HT-A5000 and SWA-SW5 sound drop-outs.

[MegaRid]

I've seen a number of threads relating to the HT-Z9F drop-out issues but wanted to see if anyone is experiencing problems with any of the new HT-A3/5/7000 sound bars with the SW5 sub??

I have Sky Q and PS5 connected to my A95k tv via hi-speed HDMI 2.1 cables. The tv is then connected to the sound bar via e-Arc (only 2.0 cable, in case anyone thinks this might be the problem). Pretty much since one week after install, I have experienced random sound drop outs - seemingly when the sub loses connection to the sound bar.

I tried all of the trouble-shooting (check cable connection, RF on and off) to no avail. Sony, to their credit, have replaced the sub but it has not fully resolved the issue - every now and then, just for a second or so, the sound will completely drop-out.

Is anyone else having this problem?? Has anyone had it and resolved it?? I'm not massively 'technical' (!!) so any help or advice would be gratefully received.....

[Elodin]

Hey @MegaRid, you mentioned that the sound bar is connected to the TV via an HDMI 2.0 cable and not a 2.1. Can you try connecting both of them using a 2.1 cable and test the performance? 

Also, can you make sure that both your TV and sound bar are running on the latest software version TV and Soundbar.

Can you change the [Wireless Playback Quality] setting to [Connection].

I hope this helps.

[MegaRid]

Hey Elodin,

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond.

I'll have to order a new 2.1 cable to be able to use and test - which is fine but I thought 2.0, with Ethernet, should be o.k. for e-Arc (and Atmos etc)?? Do you have any experience of using the older cable being the problem??

The firmware is definitely up-to-date, so I don't think that is the problem. 

I will try switching the priority but I have previously purposefully steered clear of doing this. I haven't really been keen to (potentially) sacrifice any sound quality when the two items (sound bar and sub) are sat right next to one another. Do you know if switching the preference is likely to result in a noticeable sound quality drop??

[Elodin · Accepted solution]

hey @MegaRid, changing the wireless playback quality to connection will prioritize the connection over the quality. So it wouldn't drop the quality unless there is going to be an issue with the connection as it is always going to prioritize the connection

I've advised you to test with a 2.1HDMI cable, because it was recommended here for the eARC connection.

[MegaRid]

Hey Elodin,

So sorry it has taken me so long to respond to your most recent reply - I kinda got side-tracked!!

So....

Thanks!! I wouldn't say the problem is completely resolved - I do still have the occasional drop-out - but things are greatly improved. I was never that happy about changing the priority of the wireless playback but, after your most recent post, I decided I would give it a try. If it does affect the sound quality, I can't hear it and it has had a noticeable effect on the drop-outs. For this reason, I am going to say 'thanks' and close the thread. If need be, I can always re-open at a later date (let's hope not!!).

Thanks again!!

[SkyNet404]

Well glad to know that it's working now, cheers mate!