Use Apple TV remote to control volume for Powernode/Perfect future powernode

Blake Patterson

Bluesound team,

I'm now realizing how convenient it was to control our whole AV setup with just the apple TV remote for normal daily use.

Now that we set up a Powernode 330 using eARC, the apple TV remote no longer controls volume. (The TV remote does control volume of course, I assume since the Powernode is plugged in to the eARC port on the TV).

Since the TV only has one eARC port, I'm assuming there is absolutely no way to get the convenience of one remote control back. Our previous soundbar setup had HDMI passthrough (run ATV into sounbard, then run soundbar into TV). Worked great with 4k60 4:4:4 HDR video + Atmos sound. 

Would getting this solution with a powernode require adding an HDMI in/passthrough port to the device in a future version, so you could plug the ATV directly in to the Powernode, then plug powernode into TV?

 

 


If so, you should do it. We will pay for it.

 

The perfect future Powernode device would do this:

1. Play ALL high quality streaming formats for music AND movies/video, including all the way up to Kaleidescape lossless, with real, correct 2.1 downmixing (or object based downmix for Atmos and DTS:X - remember there are theoretically some benefits for even 2.1 systems for object based audio).

2. Add two inputs: 

A. Jitter-correcting usb input (this would allow me to get best quality audio direct from our $6,000 gaming PC - use USB from that computer for music, switch to HDMI output from the GPU for dolby atmos in games (or maybe USB has the bandwidth to pass Atmos direct to the Bluesound Device, allowing use of jitter-correcting DAC AND movie/gaming Atmos or DTS:X on one connection? Someone should make this product!)

B. As discussed above, HDMI e-ARC output passthrough for one-remote convenience (Apple TV remote)

In this theoretical setup, the gaming PC would connect directly to the TV via HDMI for maximum video stability @ 4k120 10 bit/HDR 4:4:4 etc, and use a second HDMI 2.1 output from the GPU to send Atmos/losses audio to the Bluesound device.

3. Add Dirac capability to the Powernode. Who cares how much it costs, it's way better than the competition. Just add it and charge us for it.

 

 

Bottom line: playback the absolute best quality 2.1, properly mixed stereo+LFE content for both audiophile music and video/gaming sources (make switch between music subwoofer crossover setting to movie/show/game LFE setting automatic), support even brand new object-based formats for 2.1, and it needs to "just work" while also offering maximum convenience using just one remote.

Do this and I probably won't need a new A/V device for 10 years! Ha!

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Comments

3 comments

Date Votes
  • Official comment
    Tony W.
    Product Support Manager

    Hi Blake

    My personal setup in my home has an Apple TV connected to the TV via HDMI2 and the POWERNODE connected via HDMI eARC - since all I watch is the AppleTV, no issue using the Apple Remote for me. Check your TV CEC settings and ensure in POWERNODE Settings, Player, Customise Sources, HDMI, Auto-Sens is enabled for CEC.

    As for your wish list - our very good friends down the hall at NAD Electronics make that product (including BluOS Supported - AND DIRAC Room calibration) in the NAD T778.

  • Noah Chasin

    Tony W has the same setup as I do, but I cannot get the Node to recognize sound from my TV. Actually, I have the latest node, not the PowerNode. Any thoughts? I've spent hours on the phone with Warren from tech support.

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  • Noah Chasin

    Thanks for the response. I have it connected via the HDMI ARC port on my tv with the correct cable and all the setting on tv are correct. I have gone over this with BlueSound tech for hours, literally. No one can figure out why it won’t work.

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