Apple TV - Picture not working when soundbar pass-through enabled

[anonymousmoose]

I have a Sony HT-G700 soundbar. Apple TV 4K (previous model with touch remote) and an older Sony Bravia (1080p) TV.

I have the Apple TV plugged into the soundbar and the soundbar into the TV (via HDMI eARC/ARC). I have HDMI Standby Through enabled, which should allow the sound and picture of the device (apple TV) to pass-through to the TV without turning on the system.

When the soundbar is on, the Apple TV plays as it should. Picture on TV, audio on soundbar

But when I turn off the soundbar, the Apple TV signal gets distorted colorful pix-elated 'snow' type screen. It flickers for a while, I assume trying to find the right screen mode, before it stops sending the signal all-together.
It does not like the pass-through. If I power up the soundbar again, it all comes alive and works.

I tried to replicate the error by plugging my PS4, WDTV into the sound bar, all worked fine. Only the Apple TV doesn't like the pass through.

I spend hours trying all sorts of settings on the soundbar but nothing fixes it.

Oddly enough, I did get it working for a few days (?) when I changed the HDMI cable. Now nothing works.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

What if you flip last link in the chain the other way: AppleTV to an HDMI IN on the TV and then HDMI ARC OUT of TV to Soundbar? For example:

• AppleTV HDMI OUT to TV HDMI1 IN
• TV HDMI ARC OUT to Soundbar HDMI IN

Else, your description reads like the Soundbar "wants" to be ON to fully pass through a video signal to the TV. Since you are apparently wanting to watch video with no sound sometimes, just flip the flow as just described and let the TV be the "middleman."

As to PS4 and WDTV working as you wish and only AppleTV not, that could be some AppleTV setting that the soundbar can't properly handle. Maybe HDR on? Maybe 4K? Maybe frame rate? Think about what might be set differently on AppleTV vs. PS4 and WDTV. And the first places I would look is at video settings: HDR, 4K, FrameRate, HDMI gamma, etc. For a test, switch those down to the basics: SDR, 1080p, Auto and try again. If that works, switch them back one at a time and test each time to detect which setting is giving your soundbar trouble.

Could be cable but I presume the tests with PS4 and WDTV were through the SAME cable. If not, test that and or swap in their HDMI cables for the AppleTV one.

Do you have a second AppleTV you could slug in to test that you don't happen to have a faulty one? Maybe a friend could bring one over for just such a test. If so, use same cable and simply change the one variable and see if the problem repeats. If so, you can rule out your own AppleTV. If not, take a look at key settings on the other AppleTV to compare with settings on yours. You might notice something different you can change on yours to resolve the issue.

However, all that offered, since you have multiple "sources" (at least those 3), it sounds like it would work better for you anyway to give each an HDMI port on your TV and have HDMI ARC (out) to soundbar so you don't have to swap cables every time you want to change sources. One possibility is that all of the source switching may be wearing out the HDMI IN port on that soundbar.

 

[anonymousmoose]

What if you flip last link in the chain the other way: AppleTV to an HDMI IN on the TV and then HDMI ARC OUT of TV to Soundbar? For example:

• AppleTV HDMI OUT to TV HDMI1 IN
• TV HDMI ARC OUT to Soundbar HDMI IN

Yes, works fine then. Thank you.

 

[w5jck]

I've got a Sony Bravia 4K HDR TV and the same Sony HT-G700 soundbar. Like the other poster said, mine is setup like this:

• Sony XBR49X800H TV plugged into Sony HT-G700 soundbar via HDMI-ARC.
• ATV 4K 2017 plugged into Sony XBR49X800H TV via HDMI port.
• Fire TV Cube plugged into Sony XBR49X800H TV via HDMI port.
• Bu-Ray player plugged into Sony XBR49X800H TV via HDMI port.

With this setup the soundbar works with all the devices connected to my TV, and the TV itself of course. If I turn ON/OFF any of the devices or the TV, the soundbar and TV are also turned ON/OFF. Very simple to operate and functions quite well.

 

[anonymousmoose]

Problem with that is, I don't get the ATMOS sound option on the Apple TV. Only shows if I plug the Apple TV into the soundbar.

I've got a Sony Bravia 4K HDR TV and the same Sony HT-G700 soundbar.

Do you get the same pass-through issue I do?

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Even if a soundbar's marketing spins that it is an ATMOS soundbar, that's a whole lot of spin. The magic of ATMOS is leveraging MANY discrete speakers spread around a room, not one up front & center. ATMOS basically encourages more than 5.1 or 7.1 speaker setups by mixing in some more speakers, particularly some overhead. I suspect at least some of the game of ATMOS is to motivate even more individual speaker purchases in home theater. Apparently 5-7 plus at least 1 sub is still not enough (for the speaker manufacturers).

Pretending like a soundbar can deliver ATMOS is an audio illusion at best. Real ATMOS is going to use a pretty good number of speakers all around the room and in the ceiling too. There's no way for 1 speaker to fully do that job... just faking it. Soundbars generally contain a lot of little speakers, so perhaps that is how they can technically make the marketing spin claim. But it's still a bunch of speakers all clustered together in one location, packed into a tiny little (single) case usually centered over or under a screen, all in one direction from the viewer(s).

