ARCHIVED FORUM -- March 2012 to February 2022READ ONLY FORUM
This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
Hello, I was wondering if anyone has managed to output 5.1 audio from the Netflix app on the Shield.
O matter what I try I get stereo only. Netflix says that the output device must support Dolby Digita plus for surround sound to be enabled but somehow it does not work. At some point I doubted the 11 supported DD+ so I removed the speaker grille and check the service label to confirm and it does indeed support the standard.
Any tips? The net is full of similar complaints but none are related to B&O.
Thanks in advance,
Marcello
Marcello:Hello, I was wondering if anyone has managed to output 5.1 audio from the Netflix app on the Shield. O matter what I try I get stereo only. Netflix says that the output device must support Dolby Digita plus for surround sound to be enabled but somehow it does not work. At some point I doubted the 11 supported DD+ so I removed the speaker grille and check the service label to confirm and it does indeed support the standard. Any tips? The net is full of similar complaints but none are related to B&O. Thanks in advance, Marcello
Beolab 50, Beolab 8000 x 2, Beolab 4000 x 2, BeoSound Core, BeoSound 9000, BeoSound Century, BeoLit 15, BeoPlay A1, BeoPlay P2, BeoPlay H9 3rd Gen, BeoPlay H6, EarSet 3i, BeoVision Eclipse Gen 2 55", BeoPlay V1-40, BeoCom 6000 and so much else :)
I have the same issue on my Avant 55" with Nvidia Shield TV. I get 4K netflix but only stereo sound. On Apple TV I get Surround but no 4K (since it doesnt support it). I haven't contacted netflix about it because the only way to get contact with them is by phone.
Also, after a few weeks 4K usually stops working on netflix @ Nvidia Shield TV - downgrading itself to HD graphics. I haven't found a good solution to that isolated issue yet except for resetting the box to factory defaults.
Just to chime in that I've the same issue.
Shield on both Avant 85 and BeoVis 14, neither will play 5.1 (they will try, but the sound is choppy and echoey).
Apple TV on the same TV's will do 5.1 no issue
I think the problems lies in the shield ability to only decode and output DD Plus and not DD (licensing issues I gathered from googling... we are not alone).I have done some further testing with Amazon Prime (If you want to give it a go and you're not a member I think there is a free trial). All Amazon Originals (like Goliath just to name one) are marked as 5.1 and I only get PCM 2.0
Plex on the other hand decodes DD and DD Plus and transforms into PCM 5.1, but there is apparently no way to get an untouched DD+ stream to the TV from the Shield (the kind where sound info displays "DOLBY DIGITAL PLUS" - only way to get that has been to use Plex's DLNA server)
So it's pretty clear that it's a Shield issue in my opinion, and not the individual app's developers. I think it has poor to nonexistent capabilities do detect the TV abilities to decode DD+ (and judging from all your contents even more important stuff like 4K). Since the Shield is on B&O's "Idea Catalogue" it would be good if they rang Nvidia and let them know... :D
And to get even more pissed off, here is my chat with Manson from Nvidia Customer Care.
Please note that "Concluded from end user" actually means "The customer hit so hard the END CHAT button like we used to smash a traditional phone to hang up in the good old days".
