Airpods Pro 2 static noise when connected to bluetooth transmitter

Bluetooth transmitter connected to my LG tv optical output and AirPods Pro 2 paired to the transmitter.

While listening, audio is fine and then at some point bad static noise. I click the AirPods Pro 2, which mutes the audio and then I click again and the static is gone. However it returns.

No static problem with 1st gen AirPods Pro.

I’m guessing something has changed in the 2nd gen that the transmitter is having problems with. I don’t know technically why pressing mute and unmute via the AirPods stops the static.

Wondering if others have had a similar experience.