Random Dolby Vision files only display black screen

For several months I will randomly encounter a file that has Dolby Vision that will only play a black screen. I have read through the other threads that have covered this topic, but the solutions did not fix the issue for me. My TV is an older LG C9. I have included a sample file that causes this issue and a log file.

https://paste.osmc.tv/ofisufimin

Thanks for noticing Neal.

I also have recently observed an increasing number of 4K Dolby Vision (DV) titles exhibiting consistent playback issues. These complications appear to be independent of hardware age or manufacturer, as I have reproduced them on a fully updated Sony A95L and a Denon AVR.

To assist with the investigation, I have compiled a few more data points:

Timeline & Historical Context

  • Initial Discovery: This behavior was first identified in August 2025.
    Original Thread: Some DV files are Black in Vero V

  • Previous Critical Error: Historically, on my setup certain DV titles caused a full system reboot of my television within 10 seconds of playback. Following the November OSMC update, the rebooting issue was resolved; however, the black screen symptom persists.

  • Sample Data: A short video sample demonstrating the failure is available in provided thread, and I can provide it again upon request.

Observed Technical Behavior

When the issue occurs, the system exhibits the following symptoms:

  1. Video: The movie initializes with a black screen, though the file continues to play in the background.

  2. Audio: The AVR fails to handshake with the native high-bitrate format (e.g., Dolby Atmos) and reverts to a standard stereo output.

  3. Stability: The playback can be stopped without a TV reboot (thanks to the November update), and the UI remains responsive.


Workaround

Currently, there is a reliable method to bypass this issue:

  1. Exit the problematic title.

  2. Navigate to Settings > System > Player > Videos > Processing.

  3. Temporarily change the output setting from DV to Force HDR.

  4. Restart the movie.

Upon applying this change, the video renders correctly and the AVR successfully registers the original high-definition audio stream (Atmos, etc.). Just remember to revert this setting to “DV” after the session.

Impact

For me this has occurred across 9+ films and the series Fallout. And I’m watching a lot.

Therefore I assume the impact is currently very low.

Since we have a reliable workaround, there’s no urgent pressure, though a future fix would be appreciated. :wink:

Plays fine on my Vero V and LG C8.

And wow, a Burbs TV series… nothing is safe anymore.

Thank you all for the feedback you have given with your experiences. After reading the other threads on this issue, I logged into the command line and enabled dev builds. Now, movies/shows with DV that previously played without issue have washed out colors, but are extremely bright. They also cause a constant flickering/flashing. At this point I have forced HDR until this is resolved.

‘dev builds’ are not recommended. In staging, our dovi.ko is out of step with the kernel right now.

@tnowens Is there anything between your Vero V and the LG C9 (video processor, AVR, etc)?

Is your HDMI cable unusually long (more than 6ft)?

Do you know what firmware your C9 is on? There were people reporting a similar issue with Apple TV 4Ks as well.

@Kontrarian No, there is nothing between the Vero V and my LG.
Yes, it is a longer HDMI cable. Probably 10 feet.
My C9 firmware version is 05.50.00

@tnowens You can try this but no guarantee.