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I can't get the remote to learn to change the volume on my sound bar

Hi all,

This is what I', experiencing. I wonder if anyone could help me to successfully get my Siri Remote to change the volume of my sound bar.


I have a Samsung HW-H355 sound bar.

The remote for the sounder works perfect.

The Siri Remote for the apple tv does change the volume on the TV

Using the learn function of the Apple TV/Siri remote, I can get the Siri Remote to learn other none volume functions for the TV

Using the learn function of the Apple TV/Siri remote, returns zero functionality for ANY sound bar functions.

After learning any sound bar remote functions, the Apple TV light does blink when trying to change the volume.


I thought that it may be that the sound bar and remote were paired in some way, but I can't find anything in the instructions to explain this:

http://www.samsung.com/uk/support/model/HW-H355/XU


This thing is driving me nuts! Any help, or just explaining to me that its impossible (for one reason or another) would be most grateful.



thanks


Neil

Apple TV (4th generation), Other OS

Posted on Oct 31, 2015 6:41 PM

Reply
30 replies

Nov 30, 2015 11:47 PM in response to FelixGarcia

I also have the same issue with Samsung HW-F550. I've submitted feedback to Apple.

My model supports HDMI-CEC, so I can control the volume via HDMI if I connect the ATV directly to sound bar, but not by IR.


I also found these forum threads that talk about the same problem:


ATV 4 can learn remote for Samsung HW-J550 sound bar but can't control volume

Apple TV 4th generation Siri remote volume control with Samsung soundbar


Let's all submit feedback to Apple so they'll work on fixing this bug if they're not already.

Dec 8, 2015 6:49 PM in response to Seth from Tacoma

Just updated my ATV4 to the new tvOS 9.1. The volume from my Samsung HW-F550 soundbar still cannot be controlled by the Siri remote. I deleted any previous IR profiles and made a fresh one following the 9.1 update, but no dice. I can get the Siri remote to turn on and off my Samsung TV and the soundbar, but programming the Siri remote with the volume function from the soundbar remote is still a no-go on my gear.

Jan 13, 2016 1:06 AM in response to FelixGarcia

I had this exact issue, but think I've found a workaround/bodge to get things working.


My original setup: Samsung TV (with external speakers selected as the sole sound output), Samsung HW-450 soundbar, 4th gen ATV, Sky box. Before I got the ATV I had the soundbar connected via optical cable to the TV. HDMI between TV and Sky box.


After adding the ATV to the TV via HDMI I added the soundbar volume controls using the ATV remote (which appeared to work, as it appears to do for everyone else here). Then tried to control the volume whilst watching something - nothing happened. Reading through a load of other threads on this, I started questioning what use the optical cable was here, so tried to find another way.


My new setup: ATV connected to HDMI-In on soundbar, then soundbar HDMI-Out to TV (sorry, can't remember which HDMI socket I used). As I was previously using the Digital In (D IN) source on the soundbar, I had to initially select HDMI source on the soundbar. Sky box connects as before via HDMI however did not have any sound, so used the optical cable to connect that direct to the soundbar.


Switched everything off. Pressed the ATV remote: ATV, TV and soundbar all come on at the ATV homepage. Volume works (without even having to teach it). Using the TV remote, I can switch to Sky box and it works as before, except I have to change the soundbar to D IN source from HDMI. I may be able to get around this, but for now, I can bear with it.


Hope this helps.

Jan 23, 2016 6:58 AM in response to Neil Whitten

Same exact problem here. I've read 5 or 6 threads and it seems everyone has the same problem. I can get the TV to turn on and off with the Siri remote but even after 'learning' my (Samsung HW-F355) Sound Bar remote, it won't change the sound. The Apple TV blinks, but nothing happens with the volume.


I hope I'm not just adding to the already lengthy and similar responses in vein. Hopefully someone from Apple is combing these threads and have escalated this issue.

Mar 22, 2016 2:19 PM in response to Ethan

IT WORKS!!!!! YAY!!!


My Samsung Soundbar model HW-F550 now can be controlled with the volume control on the Apple Remote!!


Here's part of the release note pertaining to the firmware update to the Apple Remote:


tvOS 9.2 also includes an update for your Apple TV Remote. This update adds compatibility with Samsung sound bars and improves general performance. Your Apple TV will attempt to update your Apple TV Remote once a day when both devices are idle. After the update completes, the firmware version number in Settings > Remotes and Devices > Remote will read 0x0245.


After updating to tvOS 9.2, I checked the firmware for the remote and it was reading 0x0245. Good.


I had previously tried to set up the remote to work with my Samsung sound-bar, so I had a profile already set up, and it just started working. Totally awesome!!


Check your firmware guys, and then try your volume controls on the remote. If it doesn't work, go through the setup procedures here:


Control your TV or receiver with your Siri Remote or Apple TV Remote - Apple Support

Apr 1, 2016 5:50 AM in response to Neil Whitten

My apple remote worked from the beginning with my samsung audio receiver. Then I suppose with a recent update it stopped working. I have since upgraded my audio system to a philips 5000 series home cinema.


Volume control doesn't work with the apple remote. It learns the controls as others have said, but then no effect when pressing them. I have updated the firmware of the remote as well to the 0x0245.


I am connected using the optical audio cable since I only have 2 hdmi ports on my tv. This is how the samsung device was connected as well when it worked so that shouldn't be the problem.

I can't get the remote to learn to change the volume on my sound bar

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