Apple Broke Dolby Digital 5.1 Output on Apple TV 4K

I agree! Why isn't this bug been fixed already. It has been well over year, and it is still not working correctly. This shouldn't be difficult to fix for Apple.

It was broken with 18 , none of the releases afterwards addressed the issue. I see so many people complain but Apple has other priorities as far as I can tell. Very disappointing.

I don’t know what’s going on because I have 5.1 sound here on the first generation 4K Apple TV so it’s been fixed at this end.

Yes, I've confirmed that in addition to Home Sharing, the YouTube streaming app also appears unaffected by the update regarding 5.1 audio. Here's a video link that can be used to demonstrate.

Sorry, but I find purchasing to fix very troubling.

I was thinking again about after alpha updates, and I must say I'm pleased that I did.

I have a Marantz that can receive 5.1 from my Apple TV 4K if I set the audio to Auto, but even that won't receive 5.1 if I designate Dolby Digital 5.1 for the audio. My Apple TV HD is connected to a simpler system, and can't receive 5.1 whether Dolby Digital 5.1 or Auto is selected. This was not the case before the tvOS 18.0 update. Before the update, I could receive 5.1 through either system when Dolby Digital 5.1 was selected.

Yes, there seem to be a lot of interpretations for the constraints on using the Community, so searching for “Best 5.1 Surround Sound Test - By DTS” at youtube.com is probably the best workaround. Anyway, the YouTube streaming app as well as Home Sharing streaming, which appears on Apple TV as a nameless orange icon containing a white outline of a laptop with a triangular "play" button shape , are apparently immune to the detrimental effects of the tvOS 18 upgrade to which I and several others appear to have fallen victim. Thanks for your comment.

I've purchased an S/PDIF adapter from Amazon that allows me to receive 5.1 output while converting the digital to a stereo analog system that can be received by an analog stereo amp or standard stereo headphones. It includes a volume control. Cost me about $30 and prevents me from needing to switch off the Apple TV 5.1 output when my surround sound system is otherwise occupied. I used it before the 18.0 update. The only need for it now is to convert audio output while listening to 5.1 content through Home Sharing or the YouTube streaming app. It's called PROZOR 192kHz Digital to Analog Audio Converter Support Dolby AC-3 DTS 5.1CH with Volume Adjustable, Optical to L/R DAC Decoder, Digital DAC Converter SPDIF TOSLINK to Stereo L/R & 3.5mm.

Is your Apple TV's Audio Output set to Auto or Change Format: On with Dolby Digital 5.1 listed next to New Format? If it's set to Auto, then the Apple TV is able to recognize the 5.1 capability of your AVR. The issue is that there appear to be 5.1 compatible AVR or audio amplification systems which are capable of receiving and playing 5.1, but only if the Apple TV setting is Change Format: On, and Dolby Digital 5.1 listed next to New Format. That is the problem that didn't exist before the tvOS 18.0 upgrade. The fact that the setting exists appears to indicate that Apple was aware of the contingency, or else the option wouldn't exist. My complaint is if the option exists, it should work. It did before the 18.0 update. If it can't be supported, it would have been more considerate for Apple to have warned us that the 18.0 update could potentially make some audio systems obsolete for use with Apple TV.

I would be interested in knowing whether your Audio Format line in the AUDIO area of Video and Audio settings is displayed as "Auto" or "Dolby Digital 5.1". I'm betting that it's "Auto". Is that right?

My problem with this approach (please correct me if I'm wrong), is that because you can't provide feedback directly from an ATV, you must enroll another device in the program to report. I won't do that.

That is certainly contrary to the pattern I’ve observed from my own experience with the issue.

Is that the most recent available ATV model?

If so, I think it might help explain how so many of us using older models were affected only through the upgrade to tvOS 18.

Also, it’s been noted here that Home Sharing player, YouTube player, VLC, and perhaps others may not be affected by the issue. Are you able to test using Max, Prime Video, Paramount+, or another multi channel audio capable player?

But if you click or press enter (while Audio Format is highlighted), then "Change Format" is "Off", right?