Streaming Media from Computer in Surround Sound

Question

Streaming Media from Computer in Surround Sound

Just got the new Apple TV, upgrading from a Gen 2. And running into the same problem I had with that one initially and can't figure out how to solve it this time around.

I have content in my iTunes library on my computer that is in 5.1 Surround Sound. Apple TV plays Netflix Surround sound and purchased items in Surround Sound without any problems. But anything that is streaming from my computer, regardless what format it's actually in, gets inputted to my Onkyo receiver as PCM 2.0 from the Apple TV. Can't find any settings anywhere to fix this - changing audio to 'Dolby Surround" in the General Menu/Audio and Video tab doesn't do anything.

As I said, I do remember this being a problem that took a while to crack in the old Apple TV as well, but can't figure out how to fix it here.

Thanks!

Posted on Oct 30, 2015 12:54 PM

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Answer 1

Oct 30, 2015 1:13 PM in response to Jonathan Frank2

Try going to settings and under audio, selecting dolby instead of auto. I was getting 2.0 and am now getting 5.1.

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Answer 2

Oct 30, 2015 1:32 PM in response to Jonathan Frank2

Alternatively, while playing a movie, drag down the info bar, go across to audio and change it there (it usually looks like an identical second option but the sound is 5.1 instead of 2.0).

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Answer 3

Oct 30, 2015 1:39 PM in response to MacChris42

That's it!

How odd and annoying...it defaults to 2.0 and you have to find the hidden menu to get it to play the audio you really want. There should be a way to change default audio from Stereo to Surround as a permanent setting...

Thanks for your help!

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Answer 4

Oct 30, 2015 1:41 PM in response to Paul Barrett3

As I said, I had already done that. It seems that it doesn't want to default to the actual surround on films in iTunes library, just if it's Netflix, iTunes purchases, etc.

and you have to use that hidden info bar...

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Answer 5

Oct 30, 2015 1:50 PM in response to Jonathan Frank2

No problem, you're welcome. 🙂

There do appear to be a few teething problems. Another issue: Re: Chapter markers on tvOS?

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