Solving playback issues

[citsejam]

Hi Roku Community,

I'm using a Roku Streaming Stick 4K which is directly plugged into my TV: Panasonic TX-55EZW954.

The TV has an optical output, which is connected to my 5.1 receiver.

I have tried all possible combinations provided in the audio options "digitial output format" (automatic, dolby digital (plus), dts on/off) of the stick, but I'm not able to receive a 5.1 signal at my receiver - only 2 channel PCM.

It works neither in the Amazon Prime app, nor in the Disney+ app.

It works in Plex tough, however the video suffers from heavy micro-stutter (which is not the case if I set digital output format to automatic, which results in stereo sound.

If I run Amazon Prime in the TV App, I do get flawless 5.1 sound.

Really appreciate your suport!

roku device model: 3820EU - Streaming Stick 4k
Serial number: X01700YSA0TJ
Device ID: S09241ASA0TJ
OS version: 13.1.4 Build 1510-CU

[citsejam · Accepted solution]

I was able to resolve this issue *happy*

The TV offers an audio setting for HDMI input - it is set to "Automatic" by default, which does not seem to work.

After changing it to "Bitstream" I do get 5.1 sound 🙂

[atc98092]

Many older TVs will not pass multi-channel audio from devices connected to the TV. There's nothing that can be done to alter it. The TV will pass 5.1 from OTA broadcasts and from any internal apps, but anything connected to the TV via HDMI will be down-converted to 2 channel PCM. 

The info I found says that TV was released in 2017. I would have expected one that new to pass the audio, but apparently not. The only way to get 5.1 is to connect your Roku directly to the AVR, assuming of course it has HDMI inputs. One other possible option would be to use an HDMI audio extractor between the Roku and the TV, sending the video out via HDMI and the 5.1 audio via optical to the receiver. But my vote is to connect directly to the AVR, and if it doesn't have HDMI inputs then replace the AVR. Decent 5.1 AVRs that support 4K passthrough can be found for less than $300. Not insignificant, but overall a reasonable upgrade. 

[citsejam]

Thank you for that thoroughly feedback.

Unfortunately, you missed my previous reply, as I was able to resolve the issue and everything is working now as expected 🙂