MS admits to 360 audio problems caused by NXE, working towards a 'solution'
by Dustin Burg 
{ Dec 2nd 2008 at 10:30AM }
Looks like the audiophiles over at the AVS forums weren't wrong about the New Xbox Experience killing some gamers' Xbox 360 audio (did you really doubt 'em?), because Microsoft has officially acknowledged the problem and promises a "solution" in the near future.
"We are aware that a handful of Xbox LIVE users are experiencing audio issues" a Microsoft rep informed Shacknews, promising that they're "diligently monitoring this issue and working towards a solution." According to numerous internet reports, after the NXE update was released a few weeks back, some Xbox 360 HDMI users lost all game audio.
Gaming without sound is no fun. Hopefully we can haz the NXE caused HDMI audio problems fixed soon.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Daniel H @ Dec 2nd 2008 10:51AM
Thanks for following up on this. I've been speaking with Larry (Major Nelson) about this since the 19th, he says that the team is aware of this and is working towards a solution, but apparently that's all he knows at this point.
Though apparently, the problem seems to mainly exist through the use of Vizio or Benq TV sets.
DocHollid@y @ Dec 2nd 2008 2:01PM
Yeah it's very annoying to not have sound while i'm paying for XBOX Live. I haven't had sound since it came out. I love NXE, but no sound!! I call MS and they said they were looking into it. By the way I have a Vizio. C'mon MS staff how difficult of a fix could this be?
Vergs @ Dec 2nd 2008 4:50PM
It's also occurring on that little-heard of brand Viewsonic. It's not a model specific issue.
By the way, I reported this to 360FANBOY almost 2 weeks ago and they ignored it. Thanks to Shacknews.com for honoring my request to give it a spotlight and congrats to FANBOY for waiting for news to be news on other sites before reporting it.
paul @ Dec 3rd 2008 11:27AM
yeah i have an elite on a 32 inch vizio no sound since nxe launch. I just went back to comp cables for now.
Ryan @ Dec 2nd 2008 10:52AM
Its just not users with HDMI losing all sound from games. Im going through component with the digital audio cable and I too lose sound randomly while starting a game. A quick system reboot seams to fix the problem but it has happened to me around 3-4 times since I downloaded and installed the NXE. I trust Microsoft will be looking into this issue because they really are putting forth a lot of effort into the whole NXE...I mean come on what else have they got going for them right now...windows vista or windows 7...haha yea right!
Deezul @ Dec 2nd 2008 10:56AM
No sound issues for me, either via the HDMI to my TV or via optical cable to my AVR. However, I have experienced several random freezes on games since NXE came out, usually after pausing the game or getting an achievement.
Bluemanrule @ Dec 2nd 2008 11:03AM
Word on the rampant, random freezes. I have thought since 11/19/08 (when I installed and played Tomb Raider Underworld) that my system was going to fail. I've been pleasantly wrong in my assumptions thus far but have had many freezing scares (4-6) during that timeframe.
Mazrael @ Dec 2nd 2008 2:31PM
That could be just Tomb Raider: U.. I've had allsorts of strange stuff happening.. the game is full of issues (more and more later on)
Deezul @ Dec 2nd 2008 9:38PM
Happened again today when I got a pop up for a completed download; about a 6-7 second pause.
Delgado @ Dec 2nd 2008 11:01AM
Just to give some anecdotal evidence, I use an HDMI with my 360 and Phillips HDTV, and sound has never cut out for me.
I did have some freezes on the first day with my Halo 3 edition console, but after the first day everything was fine.
Daniel H @ Dec 2nd 2008 11:04AM
If those who do or don't have the problems could kindly post the brand of HDTV they are using, that information would be helpful. If only to attempt to confirm that the problem is exclusive to Vizio and BenQ sets.
I have the issues and mine is a Vizio.
Knight Marquise @ Dec 2nd 2008 12:18PM
Daniel,
I have an Elite 360 hooked up to a Vizio via HDMI, no sound issues with the NXE so far.
(Also have 360s hooked to a Toshiba LCD & Hitachi rear projection, no problems)
Perhaps its a certain run of consoles having this issue (made during a particular period).
un4gvn94538 @ Dec 2nd 2008 12:24PM
my 360 is only a couple months old. i use hdmi to a receiver then to tv. also component/analog straight to tv. no issues. the tv is a sony 1080i rptv.
Prox @ Dec 2nd 2008 12:34PM
I have an Elite hooked up via HDMI to my Samsung LCD. No problems yet.
Vergs @ Dec 2nd 2008 4:51PM
I have a 28" Viewsonic. My Fourth 360 is only 4 weeks old. It was working fine before NXE was forced, er, pushed out.
d3athcr4ft @ Dec 2nd 2008 6:14PM
No audio problems for me -- HDMI connection to a 42" lcd Toshiba REGZA.
psychohog @ Dec 3rd 2008 11:49AM
Toshiba Regza 1080p through HDMI. No problems at all.
Stephen @ Dec 24th 2008 10:28AM
I hooked up my xbox 30 to my brand new Toshiba 40" LCD (1080p) HDTV, and my audio worked fine thru my HDMI cable, until I upgraded to the NXE front-end - then - no audio. It appears to be non-TV specific. I'm currently using COMPONENT, and am waiting for MS to come up with a FIX!
ser
Jason @ Dec 2nd 2008 11:07AM
I have the same issues...its definitely not limited to Vizio or BenQ cause im running an LG tv...
I got around the sound issue by using the HD AV adapter but i still get a Secure HDCP link error when watching DVD's (or attempting to).
I just want it fixed!
marauder800 @ Dec 2nd 2008 11:07AM
I haven't had a problem with either of my 360's and no one on my friends list has complained. It must be a fairly isolated issue.
yolarrydabomb @ Dec 2nd 2008 11:09AM
wow I though I not the only one.
was there post to be background music on Gears 2?
Felipe @ Dec 2nd 2008 11:26AM
yea, i've been having a couple problems since the NXE update:
-Game freezing (but it clears up in a couple seconds)
-Bad sound quality when playing songs from an external hard drive
-Long load times when searching for music on my external hard drive
-When playing songs from external hard drive, it doesn't play all of them. only picks about 10 or so and plays those only, neglecting the other hundreds of songs i have on it.
Dion @ Dec 2nd 2008 11:38AM
thats all fine and dandy, but i am still having a problem with my new 'blades' not showing up. All that shows up for me is Friends and My Xbox. There are no error codes on the database and not much help from microsoft. All i was told was they were "looking into a workaround and/or solution." My best guess is network issues because i am on a school campus, but i didnt have a problem before NXE.
Brian @ Dec 2nd 2008 11:53AM
That is a problem with Xbox Live. Major Nelson said in his twitter that they think they have solved the issue.
Dion Dege @ Dec 2nd 2008 4:23PM
The problem has been ever since NXE came out not because of the recent issues on xbox live.
edward camp @ Dec 2nd 2008 11:47AM
I wasn't having any problems until i tried out tmnt arcade again. There was no sound the whole game. So far only that game
AlpahGeeeK @ Dec 2nd 2008 12:02PM
I have my PAL Elite hooked up to a sound amp via optical cable and the sound cuts out now an then.
Dustin @ Dec 2nd 2008 12:22PM
I use HDMI for audio/video and I have not had a single problem....
krellish @ Dec 2nd 2008 12:57PM
I had an interesting issue the other day.. My first with the NXE. I put in my original Xbox Mortal Kombat: Armageddon and it asked me to update.
If I update, the update installs and again asks me for an update, every time.
If I don't update, the game freezes on the loading screen.
Any ideas?
KineticOnline @ Dec 2nd 2008 1:29PM
Im using HDMI to connect to my sharp TV and havent had any sound issues.
That is until you count the unbearable sound of my voice when playing lips :D I think that one can just be put down to years of shower and car singing
DocHollid@y @ Dec 2nd 2008 2:04PM
Yeah it's very annoying to not have sound (like me) while i'm paying for XBOX Live! I haven't had sound since it came out. I love NXE, but no sound!! I call MS and they said they were looking into it. By the way I have a Vizio. C'mon MS staff how difficult of a fix could this be?
GhostDoggy @ Dec 2nd 2008 2:23PM
It did more than kill the audio. The NXE killed my 360. I had to borrow one from Target so Microchit could fix mine on their dime.
Mr. Williams @ Dec 2nd 2008 2:36PM
HDMI no sound on a vizio
Mazrael @ Dec 2nd 2008 2:39PM
No issues.. had 1 system freeze on the friends list, but it got over it a minute or two later.. may be nothing, but the solidly built Dead Space, I dropped through a lift, & later, a building dissapeared, where I could only see it from the inside, after the game was installed..
I'm using a Zephyr Elite through HDMI to a Samsung R7 series, also a wired connection (not giving the change of wireless messing up my updates...)
andy @ Dec 2nd 2008 4:12PM
Yeah im using the regular cord though and i'm having video problems. I have to send my xbox in because i can hear my audio but i cannot see video... :( probly wont get my xbox back till after christmas!!!!!!!!!!! :,(
Alex @ Dec 2nd 2008 7:50PM
I have my 360 hooked up on a HDMI cable and today I noticed that all the sound thats coming through is all high pitched?
Ron @ Dec 3rd 2008 12:07AM
I'm using a Insignia HDTV with the hdmi cable and i lost the audio and 1080 res settings after the NXE update.
NukeAssault @ Dec 3rd 2008 12:13AM
Interesting... thought it was just me. I use HDMI and on occasion i lose sound. Not a biggie though. I just unplug it and pop it back and it usually works again on the first go.
Jorge @ Dec 3rd 2008 1:17AM
i have a vizio ... the audio breaks up sometimes but never goes out completely
Jon @ Dec 3rd 2008 9:26AM
I've got my 360 hooked up to a Iiyama TFT monitor via HDMI, and I can't get any sound since the update.
I've tried the trick of unplugging the hard disk, but this didn't work either.
Hopefully the fix is on its way shortly?
Ebola8MyFace @ Dec 4th 2008 11:51PM
My 360 was working fine until the update, and then immediately after, I have no sound at all. The only way I can get sound is by starting my system without the harddrive and then after it boots up, I put the harddrive in, the system reboots again and I have sound. This can't be healthy for my system. By the way, I have an HDTV (I forget the name but their logo is an underlined W. I find it odd that none of the gaming websites are even addressing this issue. And for people who aren't having sound issues, great, but it sucks for the rest of us.
techsys @ Dec 5th 2008 1:15AM
no problems at all from either of my NXE updated 360s. configs as follows:
1) an older (pre-HDMI) Pro that is connected via component to an older (four year old) Sony KF-42WE610.
2) a newer (a little over a year old) Pro that is connected via HDMI to a Sony KDS-60A2020. The audio from the newer Pro, however is connected to an Onkyo TX-SR602, via optical from the HDMI kit audio connector.
Devin @ Dec 10th 2008 3:07PM
lost my sound after update, my tv is a V7 32 inch LCD, model VC-3207, x-box arcade with HDMI
Cameron @ Dec 20th 2008 2:19AM
I have the problem as well.
360 Elite hooked via HDMI to a Mitsubishi WD-62525.
Worked fine before the update, but now no sounds and the display settings are different.
Also, just for the record, the hard drive removal reset did not work.
Paul @ Dec 25th 2008 11:13AM
Same problem here - no sound with HDMI. The temporary fix works but is annoying to do all the time. Will use with component until microsoft fix.
TV is a HANNspree 1920 x 1080 28".
mikehersey@gmail.com @ Dec 25th 2008 8:38PM
I have a 40" Toshiba LCD (1080p) HDTV, and my audio worked fine thru my HDMI cable, until I upgraded to the NXE and now there is no audio. It appears to be non-TV specific. I'm currently starting up the console without the Hard Drive and installing the hard drive after a few seconds. I and am waiting for MS to come up with a FIX!
Midori Monkey @ Jan 13th 2009 4:20AM
I am currently having the sound issue. Aftering installing the NXE update, I lost all audio via HDMI. It seems it is registering the HDMI as a VGA cable, since it has no sound and the resolutions listed are ranging from like 800x 600 up to 1920 x 1080 instead of 1080p etc. I am using an elite to a Benq monitor.
Scrivuk @ Jan 5th 2009 4:18PM
Hi Peeps!
I've just purchased an LG hdtv and when i'm playing DVD's a get a popping noise occasionally.. Is this related to the NXE update??
I am not experiencing a total black out of sound.
Cheers.
James
Anubis Seth @ Jan 6th 2009 1:51AM
Ok here is a funny thing...I bought a new TV. An LG 47 Inch....my old XBOX does not have HDMI so I used VGA.
VGA looked so bad on my new Tv. Although On my old Vizio it looked perfect through VGA.
So I decided to buy a new XBOX.
I got one that was manufactured in 2008.
First it would not work on my New LG at all through HDMI.
I took it to a friend of mine and hooked it up to his Samsung LCD, set it to 1080p and it worked fine Through HDMI.
When I pluged it to my LG it finally worked, BUT, it would not allow me to run 1080p through HDMI.
It only allows 1080i through HDMI.
I can get 1080p only through Component or VGA.
My friend has an older XBOX. Made in 2007.
His XBOX works fine through HDMI on my tv and runs 1080p through HDMI.
And VGA looks good from his XBOX VS mine.
So I returned the XBOX and got another one. Same issue happened.
It seems the 2008 batch has some problems.
So now i am just using my old XBOX through component.
Jordan @ Jan 29th 2009 12:54AM
I HAVE FOUND A FIX!!!!
1. turn 360 off
2. take all memory out (hdd and memory cards)
3. turn 360 on
4. place hdd back on 360 while on
this resets everything back to default settings
i have verified that this works, this is what i did, through contacting microsoft.
Cheers!!!