HDMI Issues

[THamm3]

I have a NUC8i7HVK with a Samsung 970 EVO Plus SSD and Corsair Vengeance SODIMM 16GB ram. The NUC is

attached to a Toshiba 43LF621U19 43-inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV HDR - Fire TV Edition and a High Speed HDMI cable. I have had this for about 2 months and until a few days ago, I never had any issues with the video/graphics. Recently, when I fire up the NUC, I just get a black screen (first time was the back HDMI port, but now it is either one). I know there is some sort of signal because the TV detects a signal – there just aren’t any graphics, just a black screen. So, I reboot (sometimes once, and sometimes more than once) and eventually, I get the graphics to go with the video signal. Any thoughts on cause/cure? Here is some additional (driver) info (not that I think this is a driver issue since there is no graphic even in the initial startup sequence (no NUC logo or SETUP|BBS display).

Intel HD Graphics 630

Driver Version 25.20.100.6519

Driver Date: 1/9/2019

Radeon RX Vega M GH Graphics

Driver Version: 25.20.15002.58

Driver Date: 12/6/2018

Board Model: NUC8i7HVB

Board Version: J68196-504

BIOS Version: HNKBLi70.86A.0054.2019.0214.1350

Windows 10 Home, 64 Bit, Build 17763.rs5_release.180914-1434

[LeonWaksman]

1. I have NUC8i7HVK and it is running without any problem.
2. I have the latest and updated Windows 10 version 1809. I know, that you have also version 1809 of Windows 10 installed, however, you are using a RTM version (i.e. pre released). I suggest you to upgrade your computer to the latest, released version. If you don't know how to do this, I can give you here a detailed instructions.

Leon

[THamm3]

Thanks, Leon. I would love your instructions for updating my windows version, but I really don't think that is the issue. You will recall, as you boot up, in the middle of your screen (before the OS tries to install) is the word NUC and in the upper right corner, the words SETUP | BBS. Then you get the rotating circle of dots (to show loading of the OS). I don't even get any of those graphics. My screen will be black through the entire startup/boot process and when the boot is complete, still black. Still, I am willing to try just about anything at this point.

Tom

[LeonWaksman]

Hi Tom,

1. Now I understand better your problem. When problem occurs, you don't see even the Bios screen with Intel logo and F2, F7, F10 menu. I understand also that you can see on your TV screen the Bios graphics with Intel logo when failure doesn't exists. If failure happen, after few reboot, you can boot into Windows. Since you don't see the Bios graphics, I agree with you that this problem is not related to the O.S.
2. Assuming that your HDMI cable is O.K. (however if you have another one, try replace the HDMI cable), I would suggest to update your Bios using Bios recovery from Power Button Menu:
3. Prepare USB stick fully formatted to FAT32 (disable quick format option during format). Format your USB on Windows machine (rather than Linux or MAC). Save the Bios file HN0054.bio (https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/28642/BIOS-Update-HNKBLi70-86A-?product=126143) on this stick and insert it into front USB slot with amber color (NUC shall be OFF).
4. Press Power Button for about 3 seconds. Count 1001, 1002, 1003,1004. Release the Power Button. NUC should reboot into Power Button Menu. You should release the Power Button before 4-sec shut down override.
5. Press F4 and the recovery shall start (it can take up to 30 seconds for messages to appear on the screen).
6. When the recovery finishes, press on Power Button and hold it, until NUC switches OFF. Pull out the power cord. Remove the USB stick.
7. Replace the power cord and press Power Button to switch the computer to ON.
8. Enter Bios setting by pressing F2 during boot process.
9. Press F9(followed by "Y"), to set Bios to default settings. Press F10 (followed by "Y"), to save the settings and exit to O.S. Let the NUC fully reboot.
10. If before update, you have customized bios settings, you can enter again to Bios setting to change the necessary settings. 

Leon

[THamm3]

Leon,

I really appreciate your input on this. I consider myself pretty informed when it comes to computers. But, it seems like the older I get the more out of touch with new technology I get. I used to always boot up allowing my NUC to turn on my Toshiba. I decided to test things out by turning on the Toshiba and then (after it is on and with the proper input selected) booting up the NUC. I have done this for the last 4 or 5 days and all seems to work just fine. Not sure what the issue is when I let the NUC turn on the TV, but I can overcome that issue without changing hardware or firmware. I will definitely keep your last post in mind - just in case I have additional issues.

Thanks again!

Tom

[LeonWaksman]

Hi Tom,

1. There are some settings in Bios, that I suggest you to check: enter bios settings Advanced> Devices > On-board Devices (look on the R.H. panel Legacy Device Configuration): HDMI CEC Control should be enabled and Auto Turn On TV should be From S3/S4/S5 Boot .
2. In addition I will try to check different HDMI inputs on your TV. First I would try HDMI 2 and if is not working HDMI 1 (ARC).

Regards

Leon

[THamm3]

Hi Leon -

Funny you should bring that up. I did some additional research (because I had a feeling the issue might be the TV and not the NUC) and found the settings you suggested. I had already set the NUC to Auto Turn On TV, but the CEC was off on the TV, so I turned it on and when I booted the NUC this morning, everything worked as it should. I will test this the next couple of days and see how it goes.

Thanks again!

Tom

[LeonWaksman]

Hi Tom,

"but the CEC was off on the TV" - the CEC was disabled on your TV, while HDMI CEC Control in bios was enabled?

Regards

Leon