Level 1

32 points

Apple TV 4K 3rd generation eARC sound issues, no problems with Apple TV 4K 2nd generation

I have the Apple TV 4K 3rd generation with ethernet and 128 GB. I got a new tv and sound bar, LG 65OLED3CAUA and Sonos Arc. All of my devices work fine except for the Apple TV 3rd generation. Initially the Apple TV alone with the Sonos Arc works without problem but as soon as I add another device and switch HDMI input and then switch back to the Apple TV only content with Dolby Atmos plays but Dolby 5.1 and HD content have no sound. It doesn't matter what app or content. I also have an Apple TV 4K 2nd generation, 64 GB with ethernet and no problems. To get Dolby Atmos with Sonos Arc I must have eARC enabled on the LG TV and I can't turn off CEC because it immediately switches on again.

Here is a link to the Sonos community with all of the things I have tried:

https://en.community.sonos.com/home-theater-229129/sonos-arc-apple-tv-4k-and-earc-setting-on-lg-oled-c3-6884636?postid=16671751#post16671751

For now I have switched the Apple TV 2nd gen to my new LG TV and Sonos Arc. It is disappointing that I can't use the Apple TV 4K 3rd generation. I'm hoping someone has figured this out.

Thanks.

Apple TV 4K, tvOS 17

Posted on Aug 20, 2023 5:51 PM

Best reply

appleguy835

Level 1

11 points

Posted on Nov 29, 2023 1:19 PM

It broke with TVOS 17.0. Previous to 17.0, the Apple TV 3rd gen could distinguish between Dolby, 2 channel and 5.1 channel audio via the 'Auto' setting. Now - just as you said, if you want to listen to Atmos or Dolby 2 channel audio - use Auto. If 5.1 (the majority of TV programming), you have to force the audio to 'Change Format - 5.1 audio' in the audio settings. It will not work otherwise. Yep - I brought this up to Apple in September. I have heard no acknowledgement of it as an issue. It showed up in early TVOS 17.0 betas prior to it being released.

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114 replies

Apr 6, 2024 9:30 AM in response to rmartin7me

Like two others have said here, removing all other hdmi sources from my LG C3 TV solved the audio issues (where only the Apple TV is plugged in); OR, make sure the other devices are completely off.

This fixed it for me today (April 6, 2024) after trying many things.

Jun 9, 2024 10:22 AM in response to rmartin7me

Maybe it's just me but I find it virtually impossible to follow a thread in these forums and I have been invoved with forums for probably 30 years! LOL.

Back on topic, evidently this issue will never go away. I have just turned off eARC and all is fine. Doesn't seem to make any difference in audio other than it has audio. :). . Just too lazy to swap for my 2nd gen ATV that is in the B/R.

Jul 4, 2024 1:14 PM in response to YPVISA

If you're not having the problem described in this thread you don't have to update anything. If you are go into SETTINGS then SYSTEM then SOFTWARE UPDATES and the last line in that list of selections is the update I did.

rmartin7me Author

Level 1

32 points

Jul 5, 2024 10:39 AM in response to MisterEdF

I think you are right. My LG OLED C3 updated to webOS TV version 8.3.1-41. The sound from my Apple TV 3rd generation is working for Dolby Atmos and Dolby 5.1 with the Sonos Arc soundbar. I have the latest regular version of Apple tvOS 17.5.1 [21L580] no betas or any special upgrades. I am cautious for now because in the past when I switch HDMI inputs or use the LG Home Screen the issue would return, but for now seems good. Thanks I wouldn't have checked the new webOS.

hcsitas

Level 6

12,056 points

Feb 25, 2024 8:27 AM in response to MisterEdF

Get something like TotalMount Pro Apple TV Installation System for Wall-Mounted Televisions - Apple

Cheaper on Amazon...https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017K17PQ8/

All the best!

Jan 6, 2024 9:17 AM in response to rmartin7me

This will split the signal so Apple TV 3rd Gen can plug directly into the Sonos Arc soundbar.

rmartin7me Author

Level 1

32 points

Aug 27, 2023 2:45 PM in response to rmartin7me

I continue to have problems so my solution didn't work. For now I am back using the Apple TV 4K 2nd generation and waiting for some sort of software update or maybe an Apple TV 4th generation.

Alex_716

Level 1

8 points

Oct 12, 2023 4:18 PM in response to rmartin7me

Yeah hard for me to believe it’s an issue with the Arc.

Nov 6, 2023 11:31 AM in response to Basicbrandon

Apple hasn’t even acknowledged this as an issue. That’s Apple support for you. If we don’t think it exists, it doesn’t.

Nov 6, 2023 1:35 PM in response to appleguy835

That’s so annoying :(( I do hope it gets fixed as Apple TV is such a nice platform compared to my tvs native apps

Nov 14, 2023 6:21 AM in response to rmartin7me

Same here… atv 128 with lg c2 and sonos arc + sub 3 + era 100…. 5.1 problems … atmos and stereo work well but multiple problems with 5.1

Nov 14, 2023 6:32 AM in response to appleguy835

youre right. I called this morning and they said they were not aware of it too…

17.2 doesn’t seem to fix the problem… this issue is very very frustrating!!

Nov 14, 2023 10:01 AM in response to edouard272

I’m using my $25 Roku 4K stick with Atmos support in the meantime. If Apple doesn’t fix it I’ll be sharing my experience with everyone in the tech biz I know.

Nov 28, 2023 1:26 PM in response to BinodDhami

Disabling eArc disables other features for other devices connected to the TV mainly control of power for all other devices like soundbar and cable box.

Nov 28, 2023 1:31 PM in response to appleguy835

What “different way” is it supposed to be reported?

Apple TV 4K 3rd generation eARC sound issues, no problems with Apple TV 4K 2nd generation