Xbox 360: Video and sound issues when you use the Xbox 360 Composite AV Cable (909335)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Xbox 360
  • Xbox Video Game System

SYMPTOMS

When you use the Xbox 360 Composite AV Cable, you may experience the following symptoms:
  • The Xbox 360 screen does not display on your TV.
  • The Xbox 360 sound does work.

CAUSE

This issue may occur when one or more of the following conditions are true:
  • The composite cable is not firmly connected.
  • The audio and video connectors are connected to different sets of inputs.
  • The television is not tuned to the correct input selection.
  • The cable that you are using is not the correct cable.
  • The TV or VCR is faulty.
  • The composite cable is faulty.
  • The Xbox 360 console is faulty.

THINGS TO TRY

  1. To try to resolve the issue, follow these steps:
    1. Turn on the TV.
    2. Make sure that the audio and video connectors are firmly connected.
    3. Make sure that the audio and video connectors are connected to the same input group on the back of the TV.
    4. Select the video input on the TV that displays the Xbox 360 game or on the VCR if you connect your console to a VCR. Video input names vary depending on the TV or VCR. Common names include the following:
      • Input Select
      • AUX
      • Line In
      • Line
      • In
      • Input
      • Source
      • EXT
      For more information, see your TV or VCR manual.
    5. Test to see whether the issue is resolved.
  2. Verify that you are using a Microsoft-licensed or Microsoft-compatible composite cable. If the cable is not compatible, contact the manufacturer of the AV cable for more information, or obtain a Microsoft-licensed or Microsoft-compatible composite cable.
  3. If you connect your Xbox console directly to a TV, make sure that the console is connected correctly.
    1. Turn off the TV and Xbox 360 console.
    2. Connect the yellow connector on the composite cable to the yellow input connections of your television. Make sure that the connections are firmly connected.
  4. If you connect the Xbox console to a TV through a VCR, make sure that the console is connected correctly.
    1. Turn off the TV, VCR, and Xbox 360 console.
    2. Connect the yellow connector to the yellow input connections of your VCR. Make sure that the connections are firmly connected.
    3. Verify that you are using the same type of connector for the VCR connection and for the TV connection. If this is not the case, the video performance may not be as expected.
    If you connect your Xbox console to a TV through a VCR, DVD movies may not play because of copy-protection technology. However, this does not affect gameplay.
  5. Determine the status of the Ring of Light, the circle of four lights that is located on the front of the Xbox 360 console.
    • If the Ring of Light is green, go to step 6.
    • If the Ring of Light is blinking red in all four quadrants, a problem may exist with the AV connection. Go to step 9.
  6. Verify the input selection. Make sure that the TV and the VCR are tuned to the correct input channels. There are several common names that are used for input selection. These include the following:
    • Input Select
    • AUX
    • Line In
    • Line
    • In
    • Input
    • Source
    • EXT
    You can typically find the Input Select menu by using one of the following methods:
    • Look for a hidden panel on the front of the TV or VCR.
    • Look for a button on the original remote control.
    • Use the on-screen menu option.
  7. Try different connection configurations.
    • If you connect directly to a TV, try to connect to a different TV.
    • If you connect your Xbox console to a TV through a VCR, try to connect your Xbox console directly to a TV.
      NoteThis will resolve Macrovision issues.
  8. Determine whether the behavior occurs with one disc, with two discs, or with more than two discs. If the problem occurs with only one or two discs, search the Microsoft Knowledge Base for known issues for that particular disc. If no known issues exist, return the disc to the retailer.
  9. The composite cable may be faulty. Replace the composite cable if it is faulty.
  10. If a replacement composite cable does not resolve the issue, you may have to contact Microsoft to repair the Xbox 360 console.

    Note Do not take your Xbox 360 console or its accessories to your retailer for repair or service unless you are instructed to by an Xbox Customer Support representative.

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:10/3/2006
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