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rmartin7me Author

Level 1

33 points

Apple TV 4K 3rd generation eARC sound issues, no problems with Apple TV 4K 2nd generation

I have the Apple TV 4K 3rd generation with ethernet and 128 GB. I got a new tv and sound bar, LG 65OLED3CAUA and Sonos Arc. All of my devices work fine except for the Apple TV 3rd generation. Initially the Apple TV alone with the Sonos Arc works without problem but as soon as I add another device and switch HDMI input and then switch back to the Apple TV only content with Dolby Atmos plays but Dolby 5.1 and HD content have no sound. It doesn't matter what app or content. I also have an Apple TV 4K 2nd generation, 64 GB with ethernet and no problems. To get Dolby Atmos with Sonos Arc I must have eARC enabled on the LG TV and I can't turn off CEC because it immediately switches on again.

Here is a link to the Sonos community with all of the things I have tried:

https://en.community.sonos.com/home-theater-229129/sonos-arc-apple-tv-4k-and-earc-setting-on-lg-oled-c3-6884636?postid=16671751#post16671751

For now I have switched the Apple TV 2nd gen to my new LG TV and Sonos Arc. It is disappointing that I can't use the Apple TV 4K 3rd generation. I'm hoping someone has figured this out.

Thanks.

Apple TV 4K, tvOS 17

Posted on Aug 20, 2023 5:51 PM

Top-ranking reply

appleguy835

Level 1

11 points

Posted on Nov 29, 2023 1:19 PM

It broke with TVOS 17.0. Previous to 17.0, the Apple TV 3rd gen could distinguish between Dolby, 2 channel and 5.1 channel audio via the 'Auto' setting. Now - just as you said, if you want to listen to Atmos or Dolby 2 channel audio - use Auto. If 5.1 (the majority of TV programming), you have to force the audio to 'Change Format - 5.1 audio' in the audio settings. It will not work otherwise. Yep - I brought this up to Apple in September. I have heard no acknowledgement of it as an issue. It showed up in early TVOS 17.0 betas prior to it being released.

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Apple TV 4K 3rd generation eARC sound issues, no problems with Apple TV 4K 2nd generation

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