Faced with growing competition from video streaming platforms like Paramount+, which arrived in December 2022, or behemoths Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video, market players are trying to stand out from the crowd. That’s why YouTube TV is finally moving to surround sound. The American platform has been offering a more immersive sound experience to its users for a few months. A first step forward when most other platforms already offer programs in Dolby Atmos. Here’s how to enable 5.1 sound on YouTube TV.
YouTube TV brings a new immersive audio experience to its users with support for 5.1 surround sound. This feature allows users to watch their favorite content with high quality audio, creating an immersive and engaging viewing experience with rear and side sound effects.
Which TVs are compatible with 5.1 on YouTube TV?
Launched in early 2017, YouTube TV offers access to over 100 live TV channels as well as on-demand content. Since 2022, it has therefore been possible to enjoy a 5.1 compatible film or a program on the YouTube TV platform.
After limiting the rollout of 5.1 surround sound to Samsung, LG and Vizio devices, YouTube TV has extended this immersive sound system to Google TV as well as Android TV, Apple TV and Roku. With a Fire TV, the sound was always limited to stereo. Now, it is possible to enjoy a surround sound experience with a soundbar or A/V receiver.
How to enjoy 5.1 surround sound on YouTube TV
To take advantage of this feature, users must have a 5.1 surround sound compatible audio system, such as a home theater system composed of five speakers plus a subwoofer or a compatible soundbar. In addition, content streamed on YouTube TV must also be compatible with 5.1 surround sound for users to enjoy it.
5.1 compatibility does not yet concern the whole catalog proposed by the American video streaming platform. While it is becoming more and more common, certain programs and original content do not support 5.1 surround sound. To make sure you’re enjoying a 5.1-compatible video, YouTube TV provides a search filter to highlight audio tracks mixed in 5.1.
How to enable 5.1 surround sound on YouTube TV
When the user selects a video to watch on YouTube TV, the player control bar is displayed. Just select “5.1 Surround Sound” to activate the setting and enjoy your video with rear and side effects.
On Apple TV, this feature is enabled by default. Consequently, the user is guaranteed to benefit from 5.1 content on their home theater installation if the content being viewed is compatible.
On an Android TV, you must first launch the video, then access the playback options by pressing the OK button on your remote. The Audio and Subtitles tab then allows you to activate the 5.1 channel audio output option.
As a result, YouTube Premium subscribers and moviegoers who rent movies on the popular platform can now enjoy a feature film with rear and side sound effects for an incredible home theater experience.
Now, YouTube TV’s ambition is to focus on gaming. The American platform wants to offer its users a similar system on the new generation of game consoles in order to guarantee an even more impressive gaming experience!
