I've been having this issue for months and as others have said, it occurs mostly on Netflix. However, not to pick on Netflix, they do stream the majority of the Dolby ATMOS content. It is rather frustrating when audio drops out, sometimes for a quick moment to several seconds, and it's seems to be totally random in nature. In the beginning, I was blaming my receiver and cables, but after some troubleshooting, it was isolated down to my AppleTV box. It's a shame to have such a wonderful device and have such a seemingly stupid bug, but Apple like most corporations, put their R&D + product research/updates, in their money makers. I would assume that Apple TV is at the bottom of the revenue list. Maybe, at some point, when Tim Cook is watching a movie favorite, in Dolby ATMOS, it'll change. But I suspect that until Apple TV+ starts streaming in the ATMOS format, it won't change.
A cluster of Apple TV owners over the last several months have been complaining about several issues when using external speakers with the Apple TV and attempting to listen to Dolby Atmos audio.
A thread on Apple's support forums, which started in September 2021 and has over 25 pages of users sharing complaints, chronicles how users are experiencing issues with their Apple TV and Dolby Atmos. According to users, when listening to Dolby Atmos content, audio will sometimes either completely cut out and go silent, goes out of sync with the videos on the screen, or is choppy and stutters.
While there are some users who are experiencing the issue across Apple TV apps, a large portion of the complaints come from when users use the Netflix app. Some users have found that changing audio settings and disabling Dolby Atmos entirely solves the issues. Apple released tvOS 15.4.1 last month and that update does not seem to have addressed the bugs. Are you experiencing similar issues? Let us know down in the comments.
Article Link: Some Apple TV Users Complain of Dolby Atmos Audio Issues
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Some Apple TV Users Complain of Dolby Atmos Audio Issues
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Just to report my own findings, while Netflix had traditionally been the worst offender, I experienced it with all streaming services on Atmos content (including AppleTV+). Since the latest app update for Netflix, when they started using the native player for tvOS 15, the frequency of occurrence has seemingly dropped (for Netflix). However, it is still present and ironically seems to be happening more for me on AppleTV+ lately (aware it is completely unrelated to the Netflix update).
Comments like these need to be called out and stopped, because they will cause harm for users that don't know any better. People may read that and think they need "Dolby Atmos Certified" speakers, which has absolutely nothing to do with this issue; it may cause them to waste more time and money trying to fix a problem that rests solely on Apple to resolve.
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Same setup here. Every now and then Atmos will mute itself for 2 seconds and then recover. Annoying but infrequent, about once every 15 minutes, usually on Netflix but I had it happen in ATV+ one time as well.
I’ve experience audio stutter issues with my Apple TV 4K (new gen) when connected to a denon 6700 and playing atmos. Tried 10 different hdmi cables and isolated it to the Apple TV as well. Swapped in my first gen Apple TV 4k and there is no audio stutter now so it’s definitely a second gen Apple TV 4K issue (at least for me). Very annoying!!
Also experiencing on non-Netflix apps. Happens about twice in a 45 minute show. Happened most recently while watching Slow Horses on Apple TV+. Interestingly, it does not happen at all on the MLB app watching baseball games.
The simple answer then is to respond with what you believe is the correct information. And call out - respectfully - what you think was not correct and why.
Apple give us bitstream! We want bitstream! Siri is useless. The Siri button on the new remote is as annoying as the volume button placement on newer model iPhones vis a vis, accidental presses.
In the same vein I accidentally take a screenshot when putting my iPhone 12 Pro to sleep, I accidentally click the Siri button when picking up the Siri remote. And in the remote's case it's even worst b/c the button is so sensitive.
Give us bitstream Apple. We want our premium soundbars / AVRs to decode the audio codecs. Adding bitstream would also ameliorate passthrough issues that cause audio delays when starting up movies/shows, or unpausing them.
