Polk (2024) S4 Soundbar Loses Connection with TV eARC once every 6 weeks or so?
Every 4-6 weeks or so the TV sounds a bit 'off'. Then I realize the sound that day is coming from the TV and not the soundbar even though the soundbar is powered and and light is visible.
The solution is to power cycle the soundbar (at the soundbar button). Then the TV 'recognizes' it and audio resumes playing thru the soundbar. And we're good for another 4-6 weeks.
I've trained others in the household how to 'fix' this recurrent issue.
It is connected to a (2024) Sony Bravia KD-85X85K via it's eARC connection. I've tried several different HDMI cables including some high end 4K UHD rated cables (that work solidly on everything else they are connected to). Doesn't seem to matter. Sooner or later the Sony doesn't seem to recognize it at powerup and soon enough I realize the audio has reverted to the TV speakers. Rinse. Repeat.
My guess is once in a while the TV at power up doesn't seem to 'see' or 'recognize' the connected soundbar. Maybe it's an issue w/ the TV? The cable? (I've tried several so tend to think not) or the Polk S4 soundbar?
Ideas?
The solution is to power cycle the soundbar (at the soundbar button). Then the TV 'recognizes' it and audio resumes playing thru the soundbar. And we're good for another 4-6 weeks.
I've trained others in the household how to 'fix' this recurrent issue.
It is connected to a (2024) Sony Bravia KD-85X85K via it's eARC connection. I've tried several different HDMI cables including some high end 4K UHD rated cables (that work solidly on everything else they are connected to). Doesn't seem to matter. Sooner or later the Sony doesn't seem to recognize it at powerup and soon enough I realize the audio has reverted to the TV speakers. Rinse. Repeat.
My guess is once in a while the TV at power up doesn't seem to 'see' or 'recognize' the connected soundbar. Maybe it's an issue w/ the TV? The cable? (I've tried several so tend to think not) or the Polk S4 soundbar?
Ideas?
Answers
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Welcome to modern HDMI/eARC. Its never going to be 100% reliable. I have issues at least once a week with my upstairs TV setup with a Sony TV seeing/sending audio correctly to my Pioneer SC71. If you are good for 4-6 weeks, I'd say you are lucky. If you've trained the family, then I think you are doing about as well as possible.
If I had to suspect a culprit, its probably the Sony. Android/Google TV as an OS just has some glitches that require reboots occasionally. For me, the trick is usually to pull the power cable from the TV, let it sit for 20 sec, and then plug it back in. I do that about once a month.
For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
