HDMI Handshake- Why It is Important?

In video distribution networks that use HDMI as the method of transmission, several items can go wrong. The HDMI Handshake is the mechanism of both the source and the sink accepting each other. Both of these determine that they are able to transport the high bandwidth HDMI signal. One of the most infamous errors that may occur in this pathway is with the HDMI “Handshake”. As the signal travels across the HDMI pathway, it repeatedly replicates this step.

HDMI Handshake, and Why that’s Important

When integrators introduce external items between the source and the sink such as AVRs, HDMI extenders, or HDMI switchers that may impact the HDMI signal. The more items between the source and the sink, the more potential for loss in everything. Dropped picture, blinking screen, no image, on TV, the dreaded “No Signal” displays; these are all items that can trigger handshake issues. Particularly when attempting to move between two separate sources of video. Integrators today need to know about these challenges to be ready to address them. So that they won’t have to return the following day to “fix” the delivery mechanism as they exit a venue.

The Solution: Hold The HDMI Handshake

You need to re-authenticate and authorized to transport the high bandwidth HDMI signal as you turn your delivery device from one source to another. This ensures that authorized signals are going through the infrastructure. This switching requires time; the whole system has to check the handshake method now. This prevents the monitor or projector from transmitting some input, sometimes placing the “No Signal” screen built into the displays.

You can improve switching rates, stabilize your delivery, and supply a superior solution for the end-user. You can do this by keeping the handshake between the logistics infrastructure and the display.

Why does my HDMI connection not seem to work all the time

HDMI is built to make it easier to interconnect video and audio components. It utilizes a single cable holding both video and audio signals. However, HDMI often provides anti-piracy copy protection called HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Copyright Protection).

Most content providers need this for the digital conversion from the source system to the playback device of the highest-resolution 1080p digital video. This includes high-resolution audio such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Each system must be HDCP-compliant so that they can connect with each other in order to do this. The so-called “HDMI handshaking” is part of this exchange. This is the phase of each unit identifying each other. They agree that all are able to transport this high-quality digital signal. This phase replicates continuously when the digital signal transmits through the HDMI link.

If the HDMI handshaking is not effective for any reason, the signals interrupt. The video or audio ceases before the authorization to transport the high bandwidth HDMI signal succeeds. Occasional problems like this are widespread. But there are many items that can address the handshake problems. If this occurs on a really frequent or continuous basis, do the following:

HDMI Connection Problems and Solution:

Please detach the DVR+ from the back of the HDMI cable and then plug it back in. Do this 2-3 times. Then do the same on the TV HDMI jack at the other end of the HDMI cord. This brunishes/cleans the connectors’ tiny touches. Retest the HDMI cable now.
Make sure that HDMI cables of high quality are used, particularly for longer cable runs (longer than 4 or 5 feet).
Make sure that the new iteration of the HDMI specification is consistent with all the devices. Communications between devices may trigger handshake problems utilizing various HDMI specifications.
Power cycle all your equipment. This will force each piece of equipment, which could be all that is required, to re-establish contact with each other.
Adjust the sequence in which your equipment is switched on. For example, if you usually first turn on your TV; then the receiver of your home theater; and then the set-top box, reverse the sequence.

How to Establish a good HDMI handshake

The most secure way to create a strong handshake is to switch on the TV first and let it boot up. Then turn on the receiver, then turn on the cable box and Blu-ray player. Only think of yourself as turning on the TV and moving backwards to the receiver and then the pieces through the cables. It could be that the remote switches on the modules in a certain sequence. You don’t get a successful handshake much of the time as a result.

