Random mutes usually come from HDMI handshakes, flaky eARC, or mode switches between SDR/HDR. Stabilize the chain in this order.
Quick answer
- Use certified HDMI cables and the TVΓÇÖs 4K/eARC port; avoid switches while testing.
- Apple TV: 4K SDR base, Match Dynamic Range/Frame Rate On, Chroma 4:2:0.
- TV: eARC On, Digital Audio Pass-through, simplify CEC. Receiver: HDMI Out Enhanced/8K, input Auto/Direct.
- Reboot in order: TV → receiver/soundbar → Apple TV.
Symptoms
- Brief audio mutes every few minutes.
- Drops when switching apps, HDR, or frame rates.
- Stable direct to TV but drops through receiver/soundbar.
Quick checks
- Confirm drops happen in multiple apps; reinstall a single misbehaving app.
- Swap to a certified HDMI 2.1 cable; reseat both ends.
- Turn off wireless audio (HomePods/Bluetooth) while testing to isolate HDMI.
- Update firmware on TV/receiver/soundbar and Apple TV.
Step-by-step fix
- Clean cabling – Apple TV → TV 4K/eARC port with a certified cable. Recommended: Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (paid link).
- Set the Apple TV baseline ΓÇô Format 4K SDR 60 Hz, Match Dynamic Range/Frame Rate On, Chroma 4:2:0.
- Configure eARC soundbars ΓÇô Enable eARC + Pass-through on the TV, disable extra CEC switching, and update the bar. If Atmos triggers drops, test temporarily with Dolby Digital 5.1.
- Configure receivers ΓÇô HDMI Out Enhanced/8K, use the 8K/4K120 input for Apple TV, disable upmixers while testing, and check ARC vs eARC conflicts.
- Retest with known content ΓÇô Play a stable Atmos/5.1 title and watch the receiver/bar info screen for format changes.
If drops continue
- Turn off VRR/ALLM for video apps; keep a standard picture mode during movies.
- Reduce CEC features; leave only power/volume if needed.
- Shorten cable runs; replace in-wall runs if only long cables fail.
- If only one port works, stick to the best HDMI port and document failures before contacting support.
FAQ
Why does Atmos trigger drops? Atmos raises bandwidth; marginal cables or ports can glitch the eARC channel. Use certified cables and the TVΓÇÖs best port.
Should I force PCM? Only for testing. If PCM stops drops, fix HDMI/eARC stability, then return to Atmos.
Does Match Frame Rate cause drops? Mode switches can mute audio briefly. Keeping Match on is best for quality; ensure cables/ports are stable so the switch completes cleanly.
Can WiΓÇæFi cause this? Severe buffering can mute audio. Prefer Ethernet or strong 5 GHz/6 GHz WiΓÇæFi during testing.