apple tv 4k 2021 dolby atmos stuttering in Netflix

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apple tv 4k 2021 dolby atmos stuttering in Netflix

When will there be a fix for the Netflix Dolby Atmos stuttering experienced by many users but only on the ATV 4K produced in 2021?

Apple TV 4K, tvOS 15

Posted on Jan 10, 2022 5:08 AM

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Answer 1

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BidiM Author

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Jan 11, 2022 8:40 AM in response to merlinapple

Thanks merlinapple but, no that is not a solution to my problem.

This issue is specifically using the ATV 4K from 2021 as the older 4K model does not have this issue.

Modifying the auto format settings will indeed prevent the choppiness but, I need Dolby Atmos

to work with Netflix. Switching to dolby 5.1 or stereo is not an acceptable solution.

Netflix app on ATV 4K 2021 model is causing Dolby Atmos to stutter. I've seen this with both 50fps and 60fps titles. With or without auto frame rate switching. With or without auto dynamic color switching.

I'm using Apple certified Belkin ultra HDMI cable and ATV is plugged in directly into my Denon x4700h AV Receiver (tried both 4K and 8K input). My TV does not have eARC or Dolby Atmos support. So plugging the ATV directly into the AV Receiver is the only option currently for me.

Several users have reported switching to an older ATV 4K model, will prevent the issue. This is not an acceptable solution either.

I'm currently even disconnecting the AppleTV from the power outlet at every shut down and boot up. Even this does not prevent the issue.

Perhaps a ticket exists at Apple's AppleTV issue ticket database? Where can I find these tickets?

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Answer 2

Jan 17, 2022 9:14 PM in response to BidiM

There is another thread about this exact problem here: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253168177. Read past the first part where someone claims it's fixed and you'll eventually learn that Apple has admitted there is a software problem and is supposedly going to fix it... someday.

A larger problem is that the AppleTv does NOT support passthrough, so we are always at the mercy of the decoding in the box. I've experimented with the AppleTV decoding of Dolby Digital Plus, which my receiver reports as "multi-channel in" because the AppleTV insists on decoding it. When I have my TV pass the signal on the audio return channel, it's reported as Dolby Digital Plus and sounds far better, with clearer dialog.

The AppleTV needs a passthough audio mode. It makes no sense to have a $175 box decode the audio when an expensive receiver or preprocessor can do a far better job with more versatility.

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Answer 3

Jan 11, 2022 6:51 AM in response to BidiM

Hello BidiM,

It sounds like you're seeing some issues with Netflix and Apple TV. We will be happy to provide some guidance.

The following article has some steps provided by Netflix which may help resolve this issue:

Choppy, stuttering, high pitched, or distorted sound

We hope this helps. Cheers.

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Answer 4

Feb 2, 2022 8:24 PM in response to BidiM

I am also having really bad stuttering issues with my APPLE TV 4k 2021 only when playing ATMOS content. I even got a new tv box switched out at apple and same problem. If i play through my tv no stutter. Only when using atmos on apple tv does this stuttering every few minutes occurs. I am connected directly to my SONY HTST5000 soundbar with using a 2.1 hdmi cable more than enough gbs speed. The issue is in apples software codecs, its not hardware related or hdmi related or any soundbar relation it is the software! It does this om netflic, apple tv+, disney any app that supports atmos is when the stutter happens. 5.1 works fine. Who wants 5.1 when you have a $2000 dollar atmos soundbar. Fix this please!!

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Answer 5

Jan 11, 2022 9:02 AM in response to BidiM

Hello BidiM,

Thank you for trying that. Since that didn't help, we would recommend reaching out to Apple directly for support. You may reach them here:

Contact Apple for support and service

Cheers!

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Answer 6

Feb 2, 2022 8:29 PM in response to BidiM

Apple support cant help. This needs to be updated by apple developers.

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apple tv 4k 2021 dolby atmos stuttering in Netflix

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