Distorted audio from Apple TV (4th gen)

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Level 2

153 points

Distorted audio from Apple TV (4th gen)

I just bought my third Apple TV (gen 4), and as before, I connect it to my Panasonic Plasma TV via hdmi, and I use the optical audio out from the TV to my soundbar. I have a huge problem with distorted max audio levels with the new Apple TV, and there is no place i can adjust this. Watching movies with a lot of low frequencies will distort the audio coming out of my soundbar. Playing back music from iTunes is impossible, because (as Apple should know better than anybody) the music has been mastered to max levels, some tracks up to 0dbFS. - So, goodbye Apple TV? I hope there is a solution! Apple have dropped the optical out, so now I am 100% dependent on a fix from Apple!

Posted on Jul 23, 2016 12:38 PM

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Answer 1

Jul 23, 2016 1:13 PM in response to Helge Krabye

Hi,

"Works for me." ATV 4 to Samsung TV, optical output to Yamaha AVR. Audio levels fine, some YouTube videos extremely low, but that's just YouTube. Can't you control the volume at the soundbar?

Obviously, you've turned off the TV speakers, as I have. But is it possible that your TV volume control still affects the optical output? If so, it may be boosting the level?

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Answer 2

Helge Krabye Author

Level 2

153 points

Jul 24, 2016 5:03 AM in response to Diana.McCall

It's not possible to adjust the digital signal that goes through the hdmi-cabel to the TV and via optical cable to the Soundbar. It doesn't help to adjust the listening level from the Soundbar, since the audio signal is already distorted. I just wished it was possible to set the max output from the Apple TV lower than 0 dbFS (to have a little headroom).

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Answer 3

Jul 24, 2016 5:30 AM in response to Helge Krabye

It's fine for me too, it would seem you have an issue with your equipment.

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Answer 4

Jul 24, 2016 12:28 PM in response to Helge Krabye

I don't think the audio level from ATV is already distorted. It's just passed on as it comes from the source. As long as the TV audio splitter separates it cleanly, it should be OK there also. Have you tried changing the ATV audio output settings; maybe stereo, 16 bit, to find something the TV and soundbar can handle?

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Answer 5

Helge Krabye Author

Level 2

153 points

Jul 24, 2016 12:32 PM in response to Diana.McCall

I think the problem is how the Soundbar handles the incoming digital audio via the optical input. Since so much music is mastered to **** (0dbFS), there will be clipping in the chain. I wish the AppleTV had an option to reduce the output level a little. With my soundbar, I would avoid the distortion.

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