Dolby Atmos causing audio on Arc to "pop" then cuts out

  • 8 November 2021
  • 82 replies
  • 6587 views

I purchased a Sony KD85X91J in July equipped with eARC so I could listen to content from my Apple TV 4K in Dolby Atmos. The problem I have is whenever I play Atmos content (and ONLY Atmos content). Every so often the Arc has a quick popping sound followed by the Arc losing audio until I back out of the Atmos content I was watching. When I back out I can start the content again in Atmos and it will work for a while until the pop and audio cut out happens again. 

I have a 5.1 setup with the Arc, 2 One SL’s and a Gen 3 sub. The bass and surrounds still play audio after the cut out. Only the Arc is affected. 

The HDMI cables i am using are both rated to handle Atmos content. Link to the cables being used is below. 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07S1CGQ9Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Is there a fix for this issue? It’s very frustrating investing into a system that cannot deliver what it advertises and I’m hoping theres something I’m missing that will easily solve the issue. 

 


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82 replies

Userlevel 4
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Posted on the other thread but will share my insights here as well.  I too am experiencing the issue on both XSX and ATV4K, more often on the series x opposed to the ATV4K but it aligns with everybody is saying

 

i just finished a RMA process because I caught the pop on video and the support rep processed it as a hardware failure, and the new arc and hdmi cable behaved well for the first three weeks until tonight.  Always happens in the same spot on the series X, when I’m going back to the Home Screen after playing a Dolby Atmos (MAT) title.  
 

So far I have tried 2 ARCs, 3 Certified HDMI 2.1 cables, two different devices (Xbox and ATV) and two different TVs (Sony x900h, LG C1) and with the pop happening on all combinations, the common theme is the Dolby Atmos MAT format.  I too have not seen the issue on any other audio format or TV smart app

Also opened a ticket with Microsoft, to see if there is something on their end they aren’t doing correctly

As for Sonos, there are literally a 100 users over this thread and the one I’ve posted to “Sonos arc pop then Audio Loss” describing the same issue.  I find it hard to believe Sonos can’t reproduce this issue when it’s so very common 

 

And yes, I am aware that I can use a downgraded audio format and not have this issue, but when spending $2,000 on a speaker system that does Dolby atmos.  I certainly want to take full advantage 

 

 

I apologize for the inaccuracy.

I don't have a problem with the sound popping, but only with sound interruptions/outage. On Apple TV, you can only select the option "change format" to dolby digital 5.1 or stereo. If you change to DD 5.1, everything is fine. The problem is only with Atmos sound! I have to say that this problem started to show up only after updating tvOS 15.0 or 15.1 and for Sonos probably 13.3.2. Before that, everything worked without a problem.

Userlevel 3
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I’m not sure if there have been mitigations from Apple/Sonos on the issue but I’ve not had anymore dropouts recently, that said, there are still “pops” (more like cracks) in the audio tracks of Atmos content, but it no longer seems to drop the audio entirely.

Not a complete fix, but in the right direction…

I’m just here to add my voice to the crowd.  Sony KD-43X85J. Apple TV 4K. Sonos Arc.  Loud pop in first 5-10 minutes of Atmos content.  If I unplug the arc and plug it back in sound comes back and no more pops for the rest of the evening.  TV Apps play atmos content fine.  Serious first world problems here… but I’ve spent first world prices on these products.

Userlevel 4
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One thing I read on another blog post which I’ve been able to confirm, is this only occurs when playing Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos at the same time on an Apple TV.

When I disable Dolby Vision, and use HDR 60Hz on Apple TV with Dolby Atmos enabled, the popping noise loss does not occur. When I turn Dolby vision back on, pop and noise loss within 10 min. Note only happens with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos content. 
 

Sony X900H

What started the issue was Xbox Series X. I never had this issue using Sonos with my Apple TV 4K with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos both on for almost a year. Then once I got an Xbox Series X last week, it popped with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos on the Xbox Series X enabled.

After this occurred with the Xbox Series X, Apple TV 4K started having issues immediately. Prior to Xbox Series X, zero issues with Apple TV 4K at any setting.

I tried changing out HDMI 2.1 cables, 8K 60Hz and 4K 120Hz. Not a cable issue. It only occurs when Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos is enabled. After the error occurs.

I sincerely hope Sonos addresses this. As it’s been a year now from all the complaints and still no resolution much less recent responses that provide an actual fix.

 

 

Userlevel 1

After reading this thread, I’m now uncertain about purchasing a Sonos Arc!

