Samsung Odyssey G8 G80SD 32 inch Intermittent Black Screen

[NealMcDeal]

Hi Everyone

update.

For months I have been chasing Samsung re: firmware updates, eventually I got hold of 2nd level support and a technician that actually knew something instead of giving me standard pre-canned responses.

I was using 1004 firmware and then upgraded to 1005, unfortunately there was not any improvement.

However, Samsung support gave me access to v1301...a big jump in version numbers and now this is on the support websites to download as a USB update. (I am not sure if it is available via auto updates as I had upgraded them all manually as at the time, the auto update process didn't have the new firmware).

I can say that this version 1301 has "improved" but unfortunately not eliminated the screen blanking issue. This is very disappointing, but that being said it is happening a lot less these days once I have upgraded to this firmware.

So if you are running on anything less than 1301 and have this issue, I suggest you upgrade to the new version. You won't regret it. I have contacted support again, to find out if they are still going to continue looking into this problem. [I have also indicated that I have another problem with the Settings - Number - Color button on the remote, and that my remote eventually stops responding to my monitor - oh well will have to wait for that to be fixed.]

Anyway back to the monitor problem. I only seem to have the problem with Display Port. (Don't matter what frequency as it still occurs - FYI I operate the monitor at 120Hz. But tried 60Hz and 240Hz and still same issues. However, if I use HDMI I don't have any issues at all. I am using a NVIDIA RTX 4080 Super; using G-Sync Compatible/Adaptive Sync.

I have this monitor (as well as a G6) connected to my main PC using Display Port and then a work PC connected via HDMI. I am mainly on HDMI during the day and have NEVER had the issue with HDMI on the G8. However, when using Display Port, the problem still exists. (BTW the G6 has never missed a beat - so if you only use one computer connected to the monitor I will suggest you change your cable to HDMI. But if you are like me that use two computers connected up, the one using Display Port will probably still have an issue.

Do other people still have this issue with the screen going randomly black for about 1-2 sec from time to time? What Frequency (Refresh Rate) are you using?

Thanks

Neal

[Geno71]

May be a dumb question, but have you tried a different DP cable?

[NealMcDeal]

I have tried different cables; unfortunately don't make a difference. I Have purchased two very high quality DP cables and also used the supplied DP cable.

I have found going to HDMI better. However, in my setup I have two computers (work and personal) both connected. The work one uses HDMI and personal DP. The HDMI, very rarely do see a black screen and now with 1301 firmware I don't see it at all. But DP it still happens every couple of hours or so.

[Rallysrac]

Hi everyone,

I'm writing from the EU. The issue described above is also present with my device. I have updated to version 1301, but the black flickering occurs within about 10 minutes every time the monitor is turned on. The monitor is connected to the PC via a DP cable and is set to 240Hz. I've tried three different cables, but the issue remains the same. My GPU is a 4070 Ti. Once, the monitor completely lost connection with the PC, and I had to unplug the DP cable to restore the image.

There is no information about this issue on the EU support page, nor have I found a solution yet. Using an HDMI cable works, but not at 240Hz, and the image quality isn't as good. It's quite frustrating since it's been happening right out of the box. I hope there will be a solution soon...

[NealMcDeal]

I don't use my monitor at 240Hz I use it only at 120Hz for normal desktop use. V1301 is reasonably okay at this refresh rate. I don't use 60Hz as it is dog slow after using higher refresh rates!

DP is by far better than HDMI. but as per post above I use DP for personal use and HDMI for work. I also have had a few situations that my card completely lost connection with monitor. Especially when the Monitors go into Power saving mode (I have a G8 and G6 OLED) and on waking my PC, the card/monitors get confused as the G8 is slower to respond than my G6.

Anyway. I have been in contact with Samsung 2nd Level support and I have seen their "test results" and they say that they don't have any problems (but their test was only for 2hrs). I am trying to video my screens going black, but it is a pain having to wait for a random amount of time before the screen goes black. To capture it. If yours is happening more frequent please video it along with going to the About screen to get version number. If possible I could send in your video footage??

My problems have been happening straight out of the box. I have THREE G8 monitors (1 for myself and 1 for each of my sons). All Monitors have the same problem. Its frustrating as you pay a premium price only to have such a 'core' requirement not work.

I am surprised that 1301 is going back every 10min...I used to get this with 1004. I will change my frequency upto 240Hz for a while to see if I get the same as you. I have offered Samsung that I am happy to run any diagnostic S/W for them etc. But honestly, their customer service and support is the worst that I have EVER seen.

I will still persevere with their support for the moment.

Only solution, I see is move to HDMI, but I don't want to do this, NOR should I as DP is a worldwide standard.

[Rallysrac]

I tried recording with Nvidia. After turning it on, the black screen appeared for a moment after 6:42 seconds. However, it doesn’t show up in the recording. From this, I conclude that the PC is sending a continuous signal, and the monitor simply turns off or switches briefly.

It also sometimes happens that I turn off the monitor with the remote, and then it randomly turns on the monitor lamp connected to the USB hub (Xiaomi Mi Computer Monitor Light Bar). I don’t understand...

What’s also strange to me is that Samsung is pushing this product so hard, yet I can’t find a single video review of it in the EU...

[NealMcDeal]

I held up my mobile phone and video recorded the screen go black.

I just sent it to Samsung support to show them, the only issue with the video was the screen went black only for a split second (eg. flash) whereas other times it lasts for a second or two.

I was not doing anything other than watch a Netflix movie in a window on my desktop.

Now, given what you said, is interesting I tried it at 240Hz and my monitor went black and become unresponsive. I had to turn it off (at the mains) and turn it back on to get it to work. Remote didn't work. It is also more frequent as well!

Now, I have a theory as well. I have devices using USB plugged into the monitor, the USB on the monitor is a Hub for the PC. (I have a cable from the PC to the monitor) and then a Bluetooth dongle attached to the monitor. Occasionally, when using my bluetooth headset it seems (I could be imagining this) that it occurs more often?!? So I am wondering if using USB on the monitor is also causing some issues... do you have anything plugged into the USB ports?

In the meantime, I hope to hear back from Samsung. I have other videos on problems on older firmware, but as I am now using 1301 I have to give them the new examples.

Will report back later.