Netflix Dolby Atmos problems with new Apple TV 4k

I'm having problems with random audio drops /popping with the new 2021 Apple TV 4k using the Netflix app and HBO Max app with Dolby Atmos shows. I had this with the original tvOS and now with tvOS 15.0. It is connected to a Denon X4400Hx. I tried a bunch of things with no success. Not sure if there is a hardware or software problem. At the beginning of the Matrix when the WB logo is coming up and there were small audio drops; I replicated this twice, but now it's working. Super annoyed and I'm worried about a pop blowing out a tweeter.


Is anyone one else having this problem?

Posted on Sep 22, 2021 12:48 AM

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Posted on Mar 5, 2022 6:18 PM

[TLDR] try changing your ATV4K Settings > Video and Audio > VIDEO: Match Content = Off to see if it reduces or eliminates this Dolby Atmos issue (even though such a video setting seems unrelated to an Atmos audio problem). Read on to learn the genesis of my theory.

So I just participated in a thread where the OP's issue was Dolby Vision-related, and the fix/workaround was to set the ATV4K's default Video Format to 4K Dolby Vision, and to set the Match Content Range and Frame Rate settings to Off. Doing so prevented the OP's LG TV from switching video modes in the middle of a Dolby Vision-encoded program.


I was reminded of this thread and it occurred to me that when dynamic range shifts between [Dolby Vision-encoded] scene changes cause the ATV4K (with the Match Content settings switched On) to make a TV switch video modes in the middle of a program, these same video stream events could easily cause burps in the [Atmos-encoded] audio stream playback (with varying effects depending on the AV components in use).


That's the theory. Perhaps this ATV4K Match Content behavior during Dolby Vision-encoded content playback might be the aggravating factor/trigger for [some of] the Atmos-related problems described in this thread.


Anyway, I scanned this thread and didn't find references to the ATV4K's Match Content settings, so I made this post to see if it makes any difference for all y'all :-).


PS - I have the older Apple TV 4K, an Atmos-capable Sony soundbar, and a cheaper LG TV that's merely 4K HDR10-capable (without Dolby Vision - so I couldn't test my own theory :-). FWIW, I've never had Atmos-related issues, so that sort of supports my theory because I've never experienced these Dolby Vision-induced video mode changes that might trigger them.

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647 replies

Nov 22, 2021 12:54 AM in response to Stoner

Well I stand corrected. The Atmos Netflix problem came back and I had not touched a darned thing. I just tried a shorter high speed HDMI cable just to be sure and it just did the same thing. Atmos is fine for a few minutes and then I’m getting some slight dropouts. As this is the second ATV I have tried I am thinking there is a problem with Apples design. I did not have the problem until I bought the new ATV 4K.

Dec 20, 2021 10:45 PM in response to ZimFromIRK

Glad to hear I am not the only one! I had my ATV connected to the Media Player input as well and tried another connection with no success. I think you need to generate a ticket with Apple. I am going to do that again when I experience it again. I took a break from Netflix on the ATV. Every time I posted it was fixed the darned issue came back.

Dec 29, 2021 12:35 AM in response to Stoner

I have this problem too with my new Apple TV 4K 2021 and Netflix. When watching content with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos I often get random audio dropouts. Have been trying to figure out what’s causing it. My ATV is hooked up to a Marantz-receiver with short 48Gbit-cables. So far I haven’t noticed it with other streaming apps like Disney+ or HBO Max. And I also have no problem watching Dolby Vision/Dolby Atmos-content on Netflix through my Nvidia Shield TV Pro. If this is a software problem with Apple TV or Netflix I hope they can fix it soon.

Dec 31, 2021 10:20 AM in response to ChristopherRomano

Well, then explain why my Apple TV 4K (2021)->Denon AVR-S960H->Sony XR-65X90J experiences none of this with Netflix or any other streaming app.


Explain why there not thousands of reports if this is a widespread Apple hardware problem. Explain why this issue is not mentioned on Apple tech blog sites like AppleInsider, MacRumors, or 9to5Mac. Explain why experts almost always resolve these issues as either HDMI cable or Internet bandwidth problems. See link below for Netflix’s requirements for HDR10 and Dolby Vision.


https://help.netflix.com/en/node/42384



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Netflix Dolby Atmos problems with new Apple TV 4k

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