Black screen
Black screen / no video output
The console powers on, the fan spins and the power light is solid, but the TV shows no picture, or a black screen with no menu. The system is running but the video signal is not reaching or matching your display.
Likely causes
- The TV is on the wrong input, or the AV cable is loose.
- A modern HDTV cannot sync to the PS2's 480i/240p output, or rejects the wrong region's signal.
- A homebrew app or game forcing a video mode (NTSC vs PAL) your TV won't display.
- A failing AV multi-out port or damaged cable.
Fixes
- Verify the correct TV input and reseat both ends of the AV cable.
- Try a different cable or video standard. Component (YPbPr) often syncs where composite struggles on modern sets.
- If a homebrew loader boots blind, hold the correct button combo or use a GSM/video-mode patch to force a mode your TV supports.
- Test the console on an older CRT or a different display to confirm the unit outputs video at all.
Some HDMI adapters only pass progressive (480p) signals. If your games output 480i, set the adapter or game to a compatible mode, or it will show a black screen even though the console works.
If there is no output on any display or cable, suspect the AV port, GS chip, or power supply, which require hardware repair.