I was planning on using it with my Apple TV 4K, but it appears this setup may be glitchy at best.

Is this still an issue with most Apple TV 4K users?  I’ve seen some “solutions” that involve turning off Dolby Atmos, but that kinda defeats a huge reason for purchasing the Sonos Arc.

Just remember, this does not seem to be isolated to SONOS users. 

Wanted to post an update here since it’s been a while. I’ve been “pop free” for over a month now.  All I had to do was disable eArc on my Sony television.  I have the Arc, with 2 One SLs, and a sub.  Television is Sony X900H.  I can confirm that once I disabled eArc I was able to run Dolby Vision and Atmos content through the Apple TV with no popping.

I also own an Apple TV, 900H, and Arc. As far as I know, you cannot play Atmos with eARC off from the Apple TV with our television. 
 

Please play Atmos content in the Apple TV and confirm that you are getting the Atmos logo in the Sonos app. And if you do, tell me how to pull that off!

I suspect you “fixed” the problem by disabling Atmos. Which is Sonos’ official recommendation for Apple TV and Xbox. 

With eARC disabled, playing atmos content on Netflix and Amazon the Sonos app is stating it is currently playing Atmos content. Conversely, when I disable Atmos on Apple TV with eARC enabled the sound displays as Dolby 5.1 on the Sonos app.

I’ve been having the same issue but with the Beam gen 2 playing Atmos content from Apple TV 4K.  Apple even replaced my Apple TV unit with a new one, but issue didn’t resolve.  I had seen that TV OS 16 had fixed similar issues in beta, but after finally getting the OS 16 problem still occurs.  Any fixes lately?  Where is Sonos support in all this? 

Userlevel 1

So from my research, this does not appear to be a SONOS issue as it’s a Dolby Atmos issue. Ive been scouring the Microsoft forums and a lot of people are having this same pop/cracking issue when running Atmos content through their XSX or HTPC, even through a proper surround system. 

I just experienced this issue!  That pop was a shock!

Apple TV 4K, 65” Sony X85J, Sonos Arc, Ones, Sub (Gen 3). 8k rated HDMI cables.  8k rated two in / one out HDMI switch.

loud pop and audio cut out on Arc while watching the Witcher on Netflix in Atmos.

switched back to the TV’s Netflix app and have no problems with Atmos.

Userlevel 1

So from my research, this does not appear to be a SONOS issue as it’s a Dolby Atmos issue. Ive been scouring the Microsoft forums and a lot of people are having this same pop/cracking issue when running Atmos content through their XSX or HTPC, even through a proper surround system. 

Could you provide links? I’d like to check this out.

 

Sure. See below:

 

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/xbox/forum/all/xbox-series-x-sound-popping-and-crackling/118d461f-2df3-40b0-80ab-1c8b67a70eaf

 

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/fixed-dolby-atmos-poppingcrackling-sound/6093c568-fc95-4c84-bd2b-b4c072c01b2a

 

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/clicking-sound-while-using-dolby-atmos-surround-in/9594e16c-75f1-4b80-99c1-b48393714701

 

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/xbox/forum/all/netflix-dolby-atmos-popping-and-crackling/75ac3701-9986-4a58-9fda-89bae2a52e04

 

https://www.reddit.com/r/xboxinsiders/comments/pow2a6/atmos_causing_pop_loss_of_sound/

 

https://www.reddit.com/r/Soundbars/comments/jmblvo/solved_intermittent_popping_sound_from_samsung/

 

This link here seems to be the most confident in identifying it as an Atmos issue through Apple TV4k (although, again, Im not convinced it’s ONLY an ATV issue) but has good discussion.

 

https://www.reddit.com/r/appletv/comments/pe1uks/atmos_content_on_apple_tv_is_crackling/

 

 

There’s a ton more links but that’s just an initial smattering for reference. Based on everything Im seeing, I really dont think this is a SONOS specific issue but rather a codec/processing issue brought on by Atmos content. XBOX S and Apple TV4k seem to be largest drivers of consistent complaints but Im not sure it’s limited to just those two as Ive seen a few comments from PS5, HTPC, and PC users as well. 

Userlevel 1

One guy on reddit (from last link I posted above) touted the below as a fix FWIW. Some users don’t seem to agree but Im trying it now to see if there’s any improvement. His text copied below:

 

Finally solved!!!

I was having crackling all the time when ATMOS was supposed to play (Disney Plus, Apple Tv shows).

The solution is to go to Settings > Video and Audio > Match content >

There: Match Frame Rate: On

Solved!

