Overview
Samsung displays have been experiencing a rare issue where sometimes the display only outputs black video after being powered on with CEC. This issue is documented across multiple sources and models, in both Just Add Power systems and direct point-to-point connections where Just Add Power is not involved.
Symptoms
- Upon powering on a display with CEC, the display shows black video.
- Image Pull on the connected Just Add Power Decoder shows functional video. The Decoder is showing video, but that video is not getting to the display over the HDMI connection.
- Once the black video appears, continuing to turn the display on and off with CEC produces black video every time.
Verification
Use any of the methods below to restore normal video. This will verify that the cause of the black video is the CEC issue described above. Each of these actions has the same result: breaking the HDMI connection between the display and the connected device so the HDMI handshake can reset.
- Use an IR remote to power the display off and back on. Video will return to normal.
- Disconnect the HDMI connection from either end, then reconnect. Video will return to normal.
- Power-cycle the Just Add Power device by disconnecting power, counting to 5 seconds, then reconnecting power. Video will return to normal.
- Notable, simply rebooting the Just Add Power device WILL NOT resolve the issue, as the HDMI connection remains active.
- Power-cycle the Samsung display by disconnecting power, counting to 5 seconds, then reconnecting power. Video will return to normal.
Fix It
We have identified a fix for the Samsung CEC Black Video Issue that has worked on one jobsite. As we implement it on more sites, we can verify that it works on a larger set of displays.
- Set the Samsung display to Hospitality mode. https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/tv/hotel-mode/td-p/10486432 gives one set of instructions, but you should reach out to Samsung for your exact model.
- In the Hospitality Menu, set the "Power On" setting to HDMI 1 where the Just Add Power Decoder is connected. Here is a guide for one model of TV: https://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/201612/20161221174450293/HD450S_460S_470S_477S_NA_Install_Guide-03_ENG_161219.3.pdf
- Update firmware on the Samsung display to the latest version. It has been reported that firmware versions BEFORE 1200 have the issue still. Please reach out to Samsung to confirm the proper firmware version for your model.
