We have prepared this HDMI cable connection guide to help you better understand, and possibly trouble shoot one or more issues you might be experiencing when setting up your HDMI cable with your equipment.

I don't get any picture or sound after plugging my new HDMI to HDMI cable into my receiver and HDTV. Why?

There are a number of possible causes. Please check the following:

1. Make sure you have selected the proper INPUT selection for your TV. Most TV's by default expect a signal on the "INPUT 1", antennae, or coax cable. Make sure that you have CONFIGURED your INPUTx (on your HDTV menu) to "HDMI" or "Digital". Many TV's require that you make this selection from a TV menu. Consult your HDTV's manual.
2. Make sure you check your cable or satellite receiver box. Some models do not output to BOTH the component cable output AND the HDMI or HDMI/DVI output simultaneously. You need to make either a front-panel selection to enable HDMI output, or an on-screen MENU selection. Consult your satellite or cable box guide OR contact your satellite or cable company to determine if HDMI output is "enabled" or needs to be selected.
3. If you have multiple connections (Home Theatre system being used to control HDMI video, HDMI switches, wall-plates, extension cables, etc) from your satellite/cable box to your HDTV - try temporarily removing all other possible sources of failure. In other words, run the cable DIRECTLY from the source to the destination (normally an HDTV). HDMI signals can and do degrade whenever attaching multiple devices between the source and output - and if too many devices are involved, this can result in an absolute HDMI signal loss.
4. If you have a longer length of HDMI cable (such as 50ft or longer), your HDMI source (satellite, cable box, home theatre, DVD system) might be outputting a weaker HDMI signal. You MAY need a repeater/signal booster ESPECIALLY if you are also using wall-plates, switches, Home Theatre systems, cable adapters, or extension cables.

I bought an HDMI to DVI cable. I get VIDEO but no audio. Why?

1. While HDMI technology offers both a video AND audio solution, DVI technology only offers VIDEO ONLY. Thus, when using an HDMI-DVI cable, the sourced HDMI audio signals within the cable are terminated and are not supplied to the DVI end of the cable. Your only solution is to run an additional cable for the audio (either a standard RCA 2 wire cable, Toslink optical, or 1 wire RCA/digital audio). This is not a manufacturing or design defect.

My HDMI signal "sort-of" works. I get red/blue/green/yellow lines across my screen. Why?

1. If you have multiple connections (Home Theatre system being used to control HDMI video, HDMI switches, wall-plates, extension cables, etc) from your satellite/cable box to your HDTV - try temporarily removing all other possible sources of failure. In other words, run the cable DIRECTLY from the source to the destination (normally an HDTV). HDMI signals can and do degrade whenever attaching multiple devices between the source and output - and if too many devices are involved, this can result in a partial HDMI signal loss.
2. You might TRULY have a defective cable.

My HDMI cable works for 720 resolution, but not for 1080 resolution. I though HDMI was supposed to work up to 1080p?

This issue is normally a length, or added resistance issue. Normally an HDMI cable will have a quoted length and video mode. Additional equipment in between (switches, home theatre systems, adapters, extension cables, wall-plates) all add additional resistance to a cable and such resolution may not be possible in its current configuration. You may need to consider a booster/equalizer to obtain the 1080 resolution if this problem continues.

My HDTV shows a picture on all the digital channels, but on the analog channels, nothing comes though

HDMI technology - unlike "component cable", composite cable, or S-Video cable - is DIGITAL in nature. Signals provide to the cable must be in digital/HDMI format in order to be displayed on an HDTV. Many receivers "up-convert" an analog signal suitable for HDMI transport. Some do not. If you are receiving your picture on your digital and digital/HD channels, you do not have a cable problem.

I am using an HDMI Splitter so I can use both my DVD player and satellite receiver to connect to my HDTV because my TV only has one HDMI port. Why do I not get a picture?

HDMI Splitter cables are not intended to channel 2 sources to one HDTV. HDMI signals can not be "combined" using a wire-splitter/adapter. The splitter is normally to be used to output to TWO HDTV's. As when adding any devices along the HDMI cable path, splitting an HDMI signal also GREATLY reduces the signal strength, and can also result in outright signal loss. An amplifier/repeater might be needed. If you have two devices, and only one port on your HDTV, you will need to consider purchasing an HDMI switch.

I am using an HDMI switch with a longer length of cable, and I don't get a signal. Why?

First, check to see if you REMOVED the switch, if you get a signal. Next, try using (temporarily) a shorter length of cable on both the INPUT side of the switch and the OUTPUT side of the switch. If you get signal now, then you will need a repeater. This is not a fault of the switch or the cable, but simple physics. Because a switch adds another connection along to its destination journey to the HDTV - AND because we are using 2 cables instead of one - there is enough resistance in the cable to cause a signal interruption.

I want to install my HDMI cable "in-wall". Will running it along side mains wiring in my house degrade the signal?

There is very little technical information about the installation "in-wall" of HDMI cables. The rule of thumb is NOT to run a home-theatre, computer (CAT5/CAT6), or coax, or telephone cables along-side electrical wiring or transformers (such as those found in some fluorescent lighting. That being said, we have heard back from many customers who literally tie-strapped their HDMI cables to mains wiring inside a wall and had no adverse affects.