Surround sound (5.1 ch) broken except Apple TV app on Apple TV Box

Updating to tvOS 18.1 and then in Audio Format set “Change Format” to On and “New Format” to Dolby Digital 5.1 resolves the issue for me. The Netflix and Prime Video apps now play 5.1 surround sound.

I have exactly the same issues. 5.1 sound doesn’t work through Amazon or Netflix apps on Apple TV 4K running tvOS18 but does though Apple TV app. 5.1 sound plays okay with same Apps on LG TV. Have also tried changing the audio format in Apple TV settings but makes no difference either. Certainly looks to be an issue with the latest update.

LG TV

I see this brand mentioned a lot in threads concerning this issue. Could it be that it plays a role? Not saying it is the cause.

I wonder if there's an issue with the latest update. Has anyone else experienced similar issues?

I’m using the same software (tvOS 18) and not seeing this issue (no LG TV involved though).

neilc1973 wrote:

I did say that this resolved the problem for me which was 5.1 sound. You obviously have a different problem so I suggest you search for help regarding Dolby Atmos related problems.

Not Really

When you "force" format by putting “Change Format” to On and “New Format” to Dolby Digital 5.1 you lose the ability to have Atmos when it is available.

The normal behavior is to let it in auto.

When the format is 5.1 it send 5.1 and when it is in atmos it send in Atmos.

The solution you give force the format to 5.1 but it change noting that before OS18 "auto" option was sending the good format regarding the source available.

This thread is about 5.1 sound not Atmos. I don’t have an Atmos capable receiver so for “Me” and others here it’s fixed the issue for now until Apple issue a proper fix. Maybe it’s not the solution for everyone but it’s much better than the 2.0 sound we were only able to get after the update to tv OS 18.

With this "solution" you loose the ability to play in Atmos when Avalaible.

So not a real solution

I did say that this resolved the problem for me which was 5.1 sound. You obviously have a different problem so I suggest you search for help regarding Dolby Atmos related problems.