YouTube TV now has encompass sound on Apple TV and Fire TV

After releasing YouTube TV encompass sound functionality for Google’s TV gadgets and Roku in June, Google is lastly including the function for its cord-cutter audiences using Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV platforms. The firm 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 that features higher-quality video and the power to play recordings offline. At the time, Google promised the Dolby 5.1 encompass options could be out for all subscribers (Plus bundle or not) within the “coming weeks,” but it surely actually took longer than anticipated. In February, YouTube’s chief product officer Neal Mohan confirmed on The Vergecast that the function was coming quickly.

Not all channels help encompass sound, however you may affirm if a stream has it by going to the Stats for nerds menu beneath participant controls, clicking on More, after which deciding on the bug icon. In there, when you 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 function is now accessible on appropriate Smart TVs, Android TV, Google TV, Chromecast, Roku, varied Fire TV gadgets, and Apple TV. (Though, as of this writing, it’s not yet mentioned on the official support page.)

Now that the preferred {hardware} platforms help YouTube TV’s premium options, cord-cutters have entry to all the pieces they may need: Live TV, DVR, encompass sound, 4K streaming, and offline viewing. The 4K Plus bundle prices a further $19.99 a month on prime of the usual $64.99 a month subscription, that means you’ll pay $85 (plus taxes and costs) a month to duplicate that cable TV expertise by way of streaming.