It would also indirectly benefit those who want to utilize eARC, and the HDMI 2.1 features of the 2021 ATV 4K, such as QMS & QFT b/c users wouldn't have to connect our ATVs directly into their soundbars / AVRs.
In all sincerity Apple please add bitstream by tvOS 16; it's long overdue.
And know that the Siri/Search button placement on your new remote is an annoyance. Where it should be is top left of the remote, across from the power button, of same form & size; a round button with the Mic symbol as seen on your F5 key on Mac/Apple keyboards, or the Magnifying Glass symbol on F4; you can choose, I really don't care which.
Apple, add bitstream. Make a better remote.
ATV 4K Gen2 (2021) x2 + LG C1 65 & 77 + VIZIO Elevate, LG SQ95R, Samsung HW-Q950a (waiting for HW-Q990b USA release) | AT&T Gigabit Fiber Plan + Nighthawk AX11K (personal network) + Linksys Velop AX4200 x3 (rest of home)
In the same vein I accidentally take a screenshot when putting my iPhone 12 Pro to sleep, I accidentally click the Siri button when picking up the Siri remote. And in the remote's case it's even worst b/c the button is so sensitive.
Give us bitstream Apple. We want our premium soundbars / AVRs to decode the audio codecs. Adding bitstream would also ameliorate passthrough issues that cause audio delays when starting up movies/shows, or unpausing them.
It would also indirectly benefit those who want to utilize eARC, and the HDMI 2.1 features of the 2021 ATV 4K, such as QMS & QFT b/c users wouldn't have to connect our ATVs directly into their soundbars / AVRs.
In all sincerity Apple please add bitstream by tvOS 16; it's long overdue.
And know that the Siri/Search button placement on your new remote is an annoyance. Where it should be is top left of the remote, across from the power button, of same form & size; a round button with the Mic symbol as seen on your F5 key on Mac/Apple keyboards, or the Magnifying Glass symbol on F4; you can choose, I really don't care which.
Apple, add bitstream. Make a better remote.
ATV 4K Gen2 (2021) x2 + LG C1 65 & 77 + VIZIO Elevate, LG SQ95R, Samsung HW-Q950a (waiting for HW-Q990b USA release) | AT&T Gigabit Fiber Plan + Nighthawk AX11K (personal network) + Linksys Velop AX4200 x3 (rest of home)
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Apologies, but all original content on ATV+ utilizes Dolby Atmos.
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I have an Apple TV 4K box (2nd Gen) and two HomePod Minis running from the box. Certain streaming services are ok (eg BBC iPlayer), certain ones are not totally in sync but nearly there (eg Disney+) and others leave the sound totally out of sync (anything through the Apple TV app, such as purchased content on iTunes, Apple Channels or the like). I have calibrated the sound numerous times, but I suspect the fault is Apple’s not mine.
I have no issues and I would kinda bet it’s the HDMI cable people use. No, they’re not all the same. Don’t “save money”, but a decent cable!
Thought it was just my hardware set up.
I have to power cycle my Bose SoundBar 700 to fix it each time. Beyond annoying
Glad its not just me!
I have to power cycle my Bose SoundBar 700 to fix it each time. Beyond annoying
Glad its not just me!
I have never had issues with my set up before and I'm using a good quality HDMI cable. Seems to be a recent software bug causing it.
2 TVs, one Hisense U8G, 0 issues. The other TCL Google 6 series TV. The TCL had lots of cut audio, static noises, dead audio, etc. Turned off Dolby and the problems went away.
I’m guessing it’s TV dependent
I’m guessing it’s TV dependent
I have the exact same problem. I have been using the previous Apple TV as a solution. It is so annoying and I have been trying very hard to get Apple's attention on this issue. Do we know that Apple is aware and acknowledges the issue?
Of note, I am using very high-end cables and have tried 5 and 6 brands. I have tried 1 foot, 3 foot, and 5 foot cables to ensure distance is not an issue. All I do is change the model of Apple TV. I also tried 15.5 beta with no luck.
