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Amazon Prime Video Apple TV app updated for 5.1 sound in UHD content, NFL streaming only on newer units [u]

On a recently updated document, Amazon has retracted claims that 5.1 sound is available in the early versions of the Amazon Prime Video app for the Apple TV, and that live streaming of Amazon channels and Thursday Night Football has limitations.

it isn't clear when the support document in question was updated. The document lists limitations and specifications for all streaming platforms compatible with Amazon Prime Video, spanning set-top boxes, consoles, and mobile devices.

Amazon Prime Video is available as a service on the third generation Apple TV. However, live streaming of Thursday Night Football, and Amazon Channels is limited to the fourth generation Apple TV and the 2017 release of the Apple TV 4K.

At launch, Amazon said that 5.1 sound was included in the the app, However, as shipped, receivers and televisions connected to an Apple TV were only getting PCM audio, and not the promised 5.1. Other systems not capable of 5.1 audio are Vizio televisions and blu-ray players from 2013 and earlier, Panasonic televisions, the Nintendo Wii, first and second generation Kindle Fire tablets, the Echo Show, website streaming to a computer, and most mobile devices.

Modern gaming consoles are capable of 5.1 sound, as are nearly all the embedded players in smart televisions.

The debut of Amazon Prime Video for Apple TV was highly anticipated, as it marks the first time users can browse and stream original content from the online retailer on Apple's set-top box. Popular programs produced by Amazon include "The Grand Tour," "Catastrophe," and "The Man in the High Castle," as well as acclaimed films like "Manchester by the Sea" and "The Big Sick."

Update After this article was published, Amazon updated the Amazon Prime Video app for 5.1 sound in 4K programming. Amazon claims that the audio improvements for HD and SD streamed content are coming soon.