YouTube TV adds 5.1 audio for Apple TV hardware

In a Tuesday update, Google's YouTube TV app has added 5.1 audio to not just the Apple TV, but also Fire TV hardware.

The video streaming service announced the upgrade simply, in a Tweet. The 5.1 support extends to "compatible YouTube TV content," adding that is is on live, DVR, and video on-demand content.

Many smart televisions, including Vizio, LG, and Samsung screens have had the capability since launch. Streaming hardware like Google TV, and Android TV hardware was added in June 2022.

5.1 Audio Update! We now support 5.1 audio on Apple TV & Fire TV devices for compatible YouTube TV content (live, DVR, & video on-demand).

If you're a game console user, we're working on getting this available to you as soon as possible, and will share live updates here. pic.twitter.com/8Pmxrt1WqU
— YouTube TV (@YouTubeTV) September 6, 2022

Of course, the content must be mixed for 5.1 audio. A compatible stereo system must be connected as well.

The frequently asked questions for the platform has not as of yet been updated to reflect the new support.

14 Comments

wood1208 2929 comments · 10 Years

About 2 years ago

Suppose at some point, Apple TV and rest of Apple hardware will need to support AV1 ?

sdw2001 17452 comments · 23 Years

Nice. I have YouTube TV and have one of my TV is connected to a 5.1 system.

entropys 4288 comments · 13 Years

Need to support AV1? I guess Apple could support AV1, but really, why bother?

ilarynx 125 comments · 15 Years

The YouTubeTV update is a bit glitchy. Hopefully an updated update will come out soon.

mpantone 2214 comments · 18 Years

wood1208 said:

Suppose at some point, Apple TV and rest of Apple hardware will need to support AV1 ?

It seems likely. In addition to any technical benefits it's also royalty free.

I would expect official AV1 support to coincide with new devices that have AV1 hardware decoding capability especially since mobile devices have battery life concerns meaning an A-series SoC that supports AV1. The M2 doesn't have AV1 hardware decoding support, so maybe M3?

AV1 is pretty new anyhow, Apple is rarely the early adopter in this type of technology. My guess is they have prototype chips in their labs with AV1 hardware decoding capabilities though.