A Question about corrupted TVOS VoiceOver Output when Heard through a Sound Bar that is Connected to Television via Optical Cable
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M. Taylor
Nov 23, 2022, 10:42:46 AM11/23/22
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Hello Everyone,
I know this was discussed in the distant pass but I do not remember if a
resolution was determined.
Okay, here is the scenario:
1.
This problem only occurs with the TVOS TTS speech engine. All other audio
from Apple TV is heard as expected.
2.
This problem only occurs when the television is connected, via an optical
cable, to a sound bar.
3.
This problem only occurs when VoiceOver is heard through the sound bar.
4.
I am using the Alex TTS engine on my Apple TV HD running the latest version
of TVOS.
The problem is that the first parts of words, spoken by the TTS, are getting
dropped.
So, for example, the word "channel" comes out "anel." The word "Thursday"
comes out "stday," and so forth.
Any ideas on what is causing this or how it can be resolved?
All replies greatly appreciated.
Mark
I know this was discussed in the distant pass but I do not remember if a
resolution was determined.
Okay, here is the scenario:
1.
This problem only occurs with the TVOS TTS speech engine. All other audio
from Apple TV is heard as expected.
2.
This problem only occurs when the television is connected, via an optical
cable, to a sound bar.
3.
This problem only occurs when VoiceOver is heard through the sound bar.
4.
I am using the Alex TTS engine on my Apple TV HD running the latest version
of TVOS.
The problem is that the first parts of words, spoken by the TTS, are getting
dropped.
So, for example, the word "channel" comes out "anel." The word "Thursday"
comes out "stday," and so forth.
Any ideas on what is causing this or how it can be resolved?
All replies greatly appreciated.
Mark
Simon A Fogarty
Nov 23, 2022, 7:35:55 PM11/23/22
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Hi Mark,
I've got my apple tv 4k gen one connected to my tv with an HDMI 1.4 cable,
Then my tv to my sonos play bar with an optical cable,
This is one of the older original sonos play bars from probably 10 years back,
I have my ATV updated to the latest prod tv OS version,
And I'm using I think it's karen the Australian voice now for the tts,
And I'm not noticing this like you are,
Have you tried changing your aTV voice to something other than alex?
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I've got my apple tv 4k gen one connected to my tv with an HDMI 1.4 cable,
Then my tv to my sonos play bar with an optical cable,
This is one of the older original sonos play bars from probably 10 years back,
I have my ATV updated to the latest prod tv OS version,
And I'm using I think it's karen the Australian voice now for the tts,
And I'm not noticing this like you are,
Have you tried changing your aTV voice to something other than alex?
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M. Taylor
Nov 25, 2022, 1:00:20 AM11/25/22
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Hello Simon and thank you for following up on this.
Well, I changed my Apple TV's TTS to my beloved Samantha and, while doing so greatly reduced the degree of the drop-outs, the issue remains.
However, I discovered a couple of things that lead me to believe that the problem is not VoiceOver.
First, I realized that this problem does not occur when the television's native screen reader speaks. For the record I have a Sony X85K model which is running the latest version of Android 10. This television is considered a Google TV, as opposed to an Android TV. I have set the television's OS to use Google's original TTS engine, my favorite one, of course.
Second, I discovered, today, that my DVD player's native screen reader, which I believe is developed by Samsung, has the same drop-out issue as the TTS on my Apple TV.
Again, the drop-out problem only occurs when using anything other than the TV's native TTS when connected to my sound bar via the optical cable.
I would conclude that the problem may be with my sound bar, which I purchased for a mere $39, but the fact that the native television's TTS works just fine, would not seem to support such a conclusion.
Regardless, while the issue may be a bit annoying, it is certainly not a show-stopper by any means.
Again, thank you for the follow-up.
Oh, before I forget, this problem occurs even when I disable the television's native TTs.
Mark
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/viphone2/SY4PR01MB702696C2F0F42DB7AA9A61448A0F9%40SY4PR01MB7026.ausprd01.prod.outlook.com.
Well, I changed my Apple TV's TTS to my beloved Samantha and, while doing so greatly reduced the degree of the drop-outs, the issue remains.
However, I discovered a couple of things that lead me to believe that the problem is not VoiceOver.
First, I realized that this problem does not occur when the television's native screen reader speaks. For the record I have a Sony X85K model which is running the latest version of Android 10. This television is considered a Google TV, as opposed to an Android TV. I have set the television's OS to use Google's original TTS engine, my favorite one, of course.
Second, I discovered, today, that my DVD player's native screen reader, which I believe is developed by Samsung, has the same drop-out issue as the TTS on my Apple TV.
Again, the drop-out problem only occurs when using anything other than the TV's native TTS when connected to my sound bar via the optical cable.
I would conclude that the problem may be with my sound bar, which I purchased for a mere $39, but the fact that the native television's TTS works just fine, would not seem to support such a conclusion.
