Apple Broke Dolby Digital 5.1 Output on Apple TV 4K

Actually, I just figured out my HDMI splitter was incorrectly configured (after all the testing I was doing). So I'm happy to report that the latest Oct 14th B release has solved my issue. In case it's useful to anyone, my HDMI splitter (which I use to feed my AV amp with a S/PDIF coaxial cable) has an ARC switch which I have to set to OFF in order to get DD 5.1 output. Now it works in Apple Music and other streaming apps, just like prior to updating to tvOS 18.0. Cheers everyone!

I updated to the not named and 5.1 only works if I choose Change Format in 5.1. But if I do that, I lose Atmos.

If I turn Change Format off, it seems like it "sticks" for a bit but only on the thing I was watching. If I choose another movie or show from the same app, it's back in stereo. And I don't think it even "sticks" permanently to the thing I originally "unstuck." If that makes sense.

To me, it's still not resolved. I only get Atmos or stereo on a 1st gen 4k.

What I saw when I tried to follow through was a 4-step process to enroll, and the 4th step was enroll your iOS , iPadOS , or Mac.

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.

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.