How to Troubleshoot a Faulty HDMI Connection on an HDR TV

HDR deployment has been known to trigger HDMI communication issues in several 4K Ultra HD TVs. Follow these troubleshooting suggestions if you have an HDR (High Dynamic Range) TV and neither of the above measures work:

Make sure you have HDR compatibility with your audio receiver or other intermediary unit.
Made sure the TV firmware of the video projector is up to date.
Swap the HDMI cable with a Hi-Speed HDMI cable with speeds of at least 10.2 Gbps, but preferably 18 Gbps, if you don’t already have one.
If you have an HDR-enabled device attached to an HDR-compatible TV, such as a UHD Blu-ray player or a streaming device, the TV will not accept HDR-encoded material. When an HDR TV or video projector identifies the HDR signal, confirmation should display on the device. If not, rather than communication, the concern could be a question of usability.
Contact tech support for either the TV or HDMI source system if your TV or video projector still does not accept the HDR source despite adjusting settings and updating cables.

How to Troubleshoot HDMI-to-DVI or DVI-to-HDMI Connection Problems

You should use an HDMI-to-DVI conversion cable if you’re trying to link an HDMI system to a TV with a DVI connection. Alternatively, you may need an HDMI cable with an external HDMI to DVI adapter or a DVI cable with a DVI to HDMI adapter. This facilitates HDMI and DVI system connectivity.

To identify an HDMI source device, older DVI-equipped TVs do not have the firmware. Contact the developer of your unit to proceed.

How to Troubleshoot a Faulty HDMI Connection with a Laptop or Computer

Make sure your device settings identify HDMI as the default output link if you are attempting to use a PC or laptop as the source part. Try these trouble-shooting tips if you can’t get a picture from your desktop to appear on your TV screen:

With the HDMI cable attached to a TV that is already on, boot your device.
When the TV is off, restart your device and then switch the TV on.
Before inserting the HDMI cord, restart your device and turn the TV on.

How to Troubleshoot a Faulty HDMI Connection With Wireless HDMI

Wireless HDMI systems that require an external transmitter to relay audio/video signals to a receiver wirelessly may often create issues with synchronization.

Two major “wireless HDMI” formats exist, each promoting its own product group: WHDI and Wireless HDDI (WiHD). These are planned to make linking HDMI devices without a cable more convenient. If you’re trying to attach a wireless HDMI unit, take these troubleshooting steps:

Adjust the distance of the wireless devices and their location. An effective wireless HDMI communication relies on minimum distance, a direct line-of-site, and minimal interruption, much as with Wi-Fi.
Try various sequences of turn-ons like those mentioned above.
Check product specs and any wireless HDMI system for compatibility. Where it comes to manufacturer, model, and industrial requirements, wireless HDMI systems have a number of technological variations, and devices will not be consistent down the road.

How to Troubleshoot HDMI Handshake Black Screen

Here’s how you can troubleshoot your TV with a black or a blank screen.

Make sure that the power supplies are safely wired to your devices and the outlet for all your devices (TV, digital box, VCR, etc.). If it doesn’t resolve it,
Verify that the right input is set for your TV. If it doesn’t resolve it,
Unplug the digital box with the power cable, wait 30 seconds, and plug it in again. Wait until the box is completely powered on again, and see whether the image returns. If it doesn’t resolve it,
You could attempt an HDMI handshaking if you have an HDMI cable attached to your TV.

Troubleshooting Handshake Issues With HDMI Handshaking Protocol

You will want to use an HDMI Switch in between source/receiver and the device if you have HDMI handshake problems/audio video drops in general without HDMI delivery equipment e.g. Source system directly attached to the HDMI cable display or if the Digital Receiver is not accepted by the display as an HDCP device if between source and display).

Then the receiver/source system handshakes with the switch, regenerates the protocol of the handshake and then handshakes with the device. The switch that has a timing/chipset HDMI rather than the source computer then negotiates with the device. Using this option as a last resort only if no further firmware updates to the source system or monitor are available.

The HDMI cables that are used if the pins are broken or the cable does not adhere to the correct HDMI requirements will trigger HDCP handshake problems. Until inserting a switch between the source and the output, adjust the cable to verify whether this is the case and use gold plated connector cables for the highest possible signal transmission on HDMI connections.

