Level 1

35 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

rmartin7me Author

Level 1

35 points

Posted on Aug 26, 2023 8:18 AM

Finally my system works with these setting. Maybe this will help someone else.

Apple TV 4K 3rd generation, 128 GB, ethernet

Video and Audio

Format 4K SDR

HDMI Output YCbCr

Chroma 4:4:4

Match Content

Match Dynamic Range On

Match Frame Rate On

Quick Media Switching On

Audio Output Receiver Speakers

Audio Format

Change Format Off

Dolby Atmos On

Audio Mode Auto

Color Balance Balanced (with Enable Dolby Vision not selected, I

used the color balance calibration with my iPhone. With Dolby Vision enabled this is not an option.)

LG 65OLEDC3AUA

General

External Devices

HDMI Settings

4:4:4 Pass Through On

Quick Media Switching On

HDMI Deep Color 4K

SIMPLINK (HDMI-CEC) On

Sound

Sound Out HDMI(ARC) Device

Advanced Settings

Select HDMI Input Audio Format Bitstream

Digital Sound Output Pass Through

eARC Support On

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Similar questions

114 replies

bleubead

Level 1

12 points

Jun 7, 2024 6:04 AM in response to MisterEdF

I believe this may actually work! So far it solves the problem. Thank you!

rmartin7me Author

Level 1

35 points

Jun 7, 2024 6:44 AM in response to bleubead

Are you talking about cable length or something else?

rmartin7me Author

Level 1

35 points

Jun 9, 2024 8:37 AM in response to rmartin7me

I bought a short HDMI cable. That did not solve the problem for the Apple TV 4K 3rd generation. Back to using the Apple TV 4K second generation.

rmartin7me Author

Level 1

35 points

Jun 12, 2024 6:31 AM in response to YPVISA

Thanks for the reply. The Sonos Arc soundbar only has one HDMI port. I have passthrough enabled on the LG OLED C3. This won't work for me.

YPVISA

Level 1

8 points

Jun 12, 2024 6:55 AM in response to rmartin7me

ah sorry - hopefully helps some LG owners though :-(

YPVISA

Level 1

8 points

Jul 4, 2024 1:08 PM in response to MisterEdF

i’d really like to try to update but no idea of what i’m supposed to update? My LG G3 has just this second updated its firmware, what am i supposed to update the ATV to?

MisterEdF

Level 1

106 points

Jul 4, 2024 1:18 PM in response to YPVISA

On the Apple TV box that is. I assume that is what you are asking.

Feb 19, 2024 9:24 PM in response to rmartin7me

Thank you! This comment of yours saved me.

ATV4K 3rd gen, Sonos Arc, LG C3.

I unplugged the third hdmi (DIRECTV) and the sound worked ok on the ATV non Atmos show I was trying to watch. Plugged it back in and the sound stopped again.

turned off the DTV dvr via power button on the unit and the sound on ATV worked.

This issue had been happening on and off last few days. Glad I know now what was causing it. Luckily tomorrow, is the last day I have DTV as now just moving to streaming.

Thank you again!

rmartin7me Author

Level 1

35 points

Oct 20, 2023 1:54 PM in response to rmartin7me

LG sent a local technician out. He said there were no error codes showing on the LG TV when I was having the sound problem. I can reproduce the problem. With only the Apple TV and the Sonos Arc attached the Apple TV 3rd generation works fine. Adding a third device causes the problem and unplugging the third device brings the sound back. The technician didn't recommend replacing a circuit board since he couldn't find a problem. I am back using the Apple TV 2nd generation and I can have all of the HDMI ports connected. I still have 2 weeks to return the LG TV to Costco. I considered switching to a Sony but I really like the LG TV except for this problem and I am not sure that switching the TV would solve the issue.

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