Steam Link (Hardware) No Sound

[theblindchicken]

I've already solved my issue, but leaving this here for future reference for anyone with the same issue.

I lost all streaming sound on the hardware. In the main menu (prior to selecting pc), there is sound while navigating. As soon as selecting the pc, all sound is lost. No navigational, ambient, or game sound from any number of different games.

Using the Steam Link App on phone and other devices, it works exactly as it should. Navigational sound, ambient, and all in-game sounds without issue.

I tried checking and then re-installing the steam steaming speaker drivers. This resulted in no change.
I checked the sound streaming settings: all were set to the correct outputs. Even after adjusting them to test: no change
I verified settings on the TV and the HDMI cables were unplugged and re-installed: no change.
TV was reset and unplugged/re-installed plug on Steam Link Hardware: no change

The issue persisted across numerous days.

The final test was doing a factory reset on the Steam Link Hardware. Just let it do its thing and update to the latest version. Paired the Steam Link Hardware to the PC using the PIN code again.

Fired it up and tested the main menu (prior to streaming), we have navigational sound.
Started a stream and immediately have navigational sounds, ambient sound, and upon starting several games, full in-game audio.

So if you're having the same issue as I did, try doing a factory reset of the Steam Link Hardware. Though I don't remember exactly how long it took, the reset and update definitely took less than 1 hour.

Hope this helps whoever comes along in the future facing the same issue.

[_I_]

if you get menu sounds, but nothing when streaming
and audio is enabled, and steam link remote play apps work on other devices

factory reset the link
link menu, settings, system, factory reset
let it reset and update again, then add the pc and enjoy