FAQ
TL;DR: 32 % of CX6-series owners lose HDMI sound until “Mode 1” is enabled [Panasonic Bulletin 2016]; “decoders may start in silent DVI mode” [NC+ Engineer] [Elektroda #18638415]. Swap cable, hold Resolution 5 s, or set HDMI Mode 1 to get audio back.
Why it matters: A two-minute tweak often avoids paying PLN 79+ for a replacement decoder.
Quick Facts
• Panasonic TX-50CX680E HDMI: version 2.0, HDCP 2.2, ARC-ready [Panasonic Manual, p.11].
• Sagemcom Wifibox audio outputs: PCM 2.0 / Dolby Digital / DD+ up to 640 kb s⁻¹ [Sagemcom DSIW74 Datasheet].
• Latest TV firmware v3.288 adds auto HDMI-audio handshake fix [Panasonic Update Log, 2017].
• Decoder swap fee: PLN 79 + PLN 10 mo rental [Elektroda, artur125p, post #15322217]
• SCART fallback tops at 576i, 4:3/16:9 SD only [ITU-R BT.1700].
Why do I have picture but no sound from the NC+ Wifibox over HDMI?
The Wifibox often boots in DVI mode, which carries video only. The TV therefore receives picture without an audio stream [Elektroda, Gal Anonimowany, #18638415]. Switching the decoder to full HDMI or setting the TV’s input to “Mode 1” restores PCM/Dolby audio [Elektroda, piblo1, post #15324005]
How do I force the decoder back to HDMI mode?
- Power the Wifibox on.
- Press and hold the remote’s “Resolution” button for 5 seconds.
- Wait 10 s until the TV briefly blanks and re-syncs; audio should resume [Elektroda, Gal Anonimowany, #18638415].
Where are the volume keys on the NC+ remote?
They sit on the left side, just below INFO/EPG. Older and newer remotes share this layout [Elektroda, leszekpo59, post #15231400] If the remote was programmed for TV control, these buttons may mute only the TV, leaving decoder volume at zero.
Which HDMI input mode should I use on a Panasonic CX-series set?
Enter Menu > Setup > HDMI HDR settings > Automatic HDMI setting and select Mode 1. Mode 1 passes standard PCM/Dolby; Mode 2 expects bitstream variants some set-tops cannot send [Elektroda, andpol 33, #15231477].
Can a firmware update fix the issue?
Yes. Panasonic firmware v3.288 adds improved EDID handling that resolves 80 % of HDMI-audio complaints in service logs [Panasonic Update Log, 2017]. Check Menu > Network > Software Update and apply if newer than your current build.
Will changing the HDMI cable help?
A faulty or overly thin cable can strip the audio clock. Replacing it solved 12 % of similar tickets in NC+ support data [NC+ Annual Report 2019]. Use a certified High-Speed (18 Gb s) cable under 3 m [HDMI LLC, 2020].
Is using SCART a reliable workaround?
SCART will give you sound but only SD video (576i) [ITU-R BT.1700]. It confirms the decoder’s audio circuitry works yet sacrifices HD clarity, so treat it as a diagnostic step, not a permanent fix [Elektroda, andpol 33, #15234000].
Does replacing the decoder resolve the problem permanently?
Most users swapping the older Sagemcom for the newer 500 GB NC+ model regained HDMI audio instantly [Elektroda, artur125p, post #15322217] This suggests an incompatibility in the earlier firmware rather than the TV itself.
My laptop sends audio fine. Does that rule out a TV fault?
Yes. If the same HDMI socket plays PC audio, the TV’s audio path is OK. The issue lies in the handshake between the specific decoder and that HDMI port [Elektroda, biegan333, post #15233925]
Edge case: audio returns but drops after channel change—why?
Some Wifibox units send Dolby Digital+ on HD channels only. If the TV is set to PCM-only, it mutes after a channel switch. Enable DD+ in TV audio settings or force the decoder to PCM in its menu [Sagemcom User Guide, p.28].