I'm having an issue with my new Sony A8H and sonos arc. The tv keeps switching the audio output to the TV speakers rather than through the soundbar. The Sonos arc will play sound for 1-5 seconds than revert to the tv speakers. There are times where it works as it should, but I usually have to turn the tv off/on multiple times to get that to happen. The arc works fine when streaming music, and it worked immediately when I plugged it into my 6 year old samsung smart tv upstairs. I have the sonos arc connected to the arc/earc port on the TV. I have tried 2 different HDMI cables (sony suggested the one that came with the arc was the issue, when I switched it out for a spare I had lying around the problem resolved itself for a while, but then returned). The earc setting on the tv is set to auto. Pass through also set to auto. Sony support has had me do power reset, factory reset, changed the RS232c control from HDMI port to serial port. These have in turn fixed the issue, but after the tv is turned off and left overnight, the problem returns. I did spend an hour on phone support with sonos and diagnostics suggest the arc is fine. Has anyone had similar problems? Does anyone have a Sony A8H where the ARC works as it should? At this point, I’m trying to decide whether to exchange the TV for a new A8H or switch to something else like an LG. Thanks for you help and suggestions.
SONY A8H + Sonos Arc issues
Best answer by Corry P
Hi
Bravia Sync, which is just Sony’s version of CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) is ideally left on. If your TV stops switching to it’s own speakers, and the Arc still works, then continue with this. If you ever get a firmware update for the TV, however, it’s worth trying to turn Bravia Sync back on to see if things have improved.
There could also be a CEC conflict - please try disconnecting all other HDMI devices from your TV and test (with Bravia Sync turned on). If all is well, add one device and test. Repeat this until you have found the problem device and disable CEC on it, rather than on the TV. If there is no option to disable CEC, you can purchase CEC-less adaptors that remove CEC from the HDMI cable before it gets to the TV.
+16Hi there @C_H.
Thanks for reaching out and welcome to the community! We’d be glad to help.
It seems that you have gone through not just basic but somewhat advanced troubleshooting steps already.
Upon doing research, I’ve found this relevant thread that might help in this case, here’s the link:
https://en.community.sonos.com/setting-up-sonos-228990/switching-sound-output-on-tv-6833253
In addition, some of the community members might provide their suggestions and recommendations about this anytime soon.
Let us know how it goes and if you have any questions feel free to reach out.
I did have Bravia Sync enabled, it had defaulted to that. I had someone suggest to turn that off on a different forum. Tried it and it might have just fixed it. Other things have fixed the problem, only for it to return the next day, so time will tell. Thanks for the suggestion :)
Apparently this is a firmware issue with the A8H. I have a sony bravia x900f and have the same issue with my arc…
This guy in the youtube video fixed his issue with a firmware update.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8EwsSdVrU8
Hi Xavier, thanks for response, however the guy in the video does not have the same problem. His was working and he only had issues when switching between apps. I do have the most up to date software/firmware and was still having the issue of the sound bar rarely working and frequently being “overridden” by the TV speakers. Since turning off Bravia Sync I have had zero issues, so there seems to be a problem with that feature not playing nice with my Sonos Arc. Hopefully they fix it down the line and I’ll be able to control the volume on the soundbar with my TV remote
Ah, I have the same issue with my TV constantly switching between external speakers and TV speakers. The Sonos ARC is plugged into the Sony’s ARC HDMI port. Bravia Sync is enabled. I believe this is a Sony issue, not Sonos unfortunately.
Yes, I think so as well. Turning off Bravia sync fixed the issue for me, hope it works for you too.
+19Hi
Bravia Sync, which is just Sony’s version of CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) is ideally left on. If your TV stops switching to it’s own speakers, and the Arc still works, then continue with this. If you ever get a firmware update for the TV, however, it’s worth trying to turn Bravia Sync back on to see if things have improved.
There could also be a CEC conflict - please try disconnecting all other HDMI devices from your TV and test (with Bravia Sync turned on). If all is well, add one device and test. Repeat this until you have found the problem device and disable CEC on it, rather than on the TV. If there is no option to disable CEC, you can purchase CEC-less adaptors that remove CEC from the HDMI cable before it gets to the TV.
I experienced the same issues. Here are my config….
TV : Sony X950g + Sonos ARC (Connect by HDMI3 (eARC)
NO OTHER HDMI DEVICES are connected to the TV.
When i switch to TV Speaker in the menu, it will have TV sounds for 2-3 secs, then switch back to ARC.
Very frustrated!!
Hi ElvinSan - i am wondering, in the “Audio Output” settings, do you have “Audio system prioritization” enabled? Because if you do, the sound will automatically revert back to the Sonos Arc no matter how many times you try to set it to the tv’s output. From the X950G manual: “If enabled, this automatically switches the audio output to a BRAVIA Sync-compatible audio system when the TV is turned on.”
Hi ElvinSan - i am wondering, in the “Audio Output” settings, do you have “Audio system prioritization” enabled? Because if you do, the sound will automatically revert back to the Sonos Arc no matter how many times you try to set it to the tv’s output. From the X950G manual: “If enabled, this automatically switches the audio output to a BRAVIA Sync-compatible audio system when the TV is turned on.”
Hi Jimmy,
I have tried this options already….. no mater “Enable” or “Disable” , it will also switch back to the ARC after few seconds...… weird….
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