Apple TV 4K Random HDMI Signal Loss

Anyone have a similar issue they have solved? I originally had the issue of flicker that was solved on my LG C7 by changing motion to User set at 0, but an issue I am having is the signal from my ATV to the TV drops out randomly. Usually I can make it through a show, but a movie it will drop at least once. Audio seams to reset here and there too, but it comes right back with the little Dolby Vision logo on the TV flashing. To get the picture back I have to put the ATV to sleep and then turn it back on. If it wasn’t for the free 4K iTunes upgrades I think I would just be done with this thing. I have tried brand new cables too by the way.

Posted on Nov 18, 2017 7:27 AM

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Posted on Jan 8, 2018 2:58 PM

I can confirm that using the Echogear HDMI cable fixed the issue for me. I have the ATV4K set to Dolby Vision, LG OLED OLED65B7P with the latest update 4.70.36 WebOS. It hasn't dropped a single time for me since I started using the cable. The only thing I wonder now is, was it the cable or maybe cable length that could be causing the issue.


Originally I was using AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable, 10 Feet, 18gbps.


Currently Unavailable, but I got the Echogear HDMI cable from Amazon

Amazon.com: ECHOGEAR 4 ft Braided HDMI 2.1 Cable - 4k Compatible With Gold Plated Connections For the Best Picture - Sup…

257 replies

Mar 4, 2018 11:35 AM in response to jasonmet77

Same problem with my AppleTv 4K connected to my ONKYO TZ-RZ710 with CEC enabled. My amplificator main output is connected to my LG 65B7P HDMI 2 (ARC). I tried to disable the CEC on my ONKYO and the flicker reduced substantially but the problem occure sometime. I solved the problem by connecting my ONKYO in non ARC input in my OLED tv. I also enabled the CEC option in my ONKYO and all work fine for me. I bought my HDMI cable on:

https://www.primecables.ca/fr/p-333006-cab-hdmi2-6ft-all-cble-hdmi-20-6pi-zinc-a lloy-autoris#sku333006

Mar 18, 2018 11:14 PM in response to jasonmet77

WORKAROUND for PROGRAMMABLE REMOTES: I added a command to reboot ATV4K in my Logitech remote startup sequence for ATV. I always need to reboot it at the beginning of a viewing session in order to clear the "No signal" problem, so why not automate it?


My Logitech Harmony Remote Startup Sequence for

Activity "Watch Apple TV":

  1. Sony TV (Power On)
  2. Marantz AV Receiver (Power On)
  3. Apple TV (Power On)
  4. Sony TV (Input HDMI 2)
  5. Marantz AV Receiver (Input TV)
  6. Apple TV (Reboot)


The reboot seems to preempt getting into the state that causes the "No Signal" condition. This works for me every time and doesn't add much extra time to startup.


BTW, I am using the Echogear cables, which did help, but did not solve the issue. For those of you with programmable remotes, this is a nice workaround until the problem is truly solved by Apple.

Apr 5, 2018 9:45 AM in response to jasonmet77

I’ve got a 2016 65” LG OLED... Same story with the blackouts while watching the AppleTV especially on Netflix. No issues with Directv or Xbox One X (though I don’t use the Xbox for anything aside from games). Switched cables, hdmi ports, etc. Tried switching it to Dolby Vision @ 30hz as a temp measure and that seems to have fixed it for me as well. I can live with it but would like to get the 60hz working (as we all paid for it in essence).

Apr 17, 2018 9:53 PM in response to Jishman

The problem is fixed by using the Echogear cable https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07622BBFX

If you want to stick with a cheap cable, the problem may be solved by restricting the video to 1080p, 30Hz.


The moral of the story is that you need a good cable for the Apple TV 4K to work.

Running it through a receiver is not a problem if you use the Echogear cables on both sides of the receiver.

HDR does not appear to be a problem even with a cheap cable.

Jul 4, 2018 9:51 AM in response to se7enfold

Did you replace your HDMI cable with Belkin? The solution for me was the Belkin HDMI cable. I wasn't using cheap HDMI cables to begin with, and i really don't understand the difference, but it's working now. Oh, and i also upgraded to iOS 12 (developer) and it has some really cool features, including Dolby Atmos which i've been wanting for some time now.

Nov 21, 2018 11:12 PM in response to jasonmet77

The Random singnal loss on DolbyVision titles come from Apple’s improper conversion to HDR10 from DolbyVision for non-dolbyvision displays.

HDR10 is supposed to have static metadata for the entire title. That’s the main difference between the two HDR formats.

Even though the AppleTV correctly determines that a display is not DolbyVision compatible, it still sends dynamic metadata to those displays. Many displays just have a brightness pop at those changes. Some dropout audio or have pops. Others, like Sony projectors drop picture.

Here’s a YouTube video that shows the problem causing Audio dropouts. I get image dropouts at the same spots in thsee clips.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JULpgiwn_nY

I’ve spent more than the cost of an AppleTV on various cables recommended by Apple ‘geniuses’ trying to fix this problem. It would be great if they would fix their faulty firmware instead of twisting every conversation into an excuse to sell you something. Since this problem varies with software versions, they obviously can fix it, if they care.

Before you buy more cables trying to fix this, check and see if your problems occur on DV titles, and if they happen at the same time on repeated viewings.

Dec 26, 2018 7:31 AM in response to jasonmet77

For any one else having a similar type issue, with the advent of UHD 4K content, regular HDMI cables will no longer suffice. However, that doesn't mean you should run down to Best Buy and dish out $65.00 for one cable either. If that was the case, it would be a deal breaker with me as I have several in use with my 4K TV. There are companies like Monoprice that sell the proper 4K cables in various lengths, where you can get an 8 foot cable for less than $15.00. As time passes, the older HDMI cables will be phased out and prices will continue to drop for the newer cables. Before we know it, 8K will be here and we'll get to change everything again!

Jan 8, 2019 8:58 AM in response to robnbill

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.

Feb 8, 2019 12:33 PM in response to ImaniG3417

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).

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Apple TV 4K Random HDMI Signal Loss

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