Apple TV 4k, software update current. Connected to Sony receiver. Has worked properly on same settings for a few years.
Switching output to stereo does work to be able to hear the dialogue softly. That is not a real fix though.
Thinking this is a hardware issue.
Apple TV 4K, tvOS 17
Issue resolved— started checking all settings in Video and Audio.
Video was set to 1080 SDR. Just to see what happened I selected 1080 HDR. It’s an older TV and the colors didn’t render correctly. Trying to switch back I got an error message. I was able to choose Reset Video Settings. Once that was done and it was back on 1080 SDR the sound resumed working as normal.
Not sure how or why this worked, but it did.
Apple TV 4k, software update current. Connected to Sony receiver.
Does your Center channel work for other surround sound inputs (other devices)?
What is your speaker setup? Please describe. Do you have a Center speaker?
If not, then the receiver should be set to faux center (emulate a Center by using Left and Right).
Has worked properly on same settings for a few years.
How sure are you that no-one has touched settings or connections without you knowing about it?
I recall a story where the hired cleaning person unplugged a server rack in a dedicated room at a company, in order to power the vacuum cleaner, and the company website went offline once a week after hours …
Switching output to stereo does work to be able to hear the dialogue softly.
When Apple TV is set to Stereo format output, then you should get the stereo mix instead, with clear dialog at intended volume. It shouldn’t be soft.
When your receiver is set to Stereo format output, then it would downmix its input to stereo output.
Thinking this is a hardware issue.
Apple TV handles almost everything in software. All the output is over HDMI. I don’t see how one audio channel could get lost there.
Or are you suspecting your AV receiver? Please specify its model.
Does this happen for all content (that has surround sound audio)? Or for specific content only?
The Surround Speaker Check app for tvOS lets you send a signal to each speaker in sequence for a nice test. Free for 5.1 and 4.0 configurations.
Thanks for your quick response—
Here’s additional info based on your questions:
Does your Center channel work for other surround sound inputs (other devices)?
Yes, Blu-Ray/DVD works correctly.
What is your speaker setup? Please describe. Do you have a Center speaker?
Cerwyn-Vega 5.1, yes there is a center speaker.
How sure are you that no-one has touched settings or connections without you knowing about it?
Not sure, could have happened. Seems like settings are more likely since sound works great on Blu-Ray. HDMI is connected as I’m getting video and some version of the audio.
Or are you suspecting your AV receiver? Please specify its model.
Since Blu-Ray works correctly I don’t think there are issues with receiver or connections. It’s a Sony STR-DN1080
Does this happen for all content (that has surround sound audio)? Or for specific content only?
All content we have tried across a range of apps: Netflix, Hulu, PBS, Prime, Apple TV+
I’ll check out the surround speaker check app just in case.
Not sure how or why this worked, but it did.
I can’t find reason either, when video settings affect audio. But if it solved it, then you’re golden, ha!
Enjoy the dialog again! 👍
Apple TV 4k not sending dialogue (center channel) to receiver.
