Article ID : 00090874 / Last Modified : 06/11/2025Print

Unable to display a picture from a computer that is connected to the HDMI input of the TV

    How to connect a computer to your TV with an HDMI cable

    Note: For general information about connecting the TV to a computer for use as a monitor, refer to the following answer.
    General information about connecting a television to a computer for use as a monitor.

    1. Check your computer’s video output settings

    Before connecting, make sure your computer is set to output video correctly.

    Tip: Sometimes the issue can be solved by turning both the TV and computer off and on again, or by disconnecting and reconnecting the HDMI cable.

    1. Select a resolution supported by your TV.
      If the resolution set on your computer is not supported, the image may look distorted or may not appear at all.
      • Check your TV’s instruction manual for supported resolutions.
      • Note down your current resolution before changing it. (It is necessary when you restore the original setting.)
      • If available, try using “Duplicate” mode with 1080i resolution.
      • Some computers or graphics cards can’t output HDMI or HD signals in certain video modes.
      • For how to check/change the computer screen resolution, refer to the help or instruction manual of the computer.

    2. Connect your TV and computer

    1. Turn off both the TV and the computer.

    2. Connect the computer’s HDMI input to the TV’s HDMI input using a High-Speed HDMI cable (with the HDMI logo).
      Image of connecting a TV and a computer with an HDMI cable
      • A: TV
      • B: Computer
      • C: HDMI cable (not supplied)
    3. Turn on the TV first, then turn on the computer.
      Note: If the computer starts while the TV is off or in standby, the image may not display correctly.
    4. Press the Input button on the TV remote until you select the HDMI port your computer is connected to.

      Note: The location of the Input button and input names may vary depending on your TV model.

    If there’s no picture or the image looks incorrect

    If the above steps don’t solve the problem, try the following solutions.

    1. Change the computer’s display output mode

    For details on how to change it, refer to the help or instruction manual of your computer. Below are examples for Windows.

    Keyboard shortcuts by manufacturer

    • Windows laptops: Press Fn + one of the function keys (F3, F5, F7, F10), depending on your brand. For VAIO computers, use Fn + F7.
    • Mac: Press F7 to switch between display modes.

    Note: Some video playback software (such as DVD or Blu-ray players) may not support output to both the computer and TV at the same time. In that case, select display on one device only.

    2. Adjust or test hardware connections

    1. Try setting a lower screen resolution on your computer.
    2. Test another HDMI port on the TV and repeat the setup steps above.
    3. Try using a different HDMI cable. If this solves the problem, the original cable may be faulty.
    4. Reset your TV.
      For Android TV™ or Google TV™, see How to restart (reset) an Android TV/Google TV?
      For other models, see How to perform a power reset on a Sony television.
    5. Discharge the computer by removing the AC adapter, power cable, battery, and any connected devices, then wait a few minutes before reconnecting.
      Tip: This clears any residual electrical charge that may prevent proper HDMI detection.

    Final checks

    • Turn on the TV first, then the computer.
    • Select the correct HDMI input on the TV.
    • Confirm that the computer’s display mode and resolution are supported by the TV.