topic Re: Samsung S95F + HW-Q995GF: No Dolby Atmos and only 5.1 PCM via PC – EDID/eARC Issue? in Audio & Video

Samsung S95F + HW-Q995GF: No Dolby Atmos and only 5.1 PCM via PC – EDID/eARC Issue?

Ralfii — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 15:36:48 GMT

Hello everyone,

I’d like to share a technical issue I’ve been experiencing with my Samsung S95F OLED TV (77”, firmware v1131.0) in combination with the Samsung HW-Q995GF soundbar (firmware v1013) and a Windows 11 PC with HDMI 2.1 output (NVIDIA RTX GPU).

The issue seems reproducible on other devices and likely affects other users as well – especially those using a PC as source device.

My Setup:

TV: Samsung S95F OLED (firmware 1131.0)
Soundbar: Samsung HW-Q995GF (firmware 1013)
Source: Windows 11 PC, NVIDIA RTX GPU, Dolby Access installed
Connection:
- PC → TV via HDMI IN 2
- Soundbar → TV via HDMI eARC (Port 3)
TV Settings: eARC enabled, Input Signal Plus enabled, Bitstream/Passthrough active

The Problem:

When the PC is connected to the TV and audio is passed to the soundbar via eARC:

Windows only sees 5.1 PCM as the maximum audio configuration
The Dolby Access app reports that no Dolby Atmos device is connected
Dolby Atmos for Home Theater is not available in Windows audio settings
7.1 PCM is also not supported or selectable

If I connect the PC directly to the soundbar, everything works perfectly:

Windows recognizes 7.1 PCM
Dolby Atmos for Home Theater becomes available and works properly
− However, the video signal must be looped back to the TV via HDMI, which causes:
- Occasional flickering or black screens if i connect the TV and Soundbar at the same time
- The appearance of a ghost “second monitor” in Windows if connect the TV and Soundbar at the same time
- Disruption of Game Mode / ALLM / VRR on the TV

This is clearly not a practical solution for a PC gaming setup, especially considering that this is a flagship TV marketed with full HDMI 2.1 support and advanced gaming features.

What I’ve Already Tested:

Verified with multiple HDMI 2.1 cables (Zeskit, Club3D, KabelDirekt)
Reset TV, soundbar and PC to factory defaults
Enabled eARC, Input Signal Plus, Passthrough, Bitstream, etc.
Tested with a second PC – same result
EDID extracted via CRU and MonitorInfo: TV reports only 5.1 PCM, no Atmos
Connected an Apple TV 4K to the TV → Dolby Atmos works perfectly via eARC
Updated all firmware to latest versions

Support Contact and Response:

I contacted Samsung support with the following detailed request:

My original support ticket (translated from German):
I’m using the Samsung S95F together with the Samsung HW-Q995GF soundbar over HDMI eARC (Passthrough).
– Dolby Atmos works perfectly when using an Apple TV 4K
– On my Windows 11 PC (NVIDIA GPU, Dolby Access), Atmos does not work
• Windows only detects 5.1 PCM
• 7.1 PCM is not available
• Dolby Atmos for Home Theater is disabled
This was not the case on my previous setup with a 2021 Samsung QLED TV.
My questions were:
Is this a limitation in the S95F’s EDID or eARC firmware?
Is there a planned firmware update to support full 7.1 PCM and Dolby Atmos via PC?
How are PC users supposed to use Dolby Atmos via eARC if the TV limits supported formats?

Unfortunately, I received the following generic response:

Samsung Support replied:
“At the time this product was specified, 7.1 channel requirements in the market were insufficient.
Furthermore, 7.1 performance via apps and content was not supported.
Therefore, the specification was limited to 5.1 channels.”

Why This is Not Acceptable:

eARC was designed to carry Dolby TrueHD and 7.1 PCM, not just 5.1
Previous Samsung TVs handled this correctly, including QN90A and QLED 2021 models
This appears to be a firmware or EDID limitation, not a hardware constraint
Even if Dolby Access is part of the issue, Samsung should collaborate with Dolby and/or Microsoft to ensure compatibility

I now have a remote session scheduled with Samsung support, but honestly I don’t expect it to resolve the issue, as I’ve already done all recommended resets and troubleshooting steps.

