Viewsonic Projector Not Detecting HDMI: How To Fix It?

I know how frustrating it can be when a projector fails to display a video or emit sound. It’s even more terrifying if it happens in the middle of an important work presentation.

The first thought that comes to mind is that the projector has malfunctioned. However, that is not always the case, as you will discover shortly into the article. HDMI-related issues are more common than you think.

 And the good news?

 You can fix this without breaking a sweat! 

I will guide you through the most effective ways to solve this hurdle, so keep reading. 

Why is Your ViewSonic Projector Not Detecting HDMI?

ViewSonic projectors are highly rated because of their affordability, impeccable colour accuracy, sleek designs, and durability. So why is this fantastic device having  HDMI-related problems? 

There are several reasons why your device is not detecting an HDMI.

If your HDMI cable is loose, it won’t work as expected. These cables become loose very easily, especially if you place too much pressure on them while plugging in. 

HDMI cables also go bad if used for a prolonged period. Take note that it doesn’t matter if you have a high-quality cord because these cables eventually break down due to wear and tear or when poorly maintained.

If your projector cables are always entangled, the wires inside can easily break. Also, if they have been placed in strenuous positions or the connectors are exposed to corrosive elements, they won’t last long.

It’s also possible that the problem may not be the cable but the HDMI port. A port can become unresponsive when a user is fond of forcefully plugging and unplugging a cable.  

Another common cause of HDMI complications is an outdated OS. You should check your graphics driver to ascertain that it’s updated to the current version. I shall expound on this later on in this post. 

How to Troubleshoot HDMI Connection Problems?

Now that you know some of the probable reasons why your HDMI is not working, it’s time we delved into how to troubleshoot.

Rebooting Your Projector and Input Device

The first and perhaps the easiest way to troubleshoot connection problems is by resetting your projector and external device. Power off both devices, unplug all cables, then allow them to stay without power for at least 5 minutes. After that, turn on both gadgets and check if you can use your HDMI port effectively.

Check the Cable Connections 

To ascertain if you have loose cables, unplug your HDMI cord,  plug it back firmly, and test if the issue is fixed. Alternatively, you can check if the connection does not fit tightly in the HDMI port. 

Try Another Signal Type

Assuming that you have other kinds of video inputs like VGA, Displayport, or DPI, you can try them out to ensure that the problem is not your device. If they work, then you know the problem lies in the HDMI. 

Check Your Video Input Settings

You may find nothing wrong with either your HDMI port or cable. The issue could be in your settings. Some projectors warrant users to manually select the video input they want to use on the settings.

The properties of your secondary display’s operating system must be configured correctly. Hence, it would be best to check your video output settings because they may be disabled.  

Right-click on your computer, then click on properties and select device manager. Check for the status of your HDMI port in the dialog box. If nothing’s wrong with the HDMI, it should read, “this device is working properly.” 

You should try connecting your projector to a different computer system to ensure that the hurdle isn’t coming from your secondary video source.

You can also try changing the resolution from the external video source to be sure that this is not the source of the problem. Ideally, projectors have a fixed resolution hence, your projector can only output one resolution.

How can you tell that you need to change your video input’s resolution?

 By checking your projector’s fixed resolution on the user manual.

How to Solve an HDMI Hitch?

I believe that by now, you are caught up on the reasons why your HDMI is not working efficiently, and you’re curious to find out if you really can resolve this without hiring a professional. I’ll give some hacks that work. 

Fix the HDMI Cable

Many people assume it is impossible to fix a loose cable, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Before you resort to buying a new cable, try fixing the one you have first. So how do you go about it?

It’s simple: unplug your cable and firmly plug it back. If the damage to the cable isn’t extreme, the cable will work. However, consider getting a new one as soon as you can; it may break down sooner than you think as this isn’t a permanent solution. 

Replace the HDMI Cable

One mistake people make when changing their HDMI cord is buying a low-quality product. HDMI cables are frequently upgraded, so you must be careful not to buy one that isn’t compatible with your projector. 

An HDMI cable can affect the quality of your video resolutions: if you’re not sure about which one to get, seek professional help. Here’s a great guide that can also help you identify the HDMI cable you will need.

Clean the HDMI Port

A little dust may hinder your projector from detecting HDMI. To fix this, you’ll need some isopropyl alcohol  and a small lint-free piece of clothing. 

1. Power out your projector and let it cool off for a few minutes. 
2. Unplug the HDMI cable from the projector and the output device. 
3. Use a lint-free cloth dipped in a little isopropyl alcohol to clean the HDMI ports and the cable connectors. Do not use metal picks to remove dirt in the insides of the HDMI port. You can easily cause a short circuit if you do so.
4. After cleaning, let your ports and cable dry first before plugging them back. 
5. Then restart both your projector and output device.

 Remember to verify that your input settings are compatible with HDMI connections.  

Try the Reverse Power-up Sequence

The reverse power-up sequence requires you to power your projector and video source backwards. For example: if you are used to putting on your projector first, followed by the HDMI source component, you should change this sequence.

Reset the HDMI Port

Resetting your HDMI port isn’t demanding as shown in the video tutorial  above. Shut down your projector and video source and unplug their power cables from the power source. Let them rest for approximately ten minutes before plugging them back. If this hack fails to work, move to the next. 

Update Your HDMI Port Driver

This fix is handy for users who use a computer or laptop as their video output device. You can update your graphics card via the official driver’s site such as NVIDIA, Intel, AMD or automatically update through Snappy Driver.

Alternately, you can update your HDMI port driver manually. Navigate your computer settings and look for ‘Device Manager.’ Select the display adapter, click on the displayed graphics card manufacturer and update the driver. Restart your computer to activate the update.  

Change the HDMI port

The last fix should be changing your HDMI port. You need to hire a professional for this step as it is quite risky to do this on your own unless you have the technological know-how.

If your projector’s warranty is still valid, you can always contact ViewSonic Customer Care to file warranty claims: they will fix this glitch for you free of charge if you have not made any major alterations to the device. 

How to Maintain an HDMI Cable?

Last but not least, you should learn to maintain your HDMI cable to minimize its chances of breaking down on you again within a short span. 

First off, never place your projector in direct contact with the sun. Ensure your cables aren’t entangled or placed in bending positions. Avoid putting too much pressure on your cables or leaving them lying around carelessly.

It will also help if you have a backup HDMI cord because these cables need to be replaced time and again. The secret to durability is proper maintenance.

Conclusion

So there goes the guide for fixing undetected HDMI cables. I hope you’ve learned how to troubleshoot and most importantly, how to fix the HDMI glitch to get your device back up.