However, that offered, if you want to deliver ATMOS to soundbar anyway, it appears you need to split video & audio from HDMI. There are devices for this, though I wonder if any of the cheap ones (<$50) will split out ATMOS audio. This one seems to be making that claim for $30. Maybe it or similar may actually work.

Next best option that WILL work is to get yourself an A/V Receiver:

• AppleTV HDMI into Receiver.
• Receiver HDMI video out to TV.
• Receiver HDMI audio out to Soundbar.

Bonus: receiver will have plenty of additional HDMI jacks for PS4, WDTV and other stuff too.

Over time, a receiver can be the hub for building yourself a true home theater setup with at least 5.1 discrete speakers instead of embracing a soundbar to try to do all of the speaker jobs. If any soundbar could actually do that, every movie theater would have one soundbar speaker down front instead of all of those many speakers positioned all around the seats.

 

[anonymousmoose]

Even if a soundbar's marketing spins that it is an ATMOS soundbar, that's a whole lot of spin. The magic of ATMOS is leveraging MANY discrete speakers spread around a room, not one up front & center. ATMOS basically encourages more than 5.1 or 7.1 speaker setups by mixing in some more speakers, particularly some overhead. I suspect at least some of the game of ATMOS is to motivate even more individual speaker purchases in home theater. Apparently 5-7 plus at least 1 sub is still not enough (for the speaker manufacturers).

Pretending like a soundbar can deliver ATMOS is an audio illusion at best. Real ATMOS is going to use a pretty good number of speakers all around the room and in the ceiling too. There's no way for 1 speaker to fully do that job... just faking it.

However, that offered, it appears you need to split video & audio from HDMI. There are devices for this, though I wonder if any of the cheap ones (
Next best option that WILL work is to get yourself an A/V Receiver:

• AppleTV HDMI into Receiver.
• Receiver HDMI video out to TV.
• Receiver HDMI audio out to Soundbar.

Bonus: receiver will have plenty of additional HDMI jacks for PS4, WDTV and other stuff too.

Over time, a receiver can be the hub for building yourself a true home theater setup with at least 5.1 discrete speakers instead of embracing a soundbar to try to do all of the speaker jobs. If any soundbar could actually do that, every movie theater would have one soundbar speaker down front instead of all of those many speakers positioned all around the seats.

Thank you for the explanation. Do you have a link to one of these receivers? I never knew they existed. I do need a few more hdmi ports.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Just do a search for Audio Video Receiver 4K (or maybe aim at a bit of futureproofing and get an 8K one?) ATMOS and you'll get pages of matches. There are many manufacturers of AV receivers such as Onkyo, Yamaha, Denon, Marantz, Pioneer, Sony, Samsung and many others.

Receivers are typically the "central hub" of everything in a home theater setup, so be sure to invest the time to get a good one that can cover both present and future needs. Generally, one should pay up to buy a very good quality one vs. be drawn to lowest price and leave desirable features on the table. By paying up, think roughly iPhone price range instead of say HomePod price range and you'll probably be getting quite a good box.

They are generally loaded with connections (lots of HDMI) and speaker terminals. For example, here's the back of one receiver to illustrate the concept...

Do your research and learn what the features & benefits mean. That will help you zoom in on an ideal Receiver for you. People can offer advice about "the one I bought" but that's generally going to be ideal for THEM, not necessarily for you. And of course, brand name doesn't mean that all products from that brand are all exceptional. So somebody saying, "I like Onkyo" doesn't mean that all Onkyo receivers are above all others. It's really a features & benefits game to pin down the best one(s) for you... including anything you can anticipate adding to the mix in the future... and then reading as many independent reviews as possible to see what's right- and maybe wrong- with your finalists.

Receivers can let someone start relatively small and build out a pretty great surround sound setup over time. For example, at first you could simply use the soundbar as a solo speaker. Then maybe add dedicated left, center and right speakers (3 speakers up front, replacing the soundbar). Then later maybe add left & right surround speakers (2 more). Then maybe a subwoofer. Then maybe some back and/or ceiling speakers. Etc. A step at time if money is tight and you end up with something that will sound wayyyyyyyy better than any single speakers (HomePod included) can ever sound... certainly far superior to any soundbar setup trying to fake all of that from one location up front.

If money is NOT tight, go a bit nuts here by getting yourself a fantastic Receiver and some high-quality speakers (as a general guide, think at least hundreds each vs. 5+ speakers for only a hundred or two). Again, read independent reviews to figure out the great vs. good vs. so-so vs. bad speakers). Unlike Macs, iPhones, iPads on which we'll readily spend thousands for only a few years of usage, speakers can be enjoyed for upwards of 10-20 years without loss of audio quality. So pay up for quality you can enjoy far longer than any Apple product.

