LG C1 JBL Bar 5.0 Not Working Together

I just bought a JBL Bar 5.0 (watch with kids sleeping upstairs so actively did not want a subwoofer) for my C1. I connected it through the eARC HDMI port and I can select it as an external speaker and it works. However, the soundbar goes on standby after about 10 minutes (even while playing audio). The tv then reverts to internal speakers. I tried to setup universal control so I could control volume using the LG remote and setup is successful (it’s able to turn the power on and off - there seems to be no way to test volume), but volume control doesn’t work and the soundbar doesn’t come on when I turn the tv on (tv defaults to internal speakers and I have to go through the menu to output audio to the soundbar).

Has anyone else experienced this? The experience seems very broken and not at all the plug the bar in and use it like I would an internal speaker experience I was expecting.

I’m unsure if the problem is with the TV or the bar, but am assuming customer support for either will just point the finger at the other company.

Any tips, help, or anything to try would be appreciated.