Samsung LE37A656A1F loses ATV signal if I change channel

This is a general HDMI issue between some devices, Future software updates for some devices may eliminate such issues, but for now I suspect the best solution is to identify your best workarounds.

I read in a post here a long time ago, around July, abut Samsung LCD HDMI and Apple TVs. I have a Samsung Plasma and while watching a movie (either on ATV or my Samsung upconvert DVD player) the screen will flicker and the audio will go out for a split second and return to normal. I contacted Samsung about my issue and they blew me off saying to upgrade the firmware, it is up to date, and then they said unplug all the cables and count to 30 (stand on one foot singing twinkle twinkle little star 😉 ) at which point I considered myself blown off.
Anyway I cant remember what model Samsung LCD this person had, but it was one of the newest ones at the time, he said that Samsung told him that they do not support Apple products... and there was some more along with it but it sounded like they were reall A-holes about it.
Like Winston said, your best option is live with it and hope some kind of update resolves the issue to some extent. If there is new firmware available for your Samsung, all you have to do is download it from their site (you have to register your TV and all that with the serial number... and stand on one foot 🙂 ) and dump the files on a USB drive and plug it in to the TV and initiate firmware upgrade from the TV menu (at least thats how its done on my samsung plasma...). Unfortunately for me there is no new firmware, no light at the end of the tunnell. I just thought you might like to know that other Samsung customers are suffering from their lack of HDMI support. My father in law has a Samsung plasma and for the longest time it wouldn't work with his Dish Network HD receiver. Oh and my Samsung plasma is slow to detect the Apple TV's HDMI signal. I'm tempted to go get premium cables one day to see if that makes a difference on either issue. Supposedly from what I've glanced at round the net there can be quality issues with the cheapies like I got at Wal-mart (for only $19.99, what a price! Thanks China!!!) so I'm now bothered by that thought every time it glitches (maybe once or twice an hour).

Good luck with your issue. Check that firmware for your tv and if you feel like trying, try calling Samsung and see what they have to say. Who knows, you might win the samsung support lottery!!!

Which HDMI port are you using? Because I have a Samsung A656 and my AppleTV only works in HDMI2 because this is also a DVI port, any other of the ports and I get no signal.

Tmlcky wrote:
On the other hand, I am very displeased by the fact that on the Apple website it is reported that Samsung is a suitable LCD brand to ATV.
Actually I bought an expensive up to date Samsung TV just because I got an ATV.

it is a suitable brand though. i have a samsung LCD and don't have any issues. apple can't be held accountable it samsung change something that causes issues.

It`s the LE32A656A1F 32" version and I had the same problem with firmware 1011 and 1015 the latest.

i have a Samsung LN-46A750 LCD TV and it does the same thing.

the workaround i've found is to leave the apple tv with a show or movie paused in progress whenever i change the source. before switching back to the ATV i press play on the ATV remote. usually the sound, from the show or movie, will come on with the apple logo and a few seconds later, it clears up and works fine.

apparently there are multiple types of hdmi (1, 1.3, 1.3a, etc.) perhaps the versions on our tvs and the ATV's dont play nice.

in the book that came with the samsung tv, there is also mention of using the samsung remote to control other devices via the hdmi connection. they may be using some proprietary means to do this or perhaps the ATV does not appreciate being told what to do by a non-apple device. either way a software patch for one of them seems like the only thing to really fix it.

i have not found a good way to get the apple tv to start up from the menu or screensaver aside from unplugging the hdmi and plugging it back in. i wish my movies was on the top of the list for the ATV because then i could just hit play a bunch of times and one of my videos would start up.

I have the exact same issue with Samsung LE37A656 - very frustrating. I updated firmware - to no avail, swapped HDMI cables, tried all 4 ports. In addition, after my ATV is on for 15 minutes or so, the picture begins to flicker - and is soon unwatchable, although I think this is a major problem with the ATV - on top of all this, I bought the ATV in the USA (and live in Luxembourg) so may by SOL on the guarantee. Having ATV in Lux with US iTunes account is a great way to watch US TV - so I am pretty bummed.

Unfortunately can only offer you moral support and possibly a worse situation.

tganschow