[Update: Workaround] Sonos Arc issue with eARC not working (audio cuts/drops) on Frame TV & Samsung Smart TVs still troubles some users

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on July 19, 2021) follows:

Smart TVs are all the rage right now in home entertainment, probably fuelled by the accessibility of affordable, reliable home internet, and the rise of streaming services like Prime Video, Netflix, and more.

Sonos is a pretty respected name in the home entertainment scene. This American manufacturer of audio products is probably best known for its multi-room audio products.

However, there seems to be a problem afflicting owners of these Sonos products.

According to a section of users, Sonos speakers have an issue with the eARC feature that now means people have to deal with audio that cutouts frequently or drops altogether.

This issue has seemingly been around for several months now and affects various Samsung Smart TVs. Below are some of the reports we came across.

The only issue I’m having is when I turn off the TV at night then turn it back on the next day, the sound will play for 5 to 10 seconds then cut out for 1 to 2 seconds repeatedly. I don’t know if it’s the TV or the Arc that creates this issue. I disable Dolby Atmos Compatibility on the TVs sound menu. Let it refresh. Reenable it. And everything works again until I turn the TV off.

Source

So I just set up the Sonos Arc soundbar that supports ARC It works with my 2020 Samsung 65″ Frame TV until I change the eARC setting on the Frame TV to Auto. The sound mutes and I can’t get it to play until I turn eARC off. Anyone else have this issue? I’ve messed around with this for a few hours to no avail.
Source

According to those affected, the Sonos Arc issue has something to do with the eARC feature. This causes audio cuts and drops on Frame TV and other Samsung Smart TVs.

In response to one of these complaints, a Sonos dev went on to note that the issue could be due to the new eARC feature supported by Samsung Smart TVs from 2020 onwards, a feature that isn’t supported by 2019 models and prior, adding that they had been working to address it.

This was several months ago and even after this detailed explanation from support, it looks like the same issue continues to afflict users and the social media platforms are dotted with reports from these affected persons.

Some affected Samsung TV owners report that the only solution to remedy the issue when audio completely cuts out is to restart the setup. Some suggest getting an Arcana but that effectively adds another $300 to the setup, a purchase that isn’t easy to justify.

We shall continue to keep an eye on this Sonos Arc issue for Samsung Smart TV users and update as and when we get more info or possible workarounds so stay tuned.

IST 10:14 am: While this issue continues to afflict Sonos and Samsung Frame TV issue, there might be a possible workaround and it involves disabling CEC on the set-top box.

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