topic Re: Issue with QN90A and Receivers in TV

Issue with QN90A and Receivers

ryancharles — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 20:31:00 GMT

Good Day Everyone,

I am having, from what I am reading, a known issue with by Samsung 65inch QN90A TV. I was wondering if someone out-there has a solution or work around. I have already spoken to Samsung support and tried numerous factory resets and manually upgraded the firmware to the latest version, 1901

The TV was installed on Dec 29. It is hooked up via an HDMI cable from the HDMI eArc port #3 to the correct port on my Denon Receiver.

My cable box and Nvidea Shield are also connected to the Denon Receiver.

On initial setup, everything was working fine, all sound, regardless weather it was coming from the Nvidea Shield, cable or one of the embedded Samsung apps, was coming from the speakers, connected to the Denon receiver.

When I go into the Settings > Sound > sound output it was set to external receiver

2-3 days after setup the TV no longer recognized my receiver. Now when I go to Settings > Sound > Sound output it is set to TV speakers and the external receiver option is gone.

Now cable and Nvidea Shield items are still coming from the Denon Receiver Speakers, but all sound from Samsung embedded apps are coming from the TV speakers.

For example, If I use the embedded Netflix App and play something, that item is coming from TV speakers, while what ever content I was playing is still coming from the speakers attached to the Denon Receiver. I have 2 audio streams happening in parallel.

My only option/workaround is to mute the receiver and use the TV speakers for that Netflix Content.

When I spoke to Samsung support, they said it’s a known software issue.

Any thoughts, ideas or support would be great.

Re: Issue with QN90A and Receivers

Ginga_p — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 23:04:51 GMT

http://amzn.to/2oqajxC kinda thing might help for your shield

Re: Issue with QN90A and Receivers

ryancharles — Sun, 09 Jan 2022 19:36:19 GMT

Last night the issue randomly resolved itself. Now the TV sees my receiver and is connected to it.

Settings > Sound > sound output > receiver (HDMI)

hopefully it will last.

Re: Issue with QN90A and Receivers

hockeyfrank26 — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 19:12:51 GMT

Wow... did you restart your TV or do anything? I'm having the weird "my tv is auto-switching audio outputs" issue and I had to stop using eARC to make it work, which really sucks.

Re: Issue with QN90A and Receivers

DAS3 — Sat, 29 Jan 2022 02:48:18 GMT

Same issue. Brand new Q90A having communication issues with Yamaha RX-A2A receiver. My old Panasonic TV communicated fine, but as soon as I mounted the new Samsung, all kinds of communication problems, including this auto-switching to the TV speakers. Also, whenever I play music on the receiver, the connections get completely screwed up and I have to unplug things and plug them back in for the TV to even recognize the receiver. Would love to know if anyone's found solutions before I return the TV for another brand.

Re: Issue with QN90A and Receivers

J251 — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 20:26:27 GMT

Similar problem with brand new QN90A set up with a Denon. Keeps switching video and audio sources. Sometimes 2 sound sources at once. Think I have it fixed and stable then if I switch from DirecTv to Prime Video sound is still from DirecTv. If I turn the TV off the HDMI connection source is lost. Etc, etc. The settings are not stable. Why would anyone use this TV for a home theater if it is so unreliable?

Re: Issue with QN90A and Receivers

SamDude — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 21:50:21 GMT

I have similar issues with HDMI CEC

If I switch the TV OFF, it turns OFF the Denon. (good)
If I turn the TV ON, the Denon remains in standby. (bad)
if I then manually turn the Denon ON (using its remote), the TV will switch the source to HDMI 4 Media Player (Chromecast Ultra)
If I then switch the Denon to CBL/Sat, the TV will switch it back to HDMI 4 Media Player (Chromecast Ultra).
If I then switch the Denon again to CBL/Sat, it now remains there.

This sequence happens every time I turn on the Samsung TV.

The Chromecast is the only thing the TV sees on it's AnyNet+ (HDMI CEC) List.

But it shouldn't be switching sources by itself when it wakes.

I also noticed:

If the last TV source is "TV" and it turns on, it also turns ON the Denon as expected. (Every time)
If the last TV source is set to PC, it does not turn ON the Denon when it wakes. I also noticed that when the TV wakes (with the Denon is OFF), it has switched audio setting from "Receiver (HDMI-eARC)" to "TV Speaker". Then, If I manually select "Receiver HDMI" in audio settings, the Denon turns ON.

So in conclusion, If the TV would wake with Receiver (HDMI-eARC) still enabled in Audio settings, it would wake the Denon.

Re: Issue with QN90A and Receivers

JimWalker — Sat, 14 May 2022 20:38:42 GMT

I just purchased a Denon S660H and a Samsung QN90A. The behavior you describe is exactly the same for me including the workaround of setting the source to TV before turning everything off with the Samsung remote via HDMI eARC CEC.

I tried various other combinations of settings on the Denon and the QN90A with no success. This is obviously a software defect when the setting won't stick. Currently for the HDMI eARC setting on the TV, there is only OFF and AUTO. I'm thinking there should be an "ON" setting to force it to always stay in that mode.

