No Surround Options on Google TV Streamer

[RY2]

I just upgraded to Google TV Streamer from Chromecast with Google TV (CwGTV).  My previous setup with CwGTV worked fine with surround sound.  I had it running running through a Yamaha receiver that provides many options including Dolby, DTS, etc...  I have typically just had it set to Dolby.  I hooked up the new Google TV Streamer and cannot get any of the options on my receiver to work now.  I get no Surround sound on YouTube TV, but do get surround sound on Disney and Netflix (but I cannot select Dolby or DTS, it's just locked in to a generic 5.1.  The settings for sound and picture are slightly different for Google TV Streamer than CwGTV, but I cannot figure out what settings I have wrong (and I feel like I've done all the combinations).  

I did check that the surround sound is checked for YouTube TV, but even if it wasn't it would't explain why I have no choice of surround sound style (Dolby, DTS, etc...) for Disney or Netflix.

I replugged in my old CwGTV and all worked as expected, so I didn't accidentally change any other settings on my receiver or TV.  I just cannot figure out how to get the same options for sound on Google TV Streamer as I did with CwGTV.  Thoughts?

[msmarmara6]

Me too, waiting for a reply. Or what else can I use?

[Grahamtx]

I've been using the Google streamer since the beginning and have a new Samsung q990d soundbar with surround. There were issues initially and I have the latest updates. However, I've noticed now that, if I switch everything off (TV, soundbar, etc ) when I power on, I lose the ability to listen to Dolby multi-channel. The soundbar only shows Dolby stereo. If I then go into the Google streamer settings where you can choose output types and toggle the options essentially without changing anything ( For example, automatic to on and off or go lower down the menu and click manual options) I can exit and suddenly I hear Dolby multi-channel. I've done endless troubleshooting and the behavior is repeatable. No, it's not. The soundbar or the TV. Somehow this is the streamer and the way the signal is being passed through. 

[RY2]

It absolutely has something to do with the way Google choose to do the sound pass through.  I read on Reddit a very long post from some very knowledgeable people (the comments were well out of my realm of knowledge, but I could tell the posters understood quite a bit about this issue and why it was happening).  This was a choice by Google, and ultimately one that backfired.  Hopefully it's a software thing that can be updated, but I'm not sure after reading the Reddit post I referenced above.  There was an update to the streamer yesterday and it didn't fix the issue.  It's unfortunate that I learned more about the issue via Reddit than Google's own forum.  Google has still yet to acknowledge this thread or any like it.  Sometimes websites like Google 9-5 and others pick up on these issues and post about it, which leads to Google being a little more proactive.  Hopefully a website like that finds this thread and posts about this issue.

[RY2]

Ughhh ... maybe it's a big if other people are experiencing it.

[virnab]

Hi everyone!

Thanks for reaching out to our community. 

I am sorry to hear that you can’t get any of the options of surround sound on your receiver to work since you hooked up the new Google TV Streamer. Thank you, RY2, for providing your detailed information. For example, you don’t get surround sound on YouTube TV, but do get surround sound on Disney and Netflix. I really appreciate you letting me know that you don’t have this inconvenience with the Google Chromecast with TV, because I can have a better understanding of the inconvenience you are experiencing. 

To help me assist you better, please provide the following information:

1. Make and model your receiver.
2. Make and model your TV set.

Here are the steps to adjust your advanced sound settings:

1. Turn on your Google streaming device, 
2. Go to “All Settings” at the top right of the TV screen.
3. Select “Display & Sound," then “Advanced sound settings.”
4. Select the option “Surround sound format selection," followed by "Manual.”
5. In the “Supported formats” section, select the format you want to use. 

Please let me know if these instructions are helpful.

Regards,

Virna.

[RY2]

I've tried every option and combination available, it simply isn't working.  Again, I can plug in my old Chromecast w/ Google TV dongle and everything works fine.  This is clearly an issue with the streaming box itself or the software configuration.  It's happening to multiple users with multiple types of set-ups and/or receivers.  Hopefully it's not hardware related and can be fixed via a software update, or you'll be getting an influx or returns as the 30 day window closes.

[virnab]

Hi Plutt.

Thanks for following this thread in our community.  You are in the right place!

I’m sorry to know that you’re not able to set any available sound on the Google TV Streamer 4K.  Thank you for letting me know the make and model of your receiver, because this information helps me assist you better.
 

Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

• Use a high-quality HDMI cable that supports 4K and HDCP 2.2. If possible, try a different HDMI cable
• Make sure the HDMI ports on both your Google TV Streamer 4K and Yamaha RX V6A are compatible. Older receivers might not support the latest HDMI standards.
• Select the correct HDMI input on your Yamaha receiver.
• Update your Yamaha receiver's firmware to the latest version. Contact Yamaha's customer support for instructions.
• Verify that the audio output settings on your Google TV Streamer 4K are configured correctly. Check if it's set to PCM or a compatible audio format that your receiver supports.
• If you're using ARC (Audio Return Channel) or eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), ensure both devices support it. Check the specifications of your Google TV Streamer 4K and Yamaha RX V6A.
• If you are using ARC/eARC, ensure you're using a compatible HDMI cable that supports ARC/eARC.
• As a last resort, try factory resetting both your Google TV Streamer 4K and Yamaha RX V6A. This will restore the devices to their default settings.

I hope these troubleshooting steps are helpful.  please let me know,

Best regards,

Virna

[RY2]

I'm sorry, my intent is to not be rude, but there are multiple comments throughout this topic of users (myself included) who can get the CwGTV (or various other streaming devices) to work flawlessly with our existing setups in terms of sound passthrough.  So why are you going through the typical routine troubleshooting when it's already been established that the cables, software updates, etc ... are all working fine for other devices to be able to passthrough the intended audio?  If all other devices work, just not the new Google TV Streamer, then your troubleshooting steps don't make sense.  I feel like we're just getting the standard text book response here rather than problem solving.

[virnab]

Hi RY2,

Thank you for your timely post and the comprehensive information you've provided.

Your feedback is the heart of what we do here at Google. I am truly grateful that you took the time to share your thoughts with me. Your insights will help to  create even better products and services. Please consider sharing your thoughts directly with our development team through this feedback. Your input will help us prioritize features and ensure that we're meeting the needs of our diverse user base.

Thank you for being such a valued member of the community.

Best regards,

Virna

[msmarmara6]

Ha, I thinks is a robot . I said I took mine back for a refund and still gave me instructions to fix. Stop wasting your time. 

[RY2]

Unfortunately I can't tell anymore because actual humans also just follow the playbook and give canned generic responses rather than actually trying to help.  She did reply back with another generic response after my commemts, so your probably right and it's a bot.

[virnab]

Hi there!
 

Thank you for reaching out to our community.

I am sorry to hear that the troubleshooting steps suggested were not useful in your case. But don’t give up! We can continue with more troubleshooting steps; please try with the following instructions:

• If you're using an AV receiver, look for any audio format settings. You might be able to manually select a preferred format.
• Check if your Google TV Streamer 4K's system settings have any audio-related options that could influence the output format.
• Try playing different types of content to see if the audio format changes.

Please take note that the Google TV Streamer 4K automatically adjusts the audio format based on the content being played and the capabilities of your audio devices.
 

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need any further assistance.

Best regards,

Virna

[Plutt]

I have the same problem with my Yamaha reciever.

[Plutt]

The reciever I have that doesn't really like google tv streamer is a Yamaha RX V6A.

I have tried every available sound setting on the streamer without any change.

[5rockwells]

Same issue here, would appreciate a solution or needs to be returned.

[Ghome2024]

My Google TV Streamer 2024, is not out put Dolby Atmos on Sonos Arc. The setup is Samsung TV and Sonos Arc. I have had the smaller G.TV 4K and Roku. And Atmos worked just fine. The cable box also streams Dolby Atmos with no problems. The only issue that I have is the new 2024 G.Tv streamer. No Dolby Atmos. Please help.

[MikeFromHouston]

Google Streamer doesn't do audio passthrough. It's total trash. My 2021 Android TV plays DA no problems to my soundbar, but this POS streaming box can't even pass lossless audio to your TV / Soundbar / Receiver. I returned it. Not even worth 30 dollars IMO lol. 

[msmarmara6]

I have an Epson EH TW9300 projector and Denon AVR X3300W receiver. 

Followed instructions but there is no option for surround sound. 

I took it back for a full refund.

[popgoesvoice]

another one here who has lost surround and is stuck with PCM since upgrdaing to the google streamer. Also using a Yamaha amp...sort it out googl ffs!

[SRV_Drum]

Had the same issue, only getting PCM from the GTV Streamer with my Yamaha receiver.  My ChromeCast w/GTV works perfectly with my Yamaha and I get all supported audio formats.  I tried every possible setting on the streamer but no luck.  Returned the streamer and went back to my ChromeCast.  Hoping Google will resolve this issue so I can re-order a streamer.