There are also similar reports online involving other Samsung TVs (S95B, QN90C, etc.), where EDID or eARC limitations break full PC audio passthrough.

Questions for Samsung and the Community:

@Samsung – Will this issue be escalated internally to the HDMI/eARC firmware team?
Is there a firmware update planned to address incorrect EDID reporting for PC sources?
Can other users with S95F and PC setups replicate this problem?
Has anyone found a workaround (e.g., using EDID emulators like HDfury, or registry tweaks in Windows)?

This is not about user error or setup mistakes – it’s a firmware-level limitation that prevents users from accessing key audio features that are explicitly advertised as supported.

Please look into this seriously. I hope this post also helps other users encountering the same limitations.

Best regards

Re: Samsung S95F + HW-Q995GF: No Dolby Atmos and only 5.1 PCM via PC – EDID/eARC Issue?

Ralfii — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 14:34:36 GMT

Today I had a remote session with Samsung support regarding the Dolby Atmos / eARC issue when using a Windows 11 PC.

Unfortunately, the session did not lead to a resolution. The technician confirmed the configuration and behavior, but stated that there’s no information about a potential firmware fix, and instead advised me to open support tickets with NVIDIA and Microsoft.

I understand that issues like this can be complex, and it’s possible that part of the problem lies in how Windows and the Dolby Access app handle audio capabilities.
However, it’s also clear that other devices like Apple TV 4K work perfectly with the exact same setup. That suggests the soundbar and TV hardware can handle Dolby Atmos properly – just not from a PC source.

It was especially disappointing that the call ended abruptly and without any closing words, right after I mentioned that my previous Samsung TV setup (Q800T + HW-Q90R) had full Atmos and 7.1 PCM support from PC with the exact same hardware and cables.

The most troubling part was a comment from the technician:

“We only take such problems seriously if more users report them.”

This sends the wrong message to customers who take the time to carefully test, document, and report a real-world limitation. Even if the issue involves more than one party, I believe Samsung should take the lead in verifying and improving compatibility, especially for flagship devices.

If anyone else is using a Windows PC and is having similar issues with Atmos or limited channel output – please share your experience.
Even if this turns out to be a Windows or Dolby issue, manufacturers like Samsung need to work with partners to deliver a working solution to their customers.

Re: Samsung S95F + HW-Q995GF: No Dolby Atmos and only 5.1 PCM via PC – EDID/eARC Issue?

Fatalution — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 14:51:11 GMT

Would like to chime in to say that yeah - this is unacceptable. I have the Q935GD soundbar - and it does NOT work with Dolby Atmos on Windows via eARC: the rear channels are not existent - they are not mapped properly, as all SIDE channel content gets played via the satellites.

Dolby Atmos on PC ONLY works correctly if I downgrade the Dolby Access version (which I shouldn't do as other soundbars from other manufacturers don't have an issue) or if I use ANY other device.

The problem is in YOUR SOUNDBAR'S FIRMWARE, SAMSUNG - please fix it

Re: Samsung S95F + HW-Q995GF: No Dolby Atmos and only 5.1 PCM via PC – EDID/eARC Issue?

EeK9X — Sat, 04 Oct 2025 23:37:07 GMT

I have the same issue, but with a 77" S90F and a Denon AVR-X4400H - so, this isn't just related to soundbars.

Here's my setup:

PC with Nvidia 4090 connected directly to the TV via HDMI
TV (S90F) connected to Denon AVR-X4400H via eARC, using a SHARC device
7.1.2 surround system, all certified 48Gbps HDMI cables

The issue:

On the PC, 7.1 surround and Dolby Atmos aren't showing up in the Windows Sound settings or the Dolby Access app.

