Screen blacks out when soundbar turns off when using headphones on Xbox. Even when TV is still on

[dargis49]

Soundbar automatically turns off when using headphones on Xbox and blacks out the screen. Is there to not have the soundbar automatically turn off when it's not being used even though the TV is still on? Extremely frustrating when the screen goes to Black and you're in the middle of the game.

 

[Ultimea Team]

We completely understand how frustrating this issue you're experiencing. Having your screen suddenly go black during a crucial moment in your game is truly a frustrating experience.

The core issue you're experiencing is the interoperability of the HDMI-CEC function.

Please try the following solutions, which often resolve this issue:

Disabling CEC on the X60 Soundbar

You can use the soundbar's remote or official app to find "HDMI CEC" or a similar option (sometimes called "System Standby" control) in the settings menu and turn it off.

When turned off, the soundbar will no longer respond to Xbox power on/off and audio switching commands, remaining independent, thus preventing accidental shutdowns.

Adjusting audio and power settings on your Xbox (a workaround)

Go to Xbox Settings > General > Power & Startup and set "Turn off Xbox when TV is off" to "Do not turn off."

Also, in Settings > General > Video & Audio Output, try adjusting the audio control options under "Audio Test."

Disabling CEC on your TV (alternative solution)

If the above method doesn't work, you can also try disabling CEC in your TV's settings (this may be called something like BRAVIA Sync, SimpLink, or Anynet+, depending on the brand).

Thank you for your patience and feedback. If the issue persists after this, or you're having trouble navigating the settings menu, please let us know your TV and Xbox model number so we can provide more precise instructions.

 

[dargis49]

I don't see that option anywhere on the app.

 

[Ultimea Team]

Regarding this issue, we conducted tests and analyzed the following scenarios for your reference:

1. When the content device supports CEC function

1.1 Samsung TVs: Regardless of whether the TV remote or the content source remote is used to power on or off, the Soundbar automatically switches to the HDMI IN channel.

1.2 Other TVs, such as Roku (where the boot screen is set to the channel interface instead of the main page): When the TV is powered off using the TV remote, the content source device and Soundbar will also power off simultaneously. When the content source device is powered on using the content device remote, both the TV and Soundbar will power on simultaneously. In this case, the Soundbar will automatically switch to the HDMI IN channel. (If you power on using the TV remote, the content source device cannot be woken up, and the Soundbar will inevitably display EARC.)

2. When the content source device does not support CEC/CEC is turned off:

2.1 Samsung TVs: When powering on/off using the TV remote, the Soundbar will automatically switch to the HDMI IN channel.

2.2 Other TVs, such as Roku (where the boot screen is set to the interface interface instead of the main page): When powering on/off using the TV remote, the Soundbar will not automatically switch to the HDMI IN channel and will display EARC. You must use the Soundbar remote to switch the channel.

Based on your feedback, you may be using a content source device that does not support CEC, or a non-Samsung TV, as described in 2.2. (It's also possible that your content device supports CEC but is turned off; in this case, you can use the method described in 1.2 to power it on/off.)

 

[dargis49]

Using a TCL R635

 

[dargis49]

For tcl's
" Soundbar will not automatically switch to the HDMI IN channel and will display EARC. You must use the Soundbar remote to switch the channel."
That shouldn't happen. My Sony Bravia bar 6 never did that. Just saying

Is there any way to fix that.

 

[Ultimea Team]

For tcl's
" Soundbar will not automatically switch to the HDMI IN channel and will display EARC. You must use the Soundbar remote to switch the channel."
That shouldn't happen. My Sony Bravia bar 6 never did that. Just saying

Is there any way to fix that.

We will conduct further testing to find a suitable solution to this problem.

 

[Leongino]

Soundbar automatically turns off when using headphones on Xbox and blacks out the screen. Is there to not have the soundbar automatically turn off when it's not being used even though the TV is still on? Extremely frustrating when the screen goes to Black and you're in the middle of the game.

Hi,
I've been investigating and have been able to gather these possible solutions, try them and let us know.

Routine 1 — “Headset Mode” (play with headphones, no blackouts)​

Goal: prevent the bar from triggering eARC renegotiations while you use a headset.

On Xbox (one-time):

1. Profile & system → Settings → General → Volume & audio output → Additional options → Mute speaker audio when headset attached = OFF.

On the TCL R635 (each time you switch to headset, 2 taps):

1. Settings → Audio → Audio output = TV speakers (or PCM)
2. Settings → Audio → eARC = Off
   (When you finish with the headset, you’ll switch back to eARC; see Routine 2.)

In the ULTIMEA app (X60):

1. Open the app → select your X60.
2. Device Settings → Auto Turn Off / Auto Standby → set a longer timer or OFF (if your firmware allows).
3. (Optional) EQ/Custom EQ: lower Surround Level and Up-Firing Level so you don’t hear the bar if any signal remains.
4. (Optional) Enable Night Mode to tame peaks (if available in your firmware).

With this, even though Xbox keeps a tiny audio stream over HDMI (to keep the bar awake), there will be no renegotiations and no black screen.

---

Routine 2 — “Cinema/Atmos Mode” (when you want the bar at full power)​

On the TCL R635 (2 taps):

1. Settings → Audio → Audio output = eARC (HDMI 4)
2. Settings → Audio → eARC = On

In the ULTIMEA app (X60):

1. Open the app → X60.
2. Device Settings → Auto Turn Off / Auto Standby → set your preference (I recommend a long timer).
3. Sound Mode = Movie/Cinema (or your favorite).
4. Levels: adjust Surround Level and Up-Firing Level (if present) + Bass/Treble to taste.
5. (Optional) Disable Night Mode for full dynamic range.

---

5-second trick (if audio ever drops)​

On the TCL: switch Audio output = TV, then back to eARC (HDMI 4). This forces a clean handshake without reboots.

---

Optional: quick access shortcuts​

• Roku (TCL): pin Settings in “Recents” and keep Audio one click away for the 2 taps.
• Ultimea app: leave Device Settings open (many phones remember the last section).

---

Wiring check (final verification)​

• Xbox → TV (HDMI 1/2/3).
• TV (HDMI 4 eARC) ↔ X60 (HDMI OUT eARC).

If it works for you, fantastic! The Ultimea team is also working on them.