Sony XR-55A80L + TA-AN1000: “TV speakers active due to communication failure” after (v6.8022)

[micallefgilbert]

Hi all,

I’m running into a recurring HDMI/eARC issue that started after updating my Sony XR-55A80L to firmware version v6.8022. Hoping others can confirm or suggest a solution.

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📺 My setup:

• TV: Sony XR-55A80L (2023 OLED)

• Amp: Sony TA-AN1000 (eARC capable)

• Source devices: NVIDIA Shield Pro (fast boot), PS5

• Connection: HDMI with eARC enabled

• Bravia Sync: Enabled

• Amp setting: Network Standby = ON, HDMI Standby Through = ON

• TV Audio Output: Set to “Audio System”

• eARC Mode: Auto

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⚠️ The issue:

After the latest firmware update (v6.8022), I’ve been intermittently getting this message on boot:

“TV speakers active due to communication failure between the TV and audio system.”

• The message appears at startup, particularly when using the Shield, which boots very quickly.

• However, audio still routes to the amp correctly after a second or two.

• The PS5 doesn’t trigger the issue, likely because it takes longer to boot and gives the amp time to complete the eARC handshake.

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🔍 What I’ve tried:

• Double-checked Bravia Sync and eARC settings on both TV and amp

• Ensured HDMI cables are high quality and fully eARC-capable

• Amp and TV both have latest firmware

• Network Standby and HDMI Standby Through are ON on the TA-AN1000

• No HDMI splitters or ARC extenders in use

• TV now starts up faster after the update — may be outpacing the amp’s readiness

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🧠 My theory:

It seems like the TV is trying to establish an eARC connection before the amp is fully ready, especially when the Shield boots quickly. This results in a temporary fallback to TV speakers before switching back to the amp. Since the PS5 takes longer to boot, it avoids the issue.

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❓Questions for the community:

• Is anyone else with an A80L or TA-AN1000 seeing the same issue after the v6.8022 update?

• Could this be a firmware bug, or just a timing conflict due to faster TV startup?

• Are there any recommended tweaks or CEC strategies that solved this for you?

• Could this affect the TV or amp long-term, even if audio functions normally afterward?

Appreciate any advice or feedback!
Thanks in advance.

[micallefgilbert]

Hi everyone,

According to the Sony UK support site, a new update has been released for the XR-55A80L. I’m at work right now, but I’ll try updating my TV later today.

**Just wanted to share the news—**if anyone manages to update earlier and notices that it fixes any error issues, I’d really appreciate a quick post about your experience!

Thanks!

https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/oled-tvs-android-a80l_a83l_a84l-series/xr-55a80l/software...

[GrummeFar]

Unfortunately the updates didn’t solve the problem for me.

this morning I got a message saying there’s a new update for my TV. I’ll update later and report back. Fingers crossed that it finally fixes the issue.

[Shaunjchapman]

Any update on this? It's been ongoing for so long now, with no resolution. Are Sony still working on this?

[micallefgilbert]

Last Wednesday, I received an email asking if the latest update solved my issue, which I confirmed it did not. Neither of the two most recent updates has mentioned a fix for the timing problem; they only mention performance improvements for the TV. I believe the TV's responsiveness is the root cause of this issue.

​About an hour later, I received another email from them confirming that my issue has been escalated to their product specialists.

​Fingers crossed this gets fixed. It's a real shame for such high-end equipment.

[pabulous]

Been having this issue with my 50X90S TV and HT-A3000 soundbar.

[micallefgilbert]

This issue has been going on since May. After I sent an angry email to Sony, I got a call from them last week. They told me the issue has been escalated to their top-tier tech team to identify the source of the problem. Today, I received another email stating they are still working on it.

The funny thing is, although the error shows up, everything works fine. It's just a cosmetic glitch.

I hope they find a solution to remove the error or at least change the message to something like, "TV is waiting for sound system, please wait."

If they offer a replacement, I probably won't accept it for two reasons:

1. I'd likely end up with a refurbished unit.

2. A different model might still run Android 12 and have the same bug.

For now, I'm just waiting for a proper response from Sony.

[GrummeFar]

I’ve just received news from Sony regarding the problem. They’re promising a fix with the next software release. Here’s the email:

Dear Customer,

Thank you for your understanding. I confirm that the issue has been reported to our development department and is being actively monitored.

A fix is planned for an upcoming software update, although we cannot provide a specific release date at this time.

We appreciate your patience and remain available for any further questions or assistance you may need.

Kind regards,

Gisselle

SONY SUPPORT TEAM

[micallefgilbert]

Thank you for sharing this update.

My own case has also been escalated internally, and I am in contact with a dedicated manager regarding its status. I have received a weekly update email for the past seven weeks, and each one states that they are still awaiting feedback from the appropriate internal team before proceeding.

Hopefully, I will receive the same positive news that you have shortly.

Thanks again for the information.