We all know how frustrating it can be when you're looking forward to settling down to a good film, but your DVD player doesn't seem to be talking to your TV – it's even more frustrating when you can't figure out why. So here are a few things to check.
If either the DVD player or the TV isn't switching on, there could be more than one reason:
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Whether you're using an HDMI, SCART, or composite video cables, the first thing to check is that it's securely connected at both ends. If the picture flickers as you move the cable in its socket, it likely means that the socket is faulty. Most TV's have a few HDMI sockets, so try plugging the cable into a spare one.
Sometimes the cable itself can develop a fault and stop working, so just switching cables can be a cheap and easy fix.
You can pick up a new HDMI cable here.
Marks and scratches on DVDs or Blu-ray discs can seriously affect how well they work. Check the reflective side of the disc for any marks - if the disc is badly damaged, it's probably time to replace it. But if it's just dirt or greasy marks, you could try giving it a gentle clean with a soft, non-abrasive cloth.
If you've had the DVD or Blu-ray player for a while, it might have accumulated some dust on the lens. Don't worry though, you don't need to start taking it apart to clean it. Laser lens cleaning discs make this a really easy fix, you just pop the disc into the player and it'll clean the lens within a few seconds.
If you think this might be the problem, you can pick up a laser lens cleaning disc here.
Make sure you've chosen the correct 'source' on the TV. The source button on your remote usually looks like a square with an arrow pointing at it – press this to switch between sources. If your DVD player is connected by an HDMI cable, you might need to switch between them to find the right one. Just make sure the DVD player is switched on first. Otherwise, the TV won't find it.
Hopefully, that's everything you need to get your DVD player working with your TV. If you'd like help with anything else, you can contact one of our Team Knowhow Experts here.
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