Losing Sound From Apple TV 4K

Exactly the same issue as others here with ATV4K, 2021 Samsung QLED and Sonos Arc. This fix works. Running with 4K HDR video setting and audio downgraded to Dolby 5.1. Thanks for posting the workaround!

I am having the same exact issue. ATV4k —>Samsung Atmos Soundbar—>TV ARC constantly drops audio. Lately dropping the video feed as well for 15-30 seconds. Not sure my options tried every fox, may just return the ATV

I have the same problem as everyone else. I have a Vizio and a 3 week old 4K hdr Apple TV. Sound goes out and no matter all of the suggestions, nothing works. Just called apple and they could not fix it. Changed my hdmi cables and factory reset and the problem comes right back. I just want it to work.

Can you confirm that you've tried the following?

set your video format [ 4K HDR ]

go to setting Video and Audio > Format >

4K HDR

set your Audio setting > Video and Audio >

Audio Format > Change Format > New Format [ Dolby Digital 5.1

This downgrades the audio but the dropouts seem to stop.

I’m not sure about others, but the issues with my set up are confined to programming in Dolby Atmos. Also, thanks for all of the workarounds but downgrading to 5.1 or stereo is not a solution and defeats the purpose of having Atmos-capable equipment and fully enjoying enjoying Atmos content. I’m beginning to believe that the lack of a solution is an extension of the animosity between Apple and Samsung who have been fighting for years (and $billions) over certain intellectual property rights. Apple, please be the adult in the room and fix the problem!

I too have this problem. Brand new QN85 TV and a Vizio sound bar. I mess around with closing the app, changing audio tracks. I got SO fed up today because I couldn't get it to work no matter what I did. I was replacing my Roku which had bad networking with the Apple Tv - which has major sound problems. I guess FireTV is the way to go if I am going to use Youtube TV....

For my Q80A with the Q800wa sound bar, the issue goes away when I connect the Apple TV to the sound bar and then the sound bar to the eArc connector on the TV. This means however you can’t use the Q Symphony which is unfortunate.

I give up. No love from Apple, so have removed the Apple TV and now using apps included with the Samsung TV smart hub. No more sound gaps and one less device to worry about. Very disappointed that Apple has not dealt with this longstanding problem.

Yeah I got a firetv just haven't set it up. There is no doubt that is the Type of sound. I can turn on the version with the descriptions for those with low vision and the recap of the previous episode works. Its when it goes to the show on HBO Max i totally lose sound on something like Succession. As others have said I think its the dolby version of the sound. I can't even find a setting to make it the inferior version and keep playing along.

I need the apple tv for sunday ticket during footballs season and I am TIRED of logging in all my 100 services to each stupid device (roku, apple tv, and now the fire tv)

Frustrating. I was hopeful Apple would be easier and better but this is no good.

Yes, it's definitely an issue specific to videos with 5.1 audio. Atmos or stereo work great.

I've actually ordered an HDFury VRROOM which is crazy expensive at $500, but I hope it will fix this (it will also will be useful for some other things in my setup). Will report back...

@AppleMatt21 - are you using eARC? My theory is that the issue is Samsung TVs' eARC passthrough is broken with Apple TV 5.1 (not sure who's fault). I've also confirmed the problem with multiple brands of sound systems paired with Samsung TV via eARC.

My system: Apple TV 4K connected by HDMI to HDMI of Samsung Q80T, and Q80T HDMI eARC out to Sonos Arc HDMI. For a long time I was blaming the Sonos (lots or threads about sound dropouts). But then realized that cutting out the Apple TV and playing content through apps on the Samsung TV solved the problem with sacrificing audio or video quality (i.e., no compromise work-arounds like switching to stereo instead of Atmos sound). Also, for me at least, the problem was limited to Dolby Atmos content: sound drops for a second or two every 12 to 15 minutes or so. Weird, unsolved problem that appears to be connected somehow with passing signal through the Apple TV. Maybe just a perfect storm of the combination of Apple TV streaming device, Samsung TV and Sonos Arc sound bar. But whatever: at the price point for each of these devices, I think it’s fair of me to expect them to work well together. 

Returned my Apple TV 4K. My set-up:

Samsung qn90a

bose soundbar 900 and bass 700 module

e-arc from TV to Bose soundbar via HDMI

Apple TV 4K hdmi to Samsung TV hdmi 2.1 port. Samsung TV and Apple TV 4K both hard wired to gig service.

sound kept dropping out when using certain apps in Apple TV 4K….funny no issues when on Apple TV app within Apple TV 4K box.

also when I remove Apple TV 4K I have zero issues with Dolby Atmos sound. This is BS!!! I returned my 2021 Apple TV 4K immediately and won’t be purchasing again until this issue is resolved and Dolby Atmos is fully capable across all apps in the Apple TV 4K without dropping sound.

Searching for others with these same issues brought me to this message board.

I have a Denon AVR 6700h connected to an LG cx9 and an apple tv4k and have the same audio dropouts and distorted audio when listening to Dolby Atmos content so it’s not just. a problem with Samsung TVs. I didn’t have any audio issues with a Roku connected identically, so it’s clearly the Apple TV 4K that’s causing this. Also same content is perfect when using the TV’s built in apple app.

Put it to change format on audio settings from stereo. Disable Dolby. For me and my Q 60 Dolby Atmos works perfectly on every app through Apple 4K and my Sonos arc. Anything below atmos I received stereo. For 3 months. Until I just figured this out. Just now. 5.1 on Apple 4K with sonos arc!