Apple TV and Soundbars

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johnlove123 Author

Level 1

18 points

Apple TV and Soundbars

My wiring:

ATV to regular HDMI port on TV

HDMI-ARC on TV to Soundbar

Only 1 HDMI port on my Soundbar. So I can’t connect the ATV directly to the soundbar.

ATV-4K settings show TV Speakers, but no Soundbar

Talked with ATV Tech Support who said WE at Apple changed the ATV Settings because of our Home Pod via the software update on:

Last November 5th, 2020

As a direct result you will always see Video and Audio:Default Audio Output = “TV Speakers” and never ever see your Soundbar again.

The only way to get sound to Soundbar = AirPlay which is flaky because it has a mind of its own and randomly switches back to “TV Speakers”.

Tech Support recommended connecting via Bluetooth - which is also subject to random switching, versus hard-wired with cable from ATV to television and another cable from television to Soundbar.

Apple trashed owners of expensive Soundbars because of HomePods. Soundbars existed way before HomePod.

Once Apple reverses the November 5th software update, Soundbars will be OK, but not until then.

Posted on Nov 25, 2020 4:15 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Urquhart1244

Level 10

147,708 points

Nov 26, 2020 12:38 AM in response to johnlove123

When it says “TV speakers” on Apple TV, the audio is send over HDMI, so it is up to your other equipment (the TV) to passthrough the audio to the soundbar. You may need to set that passthrough on your TV in its settings.

The naming is very unfortunate imho, but not a reason for your soundbar not to work.

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Answer 2

pablovi77

Level 2

173 points

Nov 26, 2020 10:59 AM in response to johnlove123

AppleTV outputs multichannel PCM, unless you changed it to stereo in the settings. You can try as well with Dolby Digital, or DTS, maybe your TV will pass that.

Yeah, like I said before, Appel removed the option to select third party speakers as the Default Audio Output. You can leave feedback on the Apple feedback site, like some of us have done, so they can bring back that feature. But I wouldn’t hold my breath.

They edited my first comment here, and removed the part were I flamed Apple.

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Answer 3

johnlove123 Author

Level 1

18 points

Nov 26, 2020 9:45 AM in response to pablovi77

No it is not TV’s fault. Same thing happens on other brand televisions in my family.

Furthermore, as I have already stated, Apple’s own Tech Support accepts responsibility.

PRE November 5th, everything GREAT

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Answer 4

pablovi77

Level 2

173 points

Nov 25, 2020 10:22 PM in response to johnlove123

But I’m not sure why your system is not working, the Tv should send any audio it gets through the HMDI to your Soundbar, it should say TV Speakers, but the TV should send the audio out, maybe you can select it on your TV menu?

On my main system I use an AV Receiver, and I get the sound via HDMI and it says TV Speakers.

[Edited by Moderator]

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Answer 5

johnlove123 Author

Level 1

18 points

Nov 28, 2020 10:59 AM in response to johnlove123

I just do not understand why Apple negated the appearance of the Soundbar?

If the destination is a HomePod, show it.

Thanks to Apple, after November 5, no showing of sound device.

After November 5, no volume icon + or —.

Before November 5, this volume icon showed AND it displayed a number such as 6 or 4 or 2 to give the current volume level.

Apple negated that exceptional and very useful info on November 5.

WHY?

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Answer 6

johnlove123 Author

Level 1

18 points

Nov 26, 2020 1:08 AM in response to Urquhart1244

In spite of the erroneous label “TV Speakers” ...

1) sound does in fact come from Soundbar, but not from sub woofer and surrounds = 2.1

UNLESS I use AirPlay via swiping down on Siri Remote. And then mathematically it becomes 5.1 which includes the subwoofer and Surrounds.

GOTCHA: AirPlay is flaky and randomly switches from 5.1 -> 2.1. Random Switching also occurs with Bluetooth.

PRE November 5th, my Soundbar showed under “Default Speaker”’and it stayed there with ZERO switching. Honest!!

Hey, Apple, Soundbars existed way before HomePods. Your obligations to Soundbars predates the HomePod.

While I am at it, it took me 2 weeks of repeated phone calls to FINALLY speak with an Apple employee who actually knew about the November 5th software change!!

2 WEEKS

Maybe you at Apple should train people.

You think .. Maybe??

Switch back to pre November 5th!

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Answer 7

pablovi77

Level 2

173 points

Nov 26, 2020 6:53 AM in response to johnlove123

That’s your TV fault. Your TV doesn’t support multichannel pass through.

The TV is lowering to stereo the multichannel signal. That’s why it works via AirPlay, the AppleTV sends the multichannel signal, but your TV down mix it.

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