I have an Amazon Fire TV which I was hoping I could turn into a headless music streamer. I've sideloaded XBMC and got it streaming music over my network (controlled via remote) outputting audio via optical SPDIF to my receiver.
However, if there is no TV connected to the HDMI port (at least briefly) since booting, I get no sound on SPDIF.
I checked out the system log while XBMC is failing to play a track and I see this:
W/AudioTrack( 2210): obtainBuffer timed out (is the CPU pegged?) 0x5b990420 name=0user=0001d400, server=0001c800
W/AudioTrack( 2210): obtainBuffer timed out (is the CPU pegged?) 0x5b990420 name=0user=0001d400, server=0001c800
W/AudioTrack( 2210): obtainBuffer timed out (is the CPU pegged?) 0x5b990420 name=0user=0001d400, server=0001c800
E/AudioHardwareALSA( 277): error pcm_write returned -5
E/AudioStreamOutALSA( 277): pcm_write returned n < 0
W/AudioFlinger( 277): write blocked for 40004 msecs, 120 delayed writes, thread 0x419ba5f0
W/AudioTrack( 2210): obtainBuffer timed out (is the CPU pegged?) 0x5b990420 name=0user=0001d400, server=0001cc00
W/AudioTrack( 2210): obtainBuffer timed out (is the CPU pegged?) 0x5b990420 name=0user=0001d800, server=0001cc00
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Click to collapse
If I hotplug a TV into the HDMI port while this is happening, those lines stop appearing in the log and music starts to play (on SPDIF).
I can then unplug the TV from HDMI and the music continues to play fine--until the next reboot. It seems that the FTV needs to see *something* on the HDMI port before initializing the audio system.
I bought a "fit headless 4k" HDMI display emulator, hoping that it would make the FTV happy. It didn't.
Any ideas? I'm open to any workaround, software or hardware that is easy and cheap (and doesn't require having a bulky thing attached to the FTV's HDMI port)...
lunkhound said:
I have an Amazon Fire TV which I was hoping I could turn into a headless music streamer. I've sideloaded XBMC and got it streaming music over my network (controlled via remote) outputting audio via optical SPDIF to my receiver.
However, if there is no TV connected to the HDMI port (at least briefly) since booting, I get no sound on SPDIF.
I checked out the system log while XBMC is failing to play a track and I see this:
If I hotplug a TV into the HDMI port while this is happening, those lines stop appearing in the log and music starts to play (on SPDIF).
I can then unplug the TV from HDMI and the music continues to play fine--until the next reboot. It seems that the FTV needs to see *something* on the HDMI port before initializing the audio system.
I bought a "fit headless 4k" HDMI display emulator, hoping that it would make the FTV happy. It didn't.
Any ideas? I'm open to any workaround, software or hardware that is easy and cheap (and doesn't require having a bulky thing attached to the FTV's HDMI port)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is information on this in the Fire TV thread on the XBMC.org forums.
Basically, optical audio out will not work without a connected HDMI device
which supports HDCP. People have tried using devices such as HDMI
splitters with varied success. I ran into the same issue using a DVI monitor
(with an HDMI to DVI adapter). The monitor is supposed to support HDCP,
but did not work -- so has to be an HDCP compatible HDMI monitor.
wunderdrug said:
There is information on this in the Fire TV thread on the XBMC.org forums.
Basically, optical audio out will not work without a connected HDMI device
which supports HDCP. People have tried using devices such as HDMI
splitters with varied success. I ran into the same issue using a DVI monitor
(with an HDMI to DVI adapter). The monitor is supposed to support HDCP,
but did not work -- so has to be an HDCP compatible HDMI monitor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. I've scanned (and posted in) the XBMC forum thread on this, but since it seems to be more of an OS level issue rather than an XBMC issue I think this forum is better suited. Also, last I checked, there were only some suggestions of devices that MIGHT work, but nothing yet on anything that actually DID work.
One device that did work is my Denon 3311ci AV receiver. When the FTV is attached to one of the HDMI inputs on the AVR (and with the AVR not connected to any TV), FTV would output SPDIF audio.
Perhaps the reason for the failure of the fit-Headless-4k HDMI display emulator, is lack of HDCP support. But that's just a guess.
Related
Trying to output sound via optical through a digital to analog converter to use with headphones and or analog speakers, but not getting any sound.
Converter functions as I tested it with my directive receiver and I got sound coming over optical to the speakers so I know it is functioning, but nothing coming out of fire tv either via fire tv itself or via xbmc.
