My display is blank when I turn on my HDTV connected to Media Center

When I turn on my TV, it's often the case that the screen is blank and I have to unplug / plug the HDMI cable connected from the Windows Media Center to a Samsung LED TV.

This problem only occurs when the Media Center has played content that contains HDCP data (which is the case if you are using an ATI Digital Cable Tuner or OCUR device).

The card is an ATI HD4550 and the OS is Windows 7.

Have you tried pressing ctrl+alt+del?

I had a similar problem under Vista Media Center with the HDMI connector, and that always seemed to work.

Couple things/questions you can try to isolate the problem, if you have not already tried the following.

1. Does this behavior occur on another LED or LCD?

   • Try using another LED or LCD to see if you can isolate this behavior to the PC.
     
     

2. Are you using a DVI to HDMI converter?
   

   • Not sure what type of ATI HD4550 card you have, but they appear to have only DVI and VGA connectors which leads me to believe you're using a DVI to HDMI converter. - It's possible that the DVI to HDMI converter is damaged. Try using another DVI to HDMI converter.
     
     

3. Was this computer a custom build PC (not through a certified CableCard dealership)?

   • If this is not a custom build PC, I would check with the builder/site of the PC to see if they have any updated drivers or BIOS updates for your PC model.
     
     

4. Does your ATI HD4550 card have Windows 7 certified drivers?
   

   • I'd check to make sure you have the latest/updated drivers for your graphics card and tuner cards.

As these are just starting suggestions, I'm sure you have tried at least some of these but one can never know :-) good luck !!!