HomePod Mini Home Theatre Mode audio glitches when using other devices over ARC

In my A/V experience, when the issue isn't obvious (Bug in the software, mismatched settings, far out of whack from unity gain, etc), it helps to identify what the noise classification is. You mentioned 8 bit gama or tearing but that isn't raining a bell for me.

I used to have a link to a site where you could play various audio clips to identify which noise sounds most like yours but I cannot find it. This is the best I can offer:

https://www.techhive.com/article/582313/how-to-get-rid-of-hum-and-eliminate-other-noises-from-your-audio-and-video-systems.html

If you can identify the noise type, maybe we can work from there. I wouldn't rule out anything -- including the TV's age is causing the issue or even a ground loop -- until the noise type is first identified.

Ah, I didn’t catch in the original post you’re using ARC. My mistake. I’ve tested around just for tech enjoyment sake with the (beta) ARC on my AppleTV. It didn’t work for me in a way that was usable.

I’d say there is a fair chance that’s where the issue may be (or not) for you. Any chance you can test with a second TV to isolate down to a TV issue?

I did find a website that has recordings of the varying distinct and non distinct unwanted noises you hear from sound systems. Maybe give this a try to help determine what your noise category is? It might be able to point you in the right direction.

https://blog.accusonus.com/fix-broken-audio/types-of-noise/

I'm betting it's a 10-year-old ARC implementation issue on your Samsung TV. Have you verified that your TV's using its latest & greatest firmware? Are you viewing programming that's native to the TV (TV's smart apps; OTA broadcasts) or content from other HDMI-connected devices going into the TV? Any difference?

Well said bgmeek. I like Slickdeals as it will show the all time lowest price seen. With a little patience. a brand name 70" 4k for 500$-600$ (or lesser brand names but still a solid TV for under $500).

Sounds like a good excuse to upgrade your TV. That plasma was sweet 10 years ago but it pales by comparison to what you can pick up new for $300-500 these days.