Apple TV outputs 2 Channel Stereo only!
Just updated my Apple TV 4K (Third Gen) and Apple TV HD to the most recent version of TVOS and to my surprise when I watch anything on any of my streaming services they all default to PCM 2 Channel Stereo when either of my Yamaha Amps is set to Straight. In other words, Apple TV sends only 2 channel stereo to the amp.
I have tried changing the Audio setup in the settings from Auto to Dolby Digital 5.1 but it still defaults to PCM 2 Channel. I thought it may be an amp issue as one of my Amp's had to be repaired. When I got it back and reconnected it within a few days I noticed the issue. It didn't sound right. I fiddled around with various settings and nothing helped. I also experienced the output switching back and forth from 2 channels to multichannel. I then tried switching to my Telus 4K Box and everything worked as it should.
Next, I tested it on the second amp with my other Apple TV HD and got the same results. Both amps are Yamaha but different models.
Correct me if I'm wrong but if the Apple TV is set to Auto then it should be sending Multichannel unprocessed audio to the amp in the best format delivered by the streaming service, which I know is not PCM 2 Channel Stereo.
From the Yamaha site:
"When STRAIGHT is pressed and the straight decode mode is enabled, the unit produces stereo sound from the front speakers for 2-channel sources such as CDs, and produces unprocessed multichannel sounds for multichannel sources."
This seems to be a new issue with Apple TV OS since the updates. Prior to this if I set the Yamaha Amp's to Straight it would output PCM but decode as Dolby Digital.
Can't believe I'm the only one that has noticed this issue or are there others out there?
Any feedback to this issue would be appreciated.
Dave
Apple TV HD