Sonos Arc and Samsung - eARC compatibility issues



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To my understanding, the Q80T model does not have an one connect box. Please confirm. If so, the above would indicate that the problem lies with the one connect box. TVs without the box works with eArc, TV with the box does not. This has also been suggested by other users.

I have the Frame (which has an one connect box) and cannot pass sound through eArc.

Hello,

I am planning to upgrade to either a Q80T or a Q95T. Am I right in thinking the Q80T (without the external box) now works with the Sonos Arc? Or are there still compatibility issues with both products?

Thanks in advance,

Mark.

Any update on this issue?

https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/tv/potential-major-issue-with-2020-samsung-tv-s-with-one-connect/td-p/1857527/page/2

 

Looks like Samsung is on it and will issue a fix in the next update.

*Fingers crossed*

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It appears to me the issue is twofold. Actually, one issue that has two origins. The Firmware for US/UK is different and that problem manifests itself through use of the One Connect Box. 

 

I am US based with a new Samsung Q8DT and am waiting a Sonos Arc. I anticipate no problems as I am “US” based and do not have the One-Connect box. I will keep the Community informed when I receive my back ordered ARC.

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To my understanding, the Q80T model does not have an one connect box. Please confirm. If so, the above would indicate that the problem lies with the one connect box. TVs without the box works with eArc, TV with the box does not. This has also been suggested by other users.

I have the Frame (which has an one connect box) and cannot pass sound through eArc.

  

I have the Q8DT (Costco (big box store) version of the Q80T) and confirm it does NOT use the One Connect box. I am waiting for my back ordered Sonos Arc. I will report my experience back to the Community when I receive it.

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The new firmware issued yesterday by Samsung has fixed this issue! There’s also a Sonos upgrade. 

Download both and install - eARC (auto) now works. Dolby Atmos content is playing as expected without any issues.

Can you confirm the firmware update version that you have which works for Samsung?

I have both the TV and Sonos set to update automatically, but I have not yet tried to change the e-Arc settings yet. Will give this a try, but am curious to the update version.

 

thanks

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The new firmware issued yesterday by Samsung has fixed this issue! There’s also a Sonos upgrade. 

Download both and install - eARC (auto) now works. Dolby Atmos content is playing as expected without any issues.

Can you confirm the firmware update version that you have which works for Samsung?

I have both the TV and Sonos set to update automatically, but I have not yet tried to change the e-Arc settings yet. Will give this a try, but am curious to the update version.

 

thanks

If you could also confirm the settings you have which make e-arc work, that be great.

 

I just tried it, my TV has the latest version and so does Sonos, so I tried to trun e-arc to “Auto” but unfortunatley, still no sound at all. If I set the sound to “Passthrough” or “Auto” no difference…

Would be great to know what your settings are to make it work

New Updates seem to have fixed the issue!!

 

Update not available yet for my q80t 55”. Hopefully it’s available soon. 

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Got to laugh at the following conversation with Samsung support:

Just to let you know that eARC is supporting 8k content.

‎4‎:‎39‎ ‎PM

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no its not

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its for uncompressed sound

‎4‎:‎39‎ ‎PM

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That might be the reason why you are not getting sounds because you don't have eARC content.

‎4‎:‎39‎ ‎PM

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hdmi 2.1 is for 8 k

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and high bandwidths

‎4‎:‎39‎ ‎PM

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no, that is not correct

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it does not recognise the eARC device

‎4‎:‎40‎ ‎PM

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eARC and HDMI 2.1 is just the same.

‎4‎:‎40‎ ‎PM

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ok, well if you check the tv specs, eARC is on port 3

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HDMI 2.1 is on port 4

‎4‎:‎41‎ ‎PM

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It is recognizin your device, it's just that you don't have an eARC content that is why it is not working.

‎4‎:‎41‎ ‎PM

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no its not

‎4‎:‎41‎ ‎PM

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I have photos from a user that shows what happens when you have a device that is earc

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if eARC is enabled, it displays the device as eARC connected

‎4‎:‎42‎ ‎PM

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I understand, but we need to check that out from your TV.

‎4‎:‎42‎ ‎PM

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even with no sound

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I am playing uncompressed 4k blu rays and there is no sound

‎4‎:‎43‎ ‎PM

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I already confirmed this from our product specialist and was advised that this is normal with the TV if you are not using an eARC content.

‎4‎:‎43‎ ‎PM

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that is earc contene!!!!

‎4‎:‎43‎ ‎PM

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no, that is wromg

‎4‎:‎44‎ ‎PM

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As I've mentioned to you the eARC supports 8k, not the normal 4k.

‎4‎:‎44‎ ‎PM

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It will only work if you have eARC content.

