Can't reproduce sound from TV on AV receiver

[xiwi]

I have a Pioneer VSX-321 bought from second hand which I'm testing these days. I have it connected by HDMI ARC.

Sometimes it gets the sound from TV ok and it plays all the time without disconnect. If I turn off the tv, the AV goes off as well (due to the ARC). Same with volume.

Problem comes after few hours without using it, I turn on the TV and the AV doesn't start at all. I turn it on manually and despite the HDMI icon is stable on AV (if it doesn't detect anything it blinks) it doesn't reproduce any sound. The TV detects the AV turned on (but as I said I have to do it manually) by the HDMI port. So both knows between each other the other device is connected ok.

When this happens I do a fabric reset on the AV and then, it works. But this doesn't work all the time.

What I tried:
- Connect HDMI to HDMI ARC
- Select HDMI output on TV for sound
- Turn on HDMI ARC option on AV
- Optical cable
- Different HDMI cables
- Sound test on all speakers to double check everything is fine with them
- Analog cable
- Another AV unit (same model) with similar result. Problem with TV maybe?

[abhi1981]

Looks like the HDMI card is about to go bad. This is a common problem with all AV receivers which have HDMI (planned obsolescence). And the repair bill will be usually more than the cost of a new receiver.
I have two myself.
The receiver will do all sorts of weird things before becoming completely dead. The front display, volume etc. will work, but no sound/video output.
Get rid of it as long as it is still working, and get another used one.

[wasedadoc]

If I turn off the tv, the AV goes off as well (due to the ARC).

That is done by CEC not ARC. Completely different.

Also read the "Before starting ARC operation" section on page 6 of  the manual.  http://docs.pioneer.eu/Manuals/HTP_071_ARB7463_manual/?page=26

[xiwi]

If I turn off the tv, the AV goes off as well (due to the ARC).

That is done by CEC not ARC. Completely different.

Also read the "Before starting ARC operation" section on page 6 of  the manual.  http://docs.pioneer.eu/Manuals/HTP_071_ARB7463_manual/?page=26

I have tried this but no results

[xiwi]

Looks like the HDMI card is about to go bad. This is a common problem with all AV receivers which have HDMI (planned obsolescence). And the repair bill will be usually more than the cost of a new receiver.
I have two myself.
The receiver will do all sorts of weird things before becoming completely dead. The front display, volume etc. will work, but no sound/video output.
Get rid of it as long as it is still working, and get another used one.

I have the original faulty unit that wasn't reproducing sound from 2 channels. The repair was more expensive than buying this used unit so I bought it.
I have tried again the original one and same results: no sound.

I'd say it's the TV but can't confirm. I have another one but it's an old Grunkel model. Doesn't even have ARC.

Also if there is something I could replaced from one unit to another one it'd be great. These models are difficult to find because normally people buy new units.

If the problem is the planned obsolescence why buying another used one? Won't I have the same problem?

[xiwi]

I tried some active speakers I use on the PC but the TV doesn't seem to send any sound at all. Reading this I need an adapter apparently (the TV image is the same as mine):

https://www.reddit.com/r/audio/comments/amqj45/trying_to_use_bose_companion_3_with_lg_55_tv/

[wasedadoc]

I tried some active speakers I use on the PC but the TV doesn't seem to send any sound at all. Reading this I need an adapter apparently (the TV image is the same as mine):

https://www.reddit.com/r/audio/comments/amqj45/trying_to_use_bose_companion_3_with_lg_55_tv/

The markings on the panel in that photo are quite explicit that those RCA jacks are inputs to the TV.  Not surprising that nothing comes out.

Both your TV and AV receiver have TosLink Optical jacks.  Connect those with an optical cable.

[xiwi]

I tried some active speakers I use on the PC but the TV doesn't seem to send any sound at all. Reading this I need an adapter apparently (the TV image is the same as mine):

https://www.reddit.com/r/audio/comments/amqj45/trying_to_use_bose_companion_3_with_lg_55_tv/

The markings on the panel in that photo are quite explicit that those RCA jacks are inputs to the TV.  Not surprising that nothing comes out.

Yeah... I realised just after trying. Unfortunately my TV has no jack connection BUT I tried my phone and it worked (I also needed to disable ARC mode). The thing is that at that point, the HDMI was working so I need to try again when it doesn't work

[wasedadoc]

See my edit above about optical connection.

[xiwi]

See my edit above about optical connection.

But I mentioned already that I tried also optical. I don't expect to have ARC from that but at least sound.

Something that I think, saying that it works automatically after a while is some loose connection that goes back to life due to the heat. Not sure if it makes sense

[wasedadoc]

See my edit above about optical connection.

