Apple TV 4K video not working

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Apple TV 4K video not working

I have an ATV 4K that I’m trying to connect to a 2009 Phillips tv 1080p and an old Bose 321 system. I’m using an hdmi extractor bc the Bose only has 1 hdmi and 1 optical. Everything was connected correctly but could only see top 1” of tv the rest is snow. I changed resolution and then it worked but then quickly went away and this happened a few times. I had audio the entire time. What would make the video show (home Apple TV screen) and then suddenly turn to snow? Using new 8k hdmi cables. Please help. Not looking to upgrade tv or sound system at the moment. Is it a compatibility issue? The extractor is orei hdmi audio extractor had-912. I do realize I’m not going to get 4K I just need video. I could get video to work when not using extractor but have no way of getting sound to Bose without it.

Apple TV 4K

Posted on Apr 7, 2024 4:13 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

bgmeek

Level 4

1,279 points

Apr 8, 2024 2:38 PM in response to hcsitas

hcsitas wrote:

6’ is too long, should be 3’ maximum from ATV to TV including splitter. So, rejig and recable accordingly, might fix.

Dude, why all the alarmist diagnostics on HDMI cables of reasonable length (here and in other threads)? This one's running 1080p - I seriously doubt old/bad/cheap/long HDMI cables are a problem.

@KateATVhelp - @Urquhart1244 had the right advice:

Drop the splitter
Connect the 6' HDMI from the ATV4K to the TV. Enjoy the Philip's internal speakers for a couple days while you...
Obtain an "S/PDIF" optical audio cable, something like this for US$6.99 to connect your Philips and Bose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00**89WDW/.

That'll be the best way to connect those two old components. The ATV4K will do a fine job of converting content down to what they can play. FWIW, I had a 2009 Philips 1080p TV - I think it was 43". Anyway, it had great built in sound! Possibly it's better than that old bass-heavy Bose :-).

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Answer 2

hcsitas

Level 6

13,970 points

Apr 8, 2024 6:53 AM in response to KateATVhelp

6’ is too long, should be 3’ maximum from ATV to TV including splitter. So, rejig and recable accordingly, might fix.

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Answer 3

Urquhart1244

Level 10

150,236 points

Apr 8, 2024 5:51 AM in response to KateATVhelp

Your TV may support audio passthrough, eliminating the need for an audio extractor:

Apple TV →[HDMI]→ TV →[optical]→ audio system

or

Apple TV →[HDMI]→ TV →[HDMI ARC*]→ audio system

*HDMI ARC came out in 2009, so some 2009 TVs should have that.

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Answer 4

hcsitas

Level 6

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Apr 7, 2024 9:32 PM in response to KateATVhelp

How long are the HDMI cables?

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Answer 5

hcsitas

Level 6

13,970 points

Apr 8, 2024 9:02 PM in response to bgmeek

“Dude” - if you think 1080p is license to use long HDMI lengths with Apple TV, you’re mistaken, sadly. 6’ or longer is inviting trouble with 1080p too.

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Answer 6

KateATVhelp Author

Level 1

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Apr 8, 2024 6:41 AM in response to Urquhart1244

Thanks. The tv has a spdif out but it’s not the optical connection it’s the coaxial cable which I didn’t have to try and wasn’t sure if that would work. I can try getting that kind of cable but the tv itself doesn’t say arc just spdif out so I wasn’t sure if that was still the same thing.

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Answer 7

KateATVhelp Author

Level 1

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Apr 8, 2024 6:58 AM in response to KateATVhelp

Thanks. The tv has a spdif out but it’s not the optical connection it’s the coaxial cable which I didn’t have to try and wasn’t sure if that would work. I can try getting that kind of cable but the tv itself doesn’t say arc just spdif out so I wasn’t sure if that was still the same thing. Is possible to get a cable with the spdif rca connector on one side and then the optical connector on the other end or will that need a converter?

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Answer 8

bgmeek

Level 4

1,279 points

Apr 9, 2024 9:41 AM in response to KateATVhelp

KateATVhelp wrote:

Thanks. The tv has a spdif out but it’s not the optical connection it’s the coaxial cable which I didn’t have to try and wasn’t sure if that would work. I can try getting that kind of cable but the tv itself doesn’t say arc just spdif out so I wasn’t sure if that was still the same thing.

No kidding? Your TV and your Bose both have RCA connectors for s/pdif digital audio, and you're watching the ATV4K via HDMI at 1080p? Unless you've got audio issues, I doubt the optical cable will improve things... digital bits are bits.

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Answer 9

KateATVhelp Author

Level 1

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Apr 8, 2024 6:38 AM in response to hcsitas

One cable is 1.5 ft going from the ATV to the splitter then a 6’ going to the tv.

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Answer 10

hcsitas

Level 6

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Apr 8, 2024 7:01 AM in response to KateATVhelp

Everything you mention is more obsolete than prehistoric ancient. Why not replace it all? 2009 was a long time ago.

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Answer 11

KateATVhelp Author

Level 1

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Apr 8, 2024 7:33 AM in response to hcsitas

Thanks for the help. I will try that.

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Answer 12

hcsitas

Level 6

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Apr 8, 2024 7:50 AM in response to KateATVhelp

You’re welcome.

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Answer 13

KateATVhelp Author

Level 1

5 points

Apr 8, 2024 6:26 PM in response to Urquhart1244

Thanks so much. I tried that with just a crappy rca cord that I had and all works. Going to get a better spdif cable but happy it works and without the extractor.

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Apple TV 4K video not working

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