Crackling sound when using eARK

Appreciate the original post was from over a year ago, but I think I have a fix thanks to a really helpful guy at apple support.

I've been having the same problem with the crackling when using HomePods paired together as the main sound system on both my PS5 and Nintendo Switch.

I unpaired the two HomePods and unplugged one. Using Apple TV settings I used just one HomePod and reset it completely and ran a test on ps5.

I then switched to the other HomePod. The purpose of this was to check if it was a software or hardware issue on either HomePod.

Turns out it wasn't. they both performed perfectly as individual HomePods.

I then paired them back together and voila. the issue was resolved.

The apple support person said that if one doesn't work then they would need a voice memo of the sound it creates in order to investigate. For that you need to raise a support ticket and they send you a link to attach the file.

If the sound issue is not apparent whilst in single use but IS apparent when repaired, its a bigger issue and again would need investigating.

I managed to watch a whole film on my PS5 last night without any sound issues so fingers crossed it's fixed it.

Hope this helps anyone having the same issue

Hello Cryoshell,

Based on what you've told us, your Apple TV and HomePod mini seem to be working as expected. If the issue has been narrowed down to one device, then that device would be the cause of the issue. At this point, we recommend reaching out to Sony for help with your PlayStation 5. How to contact PlayStation Support

Thanks.

Hi Cryoshell,

Thanks for the update. Given the troubleshooting you've already preformed, we suggest you get in touch with Apple Support so that they can look into this with you further. They can be reached here: Apple Support

Take care.

It’s been doing the same with me for the past two months. It would be every half second. It was barely noticeable but then it progressively got worse with a popping noise. It’s happening on my PS5 and my Nintendo Switch. Doesn’t happen on my Apple TV (3rd Gen). I initially thought it was my tv (LG) but I got a new tv and it’s still doing the same. Kind of annoying and I tested it out by actually removing my Apple Home Pod and using a regular sound bar. Works perfectly fine on the sound bar. I re-equipped my Apple Home Pod and the popping returns after about a couple hours.

I’m having the same problem. Just got my PS5. While I’m not using HomePod minis, I’m using two paired full HomePods as my home theatre. Yet it comes through crackling. Works fine on everything except my new PlayStation

I’m having the same problem and apple support doesn’t have a solution, as this problem is unknown to them. So please someone help me 🥲

same problem here, my tv model - TCL 50EP680. It seem to happen only when I watch actual TV. I didn't notice this problem when using xbox series x, but I rarely turn it on.