Level 1 (0 points)

Apple TV 4K Dolby Surround not upscaling 2-channel audio

I have the latest Apple TV 4K. It is connected via ethernet and via HDMI to my Denon AVR-6800 receiver. When watching a source broadcasting in 2 channel, it will not allow me to upscale using Dolby Surround. Even through the receiver shows 5 channels playing when choosing Dolby Surround, only the left and right speaker are outputting sound. I also have a Google Chromecast and a Roku Ultra. Both of these will allow outputting 5 channels from a 2 channel source. And all 5 channels are playing. The Apple TV will not. I have spoken with Apple CS and a senior advisor. And they are stumped. Has anyone experienced something similar and if so, is there a fix.

My Apple TV is running tvOS 26.6 (23L773).

Posted on Sep 17, 2026 11:07 AM

4 replies

vazandrew

Level 8 (41,662 points)

Sep 17, 2026 11:46 AM in response to tonygenome

You need to go into settings - video/audio - audio format and make sure continuous audio is turned off.

vazandrew

Level 8 (41,662 points)

Sep 17, 2026 1:10 PM in response to tonygenome

Yeah, I may have expected that from a level 1 but not a higher rep.

That feature was included a few updates ago to solve the issue with handshake issues when switching formats, but then everything is fed through Dolby MAT so the receiver doesn't see the stereo signal directly and hence it doesn't up mix.

Anyway, I am glad I could help and I hope you enjoy your evening.

tonygenome Author

Level 1 (0 points)

Sep 17, 2026 12:40 PM in response to vazandrew

I spent (literally) two hours on the phone with an Apple support specialist. Upper tier. Your solution fixed the problem. Two minutes. I am stunned. Thank you. Thank you, again, and again.

tonygenome Author

Level 1 (0 points)

Sep 17, 2026 1:16 PM in response to vazandrew

Thanks again!!

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256359172