[popgoesvoice]

Same issue here on my Yamaha RX-A3070. No 5.1 sound, only 2 channel PCM and when I play an Atmos encoded film I get "Atmos/PCM" and only sound through the front speakers...sort it out google before I sned it back for a refund and revert to my Chromecast with TV 4K

[cfed02]

Same issue with my Denon AVR. My Google TV Streamer only passes Dolby Surround. I'm switching back to Chromecast with Google TV till this is resolved.

[Patateeee]

Same issue here. Samsung Surround. Not working with google tv streamer. I have the recommended hdmi cable. Did all that was suggested. I see surround enabled in settings but ouput is not surround.

[cfed02]

Very frustrating that this has not been fixed by Google. The fix that worked for me was to disconnect the Google TV Streamer and connect my old Chromecast with Google TV. Of course, this a fix out of desperation. Help Google!

[RY2]

Google; what are you doing about this?  All Google responses have been from generic bots.  Can an actual Google human team member tell us what you are doing to try to fix this issue?

[Patateeee]

Indeed. An update could fix this. At this point, I regret not spending more in Nvidia shield. That support all sound output. My old chromecast had no issue either with the surround. This is crazy ...

[jameskpenn]

Same issue here with my Denon.   I have zero issues with my old Chromecast.  If I don't see a fox soon, I am going to request a full refund and go back to my Chromecast 

[RY2]

So it turns out the update did issue a fix (sort of) for this.  I unfortunately had to read it on a website that reviewed the update rather than Google posting it here ... but anyway, check out the audio options and take it off from automatic to Dolby.  This worked for me, I don't select Dolby on my receiver though, I just run 7.1, running Dolby won't work for YouTube TV, but it does work for Disney, Netflix, etc...

[GAF560]

I also have the problems named above with the Google Streamer via my Denon AVR X1400H (7.1 speaker setup) to a 4K LG LED TV of 2023.

All surround sound works well with my old 4k Chromecast - not with the streamer. All I can do is using a Dolby surround upscale - the audio signal sent by the Google Streamer however is stereo only.

Any solution in sight yet? 

[RY2]

Go to audio options and switch from auto to whatever you want.  This option is half baked, you can now get Dolby for apps like Netflix but it won't automatically switch back to 5.1 surround for YouTube TV, it will be stereo.  I won't change it every time since I bounce between apps that use Dolby and don't, so I just set it to Dolny and put my receiver on 5.1 surround.

[GAF560]

Thanks for your quick reply. 

I already tried to do that - no change so far. I always end up with stereo sound only. I am in Germany - maybe we have a different software version here? Strange. My Chromecast really did this better... 

[RY2]

Last update (less than 2 weeks ago) fixed mine, so it may not have hit Germany yet.

[Robgt]

Same issue here, using my Denon AVR. Only get stereo from the Streamer. Rubbish. 

[iketricktor]

Same issue here. Sound format seems to not automatically switch properly 

[CrUser]

Same here. No 5.1 Only stereo. The old Chromecast with Googte TV did the job but the stremer does not.

[RY2]

I've seen 3 comments since the Google update so I'm not sure people understand that you can take the sound option off of automatic now and move it to Dolby.  This allows me to select 5.1 on my receiver and get surround sound for all options.  It's not perfect, as I have to select Dolby on my receiver to watch something on Netflix that uses Dolby.  For now, I just leave the receiver on 5.1 and play everything through it that way.  Hopefully they fix the automatic option and the streamer starts selecting the best quality for each format available (this is how the old CCw/GTV works).

[CrUser]

Not here. It depends on your receiver and TV combination.

With Chromecast with Google TV it works. With Google TV streamer it does not.  Only 2.1 sound. No surround

[jameskpenn]

That is how I currently have mine configured.  It works fine with Netflix but it is hit and miss with other digital providers.  

[RY2]

Because it's not on auto, so you have to change it which is a pain.  So I'm assuming you are using Dolby, which isn't an option for YouTube TV.  If you want surround sound for both, change your setting to Dolby on the streamer and 5.1 on the receiver.  That way you'll have surround sound always (most providers offer that), but it won't be Dolby or DTS or any advanced surround.  For me, that's the best solution so I'm not having to change it every time I switch from Netflix to YouTubeTV.  May just be my receiver though that it works like that for.  Unfortunately, it's just testing different settings until they fix the auto sound selection for the streamer.