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AussieMelbFan
Contributor I
September 8, 2021

Sonos Arc & LG G1 with eARC: Issues using Bluetooth Headphones

  • September 8, 2021
  • 52 replies
  • 11744 views

Hi Sonos Community,

Having issues using the LG G1 and the Sonos Arc when I want to use Bluetooth headphones on the TV. Maye one of you have some insights?

So I’ve done quite a bit of research and nothing I do in the settings of either the ARC or the G1 fixes the issue. I have seen and read through the entire thread in the other channel but thought it worthwhile starting a new channel in the Troubleshooting section. 

I have reached out to Sonos via LiveChat and they advised that this is known. I have logged a support case with LG as well. 

Trying to set the G1 to use a pair of wireless headphones using Bluetooth whilst the ARC is connected using eARC.

The ARC keeps forcing the audio out connection back to itself. The Bluetooth connection to the headphones disconnects after about 1-2 seconds when it reverts back to the Sonos Arc as the audio output device.

I understand that this is how HMDI-CEC is meant to work but have tried everything to stop this behaviour, even setting the TV to optical out but the ARC just keeps taking over.

Things I’ve tried:

1. Disable QuickStart+
2. Disable eARC Support
3. Change Audio Output to Optical
4. Disable HDMI-CEC (reverts back to Simplink On after a few seconds)

Outside of physically disconnecting the bloody Arc from the TV, is there any other way of getting this working? Seems to be an issue for all TVs with eARC?

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    52 replies

    Show previous replies
    buzz
    buzz
    Grand Maestro
    April 29, 2023

    Try inserting a CEC blocker in the HDMI connector. You’ll also need to configure ARC to use IR Volume commands.

    Pileroux
    Contributor I
    May 4, 2023

    Thanks buzz. I bought a Bluerigger between the Arc and the LG C2, and now I have no more sound transiting at all, even if I set the volume reasonably high with the Sonos App. When you were mentioning a « CEC blocker », did you have a specific model in mind?

    buzz
    buzz
    Grand Maestro
    May 5, 2023

    I have no favorite, the one that you have should work. You’ll likely need to enable Simple Link on the TV and enable IR Volume control for ARC. Configure the LG remote to control a fictional A/V system. The model number is arbitrary, just don’t pick a model that is nearby, then train ARC to use those commands.

    Simomosi
    Lyricist I
    June 15, 2023

    LG G3 and Sonos Beam 2 owner. Same issue here 

    ihadd
    Lyricist I
    July 27, 2023

    Had an LG B8 with the same issue, kept unplugging the hdmi from the ARC to use Bluetooth headphones, eventually the ARC plug broke off the circuit board on the TV, then had used a optical hdmi adapter to use Sonos beam, and able to connect headphones.

    Today upgraded to an LG C2  thinking this issue may have now been resolved. Guess what, same issue. Not even bothered to use the ARC, SO FRUSTRATING.

    All this technology and a simple thing like this can't be fixed, 

     Doesn't look like my future buys will be LG or Sonos if they can't come together to fix this problem.

    106rallye
    106rallye
    July 27, 2023

    Just thinking an issue would be resolved is pour preparation. Especially since Sonos does not acknowledge there even is an issue……

    ihadd
    Lyricist I
    July 27, 2023

    To be fair I did buy the b8 five years ago, so naive  have I been to think things would have moved on by now, but what do I know? I'm just old, and didn't check everything the TV could and couldn't do.

    lumbered with it now.

    nathanfernandes
    Lyricist I
    August 13, 2023

    So I have the same issue with my Sonos arc and my LG C1, the solution I found is to go to 

    Sound>Advanced settings> Turn off eArc support. 

    Then goto General>HDMI Settings> Turn off SIMPLINK

    You should then be able to use any Bluetooth headset without the output automatically switching to the soundbar.

    You'll need to reverse those settings once done and enable eArc support manually. 

    The other option is to unplug your soundbar or use a smart switch to turn it off so you can use a Bluetooth device

    SouthcoastPauly
    Lyricist I
    November 4, 2023

    Same problem here . LG G1 and ARC.

    Followed steps suggested by nathanfernandes and it works fine, Simplink stays off and my BT headphones connect ok.

    Just have to reverse steps afterwards. It’s just two changes in settings so no biggie for me , as I only use headphones occasionally late at night when other half goes to bed.

    Hope this helps others.

      Airgetlam
      Airgetlam
      November 4, 2023

      The current implementation of CEC, which Sonos uses, allows a single audio ‘sink’. The TV manufacturers would need to change their firmware and internal electronics, as that’s where the CEC controller (computer) exists. Sonos is just following the specification where they report themselves to that computer as an audio sink.

      Some TV manufacturers keep the optical output disconnected from the CEC system, which is often why you see the suggestion here to connect the Bluetooth transmitter to the optical output. Unfortunately, it’s not all, from what I’ve seen. 

      Bruce
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