Note: It doesn’t hurt to also activate Match Dynamic Range.

If not. Try Changing video from 4K 60 Hz to 50Hz.

All ATMOS content sounds spectacular now 🙂

Userlevel 6
Badge +5

Thanks for sharing the links. I’m afraid none of these match what’s going on with Sonos Arc. Our pop is a loud one-time bang (like furniture falling over) followed by sound cutting out on the Arc but continuing to play on the surrounds. It happens with various sources including Apple TV, Xbox, and built-in TV apps. The common feature appears to be Atmos encoded in Dolby MAT.

The users in your links have rythmic popping and/or crackling sound that does not disable the audio itself, or brief cutouts of sound. The cutouts were a problem with old Xbox software a year+ ago but seem to have been resolved. Rythmic pops and crackles appear on various soundbars and can have a whole multitude of reasons, but again, nothing comparable to the Sonos Arc pop.

The only pop like we have is described by your first Reddit link, which uses a Sonos Arc. I have match framerate and march dynamic range on on my Apple TV (of course I do, who wouldn’t?) and it does not solve the problem.

I’ve had this same issue with the Nvidia Shield Pro 2019 and my LG C8 off and on since 2020. Tried different cables, reboots, etc. nothing ever fixes it.

Always works well when using TV apps.

There’s clearly some issue with sending external source atmos (roku, shield, Apple TV, Xbox, etc.) to the Arc through the TV. Sounds like it happens with many different TV models and many different external sources.

Userlevel 6
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The issue persists. We do not know what percentage of the Apple TV userbase is affected. For now, Sonos recommends turning Atmos off if you use Apple TV or Xbox. Everything works fine without Atmos.

The best I can tell you is to check out the main thread and then decide for yourself.

I reset the Apple TV again it applied an update that it didn’t do in the last reset. It seems (right now) that the Apple TV is playing the Atmos content fine. It happens intermittently so I’ll report back of the issue happens again. 

Userlevel 4
Badge +2

After reading this thread, I’m now uncertain about purchasing a Sonos Arc!

I was planning on using it with my Apple TV 4K, but it appears this setup may be glitchy at best.

Is this still an issue with most Apple TV 4K users?  I’ve seen some “solutions” that involve turning off Dolby Atmos, but that kinda defeats a huge reason for purchasing the Sonos Arc.

If I had known of this issue and read this thread prior to purchasing Sonos, I would have never purchased Sonos. Especially after reading what Sonos customer service is telling their customers.

 

”The solution is simple. Turn off Dolby Atmos, the specific feature of why you bought our Sonos Arc in the first place” Insert  Tom Hanks Golden Globes meme. Or any meme that defines the term Are You ….. kidding me?!?!?

Userlevel 4
Badge +2

After reading this thread, I’m now uncertain about purchasing a Sonos Arc!

I was planning on using it with my Apple TV 4K, but it appears this setup may be glitchy at best.

Is this still an issue with most Apple TV 4K users?  I’ve seen some “solutions” that involve turning off Dolby Atmos, but that kinda defeats a huge reason for purchasing the Sonos Arc.

Just remember, this does not seem to be isolated to SONOS users. 

As was previously stated by ProfessorFrag and myself and so many others on this thread, every single “evidence” that our SPECIFIC POP no audio issue IS Isolated to SONOS.  Why are people on this thread who seem to either be employees of Sonos, or somehow affiliated, trying to convince people who have paid a premium price for a defective product, that Sonos is not the problem. What is your purpose? 
 

You even agreed our specific Sonos Arc issue is NOT the same as the Dolby Atmos crackling sound issue. So to anyone reading. Just remember this IS an isolated Sonos product issue. And please read the entire thread, before you post. All of these supposedly “helpful” opinions of how Sonos isn’t responsible for issues we’re dealing with. 
 

Do you even know what this thread is for? 

After reading this thread, I’m now uncertain about purchasing a Sonos Arc!

I was planning on using it with my Apple TV 4K, but it appears this setup may be glitchy at best.

Is this still an issue with most Apple TV 4K users?  I’ve seen some “solutions” that involve turning off Dolby Atmos, but that kinda defeats a huge reason for purchasing the Sonos Arc.

If I had known of this issue and read this thread prior to purchasing Sonos, I would have never purchased Sonos. Especially after reading what Sonos customer service is telling their customers.

 

”The solution is simple. Turn off Dolby Atmos, the specific feature of why you bought our Sonos Arc in the first place” Insert  Tom Hanks Golden Globes meme. Or any meme that defines the term Are You ….. kidding me?!?!?

