After its recent arrival on Google TV and Android TV, 5.1 channel surround sound is finally available from YouTube TV on Apple TV and Fire TV. Until now, only the use of Apple AirPods, Apple AirPods Pro or Apple AirPods Max headphones allowed you to get surround sound from an Apple TV on the programs offered by the platform. With a Fire TV, the sound was always limited to stereo. From now on, the surround sound experience is possible with a soundbar or A/V receiver.
YouTube TV: a progressive deployment of 5.1
With more and more households equipped with a home theater system, soundbar or TV compatible with surround sound, it is becoming essential for streaming and VOD platforms to offer their programs with multichannel audio. Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video and even Apple TV+ have all been offering surround sound in 5.1, 7.1 or even Dolby Atmos for several years now.
For the American platform YouTube, the transition seems to be taking longer. The YouTube TV service first took the plunge in June 2021 with the introduction of Dolby 5.1 audio compatibility for its platform. However, this compatibility was limited to Samsung, LG and Vizio TVs, as well as Chromecast Video. More recently, support for 5.1 audio has been extended to TVs equipped with Android TV and Google TV. After a long wait, it is now the turn of the YouTube TV app for Apple TV and Fire TV to support 5.1 audio.
YouTube TV: compatible programs
Launched in 2007, YouTube TV has quickly become one of the most popular live TV streaming services in the United States. Unlike the free platform where you can find your favorite content creators, as well as the shows and tutorials of the Son-Vidéo.com channel, YouTube TV is a subscription TV streaming service. It provides access to live broadcasts of over 85 TV channels from the most popular cable networks, including HBO, ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC. However, only American channels are currently offered by the platform. In France, the service is interesting if you want to watch American sporting events that aren’t broadcast on DTT or cable channels. The platform is also useful for watching videos on demand (VOD).
YouTube TV: how to enjoy 5.1 sound?
5.1 surround sound is now enabled by default on compatible content when using YouTube TV from an Apple TV or Fire TV. You can check for this compatibility by going to the playback options, then selecting “learn more” to view the settings for the file being played. You will then be able to enjoy better immersion if you have a compatible system, whether it is a multi-channel soundbar, an A/V receiver or a recent television.
With the addition of 5.1 on YouTube TV for Apple TV and Fire TV, the American giant continues to improve its service whose possibilities are still limited in France. Google’s service also says it is working internally and with its partners to integrate 5.1 on other platforms, including Xbox and PlayStation consoles.
