Question:

I’ve researched this issue and found others with similar problems but no solutions. Interestingly, if I set the TV to a 2K 60Hz preset instead of a PC-specific one, the secondary monitor continues to function after the TV is turned off. This leads me to believe there might be a driver or Windows error mismanaging the refresh rate settings for the secondary monitor, which also disappears from the NVIDIA control panel in this scenario.

I’ve attempted a clean driver installation using DDU, but the issue persists. I’m seeking assistance to resolve this inconvenience, as constantly reconnecting the TV to my GeForce RTX 3080 is quite bothersome, and I’d prefer to maintain the ability to use higher refresh rates for gaming. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.”

Answer:

In the realm of multi-monitor setups, particularly those incorporating high refresh rate displays, users may occasionally encounter a baffling issue: a secondary monitor ceases to display an image when a high refresh rate television, used as an additional screen, is powered off. This problem, which seems to be shared by a number of users, points to a possible mismanagement of refresh rate settings by the operating system or graphics drivers.

The complication manifests when a television is set to a high refresh rate mode, such as 144Hz or 120Hz, to enhance gaming experiences. Turning off the TV subsequently results in the secondary monitor, connected via HDMI, losing its signal and turning black. The graphics card’s control panel then fails to recognize the secondary monitor, which only reappears when the HDMI connection to the TV is unplugged.

Potential Causes

1.

EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) Miscommunication

: The television and monitors communicate their specifications to the graphics card through EDID. A high refresh rate setting might lead to a misinterpretation of the secondary monitor’s EDID by the graphics card when the TV is switched off.

2.

Driver or Windows Refresh Rate Handling

: There could be an incorrect handling of the refresh rate profiles for the different displays by the graphics driver or Windows, leading to a conflict when one display is deactivated.

3.

HDMI Bandwidth Limitations

: The bandwidth limitations of HDMI might be exceeded when multiple high refresh rate displays are connected, resulting in signal issues.

Troubleshooting Steps

1.

Firmware Updates

: Ensure that the TV, monitors, and graphics card are updated with the latest firmware, which may address compatibility issues.

2.

Windows Display Settings

: Try different configurations in the Windows display settings, such as duplicating or extending displays, to check if the issue persists across various modes.

3.

Graphics Card Settings

: Review the NVIDIA control panel settings to confirm that each display is correctly configured with its respective refresh rate and resolution.

4.

Alternate Ports

: If feasible, connect the secondary monitor using a different port type, like DisplayPort, to determine if the issue is specific to HDMI.

5.

Manufacturer Support

: Contact the support teams for your graphics card and display manufacturers for insights or solutions tailored to your hardware.

Conclusion

The exact resolution may vary based on the individual setup, but the above steps offer a systematic approach to diagnosing and potentially resolving the signal issue in a multi-monitor arrangement. It’s crucial to consider both hardware and software components of the setup, as the problem could stem from a complex interplay between devices. If the issue remains unresolved, seeking professional technical support may be necessary to explore the specific configurations of your system further. Preserving the ability to use higher refresh rates is essential for an optimal gaming experience, and finding a solution that maintains this functionality is worth the effort.