47:08 AM]Hi, my name is Mansoor. How may I help you?[06:48:24 AM]Marcello : Hello Mansoor. I received today my Shield TV 16 GB. There is no way to output 5.1 sound to my TV. My TV is a Bang & Olufsen Beovision 11 and it supports and decodes Dolby Digital Plus. I tried both Netflix and Amazon Prime apps. I already spoke to Netflix and they say the problem is on the shield...[06:48:31 AM]Mansoor: Hello Marcello,[06:53:34 AM]Mansoor: I am sorry to know that[06:53:43 AM]Mansoor: Since when are you facing this issue?[06:54:28 AM]Marcello : Today. I received it today.[06:56:40 AM]Mansoor: Have you installed the latest updates for the device?[06:57:45 AM]Marcello : Yes it installed automatically when I powered it up for the first time. The Netflix app does not show a Dolby Digital track available. And both Netflix and Amazon Prime output only stereo sound, not 5.1.[06:59:01 AM]Mansoor: What is TV model number you are using?[06:59:26 AM]Marcello : Brand is Bang & Olufsen, model is Beovision 11[06:59:42 AM]Marcello : It supports Dolby Digital Plus.[07:00:31 AM]Mansoor: Have you connected the SHIELD Android TV to the TV directly using the USB cable?[07:01:18 AM]Marcello : You mean the HDMI cable. Yes[07:01:27 AM]Mansoor: Yes[07:01:38 AM]Marcello : Yes I did[07:02:25 AM]Mansoor: Are you using HDMI 2.0 cable version?[07:03:40 AM]Marcello : No, I'm not using 4K. My TV is Full HD 1080p, not 4K. HDMI 2.0 is not required for Surround sound.[07:06:06 AM]Mansoor: Have many HDMI ports do you have the TV?[07:06:16 AM]Marcello : 5[07:06:39 AM]Marcello : they are all the same[07:07:14 AM]Mansoor: Do you have another HDMI cable with you?[07:09:01 AM]Marcello : I tried 2 cables already. the cable works. It's your device which does not detect that my tv is compatible. Apparently I am not the only one many people have the same problems[07:10:20 AM]Mansoor: Have you tried Youtube app?[07:11:50 AM]Marcello : I'm not interested in youtube, I'm interested in Netflix which is the reason why i bought your product sorry.[07:12:06 AM]Marcello : Obviously you cannot help me.[07:12:08 AM]'Marcello ' disconnected ('Concluded by End-user').
Marcello:I think the problems lies in the shield ability to only decode and output DD Plus and not DD (licensing issues I gathered from googling... we are not alone).I have done some further testing with Amazon Prime (If you want to give it a go and you're not a member I think there is a free trial). All Amazon Originals (like Goliath just to name one) are marked as 5.1 and I only get PCM 2.0 Plex on the other hand decodes DD and DD Plus and transforms into PCM 5.1, but there is apparently no way to get an untouched DD+ stream to the TV from the Shield (the kind where sound info displays "DOLBY DIGITAL PLUS" - only way to get that has been to use Plex's DLNA server) So it's pretty clear that it's a Shield issue in my opinion, and not the individual app's developers. I think it has poor to nonexistent capabilities do detect the TV abilities to decode DD+ (and judging from all your contents even more important stuff like 4K). Since the Shield is on B&O's "Idea Catalogue" it would be good if they rang Nvidia and let them know... :D And to get even more pissed off, here is my chat with Manson from Nvidia Customer Care. Please note that "Concluded from end user" actually means "The customer hit so hard the END CHAT button like we used to smash a traditional phone to hang up in the good old days". 47:08 AM]Hi, my name is Mansoor. How may I help you? [06:48:24 AM]Marcello : Hello Mansoor. I received today my Shield TV 16 GB. There is no way to output 5.1 sound to my TV. My TV is a Bang & Olufsen Beovision 11 and it supports and decodes Dolby Digital Plus. I tried both Netflix and Amazon Prime apps. I already spoke to Netflix and they say the problem is on the shield... [06:48:31 AM]Mansoor: Hello Marcello, [06:53:34 AM]Mansoor: I am sorry to know that [06:53:43 AM]Mansoor: Since when are you facing this issue? [06:54:28 AM]Marcello : Today. I received it today. [06:56:40 AM]Mansoor: Have you installed the latest updates for the device? [06:57:45 AM]Marcello : Yes it installed automatically when I powered it up for the first time. The Netflix app does not show a Dolby Digital track available. And both Netflix and Amazon Prime output only stereo sound, not 5.1. [06:59:01 AM]Mansoor: What is TV