... I tried also optical. I don't expect to have ARC from that but at least sound.

Maybe you understand what you are trying to say there but I do not.

[abhi1981]

Looks like the HDMI card is about to go bad. This is a common problem with all AV receivers which have HDMI (planned obsolescence). And the repair bill will be usually more than the cost of a new receiver.
I have two myself.
The receiver will do all sorts of weird things before becoming completely dead. The front display, volume etc. will work, but no sound/video output.
Get rid of it as long as it is still working, and get another used one.

I have the original faulty unit that wasn't reproducing sound from 2 channels. The repair was more expensive than buying this used unit so I bought it.
I have tried again the original one and same results: no sound.

I'd say it's the TV but can't confirm. I have another one but it's an old Grunkel model. Doesn't even have ARC.

Also if there is something I could replaced from one unit to another one it'd be great. These models are difficult to find because normally people buy new units.

If the problem is the planned obsolescence why buying another used one? Won't I have the same problem?

Yes , you will eventually have that problem in every set. These microprocessors are made to fail. At least don't waste your time and money repairing it. It's not worth it. Buy another cheap used one which is working, and enjoy it as long as it is working.
Sell it as soon as it shows the first signs of a fault. At least you will get something for it, rather than selling a dead set.

[xiwi]

See my edit above about optical connection.

... I tried also optical. I don't expect to have ARC from that but at least sound.

Maybe you understand what you are trying to say there but I do not.

You mentioned to use optical cable.

What I tried:
...
- Optical cable
...

[xiwi]

Looks like the HDMI card is about to go bad. This is a common problem with all AV receivers which have HDMI (planned obsolescence). And the repair bill will be usually more than the cost of a new receiver.
I have two myself.
The receiver will do all sorts of weird things before becoming completely dead. The front display, volume etc. will work, but no sound/video output.
Get rid of it as long as it is still working, and get another used one.

I have the original faulty unit that wasn't reproducing sound from 2 channels. The repair was more expensive than buying this used unit so I bought it.
I have tried again the original one and same results: no sound.

I'd say it's the TV but can't confirm. I have another one but it's an old Grunkel model. Doesn't even have ARC.

Also if there is something I could replaced from one unit to another one it'd be great. These models are difficult to find because normally people buy new units.

If the problem is the planned obsolescence why buying another used one? Won't I have the same problem?

Yes , you will eventually have that problem in every set. These microprocessors are made to fail. At least don't waste your time and money repairing it. It's not worth it. Buy another cheap used one which is working, and enjoy it as long as it is working.
Sell it as soon as it shows the first signs of a fault. At least you will get something for it, rather than selling a dead set.

That's rubbish... Does it happen also for new units (I mean the new modern ones)?

I tried this morning and of course, the HDMI didn't work. I directly tried with my phone and the analog connection. It worked straight away so I guess the problem is that one you mentioned.

I guess I'll have to buy a digital-to-analog converter for the TV since it doesn't have jack 3.5, right? If so, could I modify sound level from TV remote control? You mentioned that's not the ARC.

Edit: I'm checking some DACs and all of them say that they are not compatible with Dolby or 5.1. Not sure if there is another way without this

[coromonadalix]

Is it them  who had some failures with audio processors ??

[xiwi]

They guy who sold me the unit didn't know anything because it belonged to someone else (he was selling different things).

It could be that it was failing because of this or maybe because they wanted a new one (for video as I mentioned doesn't support much)

[macboy]

I use ARC on two different TVs connected to two different receivers. I can agree that ARC isn't all it is cracked up to be. When it works, it is great, but it often doesn't work. Lucky for me, Denon/Marantz seem to have it figured out pretty well now. They had earlier issues which were fixed with firmware updates pushed out over internet. That's a strong case to get a AVR which can do online firmware updates.

