topic Almost 2023 and Chromecast still doesn’t support Dolby Digital 5.1 in Streaming

Almost 2023 and Chromecast still doesn’t support Dolby Digital 5.1

Hass — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 05:46:23 GMT

I remember I bought a Chromecast in 2016 and wasn’t able to get 5.1 sound out of it. I read it was because it didn’t supoort Dolby Digital, only Dolby Digital Plus for some stupid reason.

I then bought an Apple TV and never had an issue for years.

In 2022, almost 2023, I got a Chromecast with Google TV for my family because the box said it now supported Dolby Digital. We installed it (probably the longest set-up ever) and it turns out that it only plays Netflix and Disney+ with stereo sound, it doesn’t even show the 5.1 badge in the apps. The settings say that Dolby Digital is enabled, HBOMax plays 5.1 but not Netflix or Disney+.

I really can’t believe it’s been more than 6 years and Google can’t solve the problem that every other streaming device can do without issue.

Re: Almost 2023 and Chromecast still doesn’t support Dolby Digital 5.1

RXShorty — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 17:02:31 GMT

Hi @Hass

Google TV does supports it. It is working just fine with my current setup.

My older TV did had problems. I think it has something to do with your TV and audio setup.

Are you using ARC/eARC or optical?

Re: Almost 2023 and Chromecast still doesn’t support Dolby Digital 5.1

JenniferV — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 19:06:22 GMT

Hi there,

Thanks for the help here, RXShorty — I appreciate it!

Hass, adding to what our Product Expert mentioned, the Chromecast devices outputs surround sound if a particular app supports it, and if the Audio/Video Receiver (AVR) or TV it's plugged into tells the Chromecast over Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) that it supports 5.1, AC3, and AC3/EAC3 surround sound. If the TV or AVR do not support one of these settings, Chromecast will not output surround sound.

Note: Supported sites like YouTube and Netflix will perform best using direct playback vs. casting the tab, however:

Tab projection is limited to 720p and stereo sound.
Direct playback supports 1080p and 5.1 audio.
Netflix will emit 5.1 surround sound if Chromecast is connected to an AVR that supports Dolby Digital Plus (DD+).

Best,

Jennifer

Re: Almost 2023 and Chromecast still doesn’t support Dolby Digital 5.1

JenniferV — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 16:02:32 GMT

Hey Hass,

It's us again. We want to check if you still need help. Feel free to reach back if you do.

Thanks,

Jennifer

Re: Almost 2023 and Chromecast still doesn’t support Dolby Digital 5.1

JenniferV — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 16:05:27 GMT

Hello Hass,

We haven't heard from you in a while so we’ll be locking this thread after 24 hours. If you're still experiencing problems, please feel free to start a new thread and we'll be happy to help.

Thanks,

Jennifer