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How to Connect an HDMI Cable to Your TV and Choose the Right Input

By Freedom251 Team · · 3 min read

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Connect the HDMI cable from your device’s HDMI output to an available HDMI input on your TV, then use the TV remote’s Input or Source control to select the port number you used. A soundbar or receiver needs a different connection: use the TV port labeled ARC or eARC/ARC and the audio system’s HDMI OUT (TV ARC/eARC) port.

How do you connect a device to a TV with HDMI?

  1. Find the ports. Locate the HDMI output on the source device—such as a console, player or computer—and an available HDMI input on the TV. Check the labels: an input receives a signal, while an output sends one. LG’s support guide recommends noting which TV input each device uses.
  2. Connect the cable. With the devices powered off if convenient, plug one end into the source device’s HDMI output and the other into the TV’s HDMI input. Use the ports’ labels rather than assuming that every HDMI port has the same capabilities.
  3. Choose the matching TV input. Turn on both devices. On the TV remote, press Input or Source and select the HDMI number printed beside the port you used, such as HDMI 1 or HDMI 2.
  4. Check for the signal. The source device’s screen should appear on the TV. If it does not, follow the troubleshooting steps below.

Which HDMI port should you use?

For a typical console, player or computer, use any available HDMI input unless the TV labels a port for a specific feature your device needs. If ports have different markings or the source requires a particular capability, consult the manuals for both devices. Port features, available terminals and menu names vary by model and sometimes by region; do not assume a particular resolution or refresh rate from the port number alone.

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How do you connect a soundbar or receiver with ARC or eARC?

ARC (Audio Return Channel) lets a compatible TV send audio back to a compatible soundbar or receiver over HDMI. Connect both devices’ designated ARC/eARC ports; a regular HDMI input on the TV may not provide that return-audio function.

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  1. Connect the TV port labeled ARC or eARC/ARC to the audio system port labeled HDMI OUT (TV ARC/eARC). The exact labels depend on the model. LG’s support guidance describes ARC as sending the TV’s audio signal to the soundbar’s HDMI output (TV eARC/ARC) port.
  2. In the TV’s sound settings, select the audio system or HDMI ARC/eARC as the sound output. On the soundbar or receiver, select the input associated with the TV connection.
  3. If you want the TV remote to control volume or mute, enable HDMI-CEC on the devices if supported. Manufacturers use different names for CEC, so check the manuals for the relevant setting.

Both the TV and the audio system must support ARC or eARC for that connection to work. If either one does not, use an available optical or other compatible audio connection instead. Sony explains the alternative in its support guidance.

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What to check when there is no picture or sound

Work from simple connection problems toward isolating a faulty device or signal path. TCL recommends these checks for an unstable or missing HDMI picture in its troubleshooting guidance.

  1. Confirm power and connections. Make sure the TV and source are on. Reseat the cable at both ends, then confirm the TV is set to the HDMI input you actually used.
  2. Restart both devices. Power-reset the TV and source device, then check the connection again.
  3. Change one part at a time. Try a different HDMI input on the TV. If you have one available, test with another High Speed HDMI cable; this is a troubleshooting check, not a reason to buy a premium cable.
  4. Remove extra equipment from the path. Connect the source directly to the TV, bypassing adapters, switches or receivers while testing. If the direct connection works, reconnect the bypassed equipment one item at a time.
  5. Identify which device or path is failing. If multiple sources fail on the same TV input, investigate the TV input or cable path. If only one source fails, check that device’s settings, cable and output port.

If you use a DVI-to-HDMI connection, remember that DVI carries video only. A separate audio connection is needed if you want sound and the devices require one.

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Why does the TV show “no signal” on HDMI?

The most common first checks are the selected input, the cable seating, and whether both devices are powered on. A mismatch between the port used and the input selected can leave the TV showing no signal even when the cable is connected correctly. If those checks do not help, use a different input or cable and test the source directly on the TV to narrow down the failing part.

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