Apple TV 4K Not playing sound through HomePods stereo pair.

I have an Apple TV 5th Gen, which will not play audio through home pods 2nd Gen despite having them set-up as home theatre, paired together in stereo and set as default speakers. The only time it actually works is playing them through temporary audio setting. IT is extremely frustrating.

I am also on my second home pod as one was faulty right out of the box and stopped responding after the latest firmware update. The Home pod system in general seems buggy and very difficult to operate consistently, There seems to constantly be issues through the home app.

Please advise

[Re-Titled by Moderator]