‎4‎:‎45‎ ‎PM

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wrong again, it supports both 4k and 8k, its not a video issue its audio. Do you know what eARC stands for?Enhanced Audio Return Channel.

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and eARC content is DOLBY TRU HD etc

‎4‎:‎46‎ ‎PM

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Can't believe you don't know this?

‎4‎:‎47‎ ‎PM

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I already coordinated with our product specialist about this, and I was advised that this is supporting 8k.

‎4‎:‎49‎ ‎PM

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HDMI 2.1 supports 8k and 4k at high frame rates. eARC supports uncompressed audio. Hope this clarifies.

‎4‎:‎50‎ ‎PM

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Let me coordinate with this again, please hold on.

‎4‎:‎52‎ ‎PM

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I already checked this again and as I've mentioned to you the content that you are using is not eARC content. That is why it is not working.

‎4‎:‎56‎ ‎PM

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I haven't heard from you for a couple of minutes, I just want to check if you're still there?

‎4‎:‎59‎ ‎PM

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sorry, I know this is wrong. The soundbar should emit sound either compressed or uncompressed when eARC is set to auto. If standard tv is played, you will receive sound, it sound from an uncompressed source is played it will also be passed through. As I have explained, I have played sound form all sources including Dolby Tru HD which is uncompressed sound that eARC can handle and no sound. I am afraid you are wrong in your statement. In your view then, what is eARC content?

‎5‎:‎00‎ ‎PM

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Can a product specialist contact me?

‎5‎:‎01‎ ‎PM

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We cannot be able to do that because we are not allowed to transfer customers to another representative including our product specialist.

‎5‎:‎02‎ ‎PM

 

Having looked through the comments, let me contribute a little bit.

 

Set Up

  • 2020 55" Q95T (QE55Q95TATXXU)
  • Sonos Arc + Sub (gen 3) + 2 ones

Issue

I confirm that I face exactly the same issue as the one observed by Mike. 

In particular, once you enable the eARC you get no sound, while once you turn it off, you get sound output but up to 5.1 surround level and not the desired Atmos.

I am not sure that it will get resolved, but I guess I can hope for a solution by both Samsung and Sonos.

 

I spent a few hours this morning with Samsung and Sonos and I now have eARC auto enabled on my Sonos ARC (only speaker I have connected) working. Sonos was able to check on their end that it was connected and working as expected. It involved a lot of resetting, unplugging, plugging back in, rebooting. It is my belief that other inputs where interfering with its initial setup.

 

Try this: unplug everything from the Samsung One Connect box but the Sonos ARC. Select Reset on the Samsung TV (sucks you lose all saved settings). Boot up everything, enable eARC Auto, once enabled unplug the TV for 30 seconds and then plug it back in. This worked for me. I was then able to plug in all my other input devices, at this point the Sonos ARC stopped working (happened when I plugged in a Nintendo Switch) when that happened I unplugged the TV again for 30 seconds, plugged it back in and all is well with the world, beautiful Dolby Atmos (uncompressed) sound.

 

Let me know if this helps anyone else out.

I have just been on the phone with Sonos and on chat with Samsung at the same time. Sonos believe the issue is the way Samsung has implemented the eARC in the TV is not to HDMI standard. They are still actively working on a solution with Samsung,

Samsung and sonos have advised to turn off eARC for the time being until a fix is issued… (fix might be returning this tv...) D̶o̶l̶b̶y̶ ̶A̶t̶m̶o̶s̶

I will follow up an a few more phone calls and have found out the following:

Sonos has been diligently working on a fix for nearly 4 months. The issue from what I have gathered is the Q Symphony technology which is new and is not working properly with Samsung TV’s. IT is the only known brand to have issues facing the Sonos compatibility. Sonos said that it would be idiotic to not fix this problem because Samsung is #1 selling brand in the world and we need to sell our products. 

I spoke to tech from Best Buy, to figure out what to do with my brand new 2 days old 75” Q80T. An expert said that if your not planning on upgrading to Sonos in the next 6 months you should be fine however the Q80T is best quality versus Sony X950 or X900. I am taking a leap of faith that Sonos and Samsung find a fix quickly, I am hesitant to keep this unit and unsure what to do before my return window closes. Why have an expensive TV if you can not enjoy its features? 

Userlevel 2

I was on with Sonos support last week Wednesday.  Sonos has released an update for the ARC….. coupled with the Samsung update from December..I have full functionality with no issues!!  65” 2020 Frame with ARC.

 

Issue seems to have been solved.

