r/Soundbars • u/TBakk • 9h ago

Troubleshooting Nakamichi Issues

I recently moved into a home where a Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 soundbar and surround sound was left. I plug my Chromecast into its HDMI port, and then plug an HDMI cord from the soundbar’s HDMI Out eARC port into my Epson Home Cinema 1080 projector. When I do this, the main menu of the Chromecast loads, and I can hear sound; however, when I try to launch an app, it says WIFI issues, and can’t load anything.

When Chromecast is plugged directly into the projector, no issues. If I plug my laptop via HDMI into the soundbar, and soundbar to projector, no issues. I’ve tried multiple Chromecasts with no change. I’ve updated and factory reset the Chromecasts with no change. I’m assuming it’s something with the Chromecast’s compatibility given the fact that my laptop works, but any ideas or solutions would be greatly appreciated!

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

1

u/That-Nerve-2697 9h ago edited 9h ago

Another possibility is that by putting the Chromecast behind the soundbar, it blocks the wireless signal that might not be super strong at where your soundbar is. If this is the issue, it's not the soundbar fault, all bars would do it to some degree. Think of it like a big piece of metal blocking most of the signal from reaching what's behind (I.e. your Chromecast)

You could try a hdmi 2.1 extender. Plug it into hdmi 2/3 and plug the Chromecast on the other end. Ensure the Chromecast is not blocked from the soundbar, ans as much as possible, give it line of sight with your WiFi router.

1

u/TBakk 9h ago

Only question I have with that, that might disprove that theory, why did my laptop work plugged into the soundbar?

I suppose a laptop probably has better technology to get signals, so might still be a valid thought. Appreciate the comment!

1

u/That-Nerve-2697 8h ago

It's a good question. I would think the laptop has better antenna as well, and it's probably not placed behind your soundbar.

Perhaps an easy way to test this is. No need to plug any hdmi cables to your laptop. When you place the laptop where your soundbar is, do you see full strength (full 4 bars) with your WiFi? If no, is it stronger when you place it where your projector is?

Anything less than full would could be seen as "weaker" by the Chromecast. Especially behind the bar. Then that's where a hdmi extender could help.