I agree completely!  Surely SOMEONE at either Apple or Sonos knows the root cause of this? 

Userlevel 4
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Thanks. Unless this is only happening to a small percentage of Sonos Arc users, I’m (for now) not going to invest $800 in a soundbar that doesn’t support the Apple TV 4K box.

This is happening to EVERY Sonos Arc User who plugs in an Xbox Series X to an E-Arc Television and a Sonos Arc.

 

so yeah, avoid Sonos completely unless they come up with a solution, considering that this is a 2 year old known issue. I wouldn’t have any faith in this brand. 
 

 

Userlevel 4
Badge +2

After reading this thread, I’m now uncertain about purchasing a Sonos Arc!

I was planning on using it with my Apple TV 4K, but it appears this setup may be glitchy at best.

Is this still an issue with most Apple TV 4K users?  I’ve seen some “solutions” that involve turning off Dolby Atmos, but that kinda defeats a huge reason for purchasing the Sonos Arc.

If I had known of this issue and read this thread prior to purchasing Sonos, I would have never purchased Sonos. Especially after reading what Sonos customer service is telling their customers.

 

”The solution is simple. Turn off Dolby Atmos, the specific feature of why you bought our Sonos Arc in the first place” Insert  Tom Hanks Golden Globes meme. Or any meme that defines the term Are You ….. kidding me?!?!?

I agree completely!  Surely SOMEONE at either Apple or Sonos knows the root cause of this? 

This has nothing to do with Apple. I’ve said previously, I’ve used my Apple 4KTV and Sonos Arc for years playing Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision content, with Zero issues. Until I thought to purchase and plug in an Xbox Series X, and ever since that day. My Sonos Arc now has the permanent and specific LOUD POP audio loss issue playing any Dolby Vision Dolby Atmos content from ANY source.

This is a long thread, so I understand why most people wouldn’t read through this. However, when you spend over $1000 on your sound system, you take the time to read, and research various sources that can provide information that is accurate and specific. So we can hopefully not feel buyer’s remorse. Because now we’re stuck with a fancy soundbar system that can no longer play the content we purchased it for. 
 

As I’ve said before, Sonos will never acknowledge this issue or warn their consumers and potential consumers, as it would prove too costly for their profits. This is a small company relatively speaking. 
 

Read through this thread, all of the recent posts and naysayers reasons for how this isn’t a Sonos issue have been addressed, etc etc etc etc. Just take the time to read. 
 

 

Userlevel 3
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Just to expand further on the above; I’ve noticed differences between my three test sources of Atmos content: Sony Bravia XH92, Apple TV 4K (2nd Gen), and PlayStation 5.

When viewing Atmos content on the Bravia, the “About my System” screen shows the encoding as Atmos (DD+).  (For reference; my settings on the TV are to use “Audio mode 1” and output as DD+).

The PlayStation 5, which is not a Atmos device, but can output the audio bitstream when watching Blu-Ray media shows (at least for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) as Atmos (True HD).

The Apple TV, however, is just “Dolby Atmos”, no brackets, no DD+ or True HD.

Not sure if that’s a contributing factor here — just something I noticed.

---

EDIT: Digging a little deeper, it seems that no brackets is Dolby MAT encoding, which appears to be LPCM with some Dolby metadata sprinkled on top.  Interestingly, it seems that Xbox Series X (which seems prevalent when searching for “Arc popping”) also uses Dolby MAT. 🤔 

Userlevel 2
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Please go to the post “Sonos Arc loud pop then audio loss” and add you story/experince there. So we have everything at one place. Sonos needs to fix this.,

Userlevel 2
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Go to post “Sonos Arc loud pop then audio loss” and add your story. Sonos need to fix this.

Userlevel 6
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Wanted to post an update here since it’s been a while. I’ve been “pop free” for over a month now.  All I had to do was disable eArc on my Sony television.  I have the Arc, with 2 One SLs, and a sub.  Television is Sony X900H.  I can confirm that once I disabled eArc I was able to run Dolby Vision and Atmos content through the Apple TV with no popping.

I also own an Apple TV, 900H, and Arc. As far as I know, you cannot play Atmos with eARC off from the Apple TV with our television. 
 

Please play Atmos content in the Apple TV and confirm that you are getting the Atmos logo in the Sonos app. And if you do, tell me how to pull that off!

I suspect you “fixed” the problem by disabling Atmos. Which is Sonos’ official recommendation for Apple TV and Xbox.