Regardless, while the issue may be a bit annoying, it is certainly not a show-stopper by any means.
Again, thank you for the follow-up.
Oh, before I forget, this problem occurs even when I disable the television's native TTs.
Mark
Simon A Fogarty
Nov 25, 2022, 3:47:32 AM11/25/22
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Hi Mark,
When this problem happens,
What actually happens?
I'm asking now as you've made me wonder about something that is happening on my tv and sound bar when streaming to another speaker.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/viphone2/000f01d90093%242554d790%246ffe86b0%24%40ucla.edu.
When this problem happens,
What actually happens?
I'm asking now as you've made me wonder about something that is happening on my tv and sound bar when streaming to another speaker.
M. Taylor
Nov 25, 2022, 8:30:00 PM11/25/22
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Hello Simon,
To answer your question:
When I listen to VoiceOver via my sound bar, connected by optical cable, the first parts of words are cut off or, not heard. This is not constant but it happens enough so that, if one was not familiar with the text that is being spoken, one may not understand the words.
Now because I can enjoy audio output from both the television's built-in speakers and the sound bar, simultaneously, I simply lower the volume on the sound bar when navigating the Apple TV via VoiceOver. Again, this does not happen consistently but it does happen on a regular basis.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/viphone2/SY4PR01MB70266FAD2AF1780DC34635FE8A0E9%40SY4PR01MB7026.ausprd01.prod.outlook.com.
To answer your question:
When I listen to VoiceOver via my sound bar, connected by optical cable, the first parts of words are cut off or, not heard. This is not constant but it happens enough so that, if one was not familiar with the text that is being spoken, one may not understand the words.
Now because I can enjoy audio output from both the television's built-in speakers and the sound bar, simultaneously, I simply lower the volume on the sound bar when navigating the Apple TV via VoiceOver. Again, this does not happen consistently but it does happen on a regular basis.
Simon A Fogarty
Nov 25, 2022, 9:02:09 PM11/25/22
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Hi mark,
Yeah not what I was thinking,
I keep getting sudden nothingness on my tv
But it appears to be just a break in signal.
Good lcuk finding the issue.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/viphone2/000201d90136%248cd0b490%24a6721db0%24%40ucla.edu.
Yeah not what I was thinking,
I keep getting sudden nothingness on my tv
But it appears to be just a break in signal.
Good lcuk finding the issue.
M. Taylor
Nov 25, 2022, 9:02:26 PM11/25/22
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Hi Sieghard,
I am so glad you touched on this aspect of my setup.
First, let me say that there are sound bars on the market that are designed specifically for those with extreme hearing loss. While I do have some significant hearing loss, it is not extreme enough across a wide enough sound spectrum to use these specialized devices.
Second, I was prepared to spend up to $1000 for a sound bar for my new television but, surprisingly, after testing a few mid to high end models, I found that they did not meet my needs. Why?
My hearing loss is in the mid to upper registry of the sound spectrum. My hearing in the mid to lower registry is almost perfect. Very often, I can hear low sound frequencies across great distances that many cannot hear.
High quality sound bars, such as the SONOS, tend to be, from my listening perspective, bass-heavy. Even when one reduces the bass via an equalizer I cannot seem to get that very crisp sharp upper registry sound that I prefer to balance out the bass for me.
I recently discovered that there is an entire class of mini sound bars that are intended for use with a PC or a small television in an apartment or shared space setting. These sound bars, which are typically 1/3 to 1/4 the size of a standard sized sound bar, do not have very much bass; in fact, they tend to have a very cheap, more old fashion transistor radio feel that is absolutely perfect for me because they are high registry heavy. It just so happens that these mini sound bars are extremely low cost.
It was for the sound spectrum, not the price, that I purchased my current sound bar which, among other things, has an enhanced dialog mode that is out-of-this-world perfect for me..
So, when I watch anything on my new Sony TV, I set the televisions built-in speakers to a low volume setting for the bass, then I adjust the mini sound bar to whatever level I choose. This way I can enjoy the entire spectrum of sound without having to increase the volume of either device to what would be considered an uncomfortable level to anyone with “normal” hearing.
As I have always believed, bigger is not always better and some of the best things in life are, if not free, then low cost. (big, big, big smile).
