HomePods freezing streamed videos.

I’ve used a pair of HomePod Minis, attached to an Apple TV for years. A month ago, all streamed videos would freeze for ~10 seconds when started or fast forwarded. This was true for YouTube, VIKI and even my local Plex server.

No way could this be from a slow Internet connection. I have a 1 GB fiber optics connection and a WiFi 6 mesh router system.

Replacing the HomePods with a soundbar and the problem vanished. Attaching the HomePods to my Mac Studio and it now has the same issue, with ANY sounds.

Any suggestions or should I just pitch them in the trash?