Awful static on apple tv startup

Just to join the discussion and report the same issue: Apple TV 3 makes terrible noise on optical out. I tried all what was suggested here (and more) but nothing helps. Reported to Apple and now we wait. Though, not much hope that it will be fixed.

Its a shame that the ATV has these problems. I sold my version 2 and with the same funds bought a nettop pc (note not a mac). And I've not regretted it. Very solid music streaming from nas still using itunes controlled by iphone. I found the ATV a good but very frustrating device.

Another update:

Just tried a third ATV (with new firmware) and I was shocked to discover that this one had NO STATIC. Yep, no static at all. Exactly the same setup as before, I tried putting it to sleep, waking it, powering it down, powering it back up again with the amp on, total silence. Sound quality seems to have improved too since my last one.

I'm assuming it's got to do with the latest firmware on the unit (unless it's really really bad quality control). Has anyone noticed that the noise has disappeared after a firmware update?

I've just gotten two new Apple TV 3's from the apple store and the static was not present on either with the default iOS. However once the new iOS was installed to 5.2.1 they both are producing static. I've tried different hdmi cables and different amps and two different tv's. the same problem. I haven't seen a settings work around so I'm assuming I'll just have to wait for another iOS update and hope that fixes the problem.

Interesting... I'm still on 5.2. Did you only use HDMI? Have you tried with optical audio out?

Has anyone else upgraded from 5.2 to 5.2.1? Any problems?

Same problem here; I'm concerned the Apple TV will damage my (expensive) speakers. The crackling sound it makes is very sharp and loud; the digital signal is probably clipping at maximum amplitude, because it's much louder than the audio that follows this startup sequence.

cjmarcus, what firmware/software virsion is your ATV using?

@mogtribe, I bought two 1080p AppleTVs right after they were released, and I've been running the latest firmware/software ever since.

I've stopped using the digital port because I don't want to risk destroying my speakers, so I don't know if the problem is still there. Do you?

Hi cjmarcus,

As far as I know, the problem has been resolved. My ATV3 is still on firmware version 5.2. No static this time.

Hello all,

I just purchased an Apple TV3 and experiencing the same issue. The unit is attached to a receriver via HDMI cable and processes both the video and audio signal. I have also updated it to the latest firmware. Upon startup there is loud static thru my speakers, as well as pink static on my HDTV that lasts for about 5-7 seconds.

Just wanted to share my experience to see if anyone has figured out this crap yet.

Hi jed1717

I don't think anyone has managed to figure this out yet. I've had multiple Apple TV's on different firmwares, so far I found that 5.2 didn't produce any static using my Optical input on my main receiver (Vincent SV-388). It's interesting to hear that you're having the problem with HDMI. I'm guessing you're not using optical audio at all?

What kind of receiver are you using? I have found that (with older firmware), I would get the static noise on my main receiver, but when I switched to my other one (a Rotel), it didn't have the same problem.

Bizarre development here - audio on iTunes movie previews work fine with the optical out but the movies themselves, and anything on Netflix does the loud crackling. This suggests perhaps a codec issue?