Notes:

This exact setup worked fine with my previous LG C9.
Atmos and 7.1 still work via Apple TV 4K, which is plugged directly into the AVR.
I’ve already tried updating Nvidia drivers (to version 581.42) - no change.
My S90F is on firmware 1042 (latest available to me is 1126).

I have yet to experiment with editing the EDID via CRU, but I tried that to remove above 4K resolutions (4096x2160 - something I did routinely with my LG OLEDs) and couldn't get Windows to boot, so, I'm not hopeful.

Re: Samsung S95F + HW-Q995GF: No Dolby Atmos and only 5.1 PCM via PC – EDID/eARC Issue?

LionelDerBoven — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 08:16:30 GMT

I have the same exact issue!

PC with Nvidia 5080 -> Samsung s95c 55 inch hdmi 1

Hdmi 3 (earc hdmi port) to Denon AVC-4800h.

When I connect my PC to the dennon first I can't get the full 144hz (only 120hz). That's why I did it like this (PC directly to TV and eARC with athmos).

I think it is a nvidia driver issue Or a Samsung TV issue NOT the soundbar or avr.

I wil search further for a solution.

Re: Samsung S95F + HW-Q995GF: No Dolby Atmos and only 5.1 PCM via PC – EDID/eARC Issue?

shaman_87 — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 18:40:32 GMT

I've just been researching the S95F as I'm about to buy a new TV.
This issue is very disappointing to me and makes me consider buying an other brand's TV which provides proper support of the format.
I came across your post to see if this has changed since RTINGS reviewed the TV.
That review confirms that this is a general issue with the device, and other recent HW of Samsung has the same limitation.

I hope Samsung provides a fix quickly, or at least acknowledges that this issue is being worked on, and before I make my decision to buy an alternative device. Unfortunately this is a dealbreaker for me with an otherwise really awesome-looking TV.
Quoting the relevant part:

The Samsung S95F supports many audio formats, including all Dolby Digital options. Unfortunately, it doesn't support DTS formats, which is disappointing, as many Blu-rays use DTS for their lossless audio tracks. Dolby Digital+ passthrough is also limited to 5.1 channels instead of the full 7.1 support. It's unclear if this is a bug or an intentional decision by Samsung to limit support, but the other Samsung TVs we've tested in 2025, like the Samsung S85F OLED and the Samsung QN90F, have the same limitation.
7.1 channel LPCM only works with sources that allow you to manually override the EDID, like a PC. If you can't override the EDID, it's limited to 5.1.

Re: Samsung S95F + HW-Q995GF: No Dolby Atmos and only 5.1 PCM via PC – EDID/eARC Issue?

yhrhee — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 03:52:59 GMT

같은 문제 겪고 있습니다. 가능한 모든 경우의 수에 대해서 시험한 노고에 감사드립니다. 삼성전자 TV의 오디오 호환성은 LG대비 너무 떨어지네요. lg48cx에서 s95f로 변경후 PC Dolby atmos환경 미지원때문에 열받네요. 삼성TV 오디오 호환성은 반드시 개선 필요합니다.

Re: Samsung S95F + HW-Q995GF: No Dolby Atmos and only 5.1 PCM via PC – EDID/eARC Issue?

Members_tRQJWPm — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 13:37:20 GMT

Hi Ralfii,

I'm encountering exactly the same Dolby Atmos compatibility issue with my S95F 77 inches that I received a week ago. I thought there was a problem in my set up but it's not the case. I had a Q90R 55 inches set up in the same way and Dolby Atmos was working perfectly with my Onkyo AV Receivers. I reached out Samsung to ask if an update was scheduled to fix the issue but the team doesn't seem to be aware of any update. Unfortunately, the fact that Dolby Atmos isn't working is a dealbreaker as I have a 5.1.2 Home-cinema configuration. I'm planning to return the TV next week.

Just in case, has someone finally managed to have Dolby Atmos working with this TV?

Re: Samsung S95F + HW-Q995GF: No Dolby Atmos and only 5.1 PCM via PC – EDID/eARC Issue?

