Skip to main content
JackWhite
Contributor I
December 31, 2021
Answered

Sonos Beam (gen2) Apple TV Samsung Frame Atmos 5.1

I recently purchased a new AV set up: 2021 Samsung Frame 55” TV, Apple TV 4K, Sonos Beam (gen 2) with 2x One SL and Sub set up in 5.1 configuration (on the Sonos app). 

  • The Beam is connected to the TV (One Connect Box) using eARC cable
  • The Apple TV is connected to the TV (One Connect Box) using HDMI

When I play any Apple TV content (Netflix or Plex etc), the Sonos app only shows Stereo PCM, not 5.1. I have played around with the Audio settings in the TV (including changing the setting to Auto or Passthrough - neither fix the problem). I have ensured that all software is the latest version.

The only way I can get the Sonos to play anything in 5.1 is when I use the Netflix app on the TV which is really patchy in terms of performance. I presume that this is because the HDMI that connects the Apple TV to the TV (One Connect Box) is standard HDMI only (not eArc). The problem is though that the One Connect Box only has one eArc port which I need to use for the Beam connection. 

Any help on how to configure/set-up the Apple TV, Beam and Samsung Frame so that when I play content via the Apple TV, I can get 5.1 sound? Thanks in advance.

    This topic has been closed for further comments. You can use the search bar to find a similar topic, or create a new one by clicking Create Topic at the top of the page.
    GuitarSuperstarAnswer
    Lead Maestro
    December 31, 2021

    On the TV settings, make sure HDMI eARC mode is set to Auto and the Digital Output Audio Format is set to Dolby Digital Plus.

    On the Apple TV’s audio settings, set Change Format to Off and set Dolby Atmos to On under Immersive Audio. The alternative option is setting Change Format to On and setting the Audio Format to Dolby Digital.

    "Receive with simplicity everything that happens to you." - Rashi
    View in thread

    12 replies

    Show previous replies
    fraym
    Lyricist I
    February 11, 2022

    If that is any help with your diagnostic, I’m having the opposite issue with my setup. I have an Apple TV 4K connected to a Samsung QN90A, itself connected through earc to a Sonos Beam first gen (doesn’t support Atmos). When I play atmos content on Apple TV, sound only works intermittently, if at all. I had to change the audio setting to re-encode all audio to 5.1. With re-encoding, audio plays fine, but sound isn’t as rich as when no encoding is occurring. It seems to be a known issue, there are a few threads about this on Apple forums and reddit. The problem seems to affect users regardless of the soundbar/audio setup they have, so the problem is more likely to be between Apple and Samsung. I have yet to find a fix for this.

    I actually landed here when wondering if upgrading to the Beam 2 would help, but seems that might not be the case.

    stradivarius
    Lyricist I
    March 7, 2022

    Hi,

    I have exactly the same issue with my Sonos Beam Gen2, TCL TV (eARC) and my Apple TV.

    Atmos is working like a charm on Netflix, Disney+… but as soon as the content is 5.1, Apple TV pushes PCM stereo to the Beam.

    I need to disable Atmos and force 5.1 on Apple TV in order to have 5.1 on Sonos.

    Did you find a fix?

    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement