Sam, is there anything you want me to do? I downloaded the next release to see if it suffered the same issue “OSMC_TGT_vero3_20220424.img.gz”, but stopped as it wanted to overwrite my current install. I assume I need a test build?
I can’t produce test builds of versions from 2.5 years ago unfortunately. I can produce newer kernel test builds on removable media, but don’t have any new ideas regarding the issue.
Hi @sam_nazarko,
Headache after headache—finally, I’ve come across this thread, which started in 2022. It’s clear that many users, including myself, are facing serious issues with the Vero 4K+ and eARC functionality. Here’s the problem:
When I disconnect the Vero 4K+ from my receiver (Sony STR-DN1080), eARC on my TV (Philips 58PUS8546/12) starts working again, allowing proper audio for apps like Netflix. The suggested workarounds—hacking the HDMI cable or buying a CEC blocker—are not acceptable solutions for a premium device.
The real solution should be:
- Offer to replace the Vero 4K+ with a newer hardware version, as the root cause of this issue remains unresolved.
I’m happy to provide logs, but I doubt they’ll show anything beyond “HDMI is unplugged, and eARC works again.” This issue has persisted for years, and it’s time for a concrete resolution.
I purchased a premium device expecting premium support. Please let me know how you intend to address this.
Kind regards,
Jan
Not saying this should be your solution, but out of curiosity, if you disable CEC in the Vero’s settings do you still have this issue?
Hi Jan
You can use an older version of OSMC on your device which will not exhibit this issue.
Unfortunately this problem only affects a small number of users with specific TV hardware. I haven’t received a lot of debug information and none from yourself.
Most importantly this issue only occurred after upgrading Vero 4K + to a newer kernel. We did this to extend support beyond our guaranteed commitment. From what you suggest: we would have been better ending support and not offering updates.
But it wouldn’t be fair to discontinue support for a majority of users when such a small number of users are affected. I have explained this here in previous posts.
The choice was a no brainer to me: give 100% of users extended support for years at the risk of a handful of users having issues with eARC or give no users further updates. The affected users can simply install an older version of OSMC which we will keep online indefinitely.
Unfortunately as I can’t reproduce the issue here; SoC vendor do not officially support the new kernel and reports are sparse here, I couldn’t get this resolved. Trust me when I say I really bloody tried.
Thanks for your understanding.
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Well, I think this is a broader problem. I accidentally discovered, after years, that the Vero 4K+ is the culprit. When you have multiple HDMI devices connected to your receiver, it’s very difficult to pinpoint the issue to the Vero 4K+. I consider myself knowledgeable when it comes to AV setups, with 30 years of professional IT experience. I believe the majority of users don’t even realize the Vero is the cause and will never figure it out.
I also understand the challenge this issue poses for you, and it speaks well of you that you take the time to respond. Here in this thread, there are several people facing the same problem. Perhaps you could offer us a decent discount (Via PM) on the Vero V? That way, you can keep us—and me—as happy customers.
Unfortunately that does not make a difference.
I believe there is already a discount made available to 4K owners to upgrade to the V, or at least there was.
That being said, I’m not so sure the V would necessarily solve your issue.
I mean, I hope it does, and the V is definitely worth the upgrade in my opinion so I recommend it either way.
CEC is just annoying IMHO.
When it works it’s convenient, when it doesn’t it will drive you crazy.
Thanks for your understanding.
I think you need to outline the issue more thoroughly. CEC (dropping out) and eARC are a bit different.
It is a known fact that if you turn off power to Vero 4K/4K+, it will break the eARC chain. But that is simply a fact of how eARC works. I want to clarify that is not the issue reported here.
As @Kontrarian states, we do have an upgrade offer for Vero 4K/4K+ users. I am always trying to do my best for customers past, present and future.
When CEC does not work, we get vocal complaints. So I am not sure that this is the case. It does work for a very large majority of users. But CEC isn’t the best of standards, and it is hard to implement universally. If you’ve been in the AV business for 30 years, you’ll know CEC is a headache.
Out of curiosity: have you tried an older image to see if it is a regression? I don’t know when you purchased your device so it is hard to advise and it’s also unclear if this became a problem later on (I suspect this is the case).
The V doesn’t seem to present this problem. We contacted the SoC provider with this finding and they were surprised we were still supporting 4K/4K+ as long as we were. We did fix it for a lot of affected users (as reported in threads), but we couldn’t fix it for everyone. I cannot replicate every setup unfortunately.
Sam
Ah yes, it’s still there.
Vero V is here. Faster, future proof, and always the best way to enjoy OSMC.
Vero 4K / 4K + support is end of life from 31/01/25. Customers can get an upgrade offer here
At the top of the page when you go to the shop!
I purchased the Vero 4K in oktober 2021, the issue was introduced when I hooked up my Philips TV (58PUS8546/12) early 2022. I did not try an older image. Now the workaround is just unplug the HDMI cable from the Vero to get eARC from the TV back. Is sort of workable for me.
Today I got update 21.1 (Git 20241104-osmc), so far no issues. eARC stable.
I will check the coming days, hopefully the issue is solved now, else I maybe go for the HDMI pin 13 hack.
@Kontrarian The discount is 10 pounds I believe. Not that much.
I am in doubt, maybe a NUC is better suitable for me, never had any issues with a Intel NUC.
But the Vero Remote rocks, maybe I can find one just like it for a NUC.
I feel a bit silly. I could have just connected the Vero directly to the TV to resolve this. I had it in my mind that it would require HD audio codecs being down converted (maybe it still does).
I’ve changed nothing related to CEC in the last update, so please don’t get your hopes up.
Considering there is no obligation to do anything than provide an existing order number, I think it is a generous offer.
As long as you don’t need dynamic HDR needs, should be OK.
If you upload a log via My OSMC, we can tell you exactly what audio formats your TV does and does not support.