There’s no denying that high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) has become one of the most pervasive technologies in recent memory.

While initial versions of the specification had some inherent flaws, these flaws have largely been rectified as the technology continued to develop.

But people still report they are having some issues with the technology.

For the most part it, the problems stem from the incorporation of high bandwidth digital copy protection (HDCP) – a form of digital rights management that was designed to prevent piracy of high definition content.

The following tips will solve most HDMI connectivity issues, so you’ll always enjoy the best possible picture and sound from your HD components.

HDCP prevents the transfer of digital content to ‘unauthorised’ HDMI devices. HDMI devices must ‘handshake’ (authenticate) with one another before they will pass or display high definition content. Trouble occurs when the instructions in one HDMI chip does not match those of the connected device.

As a result, the device will not display or pass through picture and sound as it suspects that the content may be vulnerable to piracy (being copied).

So what should you do if your new HDTV has no picture or sound?

First, check your HDMI connections. Moving components can loosen connections so double-check that you have connected your HDMI cable to an output on your component (Blu-ray player, video game console or cable/satellite box) and to the input on your TV.

If you use an AV receiver for source switching and surround sound processing, connect your sources to HDMI inputs on the back of your receiver then connect an HDMI cable from the receiver’s HDMI output to an HDMI input on the back of your TV.

Tip: HDMI connectors can only be correctly inserted and removed one way. Line up the long flat side and be sure cable ends and connections are properly aligned before inserting. Avoid using excessive force.

If that doesn’t fix the issue, check that HDMI is selected in your component’s menu. Not all TVs and components are set to use HDMI by default, and they may not automatically detect the connection unless you go into the menu and select it.

To do this, make a secondary connection (usually a yellow composite video cable supplied with the component) between your component and TV. Note the TV input you used in this connection.

Once attached, switch on the AV source and change the TV’s input to that of the component you just connected. Press “menu” or “setup menu” on your component and change its audio/video outputs to HDMI.

Finally, Check the TV’s audio/video input menu. If necessary, switch it to HDMI.

You may now disconnect the second connection you used.

Tip: If in doubt, an owner’s manual will have more detailed, precise directions of how to setup your component’s HDMI connection.

For specific troubleshooting issues, see these HDCP incompatibility scenarios:
• Caught in the middle
• One or the other