Why Does My Set-Top Box Show Picture but No Sound?Updated 16 days ago
Older HDMI 1.3 Set-Top Boxes: Picture but No Sound on ENGLAON TVs
Some older set-top boxes may show picture but no sound when connected to a newer ENGLAON TV by HDMI.
This can happen with older HDMI 1.3 / HDMI 1.3a devices. ENGLAON HD and Full HD TVs generally use HDMI 1.4 or above, while selected ENGLAON 4K models such as the X90Pro Series use HDMI 2.1.
In most cases, this does not mean the TV is faulty. The issue is more commonly caused by an HDMI audio compatibility issue between the older set-top box and the newer TV.
Common Older HDMI 1.3 / 1.3a Set-Top Boxes
| Model | Country | HDMI Version |
| Foxtel IQ3 Box | Australia | HDMI 1.3 |
| Satking DVBS2-800CA | Australia | HDMI 1.3 |
| UEC / Altech UEC PVR9600T | Australia | HDMI 1.3 |
| STRONG SRT 5437 | Australia | HDMI 1.3 |
| STRONG SRT 5434 | Australia | HDMI 1.3 |
| Bush BHAS02UR | Australia | HDMI 1.3 |
| LASER STB-HDM2000 | Australia | HDMI 1.3 |
| neoniQ 3406DVT | Australia | HDMI 1.3 |
| HDBUDDY Freeview HD UHF Receiver | New Zealand | HDMI 1.3 |
| DTVS Smart1 / DTVS-Smart1 | New Zealand | HDMI 1.3a |
| Amino H140 | New Zealand | HDMI 1.3a |
| Amino A140 | New Zealand | HDMI 1.3a |
Important note:
The HDMI version may vary depending on the model, production batch, firmware, or supplier specification. If the HDMI version is not clearly listed in the user manual or product specification sheet, please contact the set-top box supplier or manufacturer directly to confirm whether the device uses HDMI 1.3, HDMI 1.4, or another HDMI version.
Why does the TV show picture but no sound?
An older set-top box （HDMI 1.3 / 1.3a) may still send a video signal that the TV can display, but the audio signal may not be recognised or decoded correctly by the newer TV (HDMI 1,4 or above) .
| Common Cause | Explanation |
|---|---|
| HDMI audio format mismatch | The set-top box may output Dolby Digital, Bitstream, AC3, RAW, or Auto instead of PCM / Stereo. |
| Older HDMI handshake issue | Some older HDMI 1.3 devices may not communicate audio capability correctly with newer TVs. |
| EDID compatibility issue | The set-top box may not correctly read which audio formats the TV supports. |
| HDMI cable or port issue | Some older cables, adapters, or HDMI ports may carry video but have unreliable audio handshake. |
How can I check if the TV sound is working normally?
Please test the TV sound from another source, such as:
| Source to Test | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Free-to-air TV channels | Check if normal TV channels have sound. |
| Streaming apps | Check apps such as YouTube, Netflix, or other supported apps. |
| Another current HDMI device | Try a newer device such as a PS5, Xbox, laptop, media player, or newer set-top box. |
If the ENGLAON TV has sound from one or more of the sources above, the TV speakers and internal audio system are likely working normally.
If the issue only happens with one older set-top box, the problem is more likely related to that set-top box’s HDMI audio output or HDMI compatibility.
Recommended Solution 1: Change the set-top box audio setting
If you can access the set-top box menu, go to the audio or sound settings and change the HDMI audio output.
| Avoid These Settings | Use This Setting Instead |
|---|---|
| Dolby Digital | PCM |
| Bitstream | PCM |
| AC3 | Stereo |
| RAW | LPCM / Stereo |
| Auto, if not working | PCM / Stereo |
After changing the setting, restart both the set-top box and the TV, then test the HDMI connection again.
Recommended Solution 2: Use a separate audio connection
If HDMI audio from the older set-top box is not compatible, use a separate audio connection where available.
Depending on the set-top box and TV model, this may include AV / Coax / Optical
Recommended Solution 3: Replace the old set-top box
If the set-top box is very old and only supports HDMI 1.3, the most reliable long-term solution is to replace it with a newer set-top box that supports HDMI 1.4 or later.
A newer set-top box is more likely to support modern HDMI audio formats, better HDMI handshake, and improved compatibility with newer TVs.
ENGLAON Compatibility Note
| ENGLAON TV Type | HDMI Version |
|---|---|
| ENGLAON HD / Full HD TVs | HDMI 1.4 or above |
| ENGLAON X90Pro 4K TVs | HDMI 2.1 |
Older HDMI 1.3 devices may still connect to ENGLAON TVs, but they may require audio setting changes, a different HDMI cable, an alternative audio connection, or replacement with a newer HDMI 1.4-compatible set-top box.
In most cases, if the TV sound works normally from free-to-air channels, streaming apps, or other HDMI devices, the issue is not caused by the ENGLAON TV itself.