Sony Bravia TV Netflix 5.1 to Yamaha receiver audio dropouts problem

[stuhac]

The audio from the Sony Bravia KDL43WE753 Netflix app keeps dropping out when output to my Yamaha RX-660 receiver in Dolby Digital 5.1. The dropouts last less than a second, but are really annoying as they happen regularly (the time between each dropout seems random. Sometimes the audio is fine for several minutes, but other times they happen every few seconds). I’m currently having to change the tv output to PCM whenever I want to watch Netflix.

Only the tv’s Netflix app has the problem. I don’t have the problem in any of these scenarios:

- Digital Audio Out set to PCM (i.e. not using 5.1)

- Netflix app on my Virgin TiVo box output via hdmi to TV then on to the receiver using the tv’s Digital Audio Out of Auto1 or Auto2 (this was almost a workaround, but the picture quality is very poor from the Virgin box)

- Blu-ray player via hdmi to tv then on to the receiver, as above

- any other 5.1 digital output from the tv (e.g. from HD TV channels)

I’ve done a range of things to try and solve the issue, but nothing’s worked:

- Tried 3 different HDMI and 1 optical cable from the tv to the receiver

- turned ARC and BRAVIA Sync Settings on and off in a variety of different ways

- set Digital Audio Out to either auto1 or auto2

- set Dolby Digital Plus Out to either auto or off

- restoring factory settings

 Does this tv have an unresolved problem with its 5.1 Netflix output, or is there something I need to do?

I’ve run out of ideas, so any help would be much appreciated!

[stuhac]

Thanks Win_88,

Don't know if it was down to you, but Sony got back to me today with a bunch of questions. Here's my reply (in case it helps anyone in this community):

-Provide video of the sound drop on Netflix?

I have published the following to YouTube:

https://youtu.be/heFjEw1maYE

Dropouts @ 2, 10 and 39 seconds. A view of the amp when the dropouts occur @ 48 and 1:41.

- Does it happen all the time? Any title on Netflix?  

It happens all the time on any Netflix title that has a 5.1 track

-How is the Amplifier connected to the TV? Through HDMI ARC or optical?  

I've tried connecting it via HDMI and optical (ARC on and ARC off). I've tried with only the optical connection and only the HDMI connections between the TV and amp (removing all other cables from both the amp and the TV), and the issue still occurs.

-What is your Blu-ray model name ?

Panasonic DMP-BDT220. 

[Win_88]

Hi Stuhac,

That could very well be the case.

Thank you for sharing the information!

Win_88

[dutchice]

Hi @stuhac,

I coincidentally had a chance to view the video you posted and noticed that the distance between your TV and AVR is definitely more than 1.5m.

If that is indeed the case, I strongly recommend you place the AVR next to the TV and test using a High-Speed HDMI cable not longer than 1.5m.

Please keep us posted as always,

Cheers,

Dutchice

[Jecht_Sin]

I have got (quite regularly. In some days even once/twice per hour, others nothing at all, though) the same issue with Netflix, Prime Video and TIMVision (not sure about Plex) on my Bravia with Android 7 (I didn't test with Oreo. Not using the smart part of my Bravia anymore) attached to my Yamaha RX-v483, and with my Chromecast and now even my Fire TV Stick 2nd generation, the last two connected straight (no additional HDMI cables) into my kitchen's 1080p 23" Sony TV, using the TV speakers.

Just to be clear, it never ever happened with Netflix or Prime Video played from my Apple TV 4K connected to my AVR, so they shouldn't be VOD services to cause it.

[stuhac]

Hi Dutchice,

Yes, it's a 10m cable from the amp to the TV.

I have already tried moving the TV across the room and connecting with a 1m HDMI, but it still had the same problem. 

I've not yet heard back from Sony following my response to their questions last week. Hopefully they'll get back to me soon.

[ofesad]

Greetins from Argentina!

I had a similar problem time ago, it was related to the audio config from netflix or the tv.

Question: When the sound goes off or drops out, the Yamaha receiver changes the display message from Dolby to something else?

I had a similar issue that was related to Dolby + signal. Changin' it to standard Dolby Surround from the Netflix App and the Tv Audio Config might do the trick.

According to your tv manual:

Try this: Tv config -> Audio -> Advanced Settings -> Dolby Digital Plus Out -> OFF

BTW, you have a Yamaha RX A660? Is that correct?

[stuhac]

Hi Argentina!

Thanks for your ideas.

Yes, it's a RX A660. When the audio drops out, the receiver still says "Dolby Digital" but the icon for all 6 speakers blinks off (I've included that in the youtube video on this thread).

It makes no difference to the problem whether DD Plus Out is set to ON or OFF.

[materak]

I have the same problem, but with you tube
If it's not a problem with software, since I'm 100% convinced that the bravie settings are fin

I am still waiting

[stuhac]

Sony have asked me if the drop-outs occur at the same time if you watch the same programme again. I've done a test, and the drop-outs occur at different points on repeat viewings.

[dutchice]

Hi @stuhac,

I was wondering if you could give us an update on where matters are so far.

Cheers,

Dutchice