FAQ
TL;DR: HDMI 2.0 maxes out at 4K60 (60 fps) [HDMI LA, 2023]. "HDMI 2.0 can't pass 4K120" [HDMI LA, 2023]. Your MOES box is HDMI 2.0, so force PS5/Xbox to 60 Hz or bypass it for 120 Hz to stop Samsung auto‑detect dropouts [Elektroda, lukasz10874, #21398306; Elektroda, lukasz10874, #21393844; Elektroda, lukasz10874, #21394967].
Why it matters: This FAQ helps Samsung QE55Q77DAT owners fix no‑signal issues when mixing HDMI 2.1 consoles with an HDMI 2.0 ambient‑light box.
Quick-Facts:
- HDMI 2.0 supports up to 4K60 and 18 Gbps bandwidth [HDMI LA, 2023].
- HDMI 2.1 supports up to 4K120/8K60 and 48 Gbps [HDMI LA, 2023].
- PS5 and Xbox Series X|S can output 4K120; disable 120 Hz to stay at 60 Hz [Sony Support, 2023; Microsoft, 2024].
- Samsung Auto Detect/Anynet+ (HDMI‑CEC) can rename inputs and auto‑switch; it’s toggleable in settings [Samsung Support].
- Mixed HDMI chains always negotiate to the lowest common capability (EDID) [HDMI LA, 2023].
Quick Facts
Quick-Facts included above.
What is the correct hookup order with a 2.1 switch, MOES HDMI 2.0 box, and Samsung QE55Q77DAT?
Use this chain: consoles/decoder → HDMI 2.1 switch → MOES HDMI 2.0 sync box → TV HDMI input [Elektroda, karolrkd, post #21394121] The MOES box limits the whole chain to 4K60 because it’s HDMI 2.0 [HDMI LA, 2023; Elektroda, lukasz10874, #21393844]. How-To: 1. Plug PS5/Xbox/decoder into the 2.1 switch. 2. Connect switch OUT to MOES HDMI IN. 3. Connect MOES HDMI OUT to the TV [Elektroda, karolrkd, post #21394121]
Why do I get 5 seconds of picture, then "no device connected" on the Samsung?
Your TV auto-detects and renames the HDMI port, which retriggers a handshake [Elektroda, lukasz10874, post #21394967] If the console advertises 4K120, the MOES 2.0 box can’t complete the handshake beyond 4K60 [HDMI LA, 2023]. Result: brief image, then loss as the TV expects a 120 Hz path [Elektroda, lukasz10874, post #21394967] "A mixed chain falls to the weakest link" [HDMI LA, 2023].
Can the MOES Smart WiFi Ambient Lighting HDMI 2.0 sync box do 4K120?
No. HDMI 2.0 supports up to 4K60 at 18 Gbps; 4K120 needs HDMI 2.1 at 48 Gbps [HDMI LA, 2023]. Your MOES unit is an HDMI 2.0 device per its name and behavior at 60 fps [Elektroda, lukasz10874, #21393844; Elektroda, lukasz10874, #21398306].
How do I force 60 Hz on PS5 so the MOES bar works?
Open Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output [Sony Support, 2023]. Set Enable 120 Hz Output to Off; set Resolution to 2160p; set VRR to Off [Sony Support, 2023]. This caps output at 60 Hz, matching the HDMI 2.0 path [HDMI LA, 2023].
How do I force 60 Hz on Xbox Series X|S?
Go to Settings > General > TV & display options [Microsoft, 2024]. Set Refresh rate to 60 Hz and Resolution to 4K UHD; disable VRR if enabled [Microsoft, 2024]. This avoids 120 Hz negotiation the MOES can’t pass [HDMI LA, 2023].
Does switching Samsung Game Mode or HDR help?
No. Changing picture modes does not change the HDMI link’s frame rate capability [HDMI LA, 2023]. The user confirmed switching Game/HDR modes did not restore the bar when 120 Hz was active in a title [Elektroda, lukasz10874, post #21398306]
How do I stop Samsung Auto Detect or CEC from breaking the connection?
Disable Anynet+ (HDMI‑CEC) on that HDMI input: Settings > General > External Device Manager > Anynet+ (Off) [Samsung Support]. This prevents auto‑renaming and switching while you stabilize the EDID at 60 Hz [Samsung Support; HDMI LA, 2023]. Re‑enable later if needed.
Why did Monster Hunter Rise on PS5 break the MOES bar?
That game exposed a 120 Hz mode. The TV detected 120 Hz capability and the MOES 2.0 box failed at 4K120 [Elektroda, lukasz10874, #21398306; HDMI LA, 2023]. Edge case: games that toggle 120 Hz profiles mid‑session can trigger re‑handshakes and blackouts [Elektroda, lukasz10874, post #21394967]
Can I keep 120 Hz gaming and still have ambient lighting?
Use a true HDMI 2.1 sync box that supports 4K120 (e.g., 48 Gbps class) [HDMI LA, 2023; Govee, 2024]. Or use a camera‑based lighting kit that avoids HDMI altogether [Govee, 2024]. Philips Hue Sync TV app on compatible Samsung TVs also bypasses HDMI hardware limits [Philips Hue, 2024].
Do I need special HDMI cables for this setup?
For 4K120, use Ultra High Speed HDMI certified cables [HDMI LA, 2023]. For 4K60 via the MOES box, Premium High Speed is sufficient [HDMI LA, 2023]. A weak cable can mimic handshake failures seen as dropouts [HDMI LA, 2023; Elektroda, karolrkd, #21395012].
What troubleshooting steps helped in the forum thread?
Checks included toggling HDMI‑CEC, TV reset, updates, reconfiguration, manual device add, cable swaps, and recognizing possible incompatibility [Elektroda, karolrkd, post #21395012] Direct‑to‑switch worked; adding the MOES triggered auto‑detection and loss, confirming the 60 Hz limit [Elektroda, lukasz10874, #21395323; Elektroda, lukasz10874, #21394967].
Will an HDMI 2.1 switch still help if the sync box is 2.0?
Yes for convenience, but the chain negotiates to the lowest capability, here 4K60 [HDMI LA, 2023]. You get easy source selection, not 120 Hz through the MOES [Elektroda, lukasz10874, #21395323; HDMI LA, 2023].
Can an EDID emulator force compatibility at 4K60?
Yes. An EDID emulator can lock the chain to 4K60 SDR/HDR, preventing 120 Hz negotiation [StarTech, 2022]. Place it before the MOES or at the TV input to stabilize handshakes [StarTech, 2022; HDMI LA, 2023].
Which Samsung HDMI port should I use for this chain?
Use any port that supports your needed features. With the MOES box, the path caps at 4K60, so a standard enhanced port is fine [HDMI LA, 2023]. Check your TV manual to identify ports with Game Mode/4K120 for direct 2.1 hookups [Samsung Support].
Will a TV decoder work through the MOES box?
Most decoders output 50/60 Hz, so they pass through an HDMI 2.0 box without issue [HDMI LA, 2023]. Problems arise when a source advertises 120 Hz, which the MOES cannot relay [Elektroda, lukasz10874, #21395323; HDMI LA, 2023].