Apple TV 4K Random HDMI Signal Loss

First test after two new cables was a success! I started reading about exceeding 15' cable length -- weird because I saw cables in the store today that were 25' and 35' long. I went from 23' overall of 4K SIIG Woven Cables (2M from Apple TV to Onkyo TX-NR686 receiver & 5M from receiver to a Samsung 4K television) to 16' overall of 8K SIIG Ultra High Speed Cable (4' from Apple TV to receiver and 12' from receiver to Samsung TV). I need to do some more testing but it's currently 100% better than before.

Strange that I haven't seen anything on this 15 foot idea in either the Samsung or Onkyo manuals -- just web forums dealing with this Apple TV signal drop-out issue. Ugh..., it was like getting hit with lightning bolts. Anyone else out there heard about this or is it urban folklore?

So I read somewhere that EM interference can sometimes cause the issues we're having. I plugged my Onkyo Receiver into its own power outlet and left the ATV and OLED on a power strip. I also gave the HDMI cables some "breathing room" instead of being all crammed together. It's been a couple days and the worst symptom I've had is just a quick black flash once a day or less. Before it was multiple signal dropouts per hour. It's worth a shot if you're helpless.

I had this problem a while ago but have not had it since. I originally was using a normal HDMI cable and using HDMI port 2, which is the ARC one, on my Sony XBR900E (65"). I then went out and purchased the high speed Belkin HDMI cable that Apple sells and used HDMI port 2. But still encountered the same issue. I then switched my Apple TV to HDMI port 3 (non ARC) and it has worked ever since. So, perhaps try NOT using your HDMI ARC port and using the high speed Belkin HDMI cable. Worked for me, and going on four months now!

Well I may have come to a partial solution, partial giving up: if I just choose Reset Video Settings then it selects 4K HDR 4:2:0 and I haven’t had any signal loss passing through my Onkyo receiver in a couple days. I guess I can live without Dolby Vision but it’s still ridiculous that we can’t fully utilize our equipment.

I read that thread in my search for answers but it wasn't what was causing my problems. Im on a 2018 Vizio M-series, and it worked flawlessly with the apple tv until the update that introduced atmos. I know the addition of atmos has nothing to do with the display flickering but I believe that other included updates impacted the way Dolby vision functioned. As soon as I updated to that firmware, I had constant signal loss. I had no issue forcing the apple tv to output HDR10 but wanted DV. Regardless, a 5 minute update to the newest apple tv beta os has fixed it for me and I have had no issues in weeks.

After confirming that the random signal loss occurs on with the ATV set to 4K Dolby Vision, 4K HDR, and 4K SDR, I have been running the ATV in 1080p Dolby Vision for the last few days and it hasn't lost the signal yet. Why does it have to be like this *sigh*

Hope that works for you.

This thread has info on the HDFury products that have worked for users:

https://www.avsforum.com/forum/24-digital-hi-end-projectors-3-000-usd-msrp/3034622-sony-4k-projector-hdr-drop-outs-solution.html#post57511932

Seems the Integral 2 is one model from HDFury that has worked.

I encountered the dreaded signal drop issue a few weeks back. After reading this thread, I took the advice to sign up as an Apple Beta software tester, and downloaded the latest beta version of TV OS. My problem disappeared instantly, and everything was fine for a few weeks. Then I experienced a brain fart. One night when I turned on my AppleTV 4K, it was prompting me to download the latest public software update, though it did give me the option to scroll down and ignore the update (I wanted to stay with the beta version). However, instead of scrolling down with my thumb on the pad on the upper portion of the remote, I stupidly clicked the bottom of the pad. It instantly began the update process, and I could not cancel, or back out of it. So, I've been running the latest public software version for about the last ten days, or so. And, I have experienced a few instances of signal loss, sometimes audio, but no video. I have generally managed to get myself out of the issue, but it's a real annoyance (and I could have avoided it altogether, by not updating the operating system). My advice for those who have the signal drop issue, and have not updated to the latest OS version, I'd recommend you sign up as a tester, and download the beta version (assuming it's still available).

Some support articles

https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT208074

https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT200197

Reply To robnbill,

Thanks for the link. I did indeed sign up for the Apple Beta Testing Program, and downloaded the latest beta of tv OS about an hour ago. While it's early yet, I can say that I was easily able to open Netflix and watch content with no difficulty. The same went for Prime Video and Showtime apps. I have my AppleTV connected to my SONY soundbar, and set the audio/video settings to the most demanding, e.g., Dolby Vision etc. Hopefully, this will continue, but as of now, it seems to have resolved my problems. Too bad I had the store take back my Samsung soundbar (I liked it better than the SONY one I have now). Oh well.

FWIW, I have been having this problem for months now. Seems to me it was introduced when there was a tvOS update. I have read accounts here that the timing is related to the introduction of atmos. That sounds about right but not sure it has anything to do with atmos.

Anyway, my analysis is this problem has absolutely nothing to do with cables. (Probably the cable guys lurking here trying to drum up business).

What I have found that what works for me temporarily is to reboot the ATV from the settings That seems to clear up the problem for a few hours. Long enough to watch a movie or evening of tv. It is likely a memory leak that is the cause which is definitely a firmware issue that Apple needs to fix. I wish Apple would put the option in the settings somewhere to allow one to schedule a timed reboot. That would not fix the problem but at least it would allow me to avoid having to experience it. Reminds me of the days i had to reboot my router every day ... i expect better from Apple.

On the phone with Apple right now.... 12.1.2 reintroduces the issue again. I had a stable 12.1.1 beta for 3+ weeks with zero drops. I had the auto updates turned off but when I sat down this evening to watch a movie and 5 minutes in, the picture and sound dropped, my heart sank. Somehow it updated and Im now, once again the owner of a $150 paper weight. Please, if using the beta fixed your problem, avoid upgrading at all costs.

My Apple TV 4K decided to do a random hdmi signal loss two times in a row on 12.1.2 four days ago. Decided to update to the beta tvOS 12.2 (16L5191D) and haven't had any problems. I am convinced the betas are better then the regular releases at this point.

Sorry - again, I would first make sure the OS is up to date and then get that Belkin cable and try using the non ARC HDMI port but make sure you use the correct HDMI port on your TV that is 4k functional (its usually HDMI 2 and 3).

What exact TV are you using - ie model #.

Bought the Belkin Ultra HD High Speed HDMI Cable, and changed the setting to Chroma 4:2:2, because the regular HDMI cable on 4:2:0 was not working. I haven't had any problems and the picture looks sharper.