YouTube TV Is Finally Bringing Surround Sound to More Devices

No residence theater is full with out music and results booming at you from each course, which is why it’s relieving to listen to that YouTube TV is lastly testing its long-awaited 5.1 {surround} sound means on extra units.

In a tweet detailing the standing of its {surround} sound capabilities, YouTube TV mentions it’s been “testing 5.1 audio” and “if everything runs smoothly, we can expect 5.1 audio to launch on those devices next.”

Google’s over-the-top streaming TV service—or what I wish to name “internet cable”—launched 5.1 Dolby audio capabilities final summer season when it introduced it was including 4K video, but it surely’s been painfully sluggish to roll out. This subsequent launch additionally has its caveats, because it’s restricted to Roku, Android TV, and Google TV set-top bins and streaming dongles.

Only a choose variety of sensible TVs manufactured by Samsung, LG, and Vizio have had entry to five.1 {surround} sound, together with the unique Chromecast streaming dongles—those that predate the Chromecast with Google TV. Apple TV, Fire TV, and sport consoles just like the PlayStation 5 should wait longer for full {surround} sound on YouTube TV.

If you’re curious to see in case your streaming gadget is suitable with {surround} sound inside the YouTube TV app, head into your account settings on the gadget the place you’re watching the app. Under About, choose App Version, and verify to see in case you have Cobalt model 20 or later. You’re good to go in case you have that coupled with a speaker system that helps 5.1 audio.

Until lately, the “streaming wars” appeared centered on securing content material choices moderately than the technical capabilities of a specific service. Not that there nonetheless isn’t a battle over content material, as providers like YouTube TV combat for the rights to showcase particular channels. But as extra streaming content material turns into available the place there’s a viable web connection, the main focus shall be on selecting a service that resonates together with your particular tech setup.

At this level, YouTube TV has a little bit of catch-up with the competitors. Hulu with Live TV offers {surround} sound for choose dwell channels, whereas Sling TV is proscribed to some on-demand content material.