model number you are using? [06:59:26 AM]Marcello : Brand is Bang & Olufsen, model is Beovision 11 [06:59:42 AM]Marcello : It supports Dolby Digital Plus. [07:00:31 AM]Mansoor: Have you connected the SHIELD Android TV to the TV directly using the USB cable? [07:01:18 AM]Marcello : You mean the HDMI cable. Yes [07:01:27 AM]Mansoor: Yes [07:01:38 AM]Marcello : Yes I did [07:02:25 AM]Mansoor: Are you using HDMI 2.0 cable version? [07:03:40 AM]Marcello : No, I'm not using 4K. My TV is Full HD 1080p, not 4K. HDMI 2.0 is not required for Surround sound. [07:06:06 AM]Mansoor: Have many HDMI ports do you have the TV? [07:06:16 AM]Marcello : 5 [07:06:39 AM]Marcello : they are all the same [07:07:14 AM]Mansoor: Do you have another HDMI cable with you? [07:09:01 AM]Marcello : I tried 2 cables already. the cable works. It's your device which does not detect that my tv is compatible. Apparently I am not the only one many people have the same problems [07:10:20 AM]Mansoor: Have you tried Youtube app? [07:11:50 AM]Marcello : I'm not interested in youtube, I'm interested in Netflix which is the reason why i bought your product sorry. [07:12:06 AM]Marcello : Obviously you cannot help me. [07:12:08 AM]'Marcello ' disconnected ('Concluded by End-user').
Michael: I know 5.1 Netflix on Nvidia shield TV works for many other people. It might be a problem in how the shield or Netflix detects what is possible and not. We know the B&O tv supports the Dolby necessary, and HDCP 2.2 and HDMI 2.0 (in my case). And still fails. The software seems two years old too, Netflix on the shield..
I know 5.1 Netflix on Nvidia shield TV works for many other people. It might be a problem in how the shield or Netflix detects what is possible and not. We know the B&O tv supports the Dolby necessary, and HDCP 2.2 and HDMI 2.0 (in my case). And still fails. The software seems two years old too, Netflix on the shield..
I'm starting to believe that the BV11 does not support DD+ from HDMI, but only from USB or DLNA. I exported the BV11 EDID using a Mac and it only returns support for LPCM, DD (AC3), and DTS but no DD+ (EAC3). Here's an extract :
Data Block Collection #3 - Type 1 Audio Type BlockSupported format: Linear Pulse Code Modulation (LPCM), on 8 channelsSupported freq: 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz, 192kHzSupported sample sizes: 16 bit, 20 bit, 24 bit Supported format: AC3, on 6 channelsSupported freq: 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHzMaximum bitrate: 640kHz Supported format: DTS, on 6 channelsSupported freq: 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHzMaximum bitrate: -512kHz So, if the above is reliable (and I honestly can't see why i shouldn't), the Shield is not at fault, but B&O is guilty of providing misleading information in the BV11 specs sheet, where Dolby Digital Plus is clearly mentioned (without discriminating between internal and external sources). As for you guys with the Avant, I would not know, but I have the feeling it should work. I sent a request to Beocare with the specific question "Is DD+ (EAC3) supported from HDMI sources?" but they are taking their time in getting back to me...
Audio Type BlockSupported format: Linear Pulse Code Modulation (LPCM), on 8 channelsSupported freq: 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz, 192kHzSupported sample sizes: 16 bit, 20 bit, 24 bit
Supported format: AC3, on 6 channelsSupported freq: 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHzMaximum bitrate: 640kHz
Supported format: DTS, on 6 channelsSupported freq: 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHzMaximum bitrate: -512kHz
Michael:Nice dig Marcello. I've reached out to Nvidia and we are investigating too. I bought a PS4 pro which does give my surround sound. I guess by DD+. Maybe the EDID data from the beovision is misleading/false but since the PS4 allows the output and also Apple TV I'm not so sure. They must be using the same codec (right?). Netflix doesn't really let you see much info. Maybe they just decode internally and send as PCM (I haven't checked yet/don't remember). If so, maybe that's the flaw with the Nvidia shield.. So many things that can be wrong :)
So many things that can be wrong :)
Are you sure it's DD+ and not DD? I have a PS4 too and I have never seen any options to have higher quality than vanilla DD/DTS.
