Resolving HDMI Audio Dropout on Sony HT B9D

When you plug a Sony HT B9D soundbar into your TV, you expect crystal‑clear audio that follows the picture seamlessly. Yet many owners report that the sound drops out after a few seconds or plays in a choppy, crackling way. HDMI audio dropout is a frustrating problem that can stem from a variety of sources – from a faulty cable to firmware quirks. Below is a comprehensive, step‑by‑step guide that will help you diagnose and resolve this issue so your soundbar delivers the full cinematic experience you bought it for.

Understanding HDMI Audio Dropout

Audio dropout refers to a brief or persistent loss of audio that occurs while the visual display continues uninterrupted. On the Sony HT B9D, this is most often caused by an interruption in the HDMI signal path. The soundbar expects a continuous stream of data; any disruption—whether due to a weak link, an incompatible audio format, or software settings—causes the audio to stall or glitch.

Why It Matters

• User Experience: Audio dropout breaks immersion and can be especially annoying during critical moments such as movie climaxes or game cutscenes.
• Device Health: Repeated interruptions can stress the HDMI port’s electronics over time.
• Compatibility Confusion: Dropout often signals that the source device and soundbar are not fully speaking the same “audio language.”

Common Culprits

Preliminary Checks

Before diving into deep troubleshooting, confirm the basics:

1. Cable Integrity

   • Inspect the HDMI cable for visible damage: kinks, fraying, or broken connectors.
   • If possible, replace the cable with a known‑good, high‑speed HDMI 2.0 cable.

2. Connection Placement

   • Verify that the HDMI cable connects directly from the TV’s HDMI ARC or eARC port to the soundbar’s HDMI ARC/eARC port.
   • Avoid using HDMI switches or splitters unless they are certified 2.0+ devices.

3. Power Supply

   • Ensure the soundbar’s power cable is firmly inserted and the power strip is not overloaded.
   • Use the original power supply that came with the B9D.

4. Source Device Check

   • If you have a separate source (e.g., a game console), connect it directly to the TV’s HDMI input that feeds the soundbar via ARC/eARC.
   • Confirm that the source device’s firmware is up‑to‑date.

Step‑by‑Step Troubleshooting

1. Verify HDMI Cable and Version

The Sony HT B9D requires a high‑speed HDMI cable capable of carrying eARC bandwidth.

• Action: Swap the cable with a brand‑new HDMI 2.0 cable that is rated for eARC.
• Result Expected: If the dropout disappears, the previous cable was the culprit.

2. Check TV Audio Output Settings

Your TV’s audio output must match what the soundbar can decode.

• Open the TV’s audio settings menu.

• Set the audio output to “Auto” or “PCM”.

  • “Auto” allows the TV to negotiate the best format.
  • “PCM” forces a standard 2‑channel PCM stream that the HT B9D reliably handles.

• Disable any “Bitstream” or “Dolby Digital” options unless the soundbar supports the format.

• Restart the TV and check for audio stability.

3. Update Firmware on Both Devices

Older firmware may lack support for newer audio protocols.

• Sony HT B9D

  1. Navigate to Settings > System > Software Update.
  2. If an update is available, download and install it.
  3. Reboot the soundbar after the update.

• TV

  1. Check the manufacturer’s support site or the TV’s settings menu for firmware updates.
  2. Install any updates that mention HDMI, ARC, or audio improvements.

4. Disable HDMI‑CEC

HDMI‑CEC can reset the HDMI link when the TV goes to sleep or wakes up, causing audio loss.

• On the TV: Turn off CEC (often called “Anynet+” on Samsung, “CEC” on LG, etc.).
• On the Soundbar: Disable CEC under Settings > System > HDMI CEC.

After disabling, test playback again.

5. Re‑Configure ARC/eARC Settings

The HT B9D can operate in both ARC and eARC modes; mis‑configuration can cause audio issues.

• Set the TV to ARC mode if it only supports ARC.
  • Go to TV audio settings and select “ARC.”
• Set the TV to eARC mode if both devices support it.
  • Go to TV audio settings and select “eARC.”
• Confirm the soundbar’s mode matches the TV’s mode in its own settings menu.

