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

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

micallefgilbert — Tue, 20 May 2025 07:41:06 GMT

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.

📺 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

⚠️ 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.

🔍 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

🧠 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.

❓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.

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

GrummeFar — Sat, 14 Jun 2025 08:29:57 GMT

I'm having the exact same problem after updating to latest firmware on my A95K... I've got a Sonos Arc connected via the eARC (HDMI 3). Haven't had any problems with the setup until now. I get the message almost every time I turn on my TV now and sometimes the source doesn't change automatically anymore. I'm considering rolling back (if possible) to earlier firmware. Have you been in contact with Sony yet?

On a positive note, I do feel like the TV is turning on faster just as you describe so might be something related to that.

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

micallefgilbert — Sat, 14 Jun 2025 16:16:47 GMT

Hi,

Yes, I’ve contacted Sony and they provided me with a list of tests to go through to cover all possible scenarios. I recorded a video and sent it to them. After three weeks, they finally got back to me and confirmed that the issue has been escalated to their technical team, who are now working on a possible solution.

As you mentioned, the TV is indeed turning on much faster, and this is most likely what’s causing the issue.

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

GrummeFar — Sat, 14 Jun 2025 16:27:36 GMT

That’s great to hear! Thanks for reply. I’ll wait and see if they come up with a fix then.

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

micallefgilbert — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 05:49:31 GMT

As soon as I hear back from them, I’ll post an update here to keep you informed. Hopefully, they manage to resolve the issue. I know it’s not exactly a fault, but it’s frustrating to see it happen every time I switch on the TV—especially considering the amount of money spent.

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

GrummeFar — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 06:23:58 GMT

Occasional the source doesn’t change automatically which is very frustrating. I know there’s a shortcut to change audio source but it should just work automatically as it always has.

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

micallefgilbert — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 07:15:12 GMT

Nowadays, we have too many devices connected via CEC, and if something sends the signal too early or receives it too late, something is bound to fail in the process. As I mentioned in my first post, funnily enough, the PS5 works fine with every switch on—most likely because it has a slower boot time or simply syncs better with Sony's system. However, if I power on the TV directly instead of the Shield, I get the error again.

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

micallefgilbert — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 08:30:23 GMT

Just wanted to give an update on the Sony XR-55A80L issues some of us have been discussing. I received an email from Sony support today confirming that improvements will be implemented in the next software update.

Given that these types of issues often affect multiple models, it's highly likely this update will also bring fixes for other Sony TVs facing similar problems.

Good to know they're working on it! Fingers crossed it resolves things for us.

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

GrummeFar — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 08:57:58 GMT

Thanks for the update. I’ve just received same message from Sony on the issue on my A95K. I’ve too received a “hotfix” until update is issued.

Go into Apps. Scroll to bottom and click “See all apps” ans scroll to bottom and click “Show system apps”. Scroll all the way down until you find “Quickset SDK”. Click on “Permissions” and change to “Allow” under nearby devices.

I haven’t had problems since doing so. My Sonos Arc switches source when TV is turned on now. I still get an error message “TV speakers active due to a communication error with the audio system” but it works.

Venlig hilsen / Best regards
Nicolaj G. Therkildsen

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

micallefgilbert — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 09:04:29 GMT

Thanks for the update as well. Will check it out once I arrive home from work.

Thanks again!

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

micallefgilbert — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 11:50:38 GMT

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/00354338

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

GrummeFar — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:54:26 GMT

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.

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

Shaunjchapman — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 10:27:33 GMT

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

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

micallefgilbert — Sat, 06 Sep 2025 11:07:43 GMT

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.

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

pabulous — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 12:14:28 GMT

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

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

micallefgilbert — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 19:44:49 GMT

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:

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

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

GrummeFar — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 18:52:37 GMT

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

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

micallefgilbert — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:24:07 GMT

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.

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

micallefgilbert — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 13:56:44 GMT

Hi there,

Any one got the update?

If yes, was the issue really fixed?

Thanks

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

GrummeFar — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:52:55 GMT

Unfortunately the newest update hasn’t fixed the issue. I’m so disappointed but not surprised at this point. I’m almost giving up. I can’t believe Sony has ruined the experience on a 3 year old TV with a software release. I paid $4000 for this TV. It should take this long to fix this.