Apple TV 4K remote volume doesn't work

[stulda]

Hello everyone,

I came here for help with my issue.
I just bought and set up the Apple TV 4K (128GB variant with an ethernet port, that I'm using).
Everything seems fine so far but I'm having trouble making remote volume work.

I'm using a gigabyte aorus fo32u2 monitor (don't have a TV) and whatever settings I try it just doesn't work at all.
The monitor supports HDMI-CEC (and is enabled in the OSD menu). It's connected using a decent HDMI (working) cable. 4K works, HDR works. Everything seems to work but the remote volume. I can only control the volume using the monitor volume buttons.

I tried to restart the monitor, restart the Apple TV, and restart the remote itself. Also updated the tvOS to it's latest version 18 (didn't work on the previous one too).

I'm really lost at this point.

Do any of you know what may be causing it and how to resolve this issue?

Thank you

stulda

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Does that monitor come with a remote too? If so, does its volume buttons control volume?

Have you checked for other CEC options besides just "on" within the monitor's controls? In particular, some TVs have a "Control volume with CEC" setting to turn on/off.

In AppleTV menus, Remotes and Devices, (near the bottom), what does it show next to Volume Control? If not "Auto" or "HDMI" try choosing each of those and then seeing if you gain volume control.

 

[Audit13]

According to the specifications, the monitor has speakers but, without a remote, the ATV would not be able to control the volume. AFAIK, the Apple Remote would use IR for volume control via CEC.

 

[stulda]

Does that monitor come with a remote too? If so, does its volume buttons control volume?

Have you checked for other CEC options besides just "on" within the monitor's controls? In particular, some TVs have a "Control volume with CEC" setting to turn on/off.

In AppleTV menus, Remotes and Devices, (near the bottom), what does it show next to Volume Control? If not "Auto" or "HDMI" try choosing each of those and then seeing if you gain volume control.

Thanks for your reply. The monitor does not come with a remote. The only setting in the OSD menu is HDMI-CEC on or off. Nothing else.

According to the specifications, the monitor has speakers but, without a remote, the ATV would not be able to control the volume. AFAIK, the Apple Remote would use IR for volume control via CEC.

Ouch. That makes sense.

Now the question is...

I'm using the Schiit Asgard 3 as my audio source (dac/amp combo) connected to my PC over USB. The unit has rca inputs.

If I were to get the hdmi audio extractor... Would I be able to control the ATV volume this way?
In theory it should work. No remote, just manually or using a volume knob on my keyboard.
Is this the way to make it work? Anyone knows?

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Thanks for your reply. The monitor does not come with a remote. The only setting in the OSD menu is HDMI-CEC on or off. Nothing else.

Did you check that setting the AppleTV "Remotes & Devices" menu? My best guess is that THAT might not be set to "AUTO" or "HDMI".

If the monitor has a built-in speaker, disconnect the Schliit for testing and see if AppleTV will control the monitor speaker volume itself. If so, it is working but just not through USB to the Asgard 3

I believe you'll need a direct HDMI link to BOTH monitor and Receiver/AMP for HDMI signals like volume control to travel throughout. I don't think you'll get that via HDMI to monitor and then USB to speaker. HDMI Extractor is only going to break out the audio, not pass through CEC signals. I'm mostly confident- probably north of 90% confident- that it won't be able to communicate the volume CEC commands through the extractor to the speaker. Thus, no direct volume control (only maybe more or less un-amplified signal- which could seem like what you want- but that's a big- and probably weak- maybe).

If the Asgard 3 doesn't have an HDMI jack itself (and it appears it doesn't), it is likely the weak link in what you are wanting to do here. Replace it with something that can take HDMI in from AppleTV then export HDMI out to monitor and audio out direct to speakers and then it will own volume control via CEC. There are lots of relatively cheap A/V receivers capable of exporting HDMI video to the monitor and sending audio to powered or unpowered speakers (you likely currently have connected to that Asgard 3). That may be THE way.

Else, I think the consistent problem is getting the CEC instruction for volume up or down to the Asgard 3. I searched the Asgard 3 manual for CEC and found nothing.

Another option is move the Asgard 3 and speakers to some other room for audio-only enjoyment and maybe add some powered speakers to plug into a 3.5mm jack on that monitor if it has one or perhaps a soundbar with HDMI input and outputs: AppleTV HDMI OUT to SOUNDBAR HDMI IN, SOUNDBAR HDMI OUT to Monitor. With an HDMI connection to both monitor and speaker, CEC should work fine. There are plenty of <$200 soundbars that can do this, including some with a wireless sub to kick up the bass too. I opted for soundbar + wireless sub for my own main computer setup.