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Rant

tv wont recognize any bluray player

Aug 13, 2013 1:11PM PDT

Hi: I have a LCD 40" tv 42LH30-UA. It worked fine with my PS3 until the PS3 failed from a dead fan. Blu-rays played fine and it was great for media streaming. That was then. This is now.
I have now tried three different blu-ray players and the tv sees only the very first player flash screen and then does not go to any setup page. All three hdmi ports work and both of my hdmi cables. I have checked and the input locks say they are off. The current bluray player is a LG BP330 and the same problem.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to why the tv doesnt see any player? Went the tech support route but they tried to blame it on the players. I pointed out that each of the players (2 were different Sonys and one LG) are being seen by the tv as their logo turns up and then disappears. I would appreciate the help. Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Details please.
Aug 14, 2013 2:48AM PDT

There were players with composite and component outputs and it was not funny when I had to hook those up to configure the player. For all HDMI connected players I have yet to see an issue like this unless the HDMI ports have failed.

I won't go into prior discussions about that but I know to carry a few spare HDMI cables and always to try the old remove power and cables from a cranky TV before calling the HDMI ports dead. My brother who makes such service calls carries a small HDMI tv for such tests.
Bob

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hdmi cables do work
Aug 14, 2013 12:01PM PDT

Hi, thanks for the reply. Actually the hdmi cables and ports all work. I've tested them with my laptop to confirm this. Also all three different players actually show their splash screens and then go to black without going to setup. I'm trying to figure out what it is about the tv that is refusing to go past the flash screen.

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Wish the details were here.
Aug 14, 2013 12:05PM PDT

I had hoped to read model numbers so I could check something. And if you've been around the block a few times you know that just because it works on a PC...

Time to call for a service person who will do what my brother does all the time.
Bob

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model info
Aug 14, 2013 1:03PM PDT

The most recent attempt with the bluray is the LG BP330 and the tv model is in my first post. I do realize that because the laptop works isn't a guarantee but since all three blurays were recognized by the tv long enough to see each splash screen I just can't believe that there isn't something with the tv software and not the ports. I am considering getting a newer hdmi cable to see if that works. I still have one of the Sony players and it does have a composite cable port so I might get one to see what the tv does.

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Ouch. The LG BP330
Aug 15, 2013 12:31AM PDT

The LG BP330 does not have the suspect component or composite output that would have me reading the product manual on setup.

This means that (same as my brother) I'd be using my own HDMI cable then another TV for the test to determine where the issue is.
Bob

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dang it
Aug 15, 2013 3:29AM PDT

You're right about the component. I looked at the specs and realized that you can use component cables for analog only. Unfortunately I don't have another tv to test the hdmi cable.

There is a usb port but it says for software updates only. I don't suppose you can do your own software updates using the laptop?

I'm still convinced it is the tv software that is holding this back since I get those first splash screens which indicates that each device has momentarily spoken to the tv thru the hdmi cables. Something is not letting the 3 diff players get past that first screen into setup.

I was looking online and found an article from someone with the exact same issue in 2011. They were looking for a firmware update. Asked LG chat and they said to download to a usb drive and install in the back but can't find the update. Now I'm hunting for firmware update. Sigh

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The problem is that HDMI software is
Aug 15, 2013 3:38AM PDT

If you research or know HDMI software, it's baked into the HDMI interface chips and can not be updated. The symptom is well known as well as tests to see where the trouble is at.

One of the toughest clients to deal with are those that know their HDMI cables are good. The more you run into these the better you get at playing poker. You also nod a lot more.

I know this doesn't really help here but MORE about updates. Good luck on firmware updates.
Bob

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true
Aug 15, 2013 3:54AM PDT

I am going to buy a new hdmi cable on the way in to work to see if that makes a diff. So far no firmware updates found. Was moderately surprised that I found a post on another site with exactly the same symptoms. Person said using all those old coloured cables worked - not as good as hdmi but worked. I am becoming obsessed. Maybe I should give up and see if I can get my PS3 fixed because it always worked perfectly. Ah, technology - don't ya love it. Laugh

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The OLD COLORED CABLES. Why those work.
Aug 15, 2013 3:59AM PDT

As you learn more about HDMI you learn it mandates HDCP. And just like any software it can fail for many reasons. The symptom sounds like the usual HDCP handshake failure but again and this can add much confusion, it can be the cable. This is why you carry your own when you make a call on this.

OK, why do the OLD COLORED CABLES work? AKA "component" video does not have any copy protection so there is no handshake or gatekeeper to deny the playback.

I bet you might think "Great, I'll just get everything with component video from now on." Good idea but it's now in sunset and makers are not allowed to produce it anymore (well, wink, wink, nod, nod?)

-> https://www.google.com/search?as_q=component+tv+sunset
Bob

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sigh
Aug 18, 2013 1:36AM PDT

two brand new updated hdmi cables and same thing. Thank you for the assistance. I'm now totally convinced it is the tv refusing to handshake with any bluray player. Peeved! Haven't given up yet though. Cheers, Bob, I'll post the final result.

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amazing advice, Bob
Aug 20, 2013 12:18AM PDT

Well, Bob, you're advice was very apt. Three blu-ray players and none will talk with hdmi. I decided to try something different and got a Roku2HD to see if it would talk to my tv. The Roku would talk to the tv for software setup using an hdmi. The Roku would not stream a picture but the sound I played from my Netflix choice did work. It new the stream was there because if you pause it you see the frozen pics but when you play it's a pink screen instead. One thing the Roku came with was a set of AVI cables. The AVI cables do stream correctly.

Thanks so much for your help. I now have proof that, as I was determined to find out, the problem I've had with the players was with the tv and not with the players. You're great and I learned something new and important. Now I wonder if there is a blu-ray player that can work with AVI cables? Grin

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Thanks. About Blu-Ray with cables.
Aug 20, 2013 12:45AM PDT

Because of the sunset rule these are now rare and no longer made. You might find them on Ebay.
Bob