The best way to check is to play something, access SETUP--> SOUND ---> SOUND INFO on the BV and you should either get "DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1" or "DOLBY DIGITAL PLUS".
As for the Shield, it's now pretty clear that it behaves this way:
If the HDMI sink supports DD PLUS, it will let you select the "English 5.1" track in Netflix (that's what Netflix told me - obviously I have never seen it since the TV is considered not compatible)
If it does not, the Netflix app picks the Stereo track. There is no decoding made on the shield because they did not license the rights from Dolby. It simply passes through audio (and Netflix software doesn't do any audio conversion, it's either DD+ or Stereo).
On the other hand, Plex on the Shield takes a DD+ tracks and converts it on the fly to PCM 5.1, which is ok.
Marcello:Are you sure it's DD+ and not DD? I have a PS4 too and I have never seen any options to have higher quality than vanilla DD/DTS. The best way to check is to play something, access SETUP--> SOUND ---> SOUND INFO on the BV and you should either get "DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1" or "DOLBY DIGITAL PLUS". As for the Shield, it's now pretty clear that it behaves this way: If the HDMI sink supports DD PLUS, it will let you select the "English 5.1" track in Netflix (that's what Netflix told me - obviously I have never seen it since the TV is considered not compatible) If it does not, the Netflix app picks the Stereo track. There is no decoding made on the shield because they did not license the rights from Dolby. It simply passes through audio (and Netflix software doesn't do any audio conversion, it's either DD+ or Stereo). On the other hand, Plex on the Shield takes a DD+ tracks and converts it on the fly to PCM 5.1, which is ok.
Michael:The issue I can imagine is either if B&O stopped paying royalties and removed it by firmware or that the firmware is flawed either in the B&O system software or Nvidia Shiels TV. Since I get surround sound from Netflix on both PS4 pro and Apple TV 4(and 3) and just not from Nvidia shield Tv I want to start looking at the issue from there. Marcello, did you reach out to B&O about the codec for DD+ and EDID confusion?
Marcello, did you reach out to B&O about the codec for DD+ and EDID confusion?
It decodes DD+ from DLNA/USB (let's call them internal sources), so I don't think they would remove it for HDMI sources only. And I would be surprised if there was a different license for HDMI sources vs internal.
Beocare did not answer so this morning I tried an alternate way through my dealer and their direct B&O support contacts in Denmark. I will let you know as soon as I get an answer.
Marcello:It decodes DD+ from DLNA/USB (let's call them internal sources), so I don't think they would remove it for HDMI sources only. And I would be surprised if there was a different license for HDMI sources vs internal. Beocare did not answer so this morning I tried an alternate way through my dealer and their direct B&O support contacts in Denmark. I will let you know as soon as I get an answer.
Update - I think I figured it out and I have to partially eat my hat with B&O.
I found an old Amazon Fire TV box which I had bought years ago and never managed to use it mostly because I was not supposed to import it from the US and it was a geolocation mess.
This device is different in the sense that it has 3 settings for Dolby Digital Plus:
- Auto Detect- Force Dolby Digital Plus- Disable Dolby Digital Plus
Whereas the Shield and the Apple TV detect DD+. As we previously discovered, if the TV does not supply properly its capabilities, the Shield will default to Stereo, while the Apple TV will output standard, non-plus DD.
If I force Dolby Digital Plus on the Fire TV and play an Amazon Prime Video, surprise surprise I get a DD+ signal to the TVIf I select auto detect, the signal becomes normal Dolby Digital.
So the TV supports DD+ via HDMI, but if your source does not have the ability to force its output and only relies on auto detection via EDID, it will not work.
Now I just need somebody ad B&O patient enough to listen to all of this...