So I have a Samsung 2020 75” Frame TV.   Ordered a Sonos Arc bar and 2 x One SL surrounds for our TV room.   Got the One SL’s today, but the Arc seems to be backordered for a little bit (maybe a good thing?).   Was just looking around today on Atmos support and found this thread.   Have to admit, I started off super worried that I made a huge mistake.    Judging by recent comments though, when my Arc arrives, I should be fine plugging into eArc and turning to Auto, correct?    Does the Samsung Frame support Atmos, it says it doesn’t have Atomos on Samsung website, but does that mean it’s just not built-in to the TV speakers (but using a soundbar like Arc I’ll have full Dolby Atmos?).   Thanks, sorry for the relatively dumb questions! 

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So I have a Samsung 2020 75” Frame TV.   Ordered a Sonos Arc bar and 2 x One SL surrounds for our TV room.   Got the One SL’s today, but the Arc seems to be backordered for a little bit (maybe a good thing?).   Was just looking around today on Atmos support and found this thread.   Have to admit, I started off super worried that I made a huge mistake.    Judging by recent comments though, when my Arc arrives, I should be fine plugging into eArc and turning to Auto, correct?    Does the Samsung Frame support Atmos, it says it doesn’t have Atomos on Samsung website, but does that mean it’s just not built-in to the TV speakers (but using a soundbar like Arc I’ll have full Dolby Atmos?).   Thanks, sorry for the relatively dumb questions! 

To start with, the Frame does not support Dolby Atmos (from what I can see on the 2020 models, don’t have your TV model number, so cannot say it with 100% certainty). 

Depending on your level of audiophile requirements, I honestly don’t think you need to be worried.

Atmos is a great future, but even the ARC does not provide a true Dolby Atmos experience. In my opinion you will need a full Atmos (wired) setup for this with ceiling mounted speakers. I find it hard to really hear the difference between an Atmos movie or a 5.1 Dolby Surround and my TV does support Atmos. I have the same setup with the Arc, 2x Sonos One’s as surround and I do have the subwoofer which really is awesome. 

The e-arc issue I believe is also not a concern for the Frame, as from what I can see the Frame only support “arc” (audio return channel) but not e-arc. Even if it did, you can still get the sound to work great with the e-arc functionality off. You will still get a fully imersive surround sound, as the e-arc function on my TV has not been working since my purchase in April, yet I can watch movies and listen to music and still make the house shake. 

sorry for the lengthy response, hope this settles your purchase nerves. Hope the Arc arrives soon!

I spent a few hours this morning with Samsung and Sonos and I now have eARC auto enabled on my Sonos ARC (only speaker I have connected) working. Sonos was able to check on their end that it was connected and working as expected. It involved a lot of resetting, unplugging, plugging back in, rebooting. It is my belief that other inputs where interfering with its initial setup.

 

Try this: unplug everything from the Samsung One Connect box but the Sonos ARC. Select Reset on the Samsung TV (sucks you lose all saved settings). Boot up everything, enable eARC Auto, once enabled unplug the TV for 30 seconds and then plug it back in. This worked for me. I was then able to plug in all my other input devices, at this point the Sonos ARC stopped working (happened when I plugged in a Nintendo Switch) when that happened I unplugged the TV again for 30 seconds, plugged it back in and all is well with the world, beautiful Dolby Atmos (uncompressed) sound.

 

Let me know if this helps anyone else out.

Ya, the auto eARC setting didn’t ‘hold’ audio eventually just cut off, had to turn auto eARC off … waiting for a proper fix...

I ordered a Samsung 55 Inch QE55QN90A Smart 4K Neo QLED UHD HDR TV yesterday for delivery today. Before it arrived I decided to check just to make sure that it would be compatible with my SONOS setup… 1 x ARC… 2 x SONOS 1. I found this thread and was dismayed to read that the Samsung tv that I had ordered would probably be incompatible with my existing SONOS setup.

The tv arrived this morning. I set it all up with my SONOS gear and switched it on. OMG… it all works perfectly and the sound is even better than it used to be with my LG OLED tv which I bought the Samsung to replace.

I haven’t a clue what settings the tv is using as I didn’t even have to enter the settings. The whole setup was done automatically… my SKY Q box… SONOS gear and PS 5. I was dreading the usual settings adjustments when getting a new tv, but the Samsung QN90A looks just fine out of the box..

There was a large update when I first turned on the Samsung, maybe they finally fixed the problem of the Samsung/SONOS compatibility issue.

I am in UK by the way so the QN90A is using the UK software version.

