HDMI-CEC problem

Hello, I’ve been having an HDMI-CEC problem for months now. My TV is a Samsung UE40D5700RS and I use the Z11 Pro Max as my set-top box. A few weeks ago, the HDMI-CEC function was still enabled on both the TV and the Z11 Pro Max, but as I’ve been experiencing the problem more frequently where my TV kept switching on and off constantly – presumably because it was receiving an incorrect signal from the Z11 Pro Max – I’ve just disabled it permanently. I followed these steps to clear the HDMI cache on the TV: 1. Disconnected the HDMI cable from both devices. 2. Unplugged both devices from the mains. 3. Waited for 2 hours. Unfortunately, the problem still persists and I’ve really had enough of it. Yesterday, the TV didn’t switch itself on and off whilst I was watching it. And today it’s causing problems again. Is there a bug in the HDMI-CEC function on the Z11 Pro Max that keeps sending the wrong signal to the TV?

Quote from SAM

Hi,

do you use original hdmi cable from the box?

No, a ‘Silvercrest’ brand HDMI cable. The problem persisted even after changing the HDMI cable and the HDMI port. Something happened just now that had never happened before. This time, the TV simply switched off completely. After switching the TV back on, the problem with it constantly switching on and off started again.

Quote from SAM

Not sure and its just guess, it could be also your TV and bad handshake, like i told just a guess. You can try to do factory reset, setup fresh again and see if the issue goes away.

I reset the TV to its factory settings the day before yesterday, but unfortunately that didn’t sort out the problem. I left the TV switched off for several hours to clear the HDMI cache. I then used a different HDMI cable to connect the TV and the TV box. I switched both devices on at around 5.40 pm today and tested them for about two hours, and didn’t experience the problem in question. A short while ago, I switched both on again to watch the World Cup match between the USA and Australia, and less than two minutes later the TV switched off and on again. So it’s not down to the HDMI cable. Google Gemini says that other Formuler owners are also experiencing this problem, and that Formuler have already released firmware updates to address it, but these don’t seem to have fully resolved the HDMI-CEC error yet.

Quote from MCIF

Silvercrest is a LIDL homebrand (low cost supermarket). Not a brand I would recommend for a ICT mission critical component.

Yes, obviously it’s not a premium brand, but I don’t think it’s right to pay €20–30 for a 1.5-metre HDMI cable from an electronics shop either. Incidentally, the interference isn’t caused by the Silvercrest HDMI cable.

Quote from toddy

Friend, I think you should buy a good HDMI cable because there are some things where you shouldn't skimp. A supermarket HDMI cable??

My test today showed that it isn’t down to the supermarket’s HDMI cables. You can also find electronic devices in supermarkets – though they’re not always of good quality – purely for information purposes. The Silvercrest HDMI cable is now more than 11–12 years old and has been used for several hours every day; as already mentioned, it is not the culprit.

Quote from SAM

Do you have other TV in house to connect and test the box on that TV device? We need to find out if its TV or Box.

I guess factory reset of the box is still not done yet?

Hi Sam, yesterday I first reset the box to its factory settings, but the problem persisted. I then tried another Samsung LED TV for testing, and lo and behold, the problem hasn’t cropped up so far. I’ll be taking a closer look at the components on the power supply unit over the next few days to find the faulty component or the cold solder joint(s). Thank you very much for trying to help me.

Quote from SAM

Good, suspected all the time the main Tv , HDMI port or cable and we have now some result you can work with. Hope you find the issue with main tv.

Check also if there is some new firmware for your TV and install if available.

I hope so too. I generally check all my devices regularly to see if any new firmware or software updates are available. There is currently no new firmware version available. Have a lovely evening, Sam.