YouTube TV streams Dolby 5.1 encompass sound on Apple TV and Hearth TV

After releasing YouTube TV encompass sound functionality for Google’s TV gadgets and Roku in June, Google is lastly including the characteristic for its cord-cutter audiences using Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV platforms. The corporate had promised to launch the improved audio stream functionality for these platforms finally, saying it was “still working internally and with partners.”

Google initially introduced plans so as to add 5.1 encompass sound functionality for YouTube TV final yr, coinciding with the launch of a 4K Plus package deal that features higher-quality video and the power to play recordings offline. On the time, Google promised the Dolby 5.1 encompass options can be out for all subscribers (Plus package deal or not) within the “coming weeks,” nevertheless it actually took longer than anticipated. In February, YouTube’s chief product officer Neal Mohan confirmed on The Vergecast that the characteristic was coming quickly.

Not all channels assist encompass sound, however you possibly can affirm if a stream has it by going to the Stats for nerds menu below participant controls, clicking on Extra, after which choosing the bug icon. In there, for those who see the audio codec listed as AC-3 / EAC-3, then the stream helps 5.1 encompass sound, and it’ll be enabled mechanically. The characteristic is now obtainable on appropriate Good TVs, Android TV, Google TV, Chromecast, Roku, varied Hearth TV gadgets, and Apple TV. (Although, as of this writing, it’s not but talked about on the official assist web page.)

Now that the preferred {hardware} platforms assist YouTube TV’s premium options, cord-cutters have entry to every thing they may need: Stay TV, DVR, encompass sound, 4K streaming, and offline viewing. The 4K Plus package deal prices an extra $19.99 a month on prime of the usual $64.99 a month subscription, which means you’ll pay $85 (plus taxes and costs) a month to duplicate that cable TV expertise through streaming.