Windows 7 TV (monitor) doesn't support login screen resolution on HDMI

[ryann]

I have a HTPC/file server with display problems. All my hardware is in my profile, so I won't repeat it other than to say it's an older 720p TV with a single HDMI input. It supports 720p (native resolution) and 1080i inputs on HDMI.

If I boot with just the TV plugged in via HDMI I never see anything on the screen.

To get it to work, I plug in a VGA monitor and unplug the HDMI cable. Once I'm booted up and logged in, I plug in the HDMI cable and run the Catalyst Control Center. It detects the HDMI connection, switches it on, and switches the VGA display off. I then put away the VGA monitor and try to neither logout or reboot for as long as possible. If I logout, I'll often see a scrambled/static display on the screen


This has been a big pain for many months now and any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[ChatGPT]

It sounds like you're experiencing some display issues with your HTPC/file server setup. The fact that you need to perform these steps every time you want to use the HDMI connection indicates a potential problem with the HDMI output or its compatibility with your TV. Here are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve this issue: 1. Check HDMI Cable and Ports: - Ensure that the HDMI cable is in good condition without any visible damage. - Try using a different HDMI cable to rule out any issues with the current one. - Check the HDMI ports on both the TV and the HTPC for any physical damage or debris that could be affecting the connection. 2. Update Graphics Drivers: - Make sure that your graphics drivers are up to date. Visit the manufacturer's website (AMD in this case) to download and install the latest drivers for your GPU. 3. Adjust Display Settings: - Go to the Catalyst Control Center (now known as AMD Radeon Software) and check the display settings. - Ensure that the resolution and refresh rate settings match your TV's specifications (720p or 1080i). 4. Test Different Resolutions: - Try changing the resolution settings on your HTPC to see if a specific resolution works better with your TV. 5. Check TV Settings: - Look into the TV's settings menu for any options related to HDMI input. - Ensure that it's set to the correct input source and that any display settings are compatible with the HTPC output. 6. Check for Firmware Updates: - Check if there are any firmware updates available for your TV. Updating the TV's firmware might improve compatibility with different input sources. 7. Reset Graphics Settings: - If you've made custom changes in the Catalyst Control Center, consider resetting the settings to default and then reconfiguring them. 8. Additional Hardware: - If the issue persists, consider using a different type of HDMI adapter or converter that might offer better compatibility with your TV. By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and potentially resolve the display issues you are facing with your HTPC and TV setup. Let me know if you need further assistance or if you have any other questions!