HomePod + Apple TV 4k = TV Sound?

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Level 1

10 points

HomePod + Apple TV 4k = TV Sound?

I have a HomePod connected via AirPlay2 to an Apple TV 4k, but almost all of the audio still plays through the TV.

The only time the audio routes to the HomePod is when Netflix is playing a video or playing a trailer in the app interface, or an iTunes video.

All other sound, including Hulu videos, the ATV interface itself, even the Netflix app interface, still plays through the TV.

How can I fix this?

As an example, when a Netflix video ends, the sound instantly changes to the TV when the 'playing next' video pops up, but then the audio will change to HomePod again once the next video start playing full screen again.

It is extremely frustrating, especially since Hulu videos will not use HomePod at all.

I have also tried with and without a HomePod stereo pair.

The problem wasn't present in the original software, but only started when 11.4 came out and 11.4.1 didn't fix it either.

The ATV 4k remote also confirms the behavior, as it will adjust the TV audio volume at all times, except when Netflix is playing a video or trailer, when it will adjust the HomePod volume.

Thanks

Apple TV 4K, iOS 11.4.1

Posted on Jul 23, 2018 7:38 PM

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Answer 1

Flynace Author

Level 1

10 points

Jul 23, 2018 11:05 PM in response to Richard Fernandez

Hi,

Yes, it worked quite well prior to the 11.4 update.

I had one HomePod connected to my Apple TV 4k and all of the audio was played through the HomePod, including the swiping noises of the Apple TV interface, Hulu worked, etc.

The only drawback was having one HomePod on one side of the TV wasn't a great experience for dialog.

But no audio would be routed over HDMI to the TV ever if the HomePod was selected as the audio output device.

The TV speakers are quite poor in quality, so it is very noticeable compared to the HomePod's sound.

When 11.4 was coming out with the stereo pair feature, I purchased a second HomePod and updated.

As soon as I updated to 11.4 the Apple TV started routing most audio over HDMI even if the HomePod was selected as the output device.

Stereo pairing works great, but only for Netflix, and while a video is playing.

Thanks - I will try to leave feedback

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Answer 2

Jul 23, 2018 10:13 PM in response to Flynace

Hi!

It's odd that it worked before updating. That sounds like a feature that I would use myself. The only thing I can recommend you do is to submit your feedback directly to Apple using this link: Product Feedback - Apple

Hope this helps,
Richard

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Answer 3

jcocasio

Level 1

4 points

Aug 4, 2018 2:59 PM in response to Flynace

I have this exact same issue and it looks like it's the new airplay2 update. I stream Video to my AppleTV from my MacBook Pro (2017 model) and it worked before. Now with my HomePod stereo pair connected to my AppleTV, if I airplay video to my AppleTV, sounds drops to TV. Seriously Apple????

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Answer 4

benlinx

Level 3

731 points

Jul 23, 2018 7:47 PM in response to Flynace

Hey, Flynace!

Since you are using AirPlay to connect to the HomePod, only AirPlay compatible content will stream to it. You are not connected via Bluetooth, rather, you are streaming the audio via AirPlay 2 audio.

For more information regarding this subject, please refer to this article: How to AirPlay audio - Apple Support

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Answer 5

Flynace Author

Level 1

10 points

Jul 23, 2018 10:11 PM in response to benlinx

Hi benlinx,
Thank you for the feedback

So is there another way to attach HomePod speakers to an Apple TV 4k without using AirPlay?

Prior to 11.4 all of the Apple TV audio was playing on the HomePod, including the interface, Hulu also worked fine with the HomePod, etc.

What did I change when everything was updated to 11.4?

Thanks

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Answer 6

benlinx

Level 3

731 points

Jul 23, 2018 10:16 PM in response to Flynace

I would say that the change is related to the implementation of AirPlay 2 in iOS 11.4.1.

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HomePod + Apple TV 4k = TV Sound?

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