Microsoft KB Archive/916158

= Xbox 360: The TV screen or monitor remains black when you start an Xbox 360 console =

Article ID: 916158

Article Last Modified on 8/9/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft XBox 360 Video Game System
 * Microsoft Xbox

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SYMPTOMS
The TV screen or monitor remains black when you start an Xbox 360 console.

This behavior may occur with or without a game disc in the disc tray. The console appears to be on because the green power light illuminates and the fan continues to operate. However, the screen remains black.



CAUSE
Typically, you will experience this behavior if the AV cable is not connected correctly or if the AV cable is faulty. If the screen remains black indefinitely or if the screen remains black for more than ten seconds, see the “Things To Try” section for more information.



THINGS TO TRY
 Make sure that your TV is set to the correct channel for your Xbox 360 console. Examine the Ring of Light. If four red lights flash on the Ring of Light, the AV cable may not be correctly connected to the console. Disconnect the cable, reconnect the cable, and then again start the console. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

906652 Xbox 360: Four lights flash red on the Ring of Light

Note This will only be exhibited by Xbox 360 consoles that do not have an HDMI AV port. If your console is equipped with an HDMI AV port and you are using an HDMI cable, continue troubleshooting the issue by using this article. If you see any other red lights flashing on the Ring of Light, troubleshoot the issue by using one of the following Microsoft Knowledge Base articles:

907535 Xbox 360: One red light flashes on the Ring of Light

907536 Xbox 360: One red light flashes on the Ring of Light and you receive an error message

907533 Xbox 360: Two red lights flash on the Ring of Light

907534 Xbox 360: Three red lights flash on the Ring of Light

 Make sure that the AV cable that you have is correctly connected to your television. Make sure that that the TV/HDTV switch is set for your television type if you are using the Xbox 360 HD Component Cable AV Cable that is included with many Xbox 360 consoles. Locate and then follow the steps in the appropriate Knowledge Base article for your AV cable type:

907605 Xbox 360: How to troubleshoot the Xbox 360 Component HD AV Cable

909335 Xbox 360: Video and sound issues when you use the Xbox 360 Composite AV Cable

907604 Xbox 360: How to troubleshoot the Xbox 360 S-Video AV Cable

907603 Xbox 360: How to troubleshoot the Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable

937898 Xbox 360: How to troubleshoot Xbox 360 HDMI video and audio issues

 Turn off the console, wait 10 seconds, and then turn the console back on without a disc in the disc tray. If this resolves the issue, try another game. If the console does not work when any game is loading, remove the game disc, turn off the console, and then unplug all the cables and accessories that are attached to the console. Wait 30 seconds, and then re-attach the power supply cord and the AV cable. Make sure that you insert the AV cable very firmly.

Note Sometimes, you can insert the AV cable far enough to prevent any red lights from flashing on the Ring of Light but not far enough for the console to transmit images or sounds to the screen. After you reconnect the AV cable and power supply cord, restart the console. Visit the following Microsoft support Web site to search for any video or sound issues that relate to the type of AV cable that you use:

http://support.microsoft.com/

</li> If you continue to experience this behavior, contact Xbox Customer Support.</li></ol>

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