I'm having a weird problem with my new UDP800 player when playing SACD disks. The problem only appears to affect SACD playback; regular redbook CD and BluRay playback appears to be entirely as expected.
HDMI Output #1 routes directly to my 4K Sony TV. HDMI #2 (Audio) routes to a Sony AV Amp - iteslf configured for full 5.1 audio (DSD over HDMI fully supported - but not 4K video, hence the direct connection to the TV via HDMI Output #1).
When playing SACD disks, the player will likely play back without issue for an hour - after which the audio bitstream from the player to the AV Amp seemingly ceases while disk playback continues. When the bitstream from the player ceases, stopping and restarting disk playback makes no difference whsoever; ejecting and reinserting the SACD also doesn't clear the problem. Soft-off/on of the player will briefly clear the problem.
While the TV is turned-on - the issue doesn't occur at all.
This issue reliably occurs regardless of the UDP800 being set-up for DSD (obviously preferred) or PCM over HDMI. Firmware has been updated from V816 to V836 - the unexpected behaviour being consistent with both firmware versions - whether the UDP800 settings are default, or changed to better reflect the audio system and user preference.
I'm stumped - other than to conclude that I've encountered a firmware problem. That said, consistent SACD playback for an hour might imply a thermal issue - but this possibility is perhaps unlikely as other disk formats don't experience the problem.
You mentioned when the TV is turned on this issue does not occur. This leads to a number of questions.
1. What do you do to reset the system?
2. What are your HDMI CEC settings? "Settings-Option-HDMI CEC"
2. If you unplug and replug the audio HDMI cable after the audio stops does this fix the problem?
3. If you disconnect the TV from the system and play the SACD does the problem occur?
4. If you unplug and replug the audio HDMI cable after the audio stops does this fix the problem?
5. If you unplug and replug the "main HDMI" cable after the audio stops does this fix the problem?
My apologies for the slow reply. I've been testing this extensively as time permits to better characterise the issue.
Responses to your specific questions:
1. The player iteself has been fully reset from the settings menu. The player firmware has also been updated to v837 when released - and all settings again reset. The TV HDMI settings (TV connected to player HDMI 1 - Main) have been completely reset - as have those of the AV Amp. Attempts to reset the HDMI chain have only temporarily cleared the problem.
2. CEC has been trialed in all three modes - HDMI 1, HDMI 2 and OFF. The setting makes no difference whatsoever.
3/4/5. Disconnecting the TV from the Player (HDMI 1 - Main) seamingly clears the problem while the TV remains disconnected.
Additionally, if when the playback stream has ceased (but the player is continuing playback) disconnecting and then reconnecting HDMI 1 will restore the audio stream through HDMI 2.
For information, the Sony TV is a Sony A90K (XR42A90KU).
Additional testing has demonstrated that the issue with lost HDMI audio affects both SACD and regular CD media.
