Forum Discussion

LP88's avatar
LP88
Channel Surfer
3 years ago
Solved

Screen goes black for a second then comes back on and goes off again.

My screen keeps going on and off every few seconds for about a second. I've done a restart and factory reset. I also tried unplugging and re-plugging. Nothing works.  Wifi connection is solid. Any suggestions? Thanks.

app playback
  • renojim's avatar
    renojim
    3 years ago

    Is it a stick that plugs directly into the TV without an HDMI cable or a Roku device that connects via an HDMI cable?  If the latter, try another HDMI cable.  For either, try a different HDMI input on your TV.  Also, try unplugging the power from the TV and the Roku for several minutes.

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  • makaiguy's avatar
    makaiguy
    Community Streaming Expert
    3 years ago

    LP88-

    When does it do this?  If it's when going in and out of programs, and/or in and out of commercials, it might be this:

    Under "Settings > System > Advanced system Settings > Advanced display settings" some Roku devices have an "Auto-adjust display refresh rate" item.

    If this is enabled, the Roku circuitry sends the signal output at the refresh rate (frame rate) used by the original source material, commonly 24 fps (frames per second), 25 fps, 30 fps, 50 fps, or 60 fps. Every time the source frame rate changes, the TV must adjust its display to accommodate the new frame rate, which on many sets results in a short blackout.

    This can happen when starting/stopping new programs, and when going in/out of commercial breaks that have a different native frame rate than the programs they are inserted into.

    If "Auto-adjust display refresh rate" is set OFF, the Roku converts everything to a frame rate of 60 fps and the TV doesn't have to adjust on the fly.

    The tradeoff here is that movement of things on the screen for non-60 fps sources may not be as smooth with no frame rate adjustment. You have to decide whether this change is worth it to you.

     

    • LP88's avatar
      LP88
      Channel Surfer
      3 years ago

      It's doing it while watched all channels all the time. I have the auto refresh rate disabled but it was still doing it. It was recommended to try using a different HDMI port and it worked so far. Thanks.

    • LP88's avatar
      LP88
      Channel Surfer
      2 years ago

      It is while watching a movie or any program. It does it even if the TV is idle on the Roku menu. I tried unplugging TV & Roku for minutes, restoring to factory settings, changing ports and changing cables, it finally worked after changing ports...but only for a couple of weeks, then started again. So I purchased a new Roku Express and after a couple of hours, it started happening again. Ugh...so frustrating and have no idea what to do. Do I buy a new TV? What could be happening? 

    • utahman1971's avatar
      utahman1971
      Newbie
      2 years ago

      This did the job for me on my 4k insignia tv with roku express 4k device connected. The Auto-Refresh Rate turned off.

  • renojim's avatar
    renojim
    Community Streaming Expert
    3 years ago

    Is it a stick that plugs directly into the TV without an HDMI cable or a Roku device that connects via an HDMI cable?  If the latter, try another HDMI cable.  For either, try a different HDMI input on your TV.  Also, try unplugging the power from the TV and the Roku for several minutes.

    • LP88's avatar
      LP88
      Channel Surfer
      3 years ago

      I have a Roku Express that uses an HDMI cable. I tried a different cable but it didn't make any difference. Then I tried a different HDMI outlet and voila! So far so good...(fingers crossed) Thanks!

    • LP88's avatar
      LP88
      Channel Surfer
      2 years ago

      I use an HDMI cable. I've tried every fix: unplugging TV and Roku device for several minutes, using a different HDMI cable, using a different port in my TV and even restoring to factory settings. When I changed ports, it worked but only for a couple of weeks. Then it started again. So I actually purchased a new Roku (with new HDMI cable) and after a few hours, it started again! ARGH!!! Wondering if it could be my TV? And since it mostly happens after it's been on for awhile, could it be after the TV gets warm? So frustrating! I need a fix and at a complete loss. Any suggestions? Thanks.