Xbox HDMI - "Invaild Format"

When hooking up the HDMI cable to the Xbox, is the Xbox turned off? Also when this occurs, is that message a tv message or is it an Xbox message? Because your Xbox should work just fine. As for hooking it up with the RCA lines that come with the Xbox, those are standard def lines and you would need to purchase a HD component set to use it that way, but in all cases you should be able to use the HDMI output.

The Xbox is turned off. Example, first I'll turn ON the Xbox with the Av cables...works fine, however when I go to the options to try and change the settings the HDMI function is grey and non-selectable. So, I turn OFF the Xbox, plug in the HDMI cable, then turn it ON again and the messges is on my TV, NOT the Xbox.

However, this HDMI cable I'm using was a rather expensive one that I've been using for about 2 years with my Ps3. Never had an issue before and still don't. Someone mentioned that the TV might not be HDCP compatible however I checked with LG (My TV is a FullHD 1080P) and it does in fact support that.

So...I'm still pretty much at a loss. Worst come to worst, could the HDMI Port on the Xbox itself be faulty?

Hey there Vigrith! We can narrow down the issue by try a few different configurations here. First, have you tried a different HDMI cable with your current TV? Also, can you try hooking your console up to a different TV, both with HDMI and regular AV cables. Lastly, if you have the ability, can you connect a different console up to your TV, both with HDMI and AV. By looking at the results, we'll be able to figure out exactly what is the cause of this problem and work from there. Let us know what you find out, thanks!

Hey Mister Gwyther, thanks for replying! (You too iRayDawg!) When I head back home tomorrow I'll try a few of those things to to see what the issue is and I'll post the results. ^_^

I read your question and I think that sharing your stuff is not your problem but rather sharing all of your time.

Okay well, got a different cable and the stupid thing finally loaded up...for a short while. Then after about ten minites of play it "lost" the signal again and the screen went blank. We also tried both cables on different TVs, with our other systems and they worked fine.

So it's not the TV, and it's not the cables. It's the 360 which blows. I checked around other forums and it's apperently a problem with a lot of peoples Xbox counsols and I have yet to read anything about Microsoft mentioning or doing something about it. Again, I think worst comes to worst could the HDMI port just be faulty or loose? How much would it even cost to replace one of those?

Hey Vigrith! So you tried multiple cables and consoles with the same TV, and the only time it didn't work was when using the same console, correct? And you have tried using this console on another TV and with different cables, and it still didn't work? If that's the case, then a repair would be your best bet. You can get that started here (support.xbox.com/.../repair-process).

Yes sir, we sure did and it's still the same thing. I tried "wiggling" the HDMI cable while it was connected to the 360 Port (After we had moved it BACK to my TV from trying it elsewhere) and it actually started to work again for a much longer duration. Managed to get in a few excellent rounds of Horde Mode on Gears 3 but it seems any movement to the 360 itself, or the HDMI port I should say, results in those two magic words...Invalid Format.

I very much appricate your feedback friend! I'll get started right away and thanks for the link! ^_^

I'm glad we got everything sorted out. If you have a moment, I would appreciate it if you would rate your forum experience for us. There is a short survey (link in my signature) and we always appreciate the feedback. Thank you!

Can do buddy, thanks!

And just for a little after thought, I'm 98% sure it is the HDMI Port on the X-box. After some wiggling, and "Don't my the 360!!!" I'm having no problems at all. When moved however, it does take a big of working to get it going again. ^_^ Still, thanks for the link and I'll get that survey out for you.