Correcting HDMI Input Switching on Samsung HW Q80T

When a Samsung HW‑Q80T soundbar is connected to a TV or media player via HDMI, the audio should follow the video automatically. Yet many users report that the soundbar does not switch to the correct HDMI input when they switch channels or start a different device. This article walks through the most common reasons for that problem and offers step‑by‑step instructions to fix the HDMI input switching issue on the Q80T.

Understanding HDMI Input Switching on the Q80T

The Q80T is a high‑end soundbar that supports HDMI‑ARC and HDMI‑eARC. It can receive audio from multiple sources such as a cable box, game console, Blu‑ray player or streaming device. When the TV changes the active HDMI input, the soundbar should automatically detect the change through the HDMI‑CEC protocol (Samsung calls it Anynet+) and switch to the corresponding audio source.

If this doesn’t happen, the soundbar remains on the previous source or does not react at all. The root cause can be a misconfigured setting on the soundbar, a problem with the TV, or a hardware limitation of one of the connected devices.

Common Causes of Switching Failures

Preliminary Checks

Before diving into the settings, perform these simple checks to rule out hardware problems.

1. Inspect the HDMI Cable

• Use a certified high‑speed cable (Type‑2) that supports eARC if you’re using that feature.
• Test the cable with another device. If the other device works, the cable is fine.
• Replace the cable if you notice signal flicker, dropouts, or audio lag.

2. Confirm the Source Device

• Connect the source device (e.g., Xbox, PS5, or Blu‑ray) directly to the TV first.
• Verify that the TV can display the content and that the TV’s audio is outputting correctly.
• If the TV itself has a problem, the soundbar will not receive a clean signal.

3. Verify the TV’s HDMI‑CEC Settings

• On the TV menu, look for Anynet+ or HDMI‑CEC and ensure it is turned on.
• Some TVs allow you to specify which HDMI ports are allowed to send CEC signals; make sure the port connected to the Q80T is enabled.

If these basics are covered and the problem persists, proceed to the detailed troubleshooting steps below.

Step‑by‑Step Troubleshooting

Step 1: Make Sure the Soundbar Is on the Correct Source

The Q80T uses a numbered “HDMI” label for each input. You can change the label to match the TV’s input name.

1. Turn on the soundbar.
2. Press the Source button on the remote until the screen shows “HDMI 1”.
3. Use the Volume buttons to highlight the label you want to change.
4. Press the Enter button, type the desired name (e.g., “AV‑1”), and press Enter again to confirm.

Why? If the TV sends a CEC command to “AV‑1” but the soundbar is listening for “HDMI 1”, the signal will be ignored.

Step 2: Enable Anynet+ (HDMI‑CEC) on the Soundbar

If Anynet+ is turned off, the soundbar will not receive the TV’s “change source” message.

1. Press the Menu button on the remote.
2. Navigate to Settings > Sound > Anynet+ (HDMI‑CEC).
3. Select On and confirm.

You should see a confirmation screen: “Anynet+ Enabled – The soundbar will now respond to TV source changes.”

Step 3: Disable HDMI‑Ultra HD Deep Color for the Affected Source

Some source devices, especially high‑bandwidth ones like Blu‑ray players or game consoles, enable HDMI‑Ultra HD Deep Color by default. This can interfere with the CEC handshake.

1. On the TV, go to Settings > Sound > Digital Audio Output.
2. Locate HDMI‑Ultra HD Deep Color and set it to Off for the HDMI port that feeds the Q80T.
3. Restart the TV and the soundbar.

After this change, the soundbar should pick up the source switch immediately.

Step 4: Update the Q80T Firmware

Samsung occasionally releases firmware patches that improve HDMI‑CEC stability.

1. On the soundbar, press Menu > Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now.
2. If an update is available, the screen will show the new version and a progress bar.
3. Let the update complete; do not turn off the soundbar or disconnect the cable.

If you prefer to update via the Samsung SmartThings app:

1. Open SmartThings on your phone.
2. Tap the Q80T in the device list.
3. Go to Device Settings > Software Update > Check for Update.
4. Follow the prompts.

Step 5: Reset the HDMI Port

If a particular HDMI input on the soundbar keeps failing to switch, reset that port.

1. Disconnect the HDMI cable from the soundbar.
2. Leave it disconnected for at least 30 seconds.
3. Re‑connect the cable and turn on the soundbar.

This simple reset clears any internal glitch that may have stuck the port in a non‑responsive state.

Step 6: Verify TV CEC Data Sending

Some TVs only send CEC commands to the primary audio device (e.g., the built‑in speaker). To force the TV to send CEC to the soundbar:

1. Go to the TV’s Audio settings.
2. Look for an option such as Send CEC to or Audio Out and set it to Soundbar or All Devices.

If you cannot find the setting, consult the TV’s manual or the manufacturer’s support site.

Step 7: Use the Samsung SmartThings App for Advanced Settings

The SmartThings app gives you access to deeper diagnostics.

1. Open the app and select the Q80T.
2. Tap Device Settings > Advanced Settings.
3. Enable CEC Debug or CEC Log if available.
4. Reproduce the switching issue and review the log to identify missing or blocked CEC packets.

If you notice that the soundbar is not receiving the “Select Audio Source” packet, the issue is most likely at the TV end.

Step 8: Contact Samsung Support

If all of the above steps fail:

1. Prepare a detailed description of the problem, including your TV model, source devices, and cable types.
2. Provide screenshots of the soundbar’s and TV’s settings if possible.
3. Reach out via the Samsung support portal or call their hotline.
4. If the soundbar is still under warranty, request a repair or replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Closing Thoughts

HDMI input switching problems on the Samsung HW‑Q80T are usually a matter of misconfiguration rather than hardware failure. By methodically checking the cable, source devices, TV and soundbar settings, and ensuring the firmware is up to date, you can restore seamless audio switching. Remember that HDMI‑CEC is a cooperative protocol; if either the TV or the soundbar is not listening for the proper commands, the connection will fail.

If you follow the steps above and still encounter trouble, it is likely a deeper firmware issue or a defect that requires professional service. Keep your soundbar’s model number and firmware version handy, as Samsung’s support team will ask for them. With the correct settings in place, your Q80T will behave exactly as intended—switching audio sources automatically whenever you change the TV’s input, so you can focus on enjoying your entertainment without interruption.