Forum Discussion

nick_danger's avatar
nick_danger
Reel Rookie
2 months ago
Solved

YouTube app No video with audio

Model: TCL 50S423

Symptoms:  While watching a YouTube video on 5/5/25, the screen suddenly went black, but the sound continued to work fine.  The screen remained black no matter what navigation I tried using the remote (e.g., Home button, presets for Netflix/Sling/Hulu/Vudu)

Actions taken:

1. Power down/up

2. Disconnect/reconnect power cable

3. Disconnect/reconnect HDMI cable(s) to stereo receiver

4. Reset (press/hold reset button for 12-15 seconds)

5. Enter recovery mode (press/hold reset button for 20-30 seconds)

Results:

In all cases, when the device restarts, it displays a start-up screen for around 3 seconds (either the TCL splash screen or the “select a language” screen after reset) then goes black

I’m out of ideas at this point.  Does this look to you like a hardware failure or failure from a recent software update?

Thanks.

NOTE: Unlike another recent post, my home screen does not display so seems like a separate set of symptoms.

app playback
  • renojim's avatar
    renojim
    2 months ago

    nick_danger, it's not unusual for a failed backlight to act like that.  If you can shine a bright light on the screen and see the Home Screen, it's most likely that the backlight has failed.

11 Replies

  • gabrielmead0ws's avatar
    gabrielmead0ws
    Newbie
    3 months ago

    Hi! I've been having this issue and I'd tried all sorts of stuff. What solved it for me was going into Settings > Display Type and then changing my resolution to 720p. Not sure why it worked, but it at least got my picture back! Hope this helps. 

      • RokuRiamie-D's avatar
        RokuRiamie-D
        Community Moderator
        2 months ago

        Hi there, moonshinemars,

        Thanks for posting!

        We're here to help you with your concern about the Roku device or TV that is stuck on a black screen but has sound.

        Did this issue occur during the TV startup or when you tried to watch content in an app? What Roku device or TV are you using?

        Try unplugging the Roku device or TV from the power source for 10 seconds, then plug it back in using a different power outlet. Ensure that it is connected directly to the wall outlet, not to a power strip.

        Keep us posted.

        Roku Community Team

    • RokuTakashi's avatar
      RokuTakashi
      Community Moderator
      2 months ago

      Hi, darlajannazzo

      Welcome!

      Thanks for reaching out about the issue you've encountered with your Roku TV's black screen display.

      For us to assist further, I'd like to gather the following details:

      • Is this issue happening with a specific app, or when powering on the TV?
      • When did you first encounter the issue?

      Keep us posted.

      Thanks,
      Roku Community Team

      • StevenCee's avatar
        StevenCee
        Roku Guru
        2 months ago

        RokuTakashi I'm having the same issue. It's sporadic, and only happens with various Roku Live channels. I usually have to click on various options, other channels, etc, and eventually the picture will show again. So it's not one particular channel, and it's not all the time, just another annoying little quirk.

        And how do we give a rating to things like wallpapers and themes, etc.? I see them all with ratings, but can find no way to rate any myself..

  • nick_danger's avatar
    nick_danger
    Reel Rookie
    2 months ago

    renojim I have the same problem as the OP.  However, if I power down then power up I will get a splash screen for around 3 seconds before it goes black.  Can this still be a failed (or failing) backlight, or is that ruled by the fact that I have a functioning display, if only momentarily? Thx. 

    • renojim's avatar
      renojim
      Community Streaming Expert
      2 months ago

      nick_danger, it's not unusual for a failed backlight to act like that.  If you can shine a bright light on the screen and see the Home Screen, it's most likely that the backlight has failed.

    • RokuRiamie-D's avatar
      RokuRiamie-D
      Community Moderator
      2 months ago

      Hey everyone!

      We are aware of an issue with a black screen on Roku TV after launching an app.

      To help us investigate this further. Share with us the following:

      • Roku device model, Device ID, and Serial Number (Settings > System > About)
      • Tracker ID, Software version, and build (Press Home 5 times, then Back 5 times)
      • Which specific app or content is the issue occurs?
      • App build version (Highlight the app on the Home screen and press the * button)
      • A short video showing the issue occurring, if possible.

      We're looking into it.

      Roku Community Team