6. Test with a Different Source Device

Sometimes the source device itself causes the dropout.

• Connect a different HDMI source (e.g., a streaming stick or another Blu‑ray player) to the same TV HDMI input.
• Observe the audio behavior.
  • If the audio remains stable, the original source device likely had a problem.
  • If the dropout persists, the issue lies with the TV or soundbar.

7. Try Optical Audio as a Work‑around

If HDMI continues to misbehave, use the optical (TOSLINK) input on the B9D for a temporary fix.

• Connect an optical cable from the TV’s optical out to the soundbar’s optical in.
• Set the TV’s audio output to PCM on the optical path.
• Disable ARC/eARC to avoid conflicting signals.

Optical audio eliminates the HDMI dependency, but it limits you to stereo PCM and eliminates support for surround formats.

8. Check for Unsupported Audio Formats

Certain content streams (e.g., Dolby Atmos from a Blu‑ray) may exceed the B9D’s decoding capability.

• On the source device: Force the output to PCM or a standard Dolby Digital 5.1 format that the B9D can handle.
• On the TV: Disable any “Audio Passthrough” or “Bitstream” features that send the original format to the soundbar.

Advanced Fixes

A. Adjust Audio Latency Settings

If the sound lags behind the picture, the audio may drop as a compensation mechanism.

• Navigate to Soundbar Settings > Audio > Audio Delay.
• Set the delay to match your TV’s audio delay.
• Test playback to ensure sync.

B. Use an HDMI Splitter with Power Management

If you need to use a splitter for multiple HDMI devices, choose a splitter that supplies its own power and supports eARC. Some cheap splitters cut power to the HDMI port, leading to intermittent audio.

C. Reset the Soundbar to Factory Settings

A stubborn issue may require a clean slate.

1. Press and hold the “Volume Up” and “Power” buttons simultaneously for about ten seconds.
2. The soundbar will indicate a reset with a series of beeps.
3. Reconfigure the soundbar from scratch, ensuring all settings are correct.

D. Test on a Different TV

If you have another TV on hand, connect the B9D via HDMI ARC/eARC to it.

• If the audio works flawlessly on the second TV, the original TV is at fault.
• If the dropout persists, the soundbar likely has a hardware issue.

When All Else Fails: Contact Sony Support

If you have followed every step above and the HDMI audio dropout still occurs, it may be a hardware defect.

1. Gather Evidence

   • Document the exact circumstances: what source device, cable type, TV model, and settings.
   • Record a short video of the dropout if possible.

2. Prepare Your Proof of Purchase

   • Have your original receipt or order confirmation handy.

3. Reach Out

   • Use Sony’s official support portal or call the customer service hotline.
   • Provide them with the evidence and let them run diagnostics.

4. Consider Repair or Replacement

   • Sony typically offers repair under warranty or replacement if the unit is defective.

Quick Reference Checklist

• [ ] Replace HDMI cable with high‑speed 2.0/2.1 cable.
• [ ] Set TV audio to PCM or Auto, disable Bitstream.
• [ ] Update firmware on both TV and soundbar.
• [ ] Disable HDMI‑CEC.
• [ ] Verify ARC/eARC mode alignment.
• [ ] Test with an alternate source device.
• [ ] Use optical cable if HDMI remains unreliable.
• [ ] Adjust audio latency if needed.
• [ ] Reset soundbar if persistent issues remain.
• [ ] Contact Sony support if hardware defect suspected.

Final Thoughts

HDMI audio dropout on the Sony HT B9D can feel like a moving target because it can arise from cables, firmware, settings, or hardware. By methodically eliminating each possibility—starting with the simplest changes—you can pinpoint the cause and restore the seamless audio experience your home entertainment system deserves. With a high‑quality HDMI cable, properly configured audio settings, and up‑to‑date firmware, the B9D should deliver rich, uninterrupted sound that complements the visual feast on your TV.