Try the following:
- if you can update AVR (or TV) firmware, then do it. HDMI issues like this are some of the most commonly fixed ones.
- on both AVR and TV, ensure that "HDMI CEC" (or HDMI control, or similar) setting is turned ON. ARC depends on CEC to signal commands back and forth. Some manufacturers use confusing names like "Bravia Sync", "Simplink", "Denon Link", etc.
- if you have an option for E-ARC (Enhanced ARC) turn that OFF, at least until basic ARC works fine.
- use a new HDMI cable, something certified for 4k (even if you don't have that) and "with Ethernet".
- DO NOT use an active HDMI cable. These are often super slim and/or very long cables, and usually have one end marked "in" or "source" and the other "out" or "TV" or "sink". These may not work with ARC.
- Only one HDMI input on the TV is compatible with ARC, make sure to use that. If possible, don't use any other inputs (send other sources into the AVR if possible).
- If the AVR has more than one HDMI output, only one can use ARC.
    - for both TV and AVR, if using the wrong port, the devices may still think they can use ARC (because CEC communications still works) but the HDMI ports can't physically do it so you get no sound.
- In settings for TV and AVR, look for automatic power on/off options. You do want the TV to be able to control power of the AVR.
- You might need to turn on the AVR before the TV, so that when the TV wakes up, it "sees" the ARC is available and uses it. Otherwise it might automatically switch to some other default sound output, without you even knowing it. This is a pain but if you use a universal programmable remote, you can usually program a custom power-on sequence with necessary delays to accomplish this.
- AVR input will need to be "TV" (etc.), but there are still multiple possible sources of audio for "TV", such as analog RCA jacks, optical digital, maybe Coax digital, and finally, ARC. Don't connect anything to other TV audio inputs (especially digital optical/coax), and if the AVR has settings to select the audio input, either choose automatic, or ARC only.

[xiwi]

Thanks for your message. I have tried everything:

- if you can update AVR (or TV) firmware, then do it. HDMI issues like this are some of the most commonly fixed ones:
no updates available. It uses WebOS 05.50.10

- on both AVR and TV, ensure that "HDMI CEC" (or HDMI control, or similar) setting is turned ON. ARC depends on CEC to signal commands back and forth. Some manufacturers use confusing names like "Bravia Sync", "Simplink", "Denon Link", etc.:
Checked. On AV I need to activate ARC to make it work. On TV there is not way to disable it if it's connected to the HDMI ARC plug.
LG has as you mentioned Simplink (HDMI-CEC). Even if I disable it when I choose HDMI ARC audio channel it gets enable again so it can't be deactivated at all.
There is something else called "AV sync" but I guess this is to apply some delay from the TV
 
- if you have an option for E-ARC (Enhanced ARC) turn that OFF, at least until basic ARC works fine:
This LG model has not E-ARC

- use a new HDMI cable, something certified for 4k (even if you don't have that) and "with Ethernet":
I used 3 HDMI: one I was using on my monitor, another one from Amazon (4k certified) and the Xbox SX one, which is the ultra fast (2.1, 120hz)

- DO NOT use an active HDMI cable. These are often super slim and/or very long cables, and usually have one end marked "in" or "source" and the other "out" or "TV" or "sink". These may not work with ARC.
Can't see any of those marks on these cables

- Only one HDMI input on the TV is compatible with ARC, make sure to use that. If possible, don't use any other inputs (send other sources into the AVR if possible).
Yes, it's connected to HDMI2: https://cdn-files.kimovil.com/tv_default/0004/10/thumb_309616_tv_default_big.jpeg

- If the AVR has more than one HDMI output, only one can use ARC.
Nope, only one: https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/u68AAOSwuOph5TnF/s-l1600.jpg

- for both TV and AVR, if using the wrong port, the devices may still think they can use ARC (because CEC communications still works) but the HDMI ports can't physically do it so you get no sound.
I assume the ports are correct since this problem doesn't happen all the time and as I just mentioned both TV and AV only have one port for HDMI ARC

- In settings for TV and AVR, look for automatic power on/off options. You do want the TV to be able to control power of the AVR:
This is activated by Simplink. Inside this option one check is for the volume and the other one for the power

- You might need to turn on the AVR before the TV, so that when the TV wakes up, it "sees" the ARC is available and uses it. Otherwise it might automatically switch to some other default sound output, without you even knowing it. This is a pain but if you use a universal programmable remote, you can usually program a custom power-on sequence with necessary delays to accomplish this:
Makes sense but when this happens I can notice if the sound is coming from TV or 5.1. Normally when TV turns on the AV does but it takes up to 10s. During this time there is no sound

- AVR input will need to be "TV" (etc.), but there are still multiple possible sources of audio for "TV", such as analog RCA jacks, optical digital, maybe Coax digital, and finally, ARC. Don't connect anything to other TV audio inputs (especially digital optical/coax), and if the AVR has settings to select the audio input, either choose automatic, or ARC only.
[/quote]
Yeap, all disconnected. Just plugged in to test


Now I can't even change volume when any digital channel selected from TV. It shows a disable icon:

This is a new random thing I don't know about (more info: https://www.avforums.com/threads/lg-65uk6300plb-flashing-mute-icon-and-menu-wont-go-away-see-image.2273900/)
working now


I think what it makes more sense now is to have an analog connection. I don't want to get crazy or get you crazy as well trying to find the solution because maybe there is none. Knowing my TV has no 3.5 should I buy a DAC?

