Apple Broke Dolby Digital 5.1 Output on Apple TV 4K

I've been a little confused about using Communities, but I'm here to say that I have two Apple TVs, HD and 4K. My complaint is that surround sound was adversely affected by the tvOS 18.0 update. I haven't been able to find a fix, but I've noted that Home Sharing appears to be unaffected by the problem.

I spoke to Apple Rep a couple of days ago on the phone here in the Netherlands. Explained the problem (he was not aware of it). I pointed him to this topic in de Apple Discussions Group. He said he would make a note but advised to write feedback here: Feedback - Apple TV - Apple which I immediately did last week but Apple has not come back to me until now. (23rd sep)

I was able to apply an update, tvOS 18.1 [22J5552d] for my ATV HD (3rd Generation), and must also sadly report that the Auto setting still doesn't recognize either of the two multichannel audio systems I've connected to it so far. Also, the Change Format option when enabled (displaying "Dolby Digital 5.1" next to "New Format") fails to deliver multichannel audio to either of the audio systems. The back door is still closed, as it has been since the release of tvOS 18.0, for my ATV HD (3rd Generation).

My ATV 4K (1st Generation) running 18.0 still reports that the tvOS is up to date.

Have you tried forcing format change to 5.1.

I had it forced to Dolby digital 5.1 which stopped working in tvOS 18 but is now working in 18.1.

Change audio settings on Apple TV – Apple Support (UK)

my av supports Dolby digital plus and dts but not atmos.

tv supports atmos

I get Dolby digital plus when viewing atmos stuff from the tv streaming apps but only Dolby digital from atv if I force it, stereo otherwise.

I should be getting digital plus from the atv without forcing it.

so issue still persists & I suspect does for everyone else, they likely haven’t noticed if they where forcing it previously

i already went to a cheap option. Bought the Walmart brand onn 4k box. Haven’t had an issue since the switch. Puts out the Dolby vision/ atmos

I’m using e-arc. But I’ve tried vanilla arc and it’s still the same.

Same problem here. after updating to TvOS 18 DTS 5.1 is broken. Apple needs to fix this asap!

Mine is a 1st Gen model. There’s a chap on the MacRumours forums who has two 1st gen and a 3rd Gen. The 3rd Gen is unaffected.

Same here

Interesting. I have a first gen model two and lost DTS 5.1 after upgrading to TvOS 18. Other users in this discussion group have reported that 2nd gen Apple TV also lost DTS.

Yes, I've confirmed that in addition to Home Sharing, the YouTube streaming app also appears unaffected by the update regarding 5.1 audio. Here's a video link that can be used to demonstrate.