue is to use a dummy video adapter.

- Hmmm, didn't know such things existed, that actually look like something that would solve the problem! I will see if I can source one locally, thanks a lot!

Jezuz · Answer

Re:If it's possible, try reducing the resolution ON the Samsung TV. The computer may not be able to handle the output to the 4k TV....

- No, the DELL will perfectly display and work on all resolutions on the Samsung, from 720p to 4K, it just won't BOOT on ANY of them when only connected to the Samsung. I have the latest drivers.

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HDMI output not compatible with Samsung TV?

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