So I have a Samsung 2020 75” Frame TV.   Ordered a Sonos Arc bar and 2 x One SL surrounds for our TV room.   Got the One SL’s today, but the Arc seems to be backordered for a little bit (maybe a good thing?).   Was just looking around today on Atmos support and found this thread.   Have to admit, I started off super worried that I made a huge mistake.    Judging by recent comments though, when my Arc arrives, I should be fine plugging into eArc and turning to Auto, correct?    Does the Samsung Frame support Atmos, it says it doesn’t have Atomos on Samsung website, but does that mean it’s just not built-in to the TV speakers (but using a soundbar like Arc I’ll have full Dolby Atmos?).   Thanks, sorry for the relatively dumb questions! 

To start with, the Frame does not support Dolby Atmos (from what I can see on the 2020 models, don’t have your TV model number, so cannot say it with 100% certainty). 

Depending on your level of audiophile requirements, I honestly don’t think you need to be worried.

Atmos is a great future, but even the ARC does not provide a true Dolby Atmos experience. In my opinion you will need a full Atmos (wired) setup for this with ceiling mounted speakers. I find it hard to really hear the difference between an Atmos movie or a 5.1 Dolby Surround and my TV does support Atmos. I have the same setup with the Arc, 2x Sonos One’s as surround and I do have the subwoofer which really is awesome. 

The e-arc issue I believe is also not a concern for the Frame, as from what I can see the Frame only support “arc” (audio return channel) but not e-arc. Even if it did, you can still get the sound to work great with the e-arc functionality off. You will still get a fully imersive surround sound, as the e-arc function on my TV has not been working since my purchase in April, yet I can watch movies and listen to music and still make the house shake. 

sorry for the lengthy response, hope this settles your purchase nerves. Hope the Arc arrives soon!


Thanks for this, CvH7.  I’m currently sitting with a Q80T that I bought in September and trying to figure out which soundbar to buy.  I really want the ARC because of its many options for streaming (mainly music) but with all the Atmos problems revealed with my research today, I became hesitant. You answered one of my questions which was, “if I don’t have a full (or near-full) surround set up, do I really need Atmos engaged?”.  I hear you say “no”.

I live in the Seattle area and have an Xfinity (Comcast) cable box. I swore that I’d never go back to cable or satellite but went ahead and got the bundle with internet.  This is all I have in our “open concept” living area at the moment.  Just with the Q80T and the cable box connected, I have lip sync issues.  That leads me to believe that the Xfinity box may be creating problems for some Q80T owners (and perhaps other brands) but certainly not the other Atmos issues reported.  All I want for this living space is a reasonable watching /listening experience with movies and standalone music listening.  I think the ARC will provide that as I’m not going for a full HT setup--I have that in a different room in the house.  The idea of HT gear in the living room is not wife-approved unless everything is concealed and I don’t have the bucks to pursue that.

Sooo, after this long-winded spiel, I think the ARC is a good choice for me, knowing that I’m not going to be employing Atmos anytime in the near future.  Still, these issues are troubling and I hope that the manufacturers work to get them resolved soon.

I have been having the same issue with Q95T and ARC connected to hdmi 3 e-arc. I just spoke with Samsung support and they asked me to under General> external device manage > input signal plus> enable the blue dot on all hdmi sources. 
 

this resolved the issue now the sound works fine with e-arc enabled and atmos compatibility enabled.

 

I hope this works for you all, I have had it with this setup for a few hours and no issues at the moment.

@CvH7 im not sure about your research, but if I go into expert audio settings on the TV it has the option to turn eArc to auto 🤣🤷‍♂️.    Let’s hope the new arcs shipping in November have fixed the issue once and for all! 

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I have a 55” Samsung QLED and arc set up and downloaded the Dolby Amaze trailer in Lossless form but it says ‘unsupported’ when I try to play it through the USB. Picture but no sound. Any help?

( I have Disney Plus also but can’t get the Atmos logo to show up) 

Same problem with a Samsung QA75QN700ASXNZ.  Software version T-OSCPUABC-1903.0, BT-S.  

I have just taken delivery of the Samsung Q95T 75” and connected it to the ARC. I have had no issues so far with Dolby Atmos or any other format! Perhaps it has been fixed?? or am I just lucky. :) 

Stumbled across this thread. I don’t have a Sonos sound bar but a Samsung hw950a soundbar. My tv was the 55inch 700a and that tv packed up within 7 months. I never had any issues with the e-arc connection between the tv and soundbar. Received a new 700b tv ( 8 weeks for the replacement) and from day one the new tv would not connect to the soundbar via e-arc and resorted back to tv speaker only!!! Sometimes it will connect via e-arc but only on WiFi. Spent a month and a half onto Samsung  endless hours, having the phone put down on me time and time again. Sent an email the the ceo for Samsung and they promised to sort the problem out. That was two weeks ago and still getting nowhere. Horrific service from Samsung and a total no care attitude. Stuck now with what to do 

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