YouTube TV is testing support for Dolby 5.1 surround sound on Google TV, Android TV, and Roku devices. In a tweetthe platform said 5.1 audio will “start on those devices next time” if “everything runs smoothly” during the test.
However, if you’re hoping to get surround sound while watching YouTube TV on your Apple TV, Fire TV, Xbox, or PlayStation, you’ll have to wait a little longer. The platform says it is still working “internally and with partners” to get 5.1 support on these platforms.
We are still working internally and with partners to enable 5.1 on Apple TV, Fire TV and game consoles. We don’t like to keep you waiting, but we’re excited to hear 5.1 audio coming soon. Our current compatible devices can be found here: https://t.co/kfARTipLUG
— YouTube TV (@YouTubeTV) March 28, 2022
YouTube TV currently supports 5.1 surround sound on Samsung, LG and Vizio TVs, as well as on traditional Chromecast streaming devices. For it to work, you’ll need Cobalt version 20 or later, which you can check by selecting your profile picture in the YouTube TV app, clicking About, then clicking App Version. It also requires a speaker system that supports 5.1 audio.
Last June, YouTube TV announced it would bring 5.1 surround sound to select devices. It looks like the service is delivering on its promise, though it’s taking quite a while to roll out the highly anticipated feature.