Most displays/sources have a series of buttons to be pushed on the remote or an alternative to restore to factory defaults in the Menu. Use this series or choice to restore source / view to factory defaults and verify whether the HDMI Handshaking issues are solved.

EDID Troubleshooting

‘Extended Display Identification Data’ is an acronym for EDID. When it comes to HDMI, this short series of letters may be the cause of a big headache. The source computer must be able to interact with the monitor (known as the Sink) while forming an HDMI link to figure out what capability it has.

The first thing anytime you have problems that you assume are connected to EDID is to decide if the source system is triggering the problem.

Steps to Follow:

To see how this fixes the problem, link the unit directly to the TV with nothing in between. If it is, then it is the middleman who creates problems.
Try linking the source to a separate TV that you know to be accurate if it still fails to function. If this too fails, then the cause is most probably your concern.
Try to upgrade the firmware of the vendor with whatever system you think the troublemaker is. This also effectively and conveniently takes care of the issues.
Check the cables you are using for the duration. The HDMI signal primarily based on the strength of the system it attached to. Currently, you can transmit HDMI without complications up to 50 feet, although certain systems actually do not provide enough strength to make it beyond 30 feet or less (computers and gaming systems). The signal is not going to make it to its target if the system does not generate enough electricity, and the source will never get its EDID from the monitor. Splitters, switches, and of course, extenders, provide a lift to the signal to take it on but drawbacks often come with them. To ensure the cables are not too long for the sprint, consult the device’s manual.
Is your source a computer? Most TVs only support particular resolutions for devices. Make sure that your TV accepts the resolution you are attempting to accomplish. There are a variety of different explanations why your HDMI compliant devices might have difficulty talking, so if you are having difficulties, hopefully this will get you started! Keep in mind that it will not always be the case that you deal on products that are unreliable. It could also be a missing contact.

Comcast HDMI Handshake Problems

Many people are experiencing Comcast HDMi handshake problems. Here are some solutions that we think may help:

Try turning off the Comcast box and the TV and then turn them on at the same time.
If you are facing audio problems via HDMI, in Comcast, go to main menu> audio, and switch to “audio via HDMI.”
Call Comcast and let them know about your issue.

HDMI Handshake PS3 Issues

If your PS3 is having issues with handshake, such as it detects the HDMI but can’t handshake with it, don’t worry, we have gathered a few solutions for you:

Try using a different HDMI cable or using Component or Composite video.
Try cleaning the HDMI port
Contact Sony for support.

HDMI Handshake PS4 Issues

If you have a PS4 that is facing handshake issues with HDMI, here are a few solutions that may help solve your problem:

Unplug the TV from the wall and remove all the HDMIs that are linked to the TV. Give it no power for 5-10 minutes and try afterwards. If you can just hear audio, it may be an HDCP handshake problem.
Clean the HDMI port
Change the HDMI port and replace it with a new one
Contact Sony for support.

Frequently Asked Question

Q: What is HDMI handshake?

A: The HDMI Handshake is the mechanism of both the source (streaming unit, UHD blu-ray, game console) and the sink (television, projector, monitor) accepting each other and determining that they are both allowed to transport the high bandwidth HDMI signal.

Q: How do you fix an HDMI handshake?

A: The best way to re-negotiate the handshake when an HDMI handshaking problem arises is to control the source system or the show loop. Always wait 10 seconds or more to reset HDMI handshaking / pacing when the device or source has been power cycled for the HDMI delivery system.

Q: What is an hdmi handshake issue?

A: The exchanging of cryptographic keys between the source / player and the LCD and HDMI delivery equipment is the HDMI handshake. Each device has a special collection of keys that the monitor and source must recognize before viewing video/audio. When the LCD or source does not recognize the keys from HDMI Delivery equipment, HDMI Handshaking issues arise.