Any ideas on how to get the sound to function? Or am I stuck having to buy a home theater receiver for the task or buy another tv for it.
Currently running it through an old 19" widescreen computer monitor using hdmi to dvi converter which video works fine. still have some things to check and tweak to see how it functions with streaming via nfs over wifi may have to change some settings in advanced settings etc, but that is a side issue. Really don;t want to have to utilize my old apple tv 1 for it, but if necessary I will use it instead of the fire tv.
Fire tv is on last rootable firmware and is rooted.
Please advise if anyone has any insight as to what I can do.
My Fire TV is causing some problems with my Sony Bravia TV connected to my amplifier (Onkyo).
My amp is connected to my Sony TV via HDMI and my other devices including the Fire TV are connected to the amp.
The TV detects that I have an external amp connected and routes all the audio through that and I can control my Fire TV using my Sony TV remote.
Occasionally I get an error on my TV which says "TV speakers active due to audio communication failure", at which point the audio comes from TV and amp, and the TV can't detect any of my other devices (PS3 etc). I also lose the ability to control other devices with the TV remote.
If I unplug the Fire TV HDMI cable then my TV suddenly reconnects with the amplifier. Connecting the Fire TV again breaks the connection and I get the error message from the TV again.
If I unplug the power from the Fire TV then it works ok again for a few hours, maybe a couple of days at most.
So the Fire TV is somehow breaking/confusing the CEC between TV and amp.
I can't really pinpoint the exact operation that causes it.
I've tried a different HDMI cable and tried a different HDMI port on the amp.
Is anyone else experiencing this problem?
I don't know if I have a faulty Fire TV, seems odd that it works for a while then breaks.
A reboot fixes for a while so maybe it's a software issue, if so I'd imagine others are having the same problem but a search turns up nothing.
helicon9 said:
My Fire TV is causing some problems with my Sony Bravia TV connected to my amplifier (Onkyo).
My amp is connected to my Sony TV via HDMI and my other devices including the Fire TV are connected to the amp.
The TV detects that I have an external amp connected and routes all the audio through that and I can control my Fire TV using my Sony TV remote.
Occasionally I get an error on my TV which says "TV speakers active due to audio communication failure", at which point the audio comes from TV and amp, and the TV can't detect any of my other devices (PS3 etc). I also lose the ability to control other devices with the TV remote.
If I unplug the Fire TV HDMI cable then my TV suddenly reconnects with the amplifier. Connecting the Fire TV again breaks the connection and I get the error message from the TV again.
If I unplug the power from the Fire TV then it works ok again for a few hours, maybe a couple of days at most.
So the Fire TV is somehow breaking/confusing the CEC between TV and amp.
I can't really pinpoint the exact operation that causes it.
I've tried a different HDMI cable and tried a different HDMI port on the amp.
Is anyone else experiencing this problem?
I don't know if I have a faulty Fire TV, seems odd that it works for a while then breaks.
A reboot fixes for a while so maybe it's a software issue, if so I'd imagine others are having the same problem but a search turns up nothing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I have the same problem (Sony Bravia TV connected to Onkyo TX-NR809). A call on Amazon ist standing still since any weeks. My personal solution is a CEC Less HDMI-Adapter to block the CEC signals from the Fire TV. A big drawback is, that the amplifier now not automatic switch the input source, but I can life with them.
I hope, it's a possible solution for you.
FL
same Problem with Samsung F6500
I experienced the same with aftv on my Yamaha receiver. It happens that no device either connected directly to my tv nor my receiver gets recognized by the tv cec as long the aftv is connected. Rebooting aftv solves the problem until the next time.
Similar problem here, onkyo tx-nr626, lg tv and a ps3.. if the firetv is plugged in, i cant control the ps3 over the cec from the receiver.. I tried a few cables, and its always the same behavior, firetv connected to the onkyo, cec (or RIHD on onkyo) is broken for all other devices..
restarting the firetv helps, thanks for this tip
My Fire TV gen1 can't be used in headless mode. It is connected to my beamer via HDMI and to my receiver via S/PDIF. The sound is heavily distorted when no HDMI device is connected or when the device is in standby. When I turn my beamer on, the sound is restored to normal immediately and stays that way even if the beamer is switched off again up to the next power cycle/reboot of the FTV. Did anyone observe similar behavior and has any idea for a fix? I already tried all available sound settings in the Fire TV, unfortunately.
