No picture through an HDMI switch or splitter
If the Aero works when plugged straight into your TV but shows no picture through an HDMI switch or splitter, the switch is almost certainly the cause – and it usually comes down to copy protection.
This affects 4K TVs. With a 4K TV, the Aero outputs a 4K signal protected with HDCP 2.2, and every device in the HDMI chain has to pass both through intact – the switch needs to match the TV. Many older or cheaper switches only support HDCP 1.4, or don’t pass 4K HDCP properly, so they block the signal. Broadcast boxes such as Freeview and Freesat recorders don’t apply this protection, which is why an older switch can work fine with those but not with the Aero. (On an HD TV, the Aero outputs 1080p, which older switches can generally handle without any of these problems.)
A switch or splitter doesn’t always block the picture entirely. One rated 4K@30Hz will pass a picture, but limits the connection to 30 frames per second – and because UK live channels play at 50 frames per second, they can then fail to play (with an error such as ETV 6900) while apps and menus work normally. If the switch’s rating doesn’t say “4K 60Hz”, assume it’s the 30Hz kind.
A switch or splitter can work well with the Aero on a 4K TV – it just needs to be one rated HDCP 2.2 compatible and capable of full-bandwidth 4K (sometimes listed as “4K 60Hz HDCP 2.2”). It’s worth checking the specification carefully before buying. The cable matters too – see No picture or a flickering picture? Check the HDMI cable.
Still no picture?
A full HDMI reset can clear a stuck handshake:
- Disconnect all HDMI leads from the TV.
- Unplug the TV from the mains for a couple of minutes.
- Plug the TV back in and reconnect the Aero first, then test.
- Reconnect any other HDMI devices one at a time.
If the switch isn’t HDCP 2.2 capable, a reset won’t be enough on its own – the switch will need replacing with a compliant one.