Owners of Samsung’s high-end HW-Q990D Dolby Atmos soundbar have been facing a major debacle following a recent firmware update—version 1020.7. Numerous reports have surfaced about the device becoming completely unresponsive. This malfunction, unfolding across various global regions including the United States, Austria, the Philippines, and Malaysia, has left users with what is essentially a bricked piece of hardware. The HW-Q990D, known for its superior sound quality and immersive audio experience, now sits idle in many homes. Users describe a frustrating scene: the soundbar powers on but freezes at the TV eARC input, with absolutely no audio output. This issue is not just an inconvenience but a significant blow to users of what is one of the most well-reviewed soundbars on the market.
Customer Frustration and Company Response
Affected users have tried all standard troubleshooting methods, including factory resets, only to find these efforts fruitless. Even attempts to connect through Samsung’s SmartThings app have been unsuccessful, pointing to a severe software glitch brought about by the latest update. Samsung’s community forums, along with popular platforms like Reddit and AVSForum, have been flooded with complaints, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem. The company has yet to release an official statement, but The Verge reports that some customers have been advised to send their units in for repair—a less-than-ideal resolution for many.
A Call to Action for Soundbar Owners
In light of these issues, it’s advisable for other Samsung soundbar owners, especially those with models like the HW-Q800D and HW-S801D, to disable automatic firmware updates temporarily. This precaution could prevent further instances of this distressing issue until a more reliable fix is introduced. As the community waits for a response from Samsung, the question remains: can a subsequent firmware update remedy this situation, or will more drastic measures be necessary? For now, customers are left watching and waiting, hoping for a swift and effective solution to restore their premium audio experiences.
