Apple TV 4K 5.1 surround sound not working

I have an Apple TV 4K and the surround sound output does not work when the content is 5.1. Atmos works fine but anything 5.1 does not output properly.

My set up is Apple TV to LG C9, TV ARC hdmi to Visio soundbar.

As a note, I can watch the same movie on the Apple TV app in the smart tv and it will output 5.1 just fine. It is an issue solely with the Apple TV device. This issue started for me with 14.3 and continues even with the big 14.5 release.

Apple TV 4K

Posted on May 14, 2021 9:00 PM

Top-ranking reply

MIheatplaya25 Author

Level 1

27 points

Posted on May 18, 2021 1:45 PM

Tested it today with the audio set to “auto, atmos if available” and forced Dolby digital 5.1.

Auto mode failed to play discreet center, surrounds and subwoofer when given a 5.1 source

Forced Dolby 5.1 worked properly as expected (all discreet channels and subwoofer).

I really don’t want to have to manually switch the settings between atmos and DD5.1 (isn’t that the entire point of auto??).

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28 replies

Jul 24, 2021 7:09 AM in response to JustHereToGetMyAppleTVWorking

I’ll have to give it a try. I got fed up with it and just purchased a switch and feed everything into the soundbar first and then the TV. That introduces its own minor problems but much more tolerable than missing sound channels.

JonWoods

Level 1

4 points

Jun 24, 2021 9:19 PM in response to dhorgas

Having a super similar (or the exact same) issue. I have a new ATV 4K running to a ‘21 Samsung Q90 then to a Sonos Arc set-up. Everything was working fine until a few weeks ago when any non-Atmos content just went completely silent. Atmos still works fine. Most of your options above went over my head - but is Arc or eArc a TV menu option/setting or is it a different physical input? Im almost positive I’m using the eArc input.

JonWoods

Level 1

4 points

Jun 25, 2021 8:01 AM in response to dhorgas

Thank you! I’ll check the setting and then reset everything. To make things even more confusing is it’s only certain apps at times (HBO Max is the worst, never have the issue with Netflix).

Appreciate the response.

Jul 11, 2021 7:45 PM in response to dhorgas

I have my Apple TV 4K running through the AVR first and then on to the TV, so in my setup, no ARC or eARC is involved. I’m still getting 2.0 audio — the receiver is in auto mode and it says it’s getting a stereo signal.

Jul 17, 2021 8:43 AM in response to JonWoods

It’s very strange, I have actually had sound a few times, but the front channel dialogue comes out the rear surround speakers. The first time it happened I was excited to get sound but then I realized it was coming out the wrong speakers. Hope Apple gets this fixed soon.

May 15, 2021 5:28 PM in response to ManJor

Yes I have. This also is not a new device. I have had it for over a year and the problem did not start until 14.3. Also, it still works fine when the content is atmos. Just not if it is 5.1.

May 27, 2021 5:28 PM in response to MIheatplaya25

No answers on this?

Jul 17, 2021 8:38 AM in response to dhorgas

Sorry for the confusion, turns out I actually have the CX. Current firmware is 03.23.06

Jul 17, 2021 8:39 AM in response to JustHereToGetMyAppleTVWorking

To clarify, I actually have an LG CX TV. Sorry for any confusion.

Jul 24, 2021 7:44 AM in response to MIheatplaya25

Interesting to note - I thought the AppleTV was putting out a DD 5.1 signal, but now that it is working again my Sonos says it is receiving a PCM 7.1 signal.

Jul 25, 2021 6:31 PM in response to JustHereToGetMyAppleTVWorking

Unfortunately, the problem is back. Thinking something must be going on with the TV.

Sorawee

Level 1

4 points

Jul 31, 2021 5:39 PM in response to JustHereToGetMyAppleTVWorking

I got LG OLED BX. It also problem for me when used apple TV but when used Google TV or TV app it show sound correctly. I connect all into the TV and used eARC to AV receiver Onkyo TX RZ830. The problem only for DD sound but Atmos ok. I think problem from some in Apple TV os. Please check.

jmallek

Level 1

4 points

Aug 1, 2021 4:20 PM in response to MIheatplaya25

Same thing is happening from my Apple TV 4K 2021 to my Sony x900f outputting audio to my avr using arc, so it seems to not be an LG problem. The garbage xfinity cable box to tv to avr work just fine but Apple TV through the same devices only outputs stereo sound.

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Apple TV 4K 5.1 surround sound not working