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

[Hass]

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.

[RXShorty]

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?

[JenniferV]

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

[JenniferV]

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

[JenniferV]

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