Apple TV 4K (2nd Gen) Default Audio Switching to TV Instead of HomePods (2nd Gen)

I’m experiencing an issue with my Apple TV 4K (2nd Gen) and my two HomePods (2nd Gen), which are set up as a stereo pair and have been working perfectly as the default audio output for a while.

A week ago, while watching TV, the audio suddenly switched from my HomePods to my Samsung TV speakers. In the Apple TV settings, the default audio output still shows as the HomePods, but the sound comes from the TV speakers. Additionally, the Apple TV remote started controlling the TV speaker volume instead of the HomePods.

Here’s what I’ve tried so far:

1. Restarting all devices (Apple TV, HomePods, and the TV).

2. Unpairing and re-pairing the HomePods.

3. Moving the HomePods to a different room in the Home app and then back to the living room.

Unfortunately, none of these steps have worked. I have not yet performed a factory reset on any of the devices, as I’d like to avoid that if possible.

Device Versions:

• HomePods: 18.1 (22J580)

• Apple TV 4K: 18.1 (22J580)

Is anyone else experiencing this issue? Could this be related to the latest software update? Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!