Apple TV's YouTube TV app finally gained surround sound 5.1 support after it initially rolled out to other streaming devices, such as Android TV, Google TV, and Roku.
Besides the arrival of the surround sound experience to Apple TV, users of various Fire TV devices are also getting their hands on it on their YouTube TV app.
Apple TV's YouTube TV Gains Surround Sound 5.1
Last June, YouTube TV started updating its app to include the much-awaited surround sound support, which its parent firm Google teased back in 2021.
However, as per a news story by Gizmodo, the surround sound 5.1 support only made it to select streaming devices.
And most of them are Google-powered platforms, such as Chromecast, Google TV, and Android TV.
It is worth noting that Roku, Samsung, LG, and Vizio users are lucky enough to have made it to the initial rollout as well. But that leaves out Apple TV users and folks using Amazon's Fire TV.
But this time, according to the latest report by 9to5 Google, the YouTube TV app on both Apple TV and Fire TV platforms now comes with surround sound 5.1 support.
And with that, it looks like gaming console platforms, such as PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Xbox Series S/X, are getting left behind.
YouTube TV Surround Sound 5.1
Google says that the surround sound experience is automatically available on the YouTube TV app if the show or movie you are streaming supports it.
Of course, you will also need a streaming device or smart TV that actually supports 5.1 audio. And equally important too, your speakers at home should be compatible with it as well.
However, it is worth mentioning that YouTube TV only offers a few programs with surround sound, which includes some CW and NBC shows. It turns out that sporting events have yet to support it as of writing.
How to Check Which Programs Have Surround Sound 5.1
If you are keen on checking out if what you are streaming supports surround sound 5.1, here's how to do so.
9to5 Google says that once you have played a video on YouTube TV, go to the "More" option at the player controls. From there, select the "bug" button to start seeing "stats for nerds." It should display an "AC-3/EAC-3" code if it supports 5.1 audio.
YouTube TV for Fire TV Stick Lite, Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Stick 4K, and Fire TV Cube devices now gain surround sound. It also includes Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Fire TV Stick with 4K Ultra HD.
Not to mention that it is also available on all Apple TV devices.