Of note, I am using very high-end cables and have tried 5 and 6 brands. I have tried 1 foot, 3 foot, and 5 foot cables to ensure distance is not an issue. All I do is change the model of Apple TV. I also tried 15.5 beta with no luck.
Same here, including countless HDMI cables. I opened a ticket in November, eventually got a replacement device from Apple Store which didn't resolve issue (although the replacement device came w/tvOS 14.7 which wasn't as bad), got ticket upgraded to "level 2 support", had me run some diagnostics, etc., and send the results along with some videos of it occurring. Had a few back and forth convos and he wanted me to try using an HDMI cable they were going to send me. This was early January. Cable was taking forever so I just bought the one they wanted me to try (Belken). Problem persisted. Tried a variety of different brand and length of cables (even found some certified installer videos talking about the possibility of having too short of cable, if you can imagine that). Anyway, none of them worked. Apple Support's replacement cable never came. I ping the support ticket requesting updates every few weeks. Last I heard from them was Jan 20 2022.
eta: here is an apple support community thread of many with the problem:
Netflix Dolby Atmos problems with new App… - Apple Community
I’ve been having this issue since TVOS15.2. The Netflix app only. It stutters, clicks, pops, and has made for some very bad viewing.
Either Apple or Netflix needs to acknowledge the issue and correct it, but continuing to lay blame on end users is not acceptable. The ONLY thing that changed was my TVOS updated to 15.2 and this started occurring. And remains in the latest build.
Either Apple or Netflix needs to acknowledge the issue and correct it, but continuing to lay blame on end users is not acceptable. The ONLY thing that changed was my TVOS updated to 15.2 and this started occurring. And remains in the latest build.
TBH I don’t see when apps update. Just the OS. So I don’t know how many app updates have occurred. That said - the current of each has this issue and it’s ridiculous.
Additionally my Up/Down is 1GB fiber so it’s not a buffering thing or a bandwidth thing.
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I've been having the stuttering/chopping/helicoptering issue since late last year when I set up an Atoms system. Receiver is a Denon 8500HA. Happens on Netflix nearly all the time (have the 4k version), but also on AppleTV+, Disney+, and even HBO Max. "Drive to Survive" is unwatchable. I switched back to the 2019 AppleTV 4K and it did not have the problem, but the UI is definitely slower. Also, on my system, the AppleTV audio, fed directly with the video over HDMI to the receiver, is inferior to what I get out of my Sony TV using eARC to the receiver. I haven't yet figured out exactly why, but suspect it's because the AppleTV is decoding to linear PCM and maybe the Audyssey room processing doesn't work as well on that as it does when the Denon is doing the decoding -- the sound in streamed Atmos movies is kind of anemic by comparison, lacks "slam", and the dialog from the center channel is harder to understand. There could well be a setting in the receiver that I missed, but everything looks the same on the two inputs (TV Audio and Media Player); I find myself switching to the TV's apps even for non-Atmos content.
It's a shame because I love the AppleTV's interface, especially "Up Next". I find myself looking at that to see what shows have new episodes, and then I switch to GoogleTV to watch them. AppleTV is the only box I've seen with this feature and they must have some kind of patent on it, because I can't imagine why GoogleTV doesn't replicate it.
As others have mentioned, the AppleTV desperately needs to provide a passthrough/bitstream mode so my pricey receiver can do the decoding and processing. If they do that, or at least fix this bug, I'll be happy camper.
It's a shame because I love the AppleTV's interface, especially "Up Next". I find myself looking at that to see what shows have new episodes, and then I switch to GoogleTV to watch them. AppleTV is the only box I've seen with this feature and they must have some kind of patent on it, because I can't imagine why GoogleTV doesn't replicate it.
As others have mentioned, the AppleTV desperately needs to provide a passthrough/bitstream mode so my pricey receiver can do the decoding and processing. If they do that, or at least fix this bug, I'll be happy camper.