Regardless, the good news is this can be easily fixed with a software update. The bad news is when and if Samsung developers get to it. Do they monitor these forums, or do we need to submit a ticket?

Re: Issue with QN90A and Receivers

SamDude — Sat, 14 May 2022 22:11:22 GMT

I suspect this may also be related to the input signal plus being turned on HDMI port. I was planning to turn it off this weekend and test.

Re: Issue with QN90A and Receivers

JimWalker — Mon, 16 May 2022 13:21:34 GMT

I spent a couple of hours on the phone with Samsung support Saturday. I tried to get them to submit a ticket, but they wouldn't do it until we went through the troubleshooting checklist. Nothing worked so they eventually submitted a ticket at the end of the session. I'm supposed to get a response within two days. If my issue gets resolved, I'll post the fix here.

Of note is that I learned a bit more about what's happening under the covers when you setup the universal remote/HDMI CEC for a device on the TV. It talks to the device to get the model number and if it doesn't find it, it starts guessing. Every guess worked (it tries four times and then asks you to pick a model number). When I say worked, it would either turn on or turn off the Denon S660H. However the behavior associated with turning it back on after shutting down never changed.

Also, I figured out that I can just say no every time when it asks you if the device responded. That way you can get to the prompt where it lets you pick the model number. I discovered that my model number (S660H) was not listed. I suspect that this may be the problem, but when I told support about it they made no comment.

After learning about this list, I tried several model numbers that were close to mine, but not the same. No luck, so I'm still using the work around. It works quite well. When I'm ready to turn everything off, I press the TV button on the Samsung remote. Then the power to shut everything off. When both the Denon and TV power back on together the next time, I press the home button on my Roku source and the Denon takes back over for the video source. I can live with that for now.

Re: Issue with QN90A and Receivers

JimWalker — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 11:32:21 GMT

Bad news it seems. This apparently is working as designed (WAD). Here's the verbatim response from Samsung:

This is in regards to your recent interaction with one of the associates regarding your QN90AA model TV. We've gone through the conversation. Please note that the Sound Settings - Sound Output will be changed to TV Speakers when we turn on the TV back after setting it to external speakers or a Soundbar. That's the normal operation of the unit. We have got no option to change it.

This seems like a bad design, but I guess the workaround I described is the way to go to get around this flaw.

Re: Issue with QN90A and Receivers

Pauljr — Sun, 25 Sep 2022 15:47:56 GMT

Hello,

UnfortunateIy, I have a QN90B Samsung TV with the same eArc issues using a Yamaha A6A receiver. I believe the Samsung QN90B and A models TV's have a software and/or hardware critical defect with its eArc system. The Samsung QN90B eArc problems started as soon as the Yamaha A6A was connected to the TV. Performed extensive troubleshooting tasks over the span of 3 weeks with the help of experts from Yamaha's help line and they rightfully concluded that it was the Samsung QN90B TV having eArc communication issues with Yamaha A6A receiver. Unfortunately the facts are now building that Samsung’s QN90B and A models TV’s do have a consistent and systemic defect in their eArc system that they need to fix as soon as possible.

TV and AVR Configuration:

Only using Samsung QN90B TV apps such as Youtube-TV, Netflix, PrimeTV, Disney, Youtube.
eArc using 8K rated cable TV output to HDMI-3 to Yamaha A6A eArc input.

Summary of Problems with Samsung QN90A eArc with Yamaha A6A Receiver

Audio randomly drops out when switching channels and/or changing volume.
Significant audio delays when switching channels and/or apps.
At times have total loss of audio when switching channels and/or apps.
At times no audio upon TV startup.
Random AVR source change at TV startup, and when changing channels and/or apps.

Summary of Troubleshooting Tasks:

Switch to different HDMI cable at eArc connections, no improvements.
Changed and adjusted numerous TV and AVR settings, no improvements.
Bi-pass eArc with optical cable, all eARC related problems solved, but lower quality audio.
Bi-pass eArc with Apple TV using HDMI interconnects, all eARC related problems solved, but had lower quality video using Yamaha’s 4K up-converter, Samsung internal 4K up-converter is much better than Yamahas.
I believe there are no other solutions to this QN90B eArc problem. I now firmly believe that the QN90B and A models have a hardware and/or software permanent eArc system defect.

Re: Issue with QN90A and Receivers

Pauljr — Sun, 25 Sep 2022 15:59:52 GMT

Hello,

TV and AVR Configuration:

Only using Samsung QN90B TV apps such as Youtube-TV, Netflix, PrimeTV, Disney, Youtube.
eArc using 8K rated cable TV output to HDMI-3 to Yamaha A6A eArc input.

Summary of Problems with Samsung QN90A eArc with Yamaha A6A Receiver

Audio randomly drops out when switching channels and/or changing volume.
Significant audio delays when switching channels and/or apps.
At times have total loss of audio when switching channels and/or apps.
At times no audio upon TV startup.
Random AVR source change at TV startup, and when changing channels and/or apps.

