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TCL C655 + Apple TV 4K + Sonos Beam 2 – HDMI/eARC audio issues

  • August 10, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 21 views
R

I’m having an ongoing HDMI/eARC issue with my TCL C655, Apple TV 4K and Sonos Beam (Gen 2).

The setup is:

● TCL C655/Q651G TV

● Apple TV 4K connected directly to the TV

● Sonos Beam 2 connected to the TV’s eARC port

● HDMI-CEC and eARC enabled

The main problem is that the Apple TV does not consistently negotiate the correct audio format with the TV/Sonos.

With Pass Through, Dolby Atmos sometimes disappears completely from the Apple TV audio settings. After restarting or changing settings, Atmos may come back.

With Auto, Atmos is detected, but regular 5.1 content from apps such as Disney+ can sometimes be sent to the Sonos as Stereo PCM instead of Dolby Digital 5.1.

I also occasionally get audio interference/static noises when navigating the Apple TV menus, which makes me suspect an HDMI/eARC handshake or compatibility issue.

Everything works correctly at times, but the behavior is inconsistent and seems to be related to the TCL rather than the Apple TV or Sonos.

Has anyone experienced the same issue with the TCL C655, particularly with its firmware/HDMI-eARC implementation?

2 replies

Airgetlam
  • Airgetlam
  • August 10, 2026

I’ve stayed away from TCLs, as I feel there are too many issues with their implementation of ARC/eARC. But that doesn’t help you right now, so a few suggestions, in the hope they’re more useful. 

Check both the TV and the Apple TV for software/firmware updates, and apply them. It’s possible that something has been ‘fixed’ in a later update.

Be aware (although it may not be an issue here) that content is streamed in its original form, usually, so not everything will come across as Atmos. It depends on the original formats.

Since the issue appears to be between TCL and Apple TV, try contacting either of them. As an Apple TV user, I have no idea how to contact them except by booking a Genius Bar visit, but I’d think/hope TCLs CS group is more accessible. I’d think/hope they would have better answers for you. 

Bruce
Stanley_4
  • Stanley_4
  • Grand Maestro
  • August 10, 2026

A cheap Atmos capable Firestick might aid troubleshooting. Even if you have no access to Atmos content on it there is a nice Atmos test built in.

4k $45 from Amazon, used, might be cheaper locally. Not all FireStick versions do Atmos.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJL9XJVY?ref_=pob_related_offer

Maybe even borrow one from a friend?

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