 

[w5jck]

OP, Whether the Sony HT-G700 soundbar is capable of producing true Dolby Atmos (DA) or not, it can accept the DA signal from the ATV 4K, and it can accept it through my Sony XBR49X800H TV, and it can accept it from the ATV 4K when passed through the TV. My TV is DA capable. However, your TV might not be. You need to look up the specs. If it is, you should be able to pass DA from the ATV 4K through your TV to the Sony HT-G700 soundbar.

To be clear we are talking DA signal. What the Sony HT-G700 soundbar does with that signal is another story altogether. I’m not going to get all wrapped up in the sound system snobbery we often hear and read. Sony claims that the Sony HT-G700 soundbar can simulate DA even though it is a 3.1 system. Does it work? You be the judge. If you want true surround system DA capable of pleasing most sound snobs, then fork out thousands of dollars for equipment, architectural design, and installation. If you are happy with the sound you get from the Sony HT-G700 soundbar, great. It is all about what you are happy with. First, there isn’t much DA available. Second my Sony HT-G700 soundbar does receive it and it sounds okay to me, but it is not true surround sound. Do I give a rats backside? NO! It sounds good and that is all I care about. If it sounds good to you, then that is all you need to care about.

 

[w5jck]

BTW, if you want to hear darn good surround sound emulation, then get a set of earpods or headphones and connect them to the ATV 4K and you will hear better sound for $100 dollars and up than you will with a $1500 sound system. Go figure… Unfortunately that is not very convenient nor a good solution if you have multiple listeners. And earpods and headsets don’t last long on a charge. But music is great if you want to listen to it that way. I use a pair of $100 Amazon Echo Buds 2nd gen to listen to music on my ATV 4K and iPhone 13 Pro Max, and occasionally to movies too.

 

[anonymousmoose]

Just do a search for Audio Video Receiver 4K (or maybe aim at a bit of futureproofing and get an 8K one?) ATMOS and you'll get pages of matches. There are many manufacturers of AV receivers such as Onkyo, Yamaha, Denon, Marantz, Pioneer, Sony, Samsung and many others.

Very interesting, thank you kindly for the detailed email. I doubt I'll ever go more than a soundbar. I am not that interested in Audio Visual but do kinda want to get what I paid for with the soundbar. The multiple HDMI ports are of biggest interest to me. I'll keep an eye out for a low cost one of these devices.

Is there a budget device that just does the HDMI port control without all the facny audio mixing features? I doubt I'll ever go full surround sound. It would just be handy to have something with about 4-5 HDMI ports which I can do what you described without the fancy stuff :-D

OP, Whether the Sony HT-G700 soundbar is capable of producing true Dolby Atmos (DA) or not, it can accept the DA signal from the ATV 4K, and it can accept it through my Sony XBR49X800H TV, and it can accept it from the ATV 4K when passed through the TV. My TV is DA capable. However, your TV might not be. You need to look up the specs. If it is, you should be able to pass DA from the ATV 4K through your TV to the Sony HT-G700 soundbar.

Do I give a rats backside? NO! It sounds good and that is all I care about. If it sounds good to you, then that is all you need to care about.

I see what you mean. My TV is older but still very functional (1080p 70 inch screen) so I am not looking at upgrading any-time soon. It won't be DA capable for sure. I'll see how it goes with the setup you gentleman have recommended.

Soundbar into TV
Apple TV directly into TV
I can use the PS4 or WDTV as the passthrough (I don't use either much anymore).

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

This might do the HDMI switching (only) trick for your various devices for < $100 and has some future-proofing specs to make it useful for up to many years.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XV6X4J3?ref_=cm_sw_r_ud_dp_E6Z94PEACSMDDR111ZNN

There are several others with modestly lower tech specs and/or fewer HDMI ports for less, some south of $50.

With this, it could be:

• various devices (AppleTV, PS4, WDTV) HDMI cables into up to all 4 HDMI INPUTS
• ONE HDMI cable out of this (HDMI OUTPUT) and into one HDMI TV jack
• ONE HDMI cable out of HDMI ARC jack on TV to Soundbar

OR, you could put the soundbar in the middle (3+ devices into this, this into soundbar, soundbar out to TV) but AppleTV may still not work well with soundbar “pass through.” My best guess is that soundbar will need to be LAST link in the connection chain (not using its “pass through” option) unless you experiment with AppleTV settings to maybe find something that is causing the flaky video when using soundbar pass through.

There is also a 4 HDMI IN with TWO (2) HDMI OUT version for about $50 more: https://a.co/d/3AJrRhy You might think about this as splitting video and audio with the 2 HDMI OUT jacks, sending ONLY video to a TV HDMI IN jack and sending ONLY audio to the soundbar through the OTHER HDMI output. I suspect the first box will work but if your TV won't pass though the ATMOS audio, this option should just about guarantee it gets to the soundbar (without having to then lean on the soundbar "pass through" technology for the video).

 

[anonymousmoose]

Interestingly I did another test.
Same setup
Apple TV to SoundBar to TV.
But this time another TV altogether. A more modern 4k TV not an older Sony 1080P.
It all works - same HDMI cables and all.
PS
The 4K TV is a small TV for another room, not feasible to replace it in the media room where the sound bar is.