How can I view Netflix movies in Dolby digital 5.1 sound?

With my newATV I can view HD movies and TV shows in Dolby digital. However, when I download a Netflix movie, it is always played in stereo. I have tried lots of films, including Avatar. All only play in stereo. Anyone else have this problem too?
I wish netflix "watch instantly" would indicate whether a film was in HD with 5.1 sound. Could it be that if your download speed is slow, Netflix reverts to SD and stereo? Like I mentioned, downloAds from Apple are fine in Dolby.

Dell, Windows XP Pro

Posted on Oct 3, 2010 5:32 PM

39 replies

tgibbs

Level 1

70 points

Jan 31, 2011 7:40 PM in response to Chenks

Netflix has announced that they will be rolling out 5.1 audio to other devices, but they haven't announced a definite schedule.

May 17, 2013 9:47 AM in response to Cmay1

I too had the issue of not getting 5.1 surround when streaming Netflix. I fixed the problem by going to Apple TV settings/audio and changing the default setting from "auto" to "on."

Oct 29, 2013 7:29 PM in response to Mediakip

Mediakip thanks for this. Super helpful.

Apr 22, 2014 12:50 PM in response to tmartine

Good news. Recent update to 6.1.1 resolves this issue and returns Dolby Digital to Netflix.

Mutanti

Level 1

0 points

Apr 30, 2014 2:51 PM in response to Dave Medcroft

Bad news, i tested today and after latest update Netflix over ATV is without Dolby Digital again. That worked immediatelly after update, but today it doesn´t work again, only stereo.

Apr 30, 2014 3:06 PM in response to Mutanti

That is very odd. I've just tested again and I'm back to stereo unless I send via airplay from phone.

Mutanti

Level 1

0 points

May 5, 2014 8:29 AM in response to flute711

I spoke with Netflix hotline yesterday and they told me they are working on it, so I believe it will be solved asap.

Azoun74

Level 1

0 points

May 19, 2014 10:13 AM in response to Cmay1

i have same problem,,,works fine through airplay from ipad with 5.1 sound but with apple tv it only play in stereo

May 28, 2014 9:14 AM in response to Azoun74

I just noticed today that no items in the Netflix Apple TV app seem to be displaying the DD icon. It looks like Netflix have removed that until they get the problem fixed.

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How can I view Netflix movies in Dolby digital 5.1 sound?