HDMI port not working or dead HDMI input — TV repair in Riga
If your TV HDMI port no longer shows a signal, the picture disappears when you plug in a cable, or your PS5 and Xbox Series X refuse to run in 4K@120 mode, the most common cause is an electrostatic discharge that has damaged the HDMI switch IC on the mainboard. This is a typical failure on modern 4K and OLED televisions, especially after connecting a games console on an ungrounded outlet. At the SATER service centre on Silmaču iela 6 we have been repairing televisions since 1993 — more than 30 years at the same address. We handle HDMI switch IC replacement (BGA and QFN packages), TMDS line restoration, HDMI socket resoldering, eARC controller repair, HDCP handshake failures, and HDMI 2.1 bandwidth issues that are well documented on LG C1, Sony A80J and Hisense U8HQ. We also fix CEC controller and firmware bugs when the TV misbehaves with other HDMI devices. We always agree the estimate before starting work, and if you decline the repair the TV goes back with no obligation.
Likely causes
- ESD damage to the HDMI switch IC on the mainboard — The most common cause — a static discharge through the HDMI cable blows the switch chip and the port stops seeing any source. Requires BGA or QFN chip replacement.
- Physical damage to the HDMI socket — Bent pins, broken solder joints or a connector lifted off the board — usually after a cable has been yanked out sideways. We resolder or replace the socket.
- HDCP handshake failure (firmware) — The TV and source cannot agree on HDCP 2.2/2.3 keys — the screen stays black or shows "no signal". Fixed with a firmware update or EEPROM reset.
- HDMI 2.1 bandwidth issue — At 4K@120 Hz or 8K the port cannot sustain 48 Gbit/s — either a certified Ultra High Speed cable is needed, or the TMDS/FRL lines on the board are damaged.
- eARC controller IC failure — After connecting eARC to a soundbar or AVR, audio drops or stutters — the eARC chip or its power rail has failed and needs replacing.
- Mainboard-level TMDS fault — The differential pairs between the HDMI socket and the SoC are broken or shorted — requires careful oscilloscope diagnosis and track repair.
What you can check yourself
- Try a different HDMI cable — it must be High Speed or Ultra High Speed certified, not a no-name cable from the drawer.
- Plug a different source (laptop, another Blu-ray player) into the same port to rule out a console or receiver problem.
- Test every other HDMI port on the TV — if one works and another does not, the fault is local to that socket or switch.
- Unplug both the TV and the source from the wall for 2 minutes, then power on the TV first and the source second — this resets the HDCP handshake.
- In the menu disable HDMI-CEC (Anynet+, Bravia Sync, Simplink) and reset the HDMI settings to factory defaults.
When to bring it in
If after these checks the HDMI port is still dead or the signal drops intermittently, the TV needs professional service. HDMI switch IC replacement is a precision BGA or QFN job that requires an infrared rework station, and SATER does it regularly for televisions with ESD damage. HDMI socket resoldering is much more straightforward and is usually completed within one or two working days. For HDMI 2.1 bandwidth and eARC faults we use an HDMI analyser to separate firmware issues from physical damage. All work carries a 3-month warranty.
Fast on-site diagnostics. Repair warranty: 3 months.
Affected brands
Frequently asked questions
Why customers choose SATER
- Dedicated specialist per category. Your device is repaired by an engineer who only handles this device category — never others.
- 30+ years of experience. The service centre has been operating since 1993.
- On-site diagnostics. Diagnostics are free even if you decide not to proceed with the repair.
- Custom-built batteries. We don't just replace batteries — we build custom packs from SONY, MOLICEL, SAMSUNG, LG and PANASONIC cells.
- We serve all of Latvia. Our service centre is in Riga and we accept devices from anywhere in the country.