Gaming mode not working with TV

[the_pickle_]

I'm using OS Version 3.3.3, a Jsaux dock, and a TCL TV.

I'm able to use the TV when in desktop mode if I use certain output resolutions, but when I'm in gaming mode the steam deck screen turns black (as expected) and my TV doesn't display anything.

Any help would be appreciated

[fire3element]

I also had some issues with a TCL TV and a few various USB hubs while testing hub compatibility on the Deck before Valve made updates to enhance docking capabilities.
This may not be related, but give it a try.

Go to the Home menu on the TV
Go to Settings > TV Inputs > HDMI 1 (or whichever input you are using) > HDMI Mode > Standard

By default that setting will be on Auto. Change it to Standard, which will force the input to use HDMI 2.0.
I noticed while testing that the Steam Deck would drop from DP 1.4 to DP 1.2.
1.2 cannot support 4k @ 60hz, which was causing weird behavior in Game Mode. For whatever reason the TCL and Deck would renegotiate the connection when moving from Desktop to Game Mode and cause this fault.
DP 1.4 seems to be influenced by the HDMI mode on these TCL TVs, so setting the input to strictly 2.0 keeps it from dropping back to HDMI 1.4, which caused the drop to DP 1.2.

[the_pickle_]

Thanks for the reply!

I changed it from auto to standard, but I'm still experiencing the issue.

[the_pickle_]

I've tried updating doing a factory reset on my TV, and changing every setting I can think of.

When I put my HDMI input into compatibility mode it sometimes flashes some of the output from the steam deck, but then goes back to saying that there's no input. I have not been able to reliably replicate that outcome though.

The same HDMI cable and TV works fine with my nintendo switch.

[fire3element]

Sorry that HDMI mode setting did not resolve your issue. It still sounds like the problem is on the TV side in your case.
Have you tried all of the other HDMI ports on your TV to see if the behavior is the same?
Despite that your Switch may work with that particular cable, it is still possible the HDMI cord is at fault. I would try other cables if you have some to try to eliminate that possibility.

[the_pickle_]

Looks like the issue was with the HDMI cable. I didn't even consider switching cables before, because the same cable worked when I was in desktop mode and has worked with every other device I've used with it.

So it seems like there's a bug with gaming mode that prevents it from working with certain cables.

But in the meantime, I have at least one cable that the steam deck works with in gaming mode.

[the_pickle_]

Thanks for the help @fire3element!