Samsung Flagship Soundbar Faces Widespread Issues After Firmware Update
Samsung’s top-of-the-line soundbar, the HW-Q990D, is experiencing significant problems following a recent firmware update. Users across multiple countries, including the United States, Austria, the Philippines, and Malaysia, have reported malfunctions with the premium Dolby Atmos system.
According to numerous reports on Samsung’s community forums, Reddit, and AVSForum, affected soundbars have become unresponsive. Users have found that factory reset methods are ineffective, and the SmartThings app is unable to access the devices. While the soundbars power on, they freeze on the TV eARC input, resulting in no sound output.
The issue appears to stem from firmware version 1020.7, which many soundbars automatically installed. As a precautionary measure, users are being advised to disable automatic updates temporarily.
While the HW-Q990D is the primary focus of complaints, there are indications that other models such as the HW-Q800D and HW-S801D may also be affected by the bug.
In response to the situation, some customers have been advised to send their hardware for repair. However, many are hoping for a simpler, at-home solution from Samsung. A potential resolution could come in the form of another firmware update.
The Verge has reached out to Samsung for an official statement on the matter. As the situation remains unresolved, users are encouraged to stay informed about potential fixes.
This development serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with automatic firmware updates, even for high-end audio equipment. Samsung users affected by this issue are advised to monitor official channels for further information and potential solutions.
