Predictable Black Screen - Help?

System: HP Elite Core 7
OS: Windows 7/64 Home Premium

I am experiencing a black screen which seems to happen about 45 minutes into a movie (YouTube or NetFlix). The audio is not affected.

While the screen is black, Mouse movements do not bring the video back therefore I can't even reboot.

Actions taken: My video card is a ATI Radeon HD 5770. I went to the manufacture's site and downloaded/installed new drivers yesterday. No change.

Help please.

TIA

Don

PS: Video returns after movie ends.

 

This could just be a simple Power Options setting. In Control Panel > Power Options, click Change plan settings and for "Turn off the display" select Never then Save changes and see what happens.

 

Digerati,

Those options were already active.

I also changed from Firefox to Chrome but no help.

Thanks,

Don

 

Then I would try an external monitor and see what happens.

 

SOLVED!

I noticed the problem occurring in the same period that my screen saver is set. I set my screen saver off and that seems to have corrected the recurring black screen issue. At any rate, it hasn't happened all day.

Thanks to all who jumped in.

Don

 

Tim,

But now, no screen saver.

 

You can temporary disable the screen saver.

Have a look at this great article with instructions and the downloads. I suggest you select Option 2. To Toggle Enable/Disable Screen Saver with Sound Played.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/206907-screen-saver-toggle-off-add-desktop-context-menu.html

I tested it and will from now on use it.