No picture at all on the dot matrix display (not even a splash screen) while the game boots and plays music.

DMD stays dark while the game plays music: 74HCT240 on the display controller

Cause: A failed 74HCT240 buffer chip on the DMD controller board.

Checks

• Measure the display high voltages first and replace the ribbon cable with a known-good one.
• Check the display power connector on the display driver board.
• With a logic probe, look for activity through the 74HCT240 on the DMD controller.

Fix

• Replace the 74HCT240 on the DMD controller board (socket it).

The display supply runs at about -110 V and +66 V; keep fingers off the display power board with the game on.

Systems

• Sega/Stern Whitestar

Games

• South Park

Related tips

• Black DMD: Data East DMD controller has no clock past the 74HCT240 at U1
• Display stuck on the audit screen while the game runs: acid damage on the DMD controller
• DMD shows the boot image then goes blank while the game plays: replace U201
• Three vertical lines missing on the DMD: glass cracked by a mounting screw

Source: Pinball Repair help group!! (Facebook group)