Since tvOS 18 update Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD output only stereo despite 5.1 selected

The stereo output exists for premium streaming apps (Max, Prime Video, Paramount+). It appears that only Home Sharing still plays 5.1 audio. Audio output for both Apple TVs has always been set to Format Change On, Dolby Digital 5.1, but setting to Auto doesn't provide a remedy. A week ago (before the update), all programs for which 5.1 was available played 5.1 output. Have tried force-quitting apps, restarting Apple TVs, deleting and reinstalling apps. No difference. Any idea when this will be fixed, Apple?

Apple TV 4K (3rd generation)

Posted on Sep 22, 2024 12:59 AM

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Jdiddy

Level 1

14 points

Posted on Oct 31, 2024 2:07 PM

I didn’t notice until I checked that all the audio coming out of Apple TV was stereo PCM even though i specifically selected Dolby 5.1 and that it was working previously with my Sonos Beam plus One surrounds. After trying to reset the Apple TV and playing with the TV settings nothing worked. I decided to re-run the Sonos tuning and finally got it to output Dolby 5.1 again. I’m on tvOS 18.1

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54 replies

Windh

Level 1

104 points

Oct 1, 2024 6:34 AM in response to Mannu37

The best thing you can do is contact Apple support and let them know! The more the better.

Windh

Level 1

104 points

Sep 28, 2024 11:40 AM in response to Community User

I have the same problem. All of a sudden, any 5.1 output, GONE. Which is outrageous. They need to fix this ASAP.

HOWEVER, it's only like this on the 'ordinary' streaming apps (Netflix, Disney+ etc)

but I also use Infuse for streaming films from my local network, and HERE the 5.1 works just fine!!!

p-cross

Level 1

4 points

Sep 28, 2024 11:36 PM in response to Community User

Checked everything and it’s the TV iOS 18 update. With millions of boxes apples c needs a hot fix for this one.

Slow horses with sub titles is not the same

Hat7

Level 1

43 points

Sep 29, 2024 10:29 PM in response to Community User

Confirmed tvOS 18.0 has also broken the "Change Audio Format to Dolby Digital 5.1" for me.

Dolby setting only outputs stereo like others mentioned. Thanks Tim Apple.

Goxlet

Level 2

259 points

Nov 2, 2024 3:35 PM in response to Jdiddy

I think the iOS 18.1 update provides the general remedy, but earlier software updates may have contributed to the issues you found it necessary to tweak.

Sep 22, 2024 12:39 PM in response to Community User

The funny thing is that last time this happened, only Home Sharing was affected. So I checked Home Sharing for any signs of the issue immediately after updating to 18.0. The joke's on me, I guess.

Yours 'til I'm relieved enough to laugh,

llee

[Edited by Moderator]

Sep 22, 2024 2:26 PM in response to Rashidaa_x

I've had no issues at all with picture since the 18.0 update, only sound. I have recently replaced HDMI cables, but that was before I observed playback issues except for some very specific issues that I fixed by replacing the cables.

[Edited by Moderator]

Sep 25, 2024 7:10 PM in response to TrevorPastrami

Yes, Support will be stymied until the software is fixed. There’s hope. I’ve observed similar issues after at least 2 previous updates for Apple TV. It doesn’t speak well for Apple’s ability to balance the need to provide updates with the need to vet the updates they provide, though.

Sep 30, 2024 9:03 PM in response to filipinohitman

Unless Apple tells you how to revert to a version of tvOS before 18 (which I'm fairly sure they won't do), they may tell you to try a different sound system which is recognized without enabling "Change Format" or look for an update to come which will hopefully remedy the problem. The issue can't be remedied for affected ATVs while using tvOS 18.0 with sound systems that require "Change Format".

Oct 1, 2024 10:47 AM in response to oviano

Is it reasonable to assume, then, that apps that still work such as Home Sharing Player and YouTube don't depend on the AudioConverterFillComplexBuffer function for their multi channel audio capabilities? Is it possible to confirm that assumption from your perspective? Thanks.

Sep 22, 2024 12:49 PM in response to Community User

I’m having the exact same issue, just wanted to stick some 💩 on while I relax after putting my son to bed, no visual at all on any streaming apps just sound and then the whole lot shuts off and tells me there’s an issue with the hdmi cables but I’ve tried 4 cables and gone into settings to run the hdmi checks which were all fine too

Sep 25, 2024 11:01 AM in response to Community User

I am also experiencing this issue any streaming app I use on my Apple TV 4K only sent stereo PCM to my Sonos beam. If I use my Xbox or other game consoles it can get Dolby 5.1 just fine so I think this has to be a tvOS issue right!

Sep 25, 2024 6:33 PM in response to Community User

Yeah that’s sounds like it’s gotta be the root cause. I was on the phone with tier 3 Apple support for 30 minutes factory resetting my Apple TV only to have it fix nothing and then they hung up on me !

Sep 27, 2024 7:31 PM in response to Community User

I’m dealing with the same problem after updating to tvOS 18. I have an older 7.1 Sony receiver set up as 5.1. My audio passes through my Sony Bravia via HDMI then is sent to the receiver via optical. It’s always decoded as discrete 5 channels across all the apps on Apple TV that support it but no more. Very frustrating to have that not working anymore. I have no desire to invest in new equipment. Hoping this is resolved soon!

Pafo8209

Level 1

14 points

Sep 28, 2024 3:28 PM in response to Windh

I feel the simple and obvious and easy solution for apple is to have a ‘force encode all audio to a Dolby 2.1/5.1 / 7.2’ or a ‘do not use PCM’ setting.

my setup ATV 4K Gen 1 - LG C9 - DN1040 on eARC

currently pondering a HDMI splitter to stop this reoccurring madness. anyone tried this?

DN1040 will not throughput Dolby vision. C9 will not throughput multi channel PCM. I cant justify the cost of a new receiver on a silly encode technicalities that should not exist when using tier 1 products.

Since tvOS 18 update Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD output only stereo despite 5.1 selected