Google TV Streamer and HDMI Audio Passthrough

[StargazerUK]

I got my Google TV Streamer hooked up to my Denon AVR 3600H and it's the only device I can't seem to get Audio Passthrough. It seems to decode all the formats on the device and pass everything as PCM.

Was this intentional? Can this be changed can we get like in the Chromecast an option for Dolby-encoded audio (HDMI pass-through) as I rather my receiver handle it rather then the Google TV Streamer. This seems like a bit of an oversite on Google's part to have missed that.

[ReX83]

Is there any answer from Google support?

With the latest update, Google added DD+ output, possibly to fix for those with an AVR/soundbar that can't handle MAS 2.0 LPCM output (which is the default trascoding option). 

But I don't want trascoding at all. I don't want Stereo to be upmixed to DD+ or non DD+ to be down mixed to DD+ or even DD+ content to be trascoded to DD+ (pointless and lossy).

I just want plain and simple passthrough / bitstream. Is this even possibile on this hardware? 

[SeanM]

Get your hands on a discontinued CCwGTV and you’ll have passthrough and will be much happier with your audio. I have both GTV Streamer & CCwGTV connected to my Denon AVR and I continue to A/B test as new updates are released for both.

I was hopeful when I saw that DD+ support was added recently, but then as you mentioned it mixes everything into DD+. The CCwGTV will dynamically switch between PCM, DD, DD+, and Atmos without issue, and support passthrough for apps like Plex.

Because of the HORRIBLE audio support on the GTV Streamer, my old/discontinued CCwGTV continues to be my “daily driver” for streaming. 

[RBerg]

I have to concur. The google chromeecast with google tv 4k is way better. 

Doesnt mess up hbo too

[ReX83]

I have a CCwGT 4K but I needed a second device (and the idea was to use Streamer as daily driver).

Comparing side by side CCwGTV 4K and Streamer, it is night and day. 

I have tried Auto and DD+ on the Streamer and they both have different issues with my Denon AVR. I think I will return it before tth return window closes.

[riccume]

Is it fair to assume that the inability to passthrough TrueHD etc. is simply related to the firmware? I'd be surprised if it was a hardware issue given that the CCwGTV can passthrough TrueHD.

If firmware, I will keep my Google TV Streamer and live in hope. If hardware, it will be banned from my household!

[ReX83]

Due to the lack of response from Google, I have returned it. The audio was terribile on my Denon AVR, irrespective of the setting.

I might buy it back if this ever gets fixed.

But I am afraid it is a hardware limitation, otherwise I don't get why Google had to invest in two convoluted trascoding modes without adding the most straightforward (passthrough). Also, it seems that other devices with the same chipset (like Amazon Fire Stick) suffer from the same problem, but transcode better. But I don't want any trascoding at all. My AVR should handle it.

[RBerg]

Still in contact with google, but unless a new firmware update comes, I would say no.

Still no confirmation on the upscaling so I am afraid google thinks they made a perfect product.

[ReX83]

Have they confirmed if audio passthrough is doable and if they are willing to work on it? If not, I have no other option than returning the device. 

[RBerg]

I did not discuss passtrough, it messing up sound on my tv.

[ReX83]

For clarify, which problem have you reported? Did you flag that we need Streamer to behave as CCwGTV 4K (meaning leaving the audio format of the source, so doing audio pass through - bitstream)?

[RBerg]

I reported that the streamer was not correctly reporting the audio format to my tv. Mine is a samsung wich can do atmos on the tv itself.

I am returning my streamer also.

I dont use passthrough.

So yes i want the same behaviour as the gcwgtv 4k.

[RBerg]

Streamer returned to local dealer. Full refund in a few days.

I don't bèta test for free.

I gave that message to google nest Support, Who had been most helpful and nice, but technical division did not admit the f#ckup so no streamer for me soon, unless they resolve this issue.

[ReX83]

Is there any update from Google? Is this ever going to be fixed? We need passthrough, not another awkward trascoding mode.

[RBerg]

As far as I know according to some youtube video. Dolby True HD and Dts HD has been removed from the streamer. Also no passtrhough for these formats.

[ReX83]

How about the other format? I'll be happy if DDP, DD, PCM and Atmos worked well, without any trascoding.

[OJay]

Atmos pass through works for me. DD and DDP only show up as PCM on my Yamaha reciver 

[ReX83]

Not good, as my Denon receiver provides processing audio does depending on the input, so if DD or DDP are trascoded as PCM, I won't have access to the majority of modes.

It looks like passthrough is not possibile, pity.

[RBerg]

I don 't have the streamer anymore.

But my guess is transcoding is still an issue.

[riccume]

Can you remind me whether CCwGTV offers passthrough for these formats? If so, I might settle with using the CCwGTV for watching ripped movies and the Streamer for everything else. (Truly disappointing though!)

[CityCobra]

That's it, this streamer will never support passthrough or DTS-HD/:X and True HD (+-Atmos).
Ugoos AM6B+ with Dolby Vision Profile 7 FEL
Homatics Box R 4K Plus with DV FEL and ATV 12/14 or
Nvidia Shield TV Pro 2019
Everything else is pay TV streaming crap.

[ReX83]

Even if you ignore True HD, also the most basic DD or DDP is a problem, as it is trascoded and repackaged in a MAT container, which gives problems to most of the AVRs.

I don't see the reason for which I would need the Streamer to transcode something that my AVR would handle better.

[ianken]

IMO, with the latest changes this device is now a non starter.

Passthrough /w HDR on Plex has never worked, now this.

Maybe we'll get a new shield...it's obvious Google does not understand this space.

[GianDoe]

Why did I just find this thread after placing my order for one on the Google store?!   The easier it is the harder it is for Google's engineers to get the small things right...

[ReX83]

I returned it and bought a second hand GCwGTV 4k.

[RBerg]

Tip be carefull before updating it to Android 14.

I experience spontanious reboots with tiktok.

I suggest waiting.