Surround sound (5.1 ch) broken except Apple TV app on Apple TV Box

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Level 1

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Surround sound (5.1 ch) broken except Apple TV app on Apple TV Box

I've spoken to an Apple tech, but we couldn't find a solution. After the latest update, I noticed that Netflix, Disney+, Stan, and Prime Video no longer deliver surround sound (5.1ch). Interestingly, the Apple TV app plays surround sound without any issues. I also tested all my apps (as above) on LG TV, and all of them play 5.1ch sound perfectly. I also tried changing the "Audio Format" to 5.1ch on my Apple TV, but that didn't work either. Since the Apple TV app on my Apple TV Box produces surround sound and the other apps don't, I wonder if there's an issue with the latest update. Has anyone else experienced similar issues?

Apple TV 4K, tvOS 18

Posted on Oct 11, 2024 7:39 PM

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Answer 1

Oct 12, 2024 5:00 AM in response to emi179

I have exactly the same issues. 5.1 sound doesn’t work through Amazon or Netflix apps on Apple TV 4K running tvOS18 but does though Apple TV app. 5.1 sound plays okay with same Apps on LG TV. Have also tried changing the audio format in Apple TV settings but makes no difference either. Certainly looks to be an issue with the latest update.

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Answer 2

Oct 12, 2024 6:55 AM in response to emi179

LG TV

I see this brand mentioned a lot in threads concerning this issue. Could it be that it plays a role? Not saying it is the cause.

I wonder if there's an issue with the latest update. Has anyone else experienced similar issues?

I’m using the same software (tvOS 18) and not seeing this issue (no LG TV involved though).

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Answer 3

emi179 Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 12, 2024 4:35 PM in response to Urquhart1244

Given that I can get surround sounds when I watch shows on Apple TV app but not other apps on my Apple TV, my guess is that, for some reason, the data is not being decoded properly, which is why the 5.1 channel surround sound isn’t being produced. It was working flawlessly up until recently.

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Answer 4

emi179 Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 12, 2024 4:37 PM in response to neilc1973

Yeah, how strange!!! I just hope this gets fixed because using LG TV is just so annoying and not as responsive as an Apple TV!

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