Dolby Atmos (object-based audio metadata over Dolby TrueHD) and DTS-HD Master Audio over HDMI

Question

Level 1

5 points

Dolby Atmos (object-based audio metadata over Dolby TrueHD) and DTS-HD Master Audio over HDMI

Issue Description:

I am trying to connect my MacBook Pro to my home theater setup to play 4K UHD movies with advanced audio formats such as Dolby Atmos (object-based audio metadata over Dolby TrueHD) and DTS-HD Master Audio. My setup is as follows:

Displays:
- Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 S32BG75 or
- Asus PA278CV
AV Receiver: Pioneer VSX-1131 (supports ARC, but not eARC)
Source Device: MacBook Pro 14-inch 2023 with M2 Max chip
Audio Configuration: 7.1.2 channels (9 channels)
NAS: QNAP TS-464-8G (for streaming 4K UHD movies)

Problem:

Incorrect Channel Mapping in Audio MIDI Setup:

- When I connect the HDMI output of my MacBook Pro to the AV receiver, the Audio MIDI Setup shows the correct number of channels, but the audio channels are being sent to the wrong speakers (e.g., the center channel audio is sent to the subwoofer, subwoofer audio is sent to the center speaker, and the surround left and right speakers' audio is sent to the subwoofer).

Audio Formats Output as PCM:

- My AV receiver displays PCM as the audio format, even when playing content that has Dolby Atmos or TrueHD audio tracks.
- Despite configuring pass-through settings in applications like Kodi and Plex HTPC, the AV receiver still shows PCM.

Questions:

Does macOS on my MacBook Pro support advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos (object-based audio metadata over Dolby TrueHD) and DTS-HD Master Audio over HDMI?
Is there a way to correct the audio channel mapping in Audio MIDI Setup to ensure that each speaker receives the correct channel's audio?
Are there specific settings or software updates required to enable proper pass-through of these advanced audio formats to my AV receiver?
Would running Windows via Boot Camp on my MacBook Pro allow for better support of these advanced audio formats over HDMI?
Are there any known issues or limitations with the HDMI output on the MacBook Pro 14-inch 2023 with M2 Max chip that might be causing these problems?

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 14.5

Posted on Jun 29, 2024 6:13 AM

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Answer 1

a brody

Level 10

85,382 points

Jun 29, 2024 1:04 PM in response to drguggilla

First off I don't know the specifics of the various Dolby support. I do know you have far better finite control over Mac OS audio with the Audio Midi Setup utility found in Applications -> Utilities. Unless you have better than stereo sound, a 16 bit 44.1kHz audio is going to work best. Check the quality of the cables you purchase and display specs to verify what you actually are able to output and input. The displays may also have their own remote control or on screen display menu to adjust the audio input support received. Make sure they match the computer's setting.

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Answer 2

drguggilla Author

Level 1

5 points

Jun 29, 2024 11:32 PM in response to a brody

Hi a brody,

Thank you for your response. I appreciate your insights about the Audio MIDI Setup utility and the importance of cables and display specs. However, my main concerns remain unresolved, specifically regarding advanced audio formats and channel mapping issues.

My Main Concerns:

Incorrect Channel Mapping:

- When I connect the HDMI output of my MacBook Pro to the AV receiver, the Audio MIDI Setup shows the correct number of channels, but the audio channels are being sent to the wrong speakers (e.g., center channel audio is sent to the subwoofer, subwoofer audio is sent to the center speaker, and the surround left and right speakers' audio is sent to the subwoofer).

Audio Formats Output as PCM:

- My AV receiver displays PCM as the audio format, even when playing content that has Dolby Atmos or TrueHD audio tracks.
- Despite configuring pass-through settings in applications like Kodi and Plex HTPC, the AV receiver still shows PCM.

Specific Questions:

Does macOS on my MacBook Pro support advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos (object-based audio metadata over Dolby TrueHD) and DTS-HD Master Audio over HDMI?
Is there a way to correct the audio channel mapping in Audio MIDI Setup to ensure that each speaker receives the correct channel's audio?
Are there specific settings or software updates required to enable proper pass-through of these advanced audio formats to my AV receiver?
Would running Windows via Boot Camp on my MacBook Pro allow for better support of these advanced audio formats over HDMI?
Are there any known issues or limitations with the HDMI output on the MacBook Pro 14-inch 2023 with M2 Max chip that might be causing these problems?

Thank you again for your help. I’m looking forward to any additional insights you or others might have regarding these specific issues.

Best regards,

drguggilla

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