The initial feedback from B&O has been "Apparently it's a problem with the shield but I will analyse more" - but that was before I remembered having a Fire TV in some cupboard.
Marcello:Update - I think I figured it out and I have to partially eat my hat with B&O. I found an old Amazon Fire TV box which I had bought years ago and never managed to use it mostly because I was not supposed to import it from the US and it was a geolocation mess. This device is different in the sense that it has 3 settings for Dolby Digital Plus: - Auto Detect - Force Dolby Digital Plus - Disable Dolby Digital Plus Whereas the Shield and the Apple TV detect DD+. As we previously discovered, if the TV does not supply properly its capabilities, the Shield will default to Stereo, while the Apple TV will output standard, non-plus DD. If I force Dolby Digital Plus on the Fire TV and play an Amazon Prime Video, surprise surprise I get a DD+ signal to the TV If I select auto detect, the signal becomes normal Dolby Digital. So the TV supports DD+ via HDMI, but if your source does not have the ability to force its output and only relies on auto detection via EDID, it will not work. Now I just need somebody ad B&O patient enough to listen to all of this... The initial feedback from B&O has been "Apparently it's a problem with the shield but I will analyse more" - but that was before I remembered having a Fire TV in some cupboard.
Beocare, one week later answered to my direct enquiry with them (which was done prior to my extensive testing) with the following:
I have conferred with the responsible Product Manager and received the following response: BeoVision 11 supports Dolby Digital Plus via HDMI. Please check the output setting in the Nvidia Shield if it has been changed to Stereo. Please do not hesitate contacting your Bang & Olufsen retailer for further assistance. Hopefully, the enquiry through my dealer will trigger a better response, because right now I'm at the stage where I'm thinking to sell all my gear and never buy B&O again. Not because of the issue itself, but because of this kind of attitude.
Michael:So they didn't even put any effort into it. At the same time Nvidia is taking the issue seriously and are trying to replicate the issue on their end. They are also thinking the same that we are: that the EDID is the failure (which means B&Os fault). The reason PS4 pro and Apple TV 4 works is because they decide DD+ internally. At this moment my trust in B&O is lacking but at the same time their customer service department don't have the same capabilities as Nvidia but they should at least try harder. The response even after talking with someone in charge according to your message is just stunningly lame. Did you tell them anything else? The thing about EDID and so on? I can open a case with B&O as well but I guess it's easier for them to follow up one instead of two.
The reason PS4 pro and Apple TV 4 works is because they decide DD+ internally.
At this moment my trust in B&O is lacking but at the same time their customer service department don't have the same capabilities as Nvidia but they should at least try harder. The response even after talking with someone in charge according to your message is just stunningly lame. Did you tell them anything else? The thing about EDID and so on? I can open a case with B&O as well but I guess it's easier for them to follow up one instead of two.
I sent a gentle but firm response with some of the details I shared here and the CS representative thanked me for "elaborating" and told me she would forward it to the technical department. We'll see where it leads.
This could be solved either by a B&O Software Update (although my dealer today told me that the BeoSystem 4 is "old" and they are not focusing on it anymore..also adding that I'm lucky to have a BV11 and not one of the new Android TV-based sets - I won't mention the exact words but let's say he's not impressed and let's leave it at that), or by the addition of a switch in the Nvidia settings (Add "On" in addition to "Auto" and "Stereo") like the Fire TV has. But as you mentioned, if our findings are confirmed, it's B&O's who's at fault here.
If no one bothers to fix this, the only solution is to buy a device such as Dr HDMI from Hdfury to put in between the source and the TV to modify the EDID coming from the BV. The least I would expect from B&O is to send me such a device considering that I already spent 25 grand on the whole set and speakers.
Yes please contact them, the more people reporting the same issue, the better chance we have that they do something about it, especially now that nvidia reached the same conclusion (likely with better credibility than my own investigation in the matter).
Michael:They replied quick and I'm not sure they took my information or explanations. I hope they did and that they will evaluate it. We will see, after Easter I suppose.
