When I chose to build my first home theater computer (HTPC) and test it using a television with high definition, I was shocked that I had problems with “no signal.” For those of you who wish to use a computer with your television, let me share with you some of what I knew previously and what I learned in the process of troubleshooting my first problem with a home theater computer.
There are three probable faults for no signal. The computer, the television, the video cable, or a combination of these three things.
Now if you do see a logo when you first turn on the computer but then video disappears, might we suggest you try adjusting the Windows video settings. Try entering the low-resolution boot option by pressing F8 just as Windows would start loading. Once in Windows, you can then try adjusting the video resolution until the problem is resolved. If the low-resolution boot mode does not work, then you probably have a bad video driver. This is of course based on there being some form of logo pictured from the computer when you first turn it on such as the brand of the computer or the motherboard.
When there is no signal, and before testing anything else, make sure the power is turned on. It seems silly but there are times when you may do a bunch of troubleshooting and then go to unplug the computer to move it for repairs to only realize that the computer was unplugged the whole time. This is the easiest problem to fix. Plug in and turn on. Check both the computer and the television.
