audio dropouts - Google CC w/Google TV dongle, audio problem with Denon AVR

[emisk]

I’m experiencing audio dropouts similar to a previous post from 8-24-21 from Ryan Trepanier, answered by Abellaj, and locked by Jeran on 9-23-21. It involves the chromecast with google tv device (ccwgtv), the 2020 dongle model #GZRNL. In 2021, Ryan wrote, “The audio works well, but every 5 minutes or so, the audio cuts out for about a second, then returns. The audio issue is happening across apps.”

In my TV room, I have a Denon AVR with the ccwgtv plugged in as one of two inputs, and all video is output through HDMI to an old Sharp TV which is strictly used for video, not audio. I have the Denon AVR set to auto detect Dolby Digital + when available. When streaming from the ccwgtv, the AVR’s signal input intermittently flips to “UNKNOWN” for a half second before reverting back to “Dolby Diigital +”....hence, the audio dropout.

Video remains stable at all times, so this is an audio issue.

I tested disabling surround sound on the ccwgtv dongle, so that it only passes PCM stereo, and the same dropouts continue intermittently.

As additional info, I use a 2nd input on the AVR for playing live and recorded local OTA broadcast TV from a computer with a tuner, including mostly stereo but also some recorded 5.1 content, and these recordings pass through the AVR without interruption. I’ve also used the AVR for playing CD’s and it doesn’t have interruptions.

My wifi is an Eero Pro 6 gateway within 6 feet of the ccwgtv, providing excellent signal.

Abellaj asked, “Does your phone, TV or router have a task killer app, standby, firewall, antivirus, sleep mode, power saver, a parental control, tv HDMI-CEC settings, wifi network extender, or electromagnetic devices (stereo receiver, DECT cordless phone, microwave, baby monitor, refrigerator, LCD monitor, etc) causing interference? A wifi repeater may cause a microsecond delay.” I’m no expert, but wouldn’t any of these cause significant pixelization in the video? I haven’t had video disruption, only audio dropouts.

I tried doing a factory reset on the ccwgtv dongle, and this did not help.

I ran some tests……

In my kitchen I have a 2021 Sony Bravia TV with built-in ccwgtv, its audio output to a new Sonos Arc soundbar, and I don’t have any audio issues with that system. I tried putting the ccwgtv dongle into an available HDMI port on the Sony Bravia TV, and it plays flawlessly. So the dongle is good.

I tried connecting the dongle to my ancient Sharp TV’s available HDMI port and it also played flawlessly on the internal speakers, in 2-channel stereo (it is not capable of 5.1). This test in my TV room, and my other test using the dongle with the Bravia TV in my kitchen imply that environmental variables mentioned previously by Abellaj are not the cause of these dropouts.

However, when I used an optical audio output from the Sharp TV to the Denon AVR, the stereo channels experienced dropouts, much like I had when processing 2 channel audio directly from the dongle to the AVR. So, it seems anytime I use the Denon AVR to process audio from the ccwgtv dongle I get dropouts. And yet, the Denon AVR is capable of processing uninterrupted audio from other sources (CDs, radio, etc), except for the ccwgtv audio.

I hope you can help me determine the root cause of the incompatibility, or suggest further tests with other settings. Thanks.

[Jeran]

Hey there emisk,

I apologize for the late response, thank you for being patient! Were you able to fix that audio dropout issue? If not, I'd be happy to help out, as it sounds like this has been quite the headache to deal with. First, go ahead and make sure all of your devices are up-to-date on their firmware. Then, change the settings to use Dolby Digital instead of Dolby Digital Plus, to see if it makes any difference. With the TV being older, it makes me wonder if it's having issues receiving Dolby Digital Plus from the Chromecast and receiver. If you can, try using the receiver and the Chromecast on the newer Sony Bravia to try to recreate the issue as well.

I look forward to your response, and if you have any other questions or concerns for me, please let me know!

Best regards,
Jeran

[emisk]

Thanks, Jeran.  I have resolved this problem, although I'm still puzzled about some details.   It seems to be focused on the Denon AVR.  When I wrote my post, I said that I use a 2nd input on the AVR for playing live and recorded local OTA broadcast TV from a computer with a tuner.    I said these recordings passed through the AVR without interruption, leading me to think the ccwgtv dongle, a newly introduced element, was the problem.  Well, after a day or two, these old recordings were showing audio dropouts, even though they were good in the past.  I checked for firmware update to my Denon AVR and it displayed as "you have the latest firmware" but I  forced an update anyway.  That seems to have solved my problem.  My Denon AVR is no longer taking wifi updates so I had to run a long ethernet cable to it to force the update.  It may be that the newly attached ccwgtv negatively affected the Denon AVR.   Thank you for the follow up, it was very perplexing but now I know what to do in the event it fails again.   Happy holidays!

[Jeran]

Hey there emisk,

I'm glad to hear you were able to resolve this issue! That is an interesting interaction for sure; I can't say I've ever heard of that occurring before. Technically, the Chromecast with Google TV was designed to be plugged directly into a TV and not through an AVR first, so sometimes strange issues can occur. However, I'm glad to hear you got everything working! In that case, do you have anything else that I can address? If not, I'll go ahead and lock the thread in 24 hours.