Ralfii — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 18:07:37 GMT

Hi Members_tRQJWPm,

After analyzing the Dolby Access logs, I’m convinced the issue lies with Samsung’s EDID handling, not Dolby. When connecting both TV and soundbar via HDMI to the PC, and then disabling the soundbar as an audio and display device in Windows, Atmos (including full 7.1.4 and Dolby Access) becomes available through the TV's eARC output.

You don’t actually have to use dual audio or deal with a second screen, just having the soundbar connected triggers the EDID handshake that “unlocks” Atmos support on the TV output.

Seems like the TV only advertises full Atmos capability to the pc when another licensed device (like the soundbar) is present, even if that device isn’t actively used.

Let me know if anyone wants screenshots or log details, happy to share more.

Re: Samsung S95F + HW-Q995GF: No Dolby Atmos and only 5.1 PCM via PC – EDID/eARC Issue?

craeckie — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:56:22 GMT

Hi,

I have the same Issue and solved it with an Audio extractor but now i have "only" 120hz and 10bit but also vrr, hdr and so on. So its okay.

How do you connect your tv and your soundbar with your pc? I have only one hdmi on my 4080 and one on my Mainboard. Does it works well for you?

Re: Samsung S95F + HW-Q995GF: No Dolby Atmos and only 5.1 PCM via PC – EDID/eARC Issue?

UncleGeny — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 22:12:02 GMT

I have exactly the same problem - S95F + HW Q990B, with my previous TV QN90A work Atmos perfectly. Shame on you Samsung, this is my last product from this brand.

Re: Samsung S95F + HW-Q995GF: No Dolby Atmos and only 5.1 PCM via PC – EDID/eARC Issue?

UncleGeny — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 22:13:50 GMT

I have exactly the same problem - S95F + HW Q990B! Windows don't see Atmos. 🤬

Re: Samsung S95F + HW-Q995GF: No Dolby Atmos and only 5.1 PCM via PC – EDID/eARC Issue?

UncleGeny — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 20:10:44 GMT

OK, i found a solution, uninstall Dolby Acces from PC and install older version of the app, Dolby Access 3.18.872 Download work like a charm.

App cant be updated so disable automatic update in microsoft store.

sorry for my English, its not my native language.

Re: Samsung S95F + HW-Q995GF: No Dolby Atmos and only 5.1 PCM via PC – EDID/eARC Issue?

Hawk269 — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:47:40 GMT

I tried to download this and Windows is flagging it as a potential virus.

Re: Samsung S95F + HW-Q995GF: No Dolby Atmos and only 5.1 PCM via PC – EDID/eARC Issue?

Hawk269 — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:50:04 GMT

Hello-

I just upgraded to the Samsung S95F 77" yesterday and I am having the same issue. I previously had the S95C 77", I have the same PC, same Denon receiver. The only change has been the new S95 and I cannot get Dolby Atmos like most of you are reporting.

I like have ATMOS as much as having 165fps...but not sure why this is not working. If the 2023 TV can do it why cant the 2025 TV do it?

Samsung, please address this. I am seriously thinking of returning the TV now.

Re: Samsung S95F + HW-Q995GF: No Dolby Atmos and only 5.1 PCM via PC – EDID/eARC Issue?

UncleGeny — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:34:18 GMT

Because this app is not from Microsoft store, don't worry, it's absolutely safe.

Re: Samsung S95F + HW-Q995GF: No Dolby Atmos and only 5.1 PCM via PC – EDID/eARC Issue?

Ralfii — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:47:40 GMT

Looks like it's working again for me after the last update.
7.1 surround sound is now detected correctly again as well.

I’m currently monitoring it to make sure this isn’t just a temporary bug, but so far with the latest NVIDIA drivers, latest Windows updates, and the newest Dolby Access app everything appears to be functioning correctly.

For reference, I am not using any tweaks such as CRU or other EDID modifications.

Can anyone else confirm if they are seeing the same behavior with the latest NVIDIA drivers, Windows updates, and Dolby Access version?