Mark
From: vip...@googlegroups.com <vip...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Sieghard Weitzel
Sent: Friday, November 25, 2022 9:56 AM
To: vip...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: A Question about corrupted TVOS VoiceOver Output when Heard through a Sound Bar that is Connected to Television via Optical Cable
And just one other thought, Mark, you usually tend to enjoy quality and you now have a new, high-end TV, but you are pairing it with a $39 soundbar? Really? I sometimes have customers who think they are better shots if they buy a $2,000 rifle instead of one which costs $1,000 but then they put a $300 rifle scope on it and my advise usually is that they are better off buying the $1,000 rifle and a $1,000 scope. And of course in this example now level of quality makes a difference if they don't know how to shoot 🤣
-----Original Message-----
From: mailto:vip...@googlegroups.com <mailto:vip...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Sieghard Weitzel
Sent: Friday, November 25, 2022 9:51 AM
To: mailto:vip...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: A Question about corrupted TVOS VoiceOver Output when Heard through a Sound Bar that is Connected to Television via Optical Cable
There might be a difference between the audio from the TV's screenreader getting passed to the soundbar and the audio from connected devices which has to get "passed through" the TV to the soundbar.
Also, make sure you have quality HDMI cables supporting HDMI 2.1 connecting your Apple TV to the TV, here is information about this:
https://www.hdmi.org/spec/hdmi2_1
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I am so glad you touched on this aspect of my setup.
First, let me say that there are sound bars on the market that are designed specifically for those with extreme hearing loss. While I do have some significant hearing loss, it is not extreme enough across a wide enough sound spectrum to use these specialized devices.
Second, I was prepared to spend up to $1000 for a sound bar for my new television but, surprisingly, after testing a few mid to high end models, I found that they did not meet my needs. Why?
My hearing loss is in the mid to upper registry of the sound spectrum. My hearing in the mid to lower registry is almost perfect. Very often, I can hear low sound frequencies across great distances that many cannot hear.
High quality sound bars, such as the SONOS, tend to be, from my listening perspective, bass-heavy. Even when one reduces the bass via an equalizer I cannot seem to get that very crisp sharp upper registry sound that I prefer to balance out the bass for me.
I recently discovered that there is an entire class of mini sound bars that are intended for use with a PC or a small television in an apartment or shared space setting. These sound bars, which are typically 1/3 to 1/4 the size of a standard sized sound bar, do not have very much bass; in fact, they tend to have a very cheap, more old fashion transistor radio feel that is absolutely perfect for me because they are high registry heavy. It just so happens that these mini sound bars are extremely low cost.
It was for the sound spectrum, not the price, that I purchased my current sound bar which, among other things, has an enhanced dialog mode that is out-of-this-world perfect for me..
So, when I watch anything on my new Sony TV, I set the televisions built-in speakers to a low volume setting for the bass, then I adjust the mini sound bar to whatever level I choose. This way I can enjoy the entire spectrum of sound without having to increase the volume of either device to what would be considered an uncomfortable level to anyone with “normal” hearing.
As I have always believed, bigger is not always better and some of the best things in life are, if not free, then low cost. (big, big, big smile).
Mark
From: vip...@googlegroups.com <vip...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Sieghard Weitzel
Sent: Friday, November 25, 2022 9:56 AM
To: vip...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: A Question about corrupted TVOS VoiceOver Output when Heard through a Sound Bar that is Connected to Television via Optical Cable
-----Original Message-----
From: mailto:vip...@googlegroups.com <mailto:vip...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Sieghard Weitzel
Sent: Friday, November 25, 2022 9:51 AM
To: mailto:vip...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: A Question about corrupted TVOS VoiceOver Output when Heard through a Sound Bar that is Connected to Television via Optical Cable
Also, make sure you have quality HDMI cables supporting HDMI 2.1 connecting your Apple TV to the TV, here is information about this:
https://www.hdmi.org/spec/hdmi2_1
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/viphone2/004401d8ff52%242f12c4f0%248d384ed0%24%40ucla.edu.
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M. Taylor
Nov 28, 2022, 5:19:57 PM11/28/22
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Hello Karen,
1.
I am replying, on-list.
2.
Yes, the problem can be somewhat annoying, at times.
Mark
-----Original Message-----
From: Karen Delzer <catw...@verizon.net>
Sent: Sunday, November 27, 2022 8:10 PM
To: M. Taylor <mk...@ucla.edu>
Subject: Re: A Question about corrupted TVOS VoiceOver Output when Heard through a Sound Bar that is Connected to Television via Optical Cable
Mark, I am having a similar problem. Some of the words are louder at the beginning so they can really startle a person. Also, all of the Spectrum commercials are louder, and some others are, as well. It's more than annoying.
Karen
1.
I am replying, on-list.
2.
Yes, the problem can be somewhat annoying, at times.
Mark
-----Original Message-----
From: Karen Delzer <catw...@verizon.net>
Sent: Sunday, November 27, 2022 8:10 PM
To: M. Taylor <mk...@ucla.edu>
Subject: Re: A Question about corrupted TVOS VoiceOver Output when Heard through a Sound Bar that is Connected to Television via Optical Cable
Mark, I am having a similar problem. Some of the words are louder at the beginning so they can really startle a person. Also, all of the Spectrum commercials are louder, and some others are, as well. It's more than annoying.
Karen
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