Netflix Dolby Atmos problems with new Apple TV 4k

Because the Apple TV 4K Gen 2 is the only device that has this Atmos problem (there are some reports that the latest tvOS versions introduced the problem to Gen 1, but I can't confirm as I left my Gen 1 on 15.3, just in case).

It is worth pointing out that Netflix recently rolled out an update to its Apple TV app, introducing support for the tvOS 15 player. The problem is not the app but the native tvOS handlers, such as Atmos decoders, conversion to a LPCM 5.1 + MAT 2.0 Atmos metadata stream, etc.

If you want to learn more about the Atmos problem and several workarounds, I suggest reading my posts going back a few weeks.

I’m glad this thread is gaining momentum.

make sure you all are reporting this issue to Apple:

Feedback - Apple TV - Apple

It’s important to mention the facts:

1. affects appletv 4K gen 2
2. wired ethernet connection
3. atmos enabled
4. Netflix app “Drive to Survive” or “Stranger Things Season 4”.

consistent and repetitive reporting is key.

I just got off the phone with Apple. They want me to try 2 things.

1) Try going from the Apple TV 4K to my TV directly, removing my receiver

2) Factory reset the Apple TV 4K device

I highly doubt either will work, but I will try.....

"5) The only thing that seems to help is connecting via WiFi and not ethernet. I have no idea why but it does appear to make a difference (at least for me and many others)"

Was just speculating on why WIFI might work vs wired ethernet. I haven't tried to see if this is a fix because I don't care if it fixes it. If I can't hardwire my Apple TV 4K and have it work as well or better than WIFI, then I would never have purchased it. Agreed, Apple needs to fix.

Soooo...... I just reset my Apple TV 4K like support wanted. I chose to go to factory defaults with the latest updates. I then had to set everything back up and reinstall Netflix. First think I tried was Stranger Things Season 4, and guess what, audio still drops out randomly with Atmos. Then I plugged my Apple TV 4K directly in to my TV and after several attempts, I could not get the audio to drop. Because this is random, it would take more testing to verify, but honestly, who cares. My TV does not support Atmos and I didn't buy the Apple TV 4K to plug directly in to my TV. I bought it hookup to my home theater receiver. I guess I could try factory defaults and not install any of the iOS updates, has anyone tried that?

In addition to contacting, I suggest contacting the provider(s) where you are having problems. I called Netflix on Monday and reported the problem. Maybe if enough people report the problems to the streaming providers, they will get together with Apple to get this thing fixed. It's worth a try to contact both Apple and the streaming service and bug the crap out of them.

############ Update ##############

As suggested by others, please open a support case with Apple. I am jumping through their hoops, but they are documenting things as we go along and submitting them for review. The technician I am working with is very good. He is digging through reported issues and solutions. This particular issue is not showing up yet in their knowledgebase. The more of us that call in and get it reported the better chance we have of it getting addressed.

I think its helpful to post up the specific content that's causing it. if it is across multiple apps then being able to replicate the problem gives Apple more to go on.

So, if its Disney+, or Paramount, or anything else - post up the specific shows that are causing it and which app they are on. Go as far as to mention specific seasons/episodes please.

DtS at 4k 50Hz has the most frequent and consistent dropouts due to its higher bandwidth. If Apple fixes DtS, I would consider this problem fixed.

I believe the problem is errors introduced during the creation of the MAT 2.0 Atmos metadata stream that accompanies the LPCM 5.1 audio out of the ATV4K. This is not a process that Netflix or any other streaming apps are responsible for, which is why the dropouts occur across different streaming apps.

Same problem here, but the audio drops out with every streaming channel when set to Dolby Atmos, It is unwatchable and is only solved when switching to 5.1 surround, Then no dropouts at all. This is unacceptable and I really hope apple pulls their finger out and finally acknowledges that this is a serious issue that many users are experiencing.

This is what has been a temporary work around for me. When the sound drops, I use the rewind button for the 10 second rewind and replay the section. It plays fine. If the sound drops again, I do the same thing again. Most of the time, after a couple of rewinds, the show will play the rest of the way without a dropout. I did this for Spiderhead. Had a couple of dropouts, did the rewind thing and then it played the rest of the movie without incident.

This still needs to be fixed by someone, however.

I am having the same problem. Initially thought my SW was going bad. Then, I noticed the same cracking and popping coming from all of the speakers simultaneously. I've had it happen on HBOMAX and Netflix. I only have fronts, C and SW so I turned off Atmos and I still get the crackling. AVR is a Marantz 6011. I downloaded a firmware update for that and we'll see if they've made a change to compensate. Apple TV is up to date 15.5. 

This is a mega problem. People who don't know better might think their speakers are going bad.

I’m using Gen 2 Apple TV 4K, I’m having same issue. Sometimes ATV restart works, sometimes I need to switch to different sound something like mono and come back later to atmos on my Denon.

I haven’t seen this issue last year.

very frustrating experience!!

Put in a Shield tonight and watched an atmos movie and a show with zero dropped audio. Apple needs to fix whatever is up with the latest gen ATV. The solved sticky on this is BS

It's definitely not just Netflix! Try listening to Dolby Atmos music with Apple Music. Apple hardware, Apple app.