HomePod Stereo paired OGs, Apple TV default + Minis?

[cjbryce]

My Denon A/V receiver became faulty last Thursday, so I'm currently using Samsung ARC (not eARC)->Apple TV->Stereo paired HomePod OGs as the default output from the (latest) Apple TV 4K instead. Sound pretty good especially from Apple TV apps (Samsung ARC sources aren't quite as good). Enough to make me think of doing away with me fairly high-end wired system.

Is there any way I can use HomePod minis in addition to, as it were, "fake" rear and even centre speakers? I've tried setting the Apple TV output to default + mini pair but there was no output from the minis.

 

[Sheepish-Lord]

no

 

[TonyC28]

My Denon A/V receiver became faulty last Thursday, so I'm currently using Samsung ARC (not eARC)->Apple TV->Stereo paired HomePod OGs as the default output from the (latest) Apple TV 4K instead. Sound pretty good especially from Apple TV apps (Samsung ARC sources aren't quite as good). Enough to make me think of doing away with me fairly high-end wired system.

Is there any way I can use HomePod minis in addition to, as it were, "fake" rear and even centre speakers? I've tried setting the Apple TV output to default + mini pair but there was no output from the minis.

You can have the Minis play as a second set of speakers but it’s the same audio track. I do this and it sounds interesting. My setup is my two OGs as the default audio. Then go to control center AirPlay settings and turn on the Minis stereo pair.

 

[cjbryce]

You can have the Minis play as a second set of speakers but it’s the same audio track. I do this and it sounds interesting. My setup is my two OGs as the default audio. Then go to control center AirPlay settings and turn on the Minis stereo pair.

Cool, I'll try that thanks.

Presumably this'll work when watching Apple TV apps but not whilst using HDMI pass-through?

 

[TonyC28]

Cool, I'll try that thanks.

Presumably this'll work when watching Apple TV apps but not whilst using HDMI pass-through?

I’m not sure about HDMI pass-through. Never tried that.

 

[w5jck]

Unfortunately, Apple didn't put any ports on the Homepods, nor give them the ability to connect to non-Apple devices like sound bars and receivers can. This limits what you can do with them as far as TV goes. Amazon did the same with their Echo speakers, and they too or limited, but not limited quite as much as Homepods. Either brand will sound lackluster compared to a good, purpose built entertainment speaker system like a sound bar or receiver system.

 

[perezr10]

My Denon A/V receiver became faulty last Thursday, so I'm currently using Samsung ARC (not eARC)->Apple TV->Stereo paired HomePod OGs as the default output from the (latest) Apple TV 4K instead. Sound pretty good especially from Apple TV apps (Samsung ARC sources aren't quite as good). Enough to make me think of doing away with me fairly high-end wired system.

Is there any way I can use HomePod minis in addition to, as it were, "fake" rear and even centre speakers? I've tried setting the Apple TV output to default + mini pair but there was no output from the minis.

I do this all the time. I also have a stereo pair of big HomePods as my permanent sound system for my living room TV. But I often add my homepod minis in the kitchen so that when I go get a snack or make a cup of coffee, I can hear every word still. Sometimes I’ll even play my TV show to the whole house (7 HomePods) if I wanna walk around while my wife watches TV and I still would like to hear it.

The only issue is that the other HomePod Minis are only hooked up until you disconnect them. They don’t become permanent sound out like my stereo pair of big HomePods.