No Dolby Digital Apple TV 3 firmware 6.1 (6698.99.16)

Hi,

do you think this problem might be firmware-related too?:

MBP OSX Maverick, ATV 3, latest firmware (video signal to Beamer via HDMI works fine in both configurations)

configuration 1
MBP, 5.1 mkv-file via Beamer App 2, latest version -> WLAN -> ATV3 -> Toslink -> surround system
result 1: no 5.1 from the surround system, just some kind of stereo, surround system does not report 5.1

configuration 2
MBP, same 5.1 mkv-file via VLC media player -> Toslink -> surround system
result 2: 5.1 works perfectly

I tried ATV3 with Dolby Digital AUTO and OFF as well as 16bit AUTO and OFF since I had found that hint somewhere but nothing seems to solve the problem pushing 5.1 over ATV3.

Just called Netflix and Apple. Apple blamed it on Netflix, and Netflix said they are currently working on a patch for the ATV 6.1.1 version. Will wait and see what happens! Asked for an estimated time he thinks it'll be fixed and the technician had no clue. The sad thing was, I was following this post when I just bought ATV 3 and had version 5.3 installed. It kept asking me to upgrade and I wanted to make sure it was a good thing so I googled the upgrade version to see if there were any known problems and sure enough there was a known problem with version 6.1 (because of this post, you guys are awesome!). But, then everyone started posting that DD was back with 6.1.1, so I upgraded to version 6.1.1. Sure enough, the very next day, I no longer had Dolby Digital with Netflix. I think I've learned my lesson. Do not upgrade until at least a month or so has passed. I've looked into downgrading back to 5.3 but I don't think I can because I have the newer ATV 3 (model: A1469). ***** to be me, and all you guys, too. It's nice to know that we can all suffer together, though. 🙂.

If anybody finds out that I can downgrade, please let me know.

I just downgraded mine to version 5.3. Now DD 5.1 works fine agaon on Netflix. They can take their time to fix it.

Do you have ATV 3 model A1469?

The only issue with downgrading to iOS v. 5.3 is that the internet radio widget in ATV does not work in that version.

Also I found that the best way to contact someone at Netflix that is aware of this issue is to start at the Netflix Support page in Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/netflix/app_566353646718065

And then call the 800 number listed there using the service code that is generated on that page. They are also much more willing to credit your account than going through the normal support dial-in number.

No, mine is ATV 3 - MD199C/A.

As mentioned in earlier posts, the best work around for this issue (if you're not willing to downgrade or if you're stuck with ATV 3 model A1469) is to use Airplay on your iPad or iPhone to stream Netflix to your HD TV and sorround sound. Dolby Digital, for some reason, works perfectly and the HD quality isn't bad at all. We'll just have to wait for Netflix (or Apple) to pull their heads out.

As noted; I'd suggest calling Netflix and requesting a credit on your account. They told me they'd note it and when the issue was resolved (which they couldn't say when) that I'd be issued a credit.

I don't know if it's been mentioned. But I am able to watch a movie on HBO-Go while playing in 5.1

The movie that I am testing it on is Pacific Rim. The weird part, the first 10 seconds is 2.0. This was an advertisement for TrueBlood, but as soon as the movie started it switched to 5.1.

For those who have watched HBO-Go on an Apple-TV. There's the "This movie is rated blah blah blah." which last about 10 seconds and that is the entire title, the time bar is only 10 seconds long. Then the movie comes up, but first an ad for another HBO show/movie. Which is embedded in the actual title.

So apparently this is a Netflix thing, still could be an Apple but signs are pointing to Netflix for me.

KOT

The problem is only on Netflix- other streaming services (HBO GO, etc) work fine in Dolby Digital on the AppleTV 3 with software 6.1, 6.1.1, whatever.

Netflix w Dolby Digital is working perfectly on BluRay, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, Roku,etc. Basically everything but the AppleTV. Ugh.

CAN 100% CONFIRM THIS IS A NETFLIX VS APPLE ISSUE. AS STATED BEFORE HBO GO DD OVER HDMI AND OPT. EVEN THE STREAM QUALITY IS BETTER BUT THAT MAY BE DUE TO LOWER USAGE ON HBO SERVERS. I CAN STREAM DD 1080p 60Hz and still pull OVER 85 mb/s with HBO GO

EQUIP

ATV3

SHERBOURN 7030

NIGHTHAWK ROUTER

Do you think we can stop posting unless it is something new? We know there is a problem, etc. etc. 😝

I have called several times to Netflix & Apple too, it seems that they have a fight 😕 but...as J_Coates posted....

"Netflix w Dolby Digital is working perfectly on BluRay, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, Roku,etc. Basically everything but the AppleTV. Ugh.

I have two smart TV's(LG and Sony bravia) and a sony smart bluray, all of them deliver DD 5.1 audio, the problem is that if you do not use HTS you will not note the issue! 😮

If I transmit Netflix via Airplay, DD 5.1 works excellent!

So I thing it's merely an Apple TV problem because it appeared after software update 😠😠

Luck!

I will tell you what I know. I was the one who pushed Netflix to get the video streamign issue resolved on Apple TV a month back. I started the process in December and spoke with Netflix over 30 times befero I convinced them it was not an ISP issue. Not sure if 6.1.1 fixed the isseu or Netflix did.

I do know that I have their ear the best anyone can as they also have me documented as first reporting the PS4 DD bug and confirming it on a call with their Engineering department. I noticed that DD did initially break on the 6.1 update after the video problem was fixed. Netflix Engineering told me that it was turned off by Netflix since their was an issue with latest update. I then got the 6.1.1 update and DD worked for a few days then was broken again. Netflix told me engineering is aware of the issue and has a memorandum on it dated March 2014 that states Apple TV does not work with DD and an external Receiver. Apple Engineering claims that they have a Memo over to Netflix and that the issue is something NetFlix needs to resolve.

???

The Netflix streaming issue that started in November was fixed for many (but unfortunately not all) in mid December.

Now it it is certainly not clear what is going on with DD and the latest updates - but here is what we know.

- Most Netflix streamers use DD+ for 5.1 audio - only the Apple TV (and possibly some Tivos) get DD 5.1 streams from Netflix.

- Netflix DD worked great until the 6.1 update

- It worked fine for a few days after the recent update

- All other apps (iTunes, HBO GO, etc) have no problem with DD on the Apple TV

Keep posting here (ignore those that say Apple doesn't monitor the forums) - their second level tech support confirmed they do (and frankly it would be shocking if they didn't) - but also let both Apple and Netflix know this issue needs to be fixed through all channels.

My guess is that Netflix is more focused on supporting all the other devices that use DD+ and the Apple TV is seeing issues because it is one of a very few devices that get DD from Netflix.