LG C2 + Samsung S800B sound bar not automatically connecting via ARC most of the time

[jeremyapp]

Hey folks, for the past few months I've had intermittent issues (about 75% of the time) with my ARC sound bar not automatically being selected as the audio output when turning on my TV.

This has been happening for the past few months on my LG C2 OLED 65" and I'm struggling to find a good solution. I have an Apple TV connected to my TV on port 1 (the issue happens with my Xbox as well), and my Samsung S800B sound bar connected via ARC on HDMI port 2.

Roughly 75% of the time, when I turn on my TV, the sound bar is not selected as the audio output, instead defaulting to the internal speakers. When I press the volume +/- buttons, it affects the volume on my TV's internal speakers only. The sound bar's LED lights do turn on as if it is being powered on by the TV, but it is not selected as the output. If I manually select the sound bar (ARC) as the output on my TV, it switches over and plays perfectly fine, with the volume buttons controlling the sound bar as expected. About 25% of the time, the sound bar via ARC is correctly selected by the TV as the output.

Here's what I've tried so far:

• Factory resetting the TV
• Turning off QuickStart+
• Factory resetting the sound bar
• Replacing the HDMI cable
• Replacing the sound bar
• Replacing the Apple TV

Short of replacing the entire TV, I'm not sure what else to try. Is it possible that I have settings that are incorrect? While I've seen other ARC-related issues, I can't seem to find anyone else experiencing this exact one. Any input anyone would have would be fantastic. Thank you!

[KNICKNL]

Hello,

I have the same problem only I'm using the Sonos Arc Center Speaker (as long as eARC port is being utilied your bluetooth function will not stay activated).  I have spoke to LG Engineers and they say only solution to this problem is to unplug anything in your eARC port when utilizing the TV Bluetooth function.  This solution that has been offered by LG will eventually cause wear & tear on your eARC port constantly pulling HDMI plug in and out, LG has acknowledged this but says thats the only solution, Nice LG!!!!  Worst TV Brand I have ever had, WebOS is terrible enough and now you have to suffer with these bluetooth problems, wish I could be more positive about your issue.

Regards

[jeremyapp]

Interesting - I don't use bluetooth on the sound bar at all. Does that mean this problem could go away if I turn Bluetooth off? I have no need for it.

[chriswv3]

I have the same problem and it appears to be relatively common, even when you have a LG soundbar apparently. No answers I'm afraid except get a different brand of TV.