Article ID : 00013186 / Last Modified : 06/29/2021

Unable to display a picture from a computer that is connected to the HDMI input of the TV.

IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check Applicable Products and Categories for details.

NOTE: If you are connecting the TV to a computer to use it as a monitor, we have a separate article about general information about connecting a TV to a computer for use as a monitor .

  1. Make sure that the computer is set to output a video signal to an external display.

    NOTE: The issue may be resolved by turning the device off and on or disconnecting and reconnecting the cable, even when you follow the procedure shown below. Try following the procedure to output the screen again.

    1. Select a computer screen resolution that is supported by the TV.

      Resolution Setting

      NOTES:

      • If the TV does not support the resolution set on the computer, the screen image may be distorted or may not be displayed.
      • For resolutions supported by the TV, refer to the instruction manual of the TV. Manuals are posted on your model support page.
      • For information on how to check or change the computer screen resolution, refer to the help or instruction manual of the computer.
      • It is recommended that you take a note of the computer screen resolution before changing it (It is necessary when you restore the original setting).
      • Use a clone or duplicate output with 1080i if it is available on the computer. Some computers are not able to output an HDMI® or HD signal in certain video modes.
      • Depending on the specifications of the computer and video card, some resolutions supported by the TV are unable to be displayed. For details, refer to the instruction manual of your computer and video card.
    2. Turn off the TV and computer.
    3. Connect the HDMI input port of the TV and HDMI output port of the computer via an HDMI cable.

      NOTE: Be sure to use an authorized High Speed HDMI cable bearing the HDMI logo.

      HDMI Connection

      • A: TV
      • B: Computer
      • C: HDMI cable (not supplied)
    4. Turn on the TV first, then turn on the computer.

      NOTES:

      • At this point, the input has not been switched to the computer, therefore the picture from the connected computer is not displayed.
      • If you turn on the connected computer first while the TV's power is off or standby, the computer screen may not be displayed correctly.
    5. Press the Input button of the TV's remote to change to the input that is connected to the computer.

      NOTES:

      • Most TV remotes have an Input button that cycles from one input to the next. Press the Input button repeatedly until the correct HDMI input is displayed on the TV.
      • Make sure to check which input on the TV you are connecting to.
      • The location of the Input button on your remote and the number and names of the inputs may be different on your TV.
      • The image below shows an example of a TV's input selection.

        TV Input

  2. Change the computer screen output destination.

    NOTE: For details on how to change it, refer to the help or instruction manual of your computer.

    The following steps show an example of the procedure for Windows® 10 operating system.

    Method 1: Windows Key + P Keyboard Shortcut

    1. Make sure all open programs are closed.
    2. Hold down the Windows key and press the P key on your keyboard.
    3. Select one of the following display style options.
      • PC screen only
      • Duplicate
      • Extend
      • Second screen only

        Project when using a computer running a Windows 10 OS

    Method 2: Display Settings

    1. On your desktop, right-click your mouse and select Display settings.

      Display settings of a computer running Windows 10

    2. Click the Multiple Displays drop-down list, and select either of the following.
      • Duplicate these displays
      • Extend these displays
      • Show only on 1
      • Show on 2

        Multiple displays drop down menu when using Windows 10

    The following steps show an example of the procedure for Windows® 8.1 operating system.

    1. Display the Charms bar on the computer, then select Project in Devices.
    2. Select the output destination.

      Win 8.1 Project

      • PC screen only - The image is not displayed on the TV.
      • Duplicate - The same image is displayed on both of the computer screen and the TV.
      • Extend - The image is extended onto the TV and allows you to have a desktop that bs across both the computer screen and TV.
      • Second screen only - The image is displayed on the TV only.

      NOTES: When using a laptop computer, you can use the keyboard to change the display mode shown above.

      • For Windows® operating system
        • While holding the Fn key, press a function key (F3, F5, F7, F10 etc.) to change the display mode. The applicable function key varies depending on the manufacturer.
        • When using a VAIO® computer, press F7 while holding the Fn key.
        • If you are uncertain about the keyboard operation, refer to the instruction manual, etc., of the computer.
      • For Macintosh® operating system
        • Press F7 to change the display mode.
        • If you are uncertain about the keyboard operation, refer to the instruction manual, etc., of the computer.
        • Some software for playing back video, DVDs, etc., may be unable to display images on the computer screen and external display (TV) simultaneously. In this case, set the display mode so that the image is displayed on either one of the displays.
  3. On the computer, select a lower screen resolution, then check if the image is displayed correctly.
  4. Connect a different device (if available) to the HDMI port of the TV to verify it's working properly.
  5. If the TV has another HDMI port, connect to it and check if the image is displayed correctly (repeat steps 1.2 to 1.5).
  6. If you have another HDMI cable, use it to reconnect (repeat steps 1.2 to 1.5).

    NOTE: If changing the cable solves the problem, the original HDMI cable may have a problem.

  7. If steps 3 and 4 above do not solve the problem, reset the TV.
    • Power reset or restart the Android TV™
    • To reset other TV models, refer to: How to perform a power reset on a Sony TV.
  8. Discharge the computer. Remove the AC adaptor, power cable, battery, and peripheral devices from the computer to discharge it.
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