I need information on the audio streaming codecs supported by Chromecast Built-in.

[BlueWindy]

I'm using a JBL 5.1 Surround product. (https://www.jbl.com/soundbars/JBL2GBAR51IMBLKAM.html)

After setting up my laptop and the soundbar on the same WiFi network, I used the Chromecast feature provided by the VLC media player on my laptop to cast audio to the soundbar. 

 I have tried streaming various audio codecs such as AAC, FLAC, MP3, PCM. and the sound comes out fine on the soundbar. However, for Dolby Digital (AC3) and Dolby Digital Plus codecs (EC-3), there is no sound output from the soundbar when streaming audio. So my question is, does Chromecast Built-in not support streaming of Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus codecs?

[Kimy]

Hi BlueWindy,

Thanks for posting here in the Google Nest Community. Technically, a Chromecast with Google TV supports Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby Atmos via HDMI pass-through. You can check this link: Chromecast specifications for your reference.

It differs now for a product that has a Chromecast built-in. The built-ins were mostly modified to cater to the internal functionality of the manufacturer's device. It also depends on the Chromecast chipset that they incorporated into their particular model. Since you have the brand and model, I suggest you contact them for further information.

Let us know if you have other questions or concerns.

Thanks,

Kimy

[BlueWindy]

I've already contacted JBL, the manufacturer of this soundbar, and they told me to contact Google because they can't help me with this as Chromecast is under the control of Google.

[Kimy]

Hello BlueWindy,

Thanks for the reply. I strongly suggest that you explain to them what’s going on. If there’s a need for senior technical support, you may as well ask them. There are hundreds and thousands of devices made with Chromecast incorporated into them by different manufacturers around the world. It helped boost the sale of those products. They modified it to work perfectly with the technology of their own devices. It means they know more about what it can do now. After all, we still sell our own products ourselves. It’s not like we can process a warranty replacement on your soundbar just because it has Chromecast built-in. I’m sorry if it makes you feel that you’re being passed around, but try to reach out to them and ask for senior support if possible.

I hope you find the answer you’re looking for. Let us know if you have other questions.

Sincerely,

Kimy

[BlueWindy · Accepted solution]

I just received an answer from Google Nest Senior Support: Chromecast Built-in does not support Dolby audio streams. The supported codecs are as follows : FLAC(Up to 96Khz/24bit), HE-AAC, LC-AAC, MP3, Opus, Vorbis, LPCM, WebM

[Kimy]

Hi BlueWindy,

That’s awesome! I’m glad you found the answer you’re looking for. Technically, the models that have the built-in Chromecast with Google TV may have supported it. Let us know if you still have other concerns.

Cheers,

Kimy