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mjdindc
User level: Level 1 (80 points)

Apple TV A2843 audio cuts out through HomePods when playing H.264 video from Computer app

I have two Apple TV’s, an A2843 (running OS 27.3) and an A1625 (running 26.6 - can’t run 27).  Both put audio out through Apple HomePods.  The main computer is a MacMini with a M2Pro running 27.2


Audio plays fine on all streaming services.  However when playing media from my computer using the “computer” app, sound on the A2843 cuts out after 2 minutes and then comes back.  This does not happen if I route the audio through the TV speakers.


I have tried changing audio to “cover to dolby”, “Stereo only” , and turning off the dolby atmos with no change.  I have also tried changing the audio format to 16 bit.


This ONLY happens with video that is encoded using H.264.  It does NOT happen when I use a Plex Server.


Obviously I could just use the Plex server but prefer the Apple computer app.  Anyone have any suggestions?

Posted on Nov 4, 2026 4:14 PM

2 replies

tillu_code
User level: Level 4 (2,112 points)

Nov 4, 2026 8:01 PM in response to mjdindc

TV speakers staying fine, and Plex staying fine, means the Apple TV and the HomePods are ok. The drop is the Computer app sending those H.264 files over Home Sharing. Streaming apps send plain stereo. Home Sharing often passes the file's own audio track through, and a 5.1 AC-3 or a big track will stall the HomePods after a couple of minutes, then catch up. On the Apple TV, go to Settings > Video and Audio > Audio Format and turn on Change Format so it always outputs stereo. Restart the Apple TV, and unplug the HomePods for 30 seconds. Then remux one problem file so the video stays H.264 but the audio is stereo AAC. If that one plays clean, the audio track was the cause and you can do the rest the same way, without moving to Plex. Also set the Mac not to sleep while you watch. Home Sharing drops when the Mac naps.

mjdindc Author
User level: Level 1 (80 points)

Nov 5, 2026 6:58 AM in response to tillu_code

Unfortunately that did not work. Strange that it works on the older AppleTV, I wonder what Apple changed and if the new one would handle it differently. I could return it if it doesn't but guess I am stuck with moving to Plex or using an old one just for this. SIGH!


Thanks!

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256388956