Hey dear. I understand your feeling.

To automate the audio output on your Apple TV so that it defaults to your soundbar instead of the TV speakers, you can follow these steps:

Set Default Audio Output

Access Settings: On your Apple TV, go to Settings.

Select Video and Audio: Navigate to Video and Audio settings.

Choose Default Audio Output: Look for the Audio Output section and select your soundbar as the default audio output. This will ensure that whenever the Apple TV is powered on, it should automatically use the soundbar for audio output instead of the TV speakers.

Automate with Shortcuts

If setting the default audio output does not work as expected, you can create an automation using the Shortcuts app on your iPhone or iPad:

Open Shortcuts App: Launch the Shortcuts app on your device.

Create New Automation:

Tap on the Automation tab at the bottom.

Select Create Personal Automation.

Choose Trigger: Set a trigger for when you want this automation to occur, such as when you turn on your Apple TV.

Add Action:

Search for and select the Set Playback Destination action.

Choose your soundbar from the list of devices.

Save Automation: Once configured, save your automation.

This setup will allow you to automatically switch to your soundbar every time you turn on your Apple TV, eliminating the need to manually change settings each time.

Additional Considerations

Ensure that both your Apple TV and soundbar are updated to the latest firmware versions, as updates can sometimes resolve connectivity issues.

If you're using a HomeKit-compatible soundbar, you might explore additional automations through HomeKit that could streamline this process even further.

By following these steps, you should be able to simplify your audio setup with your Apple TV and enjoy a more seamless experience. Let me know if that worked for you.