Diagnosis
The soundbar is stuck in a "handshake" loop. When the display shows 'eARC' without producing audio, it means the LG S95QR recognizes a connection to the TV's HDMI eARC port, but the encrypted handshake required to stream audio data has failed or timed out. This is typically caused by a software glitch in the TV's HDMI-CEC protocol or a physical signal degradation in the cable.
How to Fix It
Perform a hard power cycle and handshake reset to clear the communication error:
- Turn off both the TV and the soundbar.
- Unplug the power cables for both devices from the wall outlet.
- Disconnect the HDMI cable from both the TV's eARC port and the soundbar's HDMI OUT port.
- Wait 60 seconds to allow the capacitors to discharge.
- Plug the power back in and turn on the TV first, then the soundbar.
- Reconnect the HDMI cable firmly.
- On your TV settings, navigate to Sound/Audio Output and toggle "HDMI eARC" OFF and then back ON to force a new synchronization.
If That Didn't Work
If the display remains stuck on 'eARC', try these alternatives:
- Cable Validation: The S95QR requires an HDMI 2.1 "Ultra High Speed" cable. Older High-Speed cables often fail to maintain the bandwidth required for eARC, causing the signal to drop. Replace the cable with a certified 48Gbps HDMI cable.
- Port Check: Ensure the cable is plugged into the specific HDMI port labeled "eARC/ARC" on the TV; other HDMI ports will not transmit audio back to the soundbar.
- Firmware Sync: Use the LG Soundbar app to check for any pending firmware updates for the S95QR, as updates often resolve handshake compatibility issues with newer TV models.
Heads Up
To get the most out of the 9.1.5 channel array, ensure your TV's digital audio output is set to "Pass-through" rather than "PCM." PCM will downmix your audio to stereo, bypassing the S95QR's ability to decode Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.