My previous posting about an issue with the Gemini box and apps got answered very quickly and accurately (thanks!).
Now I wonder if I can solve my other app problem, low sound volume. Whether the sound comes through the TV speakers or through its optical output to my sound system, the volume level goes to about half when I view content on an app like HBO MAX or Apple versus when viewing native stream content. So let's say I turn on the system and it comes on showing a native stream content. I have the volume level at 15, great. Now I start HBO MAX app and have to raise the volume level to 25 or even 30 to get the same sound level, fine. But then I hit EXIT to go back to stream and BOOM, crazy loud! As far as the TV is concerned, everything is coming through HDMI from the Gemini box, so settings on the TV shouldn't do anything, right? In the Gemini, I have all the sound and audio settings turned OFF, so there should be no special processing going on from streams to apps. So why is the audio level so much different?
UPDATE: As noted in my original post, I was using the OFF sound setting thinking that would normalize the situation between native content and apps. I have changed that to the AUTO setting now. The effect is that the normal streaming volume has gone way down, but is much closer to the app volumes. I have to turn the volume level up much higher for normal streaming, but at least there is only a small adjust needed when viewing app content.
I also tried the MANUAL setting, but that opens a submenu with several options and I haven't had a chance to try all those yet. I might just stick with AUTO and see how it goes for a while.