Hi BobW, Thank you for sharing your experience. Samsung remotes are designed to offer convenient control, but we understand if you’d prefer to use a universal remote. Many third-party remotes work well with Samsung TVs, though setup steps may vary by brand and model. To get started, we recommend checking the manufacturer’s instructions for programming codes and pairing methods. If you run into any trouble or have compatibility questions, Samsung Support is happy to help. You can reach us at 1-800-SAMSUNG (8AM – 9PM EST Mon – Fri, 8AM – 6PM Sat – Sun). LiveChat agents are also available at the ‘Support’ link on our website. ~ Samsung Advisor

Hi Linda, Thank you for your review and for sharing your experience with audio interruptions on your U8000FD TV. If you're experiencing sound dropouts, the steps below are designed to help you troubleshoot across different connection types. HDMI ARC / eARC Connection 1. Use a certified High-Speed HDMI cable with Ethernet and ensure it's firmly connected to the HDMI eARC ports on both the TV and soundbar/receiver. 2. Enable ARC/eARC settings on your TV: o Settings > All Settings > Sound > Expert Settings > HDMI eARC Mode = Auto o Settings > All Settings > General & Privacy > External Device Manager > Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) = On 3. Adjust Digital Output Audio Format: o Settings > All Settings > Sound > Expert Settings > Digital Output Audio Format o Set this to Auto unless you're using a device that specifically requires Pass-Through. 4. Cold boot your TV by holding the power button on your remote for 5+ seconds. Optical Audio Connection 1. Power on your soundbar or receiver first, then connect the optical cable to ensure proper handshaking. 2. Set the TV’s audio output to Optical: Settings > All Settings > Sound > Sound Output = Optical 3. Ensure cables are secure and not damaged. Try a different optical cable if sound continues to cut out. Bluetooth Connection 1. Bluetooth connections can be sensitive to distance and interference. Keep the Bluetooth device close to the TV, and remove nearby sources of interference (e.g., wireless routers or other Bluetooth devices). 2. For improved stability, use a 5GHz Wi-Fi network if available. 3. If issues persist, we recommend switching to a wired connection (HDMI ARC or Optical) for a more reliable audio experience. Wi-Fi / Wireless Speaker Connections 1. Make sure both your TV and audio device are on the same network band (5GHz is ideal for stability). 2. If you're using Samsung’s Wireless Audio features (e.g., Wi-Fi Speaker Surround Setup), ensure your speaker system is properly added in: Settings > All Settings > Sound > Sound Output > Wi-Fi Speaker Surround Setup 3. If signal issues continue, disconnect and reconnect the speaker from the network and re-add it to the TV. Also Try: • Update your TV's firmware: Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now • Run a Sound Test • to verify internal sound functions: Settings > Support > Device Care > Self Diagnosis > Sound Test If you’ve tried the steps above and are still experiencing issues, we’re here to help. You can call Samsung Support at 1-800-SAMSUNG (8AM – 9PM EST Mon – Fri, 8AM – 6PM Sat – Sun). Our LiveChat agents are also available by clicking the ‘Support’ link at Samsung.com. ~ Samsung Advisor