Fix: HDMI to HDMI Not Working

High end gaming monitor offer one of the best gaming display performances along with a list of features to match up with gamers’ speed of reaction while displaying clear and undistorted images for the best gaming experience. With a 4K display (2560 x 1440) you can get Ultra Low Motion Blur (85 Hz – 120 Hz refresh rates) or up to 144 Hz refresh rate by using an NVidia G-Sync. However, there have been numerous complains about the HDMI display on gaming monitors like the S2716DG Dell monitor. Users might encounter the HDMI not working problem in a new monitor, or the problem might have developed suddenly after some use.

The case of the HDMI output failing after some period of use is somehow related to switching the monitor between two PCs. You might be using the monitor in your work PC, but change it over to the gaming PC. On getting it back to the work PC, nothing displays. There has been no official reason as to why this occurs, but it seems that the monitor gets stuck to some settings that are not compatible with the HDMI output of the PC.

High-end monitors usually have more than one input source. Usually, monitors come with the VGA input set as the default input. If you have not changed the input source to HDMI, then you will not get a signal via your HDMI cable and your computer will not detect it enter. This is the most overlooked reason why the HDMI input gets no signal on your monitor.

Here is how you can get the monitor working again. This applies to cases where you are using a HDMI to HDMI port connection and not via the mac mDP.

Method 1: Reset the monitor

This method will help for monitors that have developed this issue suddenly. Resetting the monitor really means that we have to get all the stored up electricity to be used up completely. Monitors usually have capacitors that store charge hence, even when unplugged, the electronics might still be powered enough to maintain their last settings. To reset the monitor:

1. Turn the monitor off
2. Disconnect the HDMI video cable from both ends
3. Disconnect the monitor power cable from the rear/bottom of the monitor
4. If the monitor has a mechanical power button; press the button and hold it in for at least 30 seconds
5. Reconnect the power cable to the monitor. The other end should be plugged directly into the wall socket. No UPS or surge protector
6. Reconnect the HDMI video cable and retest. Your signal should be back on.

Method 2: Change the monitor input source to HDMI

Monitors with a HDMI input usually have more than one signal source, including VGA, DP and DVI. The VGA input is usually the default input. To set the source to HDMI we will need to change the setting in the monitor menu.

1. Some monitors have a button just to the left of the Power button that will cycle through the available inputs. For others, you will need two or three combinations to get to change your monitor input to HDMI
2. If you have more than one HDMI input, you will need to try all the inputs to check which one works. Alternatively, you can check the name of the HDMI input you inserted your cable at the back of your monitor and match that input with the source in the menu.

If the above methods do not get your input signal back, then you will be better off contacting the support department. This mostly apply to people that never got a signal from their HDMI input after purchase. Dell has acknowledged the HDMI problem with the S2716DG monitor that run on the A00 and A01 revisions. The understanding is that the HDMI bug has been fixed for both PCs and XBOX or Play Station in the A03 revision. You can tell your monitor revision number by checking the box it came in or by checking the sticker behind the monitor at the end of the serial number as shown in the image below.