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

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

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.

Similar questions

647 replies

Aug 14, 2022 12:34 PM in response to Larry E

There’s no benefit to watching UHD Netflix content via ATV over your TVs built-in app anyway. On the contrary, Netflix servers are able to determine if you’re watching via a smart TV and as such it receives preferred QoS.


When viewed via ATV, the Apple hardware merely acts as a conduit for UHD material. It’s when you watch Apple’s own content or content purchased via iTunes you may notice a difference as the ATV is able to pull higher bitrates from Apple’s own servers.

Sep 12, 2022 7:31 AM in response to BubbaDude661

Hi,


update not avaiable for me.

maybe because i am in the Netherlands?


when will be available for me?


Hope will be soon, bacause i am very tired of all isues with all kind of mediaplayers, there is not one! which gets everything right.

They keep you buzy with firmware updates until a new model shows up, you hope this one will be the one, but the proces starts all over again!

Sep 13, 2022 11:08 AM in response to Stoner

Installed TVOS16. Did not fix it. I phoned up Apple support

First ATV expert had never heard of Atmos thought it was a brand of speakers

Eventually spoke to someone who insulted me by asking me if my TV and Soundbard supported Dolby Atmos. Because I would have waited 25 mins to speak to him about a standard my hardware does not support.

He did not seem to know his way round the ATV menu options but at least he had heard of Atmos.


He then told me that he has ATV with Home Pod and does not have this issue

Therefore he immediately concluded that the problem is with the "Third Party hardware" and not me

Despite the fact that I have tried multiple soundbars with the same problem and the 42 page thread here.

We must all be fools for not buying Homepods. Or buying ATVs , not sure which

Sep 14, 2022 3:18 AM in response to HarveyManfrenjensenden

Hi,


Also a shield has his own problems, for example frame rating....

especialy when you play your own content like DVD FILES, and ISO ROMS.

but also streaming content.

And there also is this dominacy to other deveices connected. I had to switch all hdmi CEC etc. off.


In my case i also stopped using it because Real Racing 3 is no longer. supported on Android TV OS.


But ofcourse you can give it a try.....

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Netflix Dolby Atmos problems with new Apple TV 4k

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.