Best regards,
Jeran

[emisk]

Thank you, Jeran. There is still an issue that persists but is hard to pin down.  While I have now solved the riddle of why there were 1-second brief periodic audio dropouts, I have an intermittent issue with 5.1 processing from the ccwgt dongle. Maybe it's also related to the AVR.  When I start watching 5.1 content, everything works. Often in a few minutes, the audio starts to stutter, to the point that it comes in half-second bursts between 1-2 seconds of silence, persisting for many minutes.  If I change settings to "never use surround" it plays fine in stereo.   And most mind-blowing, if I switch back to surround after a half-hour of using stereo,  the dropouts  will have gone away!  This happens more often at night than daytime. I checked my internet speed at various points of the day, but it's consistent at around 300 Mbps down. I've tried all variations of manual settings for Dolby, etc. with no effect.  You'll recall from my prior post, I have an OTA recorder (Windows Media Center) computer that plays out 5.1 audio through my AVR, and it works fine.  So it's still apparent that ccwgtv has issues with my AVR.  Have you encountered other clients with similar issues?  (side question:  I'm using a new Eero Pro 6 wifi router, excellent signal with no video pixelization..... but would using an ethernet adapter for ccwgtv make a difference for the audio problems I have?  I'm tempted to try but it might be a waste of $20....) Thanks.

[Jeran]

Hey there emisk,

I have seen similar issues in the past with receivers having issues with 5.1. It seems like there is some kind of handling error when the Chromecast and TV are trying to play Dolby Digital Plus content, and it needs to be converted to Dolby Digital. There is also the issue of the Chromecast with Google TV not being technically compatible with receivers. Google designed the Chromecast with Google TV with the intention of plugging the Chromecast dongle directly into the TV, with sound coming either from the TV's speakers or Bluetooth devices. Just out of curiosity, do you notice any difference between Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus?

Best regards,

Jeran

[emisk]

Hi Jeran, switching to Dolby Digital from DD Plus eliminates the audio problem, but it also eliminates 5.1 surround sound.  I have always had the option to stream Netflix or other services directly from my computer to the Denon AVR but these have been 2 channels only.  I was hoping the ccwgtv dongle could enable 5.1 audio to my 6 speakers which are driven by the AVR.  It seems unfortunate that "Google designed the Chromecast with Google TV with the intention of plugging the Chromecast dongle directly into the TV, with sound coming either from the TV's speakers or Bluetooth devices."  Folks like me who invest in a quality sound system  and only get stereo are not using the full potential of their setup, which deliberately bypasses the TV's internal speakers and bluetooth speakers. I'm curious if Denon is any better or worse than their competition in handling the ccwgtv device.

[Jeran]

Hey there emisk,

Once again, I am sorry for the slow responses on this thread. I appreciate your patience. I've been on the lookout for any workaround that would help with your situation but came up short. It may be best to speak with Chromecast Support regarding this. If you don't mind, would you be able to fill out this form to have Chromecast Support reach out to you via email?

Best regards,

Jeran

[emisk]

Will do!  Thanks, Jeran!

Ed

[Jeran]

Hey there emisk,

I'm just checking up on this thread; did you have a chance to fill out that form yet?

Best regards,
Jeran

[emisk]

Hi Jeran,

Yes, I filled out the form and wrote this 1000-character description of my problem:

I have a Denon S700W AVR supplying 5.1 surround audio, and a white Chromecast With Google TV ("ccwgtv") Model #GZRNL plugged in as one of two HDMI inputs.
Video is output through HDMI to an old Sharp TV which is strictly used for video, not audio.
The Denon AVR is set to auto detect Dolby Digital + when available.
When streaming from the ccwgtv, the AVR’s signal input continuously flips to “UNKNOWN” intermittently, before reverting back to “Dolby Digital +” creating massive audio dropouts.
Video remains stable at all times, so this is an audio issue between the ccwgtv and AVR.
When I go into the ccwgtv advanced audio settings and select "Never use surround sound" I get no dropouts, but only 2 ch audio.
I use a 2nd HDMI input on the AVR for a 2nd Gen Chromecast, model #NC2-6A5. It works well with the AVR, playing 5.1 audio without problems, but lacks the features & remote control of the ccwgt.
I have swapped inputs on the AVR but the problem is clearly the ccwgtv. Advice?

[Jeran]

Hey there emisk,

Awesome, thank you for filling out that form! In the meantime, I would just keep an eye out for an email from Chromecast Support so you can continue troubleshooting with them. Keep in mind that due to the recent increase in cases, it may take them a few days to contact you.

Best regards,

Jeran

[emisk]

Thank you, Jeran.  I hope to hear from them.

Best,

Ed

[Jeran]

Hey there emisk,

No problem at all! I'll check up on this thread in a few days to make sure they have.

Best regards,

Jeran

[Jeran]

Hey there emisk,

It looks like Chromecast Support reached out to you yesterday! Go ahead and follow-up with them if you haven't already.

Best regards,

Jeran

[emisk]

Hi Jeran, I have been in touch with them.  Thanks!

[Jeran]

Hiya emisk,

Awesome, I'm glad to hear that! In that case, I'll go ahead and lock this thread in 24 hours. If you have any more questions in the future, feel free to create a new thread.

Have a good one!

Best regards,
Jeran