Well, just for your information or if anyone encounters a similar problem: it does not work. The box needs an HDMI handshake or most likely an identified display once after reboot to play music. It is the same with the Fire TV 2. A HDMI-to S/PDIF converter or a switch do not seem to provide a solution. My workaround: the box is not disconnected from power and thus not rebooted when my other equipment is powered down. Works like a charm but wastes ~26 kW of power per year.
Hello folks. Hope someone with more knowledge will read this and be able to help me.
I have aftv 1 connected to a sharp TV via hdmi cable (hdmi 3 input on TV) and via optical to a Philips sound bar. I have two small dogs and like to leave a radio station on for them when i am away. The problem is that when i turn off the TV, the audio to the sound bar starts breaking up. The only solution that i have found so far is to change the hdmi input on the TV and turn the TV off. It seems that the aftv 1 senses the hdmi cable and tries to send the audio to the TV even when it's turned off. Does anyone have a solution to this or a similar experience. As far as i know the aftv 1 ui does not have an option to choose which output ( hdmi or optical) carries the audio.
I'm not 100% certain, but your issue may be caused by the fact that the Fire TV basically becomes unusable if not connected to an HDMI device which support HDCP. If the TV is off, the Fire TV may be sensing that no HDMI connection is present (and therefore no HDCP) and disables all output, including audio. Not certain if this would work, but does your soundbar have HDMI input and passthrough? If so, try plugging the Fire TV into the soundbar and then the HDMI out from the soundbar to your TV.
Thank you for the reply
Unfortunately only hdmi output on the sound bar. No hdmi input.
My aftv1 has kodi playing music over digital optical out, regardless if connected to "an HDMI device which support HDCP " or NOT connected to anything over hdmi.
Thank you for your response
I am not trying to make kodi work. I use iHearT radio app and that's where the problem is.
Hi guys! Ofesad here from Argentina.
First a litte history: I had a Sony XBR55X805E (android tv) until january. Was killed by a electric surge.
Since then I dont have a TV.
So, yesterday I got a TCL 55" C715 QLED. Picture looks nice, however I have been finding problems all around that I cant seem to find a solution.
First, the most important one: NO AUDIO on ARC.
I have a Yamaha RXV-673 (Dolby+ and DTS, no Atmos). The TV "sees" it as an input device. I can see the receiver menus when I select the HDMI 1 on the tv.
I have try'd changing a lot of things and never saw it as a output device. Even changed the hdmi cable and port (in case of mislabeling), no change.
Of course I tested the receiver with another source and it works perfectly, as it always did with the Sony.
Second, the HDMI-CEC doesnt seem to work.
I plugged my PS4 in HDMI2. Enabled HDMI CEC support. Same on the TV.
Turned everything off.
Turned PS4 On using it's joystick. TV stays off.
------
Also tryd turning everything off. Turning TV on. Select Input HDMI2 and the PS4 doesnt turn on.
Both devices used to work PERFECTLY my Sony with the features mentioned.
So, I ask on any advice on this matter.
The new TV seems nice enough but with all this issues it feels quite... "incomplete". Like a "demo" version.
I dont know what to think.
I am really considering returning it unless I can find the solution to this problems.
Thank you for reading and your advices.
Ofesad.
Same problem on tcl 55c735 and apple tv 4k . Cec don’t turn on tv but turn off . Same problem with 50c735 too. Tv bought in France. Try reinstalling on the 50c735 adviced by TCL and do nothing. Worked with my old Samsung TV. I tried other input and and another hdmi cable and don’t work
This is the recommended power up sequence to reduce and solve any handshake issues...
1. Power-off all equipment (At the wall socket).
2. Ensure all Cables, Splitters, Switches, Extenders are connected within the HDMI Distribution Network.
3. Power on all Splitters, Switches, Extenders within HDMI Distribution Network.
4. Power on all displays and set to HDMI input from HDMI Distribution Network (Source device need to be able to contact display to retrieve EDID information)
5. Power on Sources / Players. Ensure that a path is open from source to display for HDCP handshake negotiation by selecting the proper input on HDMI Switches or HDMI switch/splitter combo’s via the remote control (Sources negotiates HDCP Handshake via HDMI Network to displays which is set to HDMI input to respond to handshake).
Some displays will negotiate HDCP handshake / timing better if the source are already powered on and you may need to change points 3,4,5 above to 4,3,5 or 4,5,3 depending on your equipment.