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

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AVPilot

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Posted on Oct 3, 2010 6:05 PM

To my knowledge, Netflix does not provide Dolby Digital 5.1 surround on any of their streamed content. There is nothing wrong with your Apple TV, but until they change something on their end, you will only get 2 channel stereo from Netflix, as that is the only audio signal they stream. I have had a Roku HD player, and a Samsung Blu-ray player that both streamed Netflix, and both would just be stereo soundtracks. If you have a surround sound receiver, use the Dolby Pro-logic II Movie mode, and that will expand the stereo signal into 5.1 surround. It's not quite as good as true discrete Dolby Digital, but does a pretty darn good job. I use this on all Netflix streamed movies.

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39 replies

Jan 3, 2012 11:04 AM in response to Cmay1

I have the Apple TV 2 with HDMI to the receiver and all I get is stereo.

Dolby is turned on in the settings. I have tried a bunch of Netflix HD movies and all are in stereo.

Am I missing something?

Should I get something else that plays Netflix?

flute711

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May 5, 2014 8:25 AM in response to lkrupp

Same issue for me with netflix not outputting DD to my reciever. I was starting think I was crazy or my ATV box was defective until I found this thread. I'm an audio purist so I can't bare to watch netflix in stereo when I know my device will paly DD and the software is capable! Hopefully this gets resolved soon by either netflix or apple.

Cmay1 Author

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Oct 3, 2010 7:04 PM in response to Cmay1

Thanks for the info. I did not know that. I hope Netflix will include DD in the future for their streaming films.

tgibbs

Level 1

70 points

Oct 19, 2010 7:25 PM in response to rz22g

Netflix says that they will be extending 5.1 capability to other clients, but they did not give a timetable.

Nov 30, 2010 9:07 PM in response to AVPilot

This is not true. I can watch movies and TV shows with my PS3 in full 5.1 Dolby Digital surround. PS3 is WAY AHEAD with this issue.

Nov 30, 2010 9:25 PM in response to el chubasco

Wondering if this is because Apple wants you to buy/rent from them instead of using netflix.

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.

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

Mediakip thanks for this. Super helpful.

Azoun74

Level 1

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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

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