[wasedadoc]

Why do you thing buying a DAC will help?  The only digital outputs from the TV are the optical one and the ARC one.  Optical between TV and AV Rx is a simple, no negotiation protocol for both ends and should work.  Do you get red light from the AV Rx end of the cable when the TV end is plugged in?

[xiwi]

Why do you thing buying a DAC will help?  The only digital outputs from the TV are the optical one and the ARC one.  Optical between TV and AV Rx is a simple, no negotiation protocol for both ends and should work.  Do you get red light from the AV Rx end of the cable when the TV end is plugged in?

I do get the red line.

Well, because from analog I don't find any problem. When testing with the phone it always work.
I'm not able to connect it by optical cable. Not sure if this is because similar problem with HDMI or if both share some chip/whatever and that's the failing part.

I have read the manual (https://www.libble.eu/pioneer-vsx-321-k-p/online-manual-652006/?page=0025) a few times and I don't see anything special to connect the optical cable, just 2 things:
- Disable ARC
- Enable 01 in signals

[wasedadoc]

Why do you thing buying a DAC will help?  The only digital outputs from the TV are the optical one and the ARC one.  Optical between TV and AV Rx is a simple, no negotiation protocol for both ends and should work.  Do you get red light from the AV Rx end of the cable when the TV end is plugged in?

I do get the red line.

Well, because from analog I don't find any problem. When testing with the phone it always work.
I'm not able to connect it by optical cable. Not sure if this is because similar problem with HDMI or if both share some chip/whatever and that's the failing part.

I have read the manual (https://www.libble.eu/pioneer-vsx-321-k-p/online-manual-652006/?page=0025) a few times and I don't see anything special to connect the optical cable, just 2 things:
- Disable ARC
- Enable 01 in signals

Page 6 of that manual has an illustration of the display.  Item 22 is the "Digital" indicator.  When you try to use the optical connection which of the following three states does the indicator become?

1.  Unlit.
2.  Lit.
3.  Blinking.

[xiwi]

Why do you thing buying a DAC will help?  The only digital outputs from the TV are the optical one and the ARC one.  Optical between TV and AV Rx is a simple, no negotiation protocol for both ends and should work.  Do you get red light from the AV Rx end of the cable when the TV end is plugged in?

I do get the red line.

Well, because from analog I don't find any problem. When testing with the phone it always work.
I'm not able to connect it by optical cable. Not sure if this is because similar problem with HDMI or if both share some chip/whatever and that's the failing part.

I have read the manual (https://www.libble.eu/pioneer-vsx-321-k-p/online-manual-652006/?page=0025) a few times and I don't see anything special to connect the optical cable, just 2 things:
- Disable ARC
- Enable 01 in signals

Page 6 of that manual has an illustration of the display.  Item 22 is the "Digital" indicator.  When you try to use the optical connection which of the following three states does the indicator become?

1.  Unlit.
2.  Lit.
3.  Blinking.

It was blinking all the time but I just found something.

I was facing some problems now with digital connections and sound control. I modified the optical connection in the TV settings. It needed to be optical + LG Sound Sync (this is different from Simplink). This helps optical to control volume from TV remote. Spoiler alert: it doesn't.

The thing is that HDMI ARC works right now as well so I'm not sure if optical connection is working because of randomness (like HDMI) or because I changed something (I'd say I already tried that config but can't confirm).

I'll double check tomorrow morning when things seem to be failing 

[xiwi]

Interesting test today.

I have connected both HDMI and optical. I have:
- disabled ARC on AV
- selected 01 signal on AV
- selected optical on TV

works. On AV it shows PCM and digital (no HDMI). With this, if I activate ARC on AV it doesn't work. And I select HDMI ARC instead on TV (with previous config) the only thing changing is Dolby Digital instead of PCM and it also works

BUT

if I remove the HDMI cable, the sound is still working, which tells us despite HDMI ARC is selected on TV the sound comes from the optical cable. If I change the 01 signal nothing works.

Optical has LG Sound Sync but it doesn't work because I cannot control anything.


So yeah, I guess we could say HDMI is gone on AV. At least there is an optical channel I can use. Not sure if there is any fix for that LG Sound Sync or if I'll have to find a remote control for both. Anyway guys, thanks for the help! 

[wasedadoc]

Some people seem to have found this procedure in this topic worked:
https://www.lgwebos.com/topic/2604-hdmi-arc-audio-out-not-working-again/

[xiwi]

Some people seem to have found this procedure in this topic worked:
https://www.lgwebos.com/topic/2604-hdmi-arc-audio-out-not-working-again/

What the... that worked!

Pretty much that's disconnecting HDMI, power cables and connecting them back again. Are you telling me the classic disconnect/connect actually does something??

Well, thanks for that. I'll wait a couple of days to see how it reacts