Last updated on January 23rd, 2024 at 02:32 am
Updated 7.9.2021
Why is your DVD playing in black and white when it’s supposed to be playing in color?
Here are the possible reasons.
NTSC/PAL Issue
If you have a TV that supports PAL only, then you can’t play back an NTSC disc on it. Your picture will appear in black and white.
These days most TVs support NTSC and PAL as do DVD players.
That’s not the case with older TV models though.
So, make sure you’re playing back your DVD to the correct TV broadcast standard.
If TV broadcast format is your issue, then you can use an NTSC to PAL converter or PAL to NTSC converter.
Or better still, use an AV to HDMI converter if your TV supports HDMI. HDMI will solve the PAL -NTSC issue once and for all.
This video will explain the matter in detail.
TV Color Settings
This is not usually the issue if your TV plays in color normally. But you may just want to check just in case your TV display mode is set to black and white.
Incorrect AV Connections
1) Make sure your DVD player is connected directly to your TV and not through a VCR. The black and white issue occurs when a copyright-protected video signal passes through a VCR.
2) Make sure your AV cables are properly connected and tightly plugged in.
3) Make sure the cables are connected to the same color cables are connected on both sides. Yellow to yellow, red to red, and white to white in the case of a composite or RCA cable.
If you’re using a component video connection make sure the red, green and blue cables are paired with the DVD player and TV set.
S-Video Issues
If you’re using an S-Video cable, make sure it’s securely fitted at both ends.
Bent Pins
Pull out the cable at both ends – DVD player and TV – and inspect the pins. Are there any bent pins?
These bent pins may be the cause of your DVD playing in black and white.
To make sure, use a new S-Video cable or try another cable with the pins ‘intact’.
View the video below to learn how to handle cable connections.
Switch to a Different TV AV Input
This applies to all connections – RCA, S-Video, and Component.
If your TV has more than one of these input ports, try connecting to these unused ports. Just to make sure a faulty AV input isn’t the culprit causing your DVD to play in black and white.
If you’re connecting your DVD player to your TV through an AV receiver, make sure that the connections are of the right type and securely fitted.
In some cases, your TV input may consist of two connections – maybe component video and RCA.
On your TV onscreen menu try switching your DVD player input to AV for the port to which your DVD player is connected.
Cable Problem
Even if there isn’t any visible damage to cables, try a different set of cables. There may be an internal cable defect not visible to the naked eye.
Try a Different Disc
Make sure there’s no problem with the disc. Try a different disc and see if it can play in color.
Try a TV Program
If your TV broadcast can receive color then the problem might be with the DVD player.
You may want to connect it to another TV at a friend’s to see if it’s indeed your DVD player that’s causing the issue.
If the other TV plays your DVD in black and white well, then your DVD player would need to be inspected by a service center.
If you find that the cost of servicing the DVD player prohibitive, then you may want to get a new DVD player with HDMI out.
Alternative Solution if All the Above Fixes Don’t Work
If after trying all the above fixes your DVD is still playing in black and white and you don’t fancy sending your DVD player to a service center, he’s a quick fix.
Rip your DVD to a digital format like MP4 or MKV and watch it over your HDTV, computer, TV box, or mobile devices.
You’re advised to go the DVD ripping route only if the DVD contains a video that you’ve shot – family video/wedding video/holiday video. We don’t encourage you to do it with commercial DVDs.
If you’ve decided to go the DVD ripping route, you can get the job done with a free DVD ripper software program.
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