Polk S3

I bought an S3 system. Hooked up utilizing ARC. System powers up with TV but I only get sound 1 in 4 times that I power up the TV. I have to do a reset anytime I don't get sound, then everything works fine. Is this system just junk or defective. I shouldn't have to jump through hoops for sound everytime I turn on the TV.

Answers

  • SeleniumFalcon
    SeleniumFalcon Posts: 3,760
    Hello,
    Welcome to the Polk forum. I'll ask some friends at Polk what might be happening, I know it can be frustrating, but I'm sure we can find a solution. When you say "reset" can you elaborate on what you have to do?
  • vloving
    vloving Posts: 4
    There is a factory reset button on the rear side of the bar. When held for 5 seconds the indicator lights (4) flash3 times. The lights then turn white and flash 10 times. When the 4 lights stop flashing 1 light comes on next to the power indicator light and the bar functions until powered down with the TV. When the system begins functioning again the volume is rather high. Needless to say, I have buyers remorse considering I cannot reach anyone at Polk directly to resolve this for the 6 months I have been dealing with the issue. Any help you can provide will be appreciated.
  • SeleniumFalcon
    SeleniumFalcon Posts: 3,760
    Thanks for the additional information, I've contacted two friends at Polk who are great at solving problems.
  • SeleniumFalcon
    SeleniumFalcon Posts: 3,760
    Here is an initial response:

    "Would you mind asking which TV he has and what HDMI wire he is using?

    I recommend that he try a different HDMI cable, as the one he is using may be compromised. Also, if possible, the TV may require a firmware update.

    Oh, one last thing: he may also want to try a different audio-out setting from the TV settings. If using external sources, PCM might be a better choice."
  • vloving
    vloving Posts: 4
    I have tried 3 different HDMI cables. I thought there might be a firmware issue so the TV is fully up to date. The unit is a 4k uhd Visio. The TV is set for ARC output.
  • SeleniumFalcon
    SeleniumFalcon Posts: 3,760
    His response:

    "After he tries the recommendations, and still having issues. I suggest he calls in to Polk Audio (1-800-377-7655) instead of email. Suggest that he has his proof of purchase ready to provide customer service."
  • SeleniumFalcon
    SeleniumFalcon Posts: 3,760
    Another friend at Polk has suggested that, as a test, try connecting it via optical cable.
  • vloving
    vloving Posts: 4
    Yes, it works with optical cable, but it works with HDMI ARC, but the issue is that it doesn't work 3 out of 4 times when turning on the TV without doing a factory reset. I suppose I could go to Best Buy or Amazon and get a 6 ft optical cable since the one supplied with the system is only 3 ft so I can't run it through the wall conduit.