Great, I hope they don't leave behind us owners of the BV11. Two days ago they did not have any news about the issue.
I guess I'm gonna send them another email today!
Marcello:Great, I hope they don't leave behind us owners of the BV11. Two days ago they did not have any news about the issue. I guess I'm gonna send them another email today!
Slightly different wording in the reply to my question from today, where I mentioned that I was aware that a fix was in the works for the Avant...
"Our technicians have established that the EDID data in the TV does not include Dolby Digital Plus.
The request for this to be added has been forwarded to the R&D team, and I will let you know in case a correction to this is implemented"
So B&O basically confirmed to me that they do not plan to update the BV11 to fix this bug.
I finally bought an HDMI Doctor from Hdfury, got the EDID from the TV and modified it to add DD+ using some free software by an HDMI matrix manufacturer.
I even asked B&O to at least confirm the frequencies accepted by the TV so that I could input the proper information. I was told "I hope for your understanding that we have entered the summer holiday season which may delay our response times, unfortunately".
A joke. Including the bad english.
Anyway I gave it a try with standard frequencies (48,44.1 Khz) and everything now works but the whole experience with B&O left me with a very bitter taste. The new LG-based TV, based on the information I got, should have everything to be future proof, but I'm not sure I will be upgrading...
Is there news?
My Avant still does not support 5.1 with shield and netflix :-(
Boxsti: Is there news? My Avant still does not support 5.1 with shield and netflix :-(
My BV11was updated a few months ago, and I think some Avant users got the update as well. Of course this happened just days after I bought two Dr HDMI devices to enable DD+ detection myself...
I think the update was targeted at those who complained to Beocare, maybe you should contact them with the serial number of your TV.
I also have an Avant 85 that wont do 5.1 (it also has problems handling DD+ from a Kaleidescape Strato which is extremely frustrating.)
It's bad that I'm googling alternatives!
Hi !
Is your Avant 85 Gen 1 or Avant 85 NG (Android) ?
It's shameful that the 5.1 sound works fine with Nvidia Shield TV and the cheap home cinema system from the kid's room but not the expensive Avant 2014!I have now sent an email to B&O asking for an update of EDID!
Let's see what they answer.
My mail to B&O:
"Hello I'm using a Beovision AVANT 2014 with an Nvidia Shield TV. Unfortunately the 5.1 sound does not work with the apps of Netflix and Google Play! There is only one PCM 2.0 signal. Netflix gives the signal as DD + It is known that the Avant has an EDID problem, many people have this problem with B & O and Nvidia Shield! Even BEOWorld Forum is being discussed: [link removed] I spent a lot of money on a premium system that does not work! Can you help me with an update to make 5.1 sound possible? Best regards Eric"
It's an Avant 85 Gen 1
It's also worth adding that the issue is not exclusive to the Shield, but indeed any device trying to send the 'wrong' audio formats to the Avant. I have issues also with a Kaleidescape Strato player (I also have a Horizon which handles it effortlessly, but the Avant will simply play no audio on several film soundtrack types)
Hi Marcello,
What free software did you use to modify the EDID from you BV11?
Thanks
talfaia: Hi Marcello, What free software did you use to modify the EDID from you BV11? Thanks
I used SwitchResX on a Mac (the basic unregistered version allows you to dump the EDID), but there are plenty of solutions for Windows as well.
To modify it and add EAC3 (DD+) I used a freely available tool: http://www.lightwareusa.com/support-/downloads/667-advanced-edid-editor-software
Finally, you can validate the resulting HEX string using a web tool called edidreader.com
When you're happy, you can send the EDID to the Dr HDMI device using the included software.
If you have a BV11, I can send you the updated EDID string.
Thank you for the detailed explanation! I was going to give it a try but since I have a BV11, I will very much accept your offer to receive your updated EDID string. I'll pm you with my e-mail address.
Thank you again!
Best,
T.Alfaia