Summary of Troubleshooting Tasks:

Switch to different HDMI cable at eArc connections, no improvements.
Changed and adjusted numerous TV and AVR settings, no improvements.
Bi-pass eArc with optical cable, all eARC related problems solved, but lower quality audio.
Bi-pass eArc with Apple TV using HDMI interconnects, all eARC related problems solved, but had lower quality video using Yamaha’s 4K up-converter, Samsung internal 4K up-converter is much better than Yamahas.
I believe there are no other solutions to this QN90B eArc problem. I now firmly believe that the QN90B and A models have a hardware and/or software permanent eArc system defect.

Re: Issue with QN90A and Receivers

Chris BC — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 19:16:58 GMT

I can confirm having numerous issues of the same type with my QN90A connected to a Denon receiver. I had the exact same problems with a top of the line Samsung 2016 model before I bought the newer QN90A from 2021. I have been using an optical cable from when I first got the Denon receiver, however, so I usually only need to press the "TV Audio" button on the Denon remote (multiple times upon powering on the receiver) to keep the Samsung from changes sources.

Frequently when just watching standard TV programs the receiver is turned off and I am using the TV speakers. When I watch movies or streaming series content such as 'Breaking Bad', 'Bosch', etc., I turn on the receiver. When I had a Dish box connected to the Denon and turned on the Denon without hitting the "TV Audio" button on the Denon remote multiple times, the 2016 Samsung TV would always take me out of Netflix, Amazon, or whatever else and go to the Dish Network signal via the Denon. The QN90A would do this intermittently, although I rarely gave it the chance.

With the total loss of audio issue my fix is to remove the power from the TV by unplugging it. This full cold reset resolves the problem where turning off the TV, even many times, will NOT correct the problem. Today, after having the QN90A for about 3 months, I experienced a complete black screen. The unplugging hard reset also fixed this.

I will concur completely that Samsung has a systemic issue with their eARC/HDMI communication protocol. As an experienced engineer with many years of programming experience, I have no doubts that this is because Samsung has some absolutely pathetic programmers working for them. Until they hire some competent programmers, these types of issues will continue.

I am curious to know why you believe the optical connection yielded lower quality audio for you. The optical output should contain all of the information found in the HDMI pathway.

Re: Issue with QN90A and Receivers

SamDude — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 20:51:06 GMT

@Chris BC

this is because Samsung has some absolutely pathetic programmers working for them. Until they hire some competent programmers, these types of issues will continue.

😅

As a fellow developer, I wouldn't put the blame on the programmers so quickly. The bosses may have decided on the eARC implementation (how it works) or they may have placed the any fixes on a backlog and not as a priority. They may also be understaffed coming out of the pandemic.

I have only seen one TV update since I bought my QN90A and it didn't fix the eARC issues.

I am curious to know why you believe the optical connection yielded lower quality audio for you. T

From Google: HDMI ARC supports Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, and up to 7.1 channels of uncompressed audio while Digital Optical only supports Dolby Digital and up to 5.1 channels of uncompressed audio.

Sounds like you are having more issues than the rest of us. Maybe do a return/replacement if still possible?

My only issue with this TV is that it keeps switching receiver sources on start and won't urn on my Denon receiver.

I have noticed a few times the receiver will remain on the "CBL/Sat" source on start, but I am not sure what sequence of turning on these devices does that. I have the Denon receiver, HTPC and TV to turn on and I don't usually turn them on in the same order.

Re: Issue with QN90A and Receivers

SamDude — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 21:55:56 GMT

I just saw this.

https://www.samsung.com/us/support/troubleshooting/TSG01111222/#turn-off-automatic-hdmi-switching-with-smart-remote

Edit: didn't work for receiver source switching issues.

Re: Issue with QN90A and Receivers

iadagraca — Sun, 04 Dec 2022 18:19:17 GMT

Also encountered this problem, it's a shame they decided to complicate things by not making the one HDMI 2.1 port eARC.

Didn't realize how big a problem this was until i finally got a sound system.

Sadly it seems CEC and eARC are tied to each other. So you can't have eArc without the source switching.

So doing things like listening to music on my receiver while using the 2.1 port is impossible.

Re: Issue with QN90A and Receivers

SamDude — Sun, 04 Dec 2022 19:51:06 GMT

For Denon receivers, a simple solution is to turn off "HDMI Control" so the TV can't tell the receiver to switch sources. I believe ARC/eARC remains functional in that scenario. However, now when you CAST from your phone, the receiver won't automatically switch to Chromecast. You will now have to switch sources manually. Not ideal, but a workaround.

Re: Issue with QN90A and Receivers

Steve3355 — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 20:40:29 GMT

Your advice works! (Denon X4400H) Thanks a lot! In your opinion, how can I get the phone sound to go through the amplifier when mirroring? For now the sound is on the TV.

Re: Issue with QN90A and Receivers

loki2828 — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 15:01:59 GMT

Ryan,

My TV started having the same issue. It worked great....than both the EARC HDMI and OPTICAL OUT both stopped working. tested and retested... Now Costco (where I bought it) wants to replace parts to fix it. Did your issues ever get resolved? If so how?