It's Dolby Digital surround with Apple TV, read this too.... scroll down the page
https://community.roku.com/t5/Chann...e-and-CBS-All-Access-no-5-1-sound/td-p/506900
-
Our native mobile app has a new name: Fora Communities. Learn more.
CBS All Access
Does anyone have CBS All Access. What type of audio do you get? I have a Roku 4, and the audio is only 2.0. At least it does appear to have some ProLogic encoding. Just wondering if it's just the Roku app, my particular model Roku, or if that is the only audio available.
For reference, I have been watching "Star Trek: Discovery", and even tested an episode of "Bob Hearts Abishola".
For reference, I have been watching "Star Trek: Discovery", and even tested an episode of "Bob Hearts Abishola".
1 - 20 of 26 Posts
https://community.roku.com/t5/Chann...e-and-CBS-All-Access-no-5-1-sound/td-p/506900
Just figured out how to get DD+ on the Roku. Use the * key in the app while playing and change the audio track to DD+.
Just figured out how to get DD+ on the Roku. Use the * key in the app while playing and change the audio track to DD+.
Remote star key? There are DD plus settings in the Roku's audio menu.
Ian
The CBS app defaults to "English", which appears to default to 2.0.
Another good reason for me to not like CBS All Access.The CBS app defaults to "English", which appears to default to 2.0.
Ian
Lots of dvd's and blu-rays have defaulted to that in their menus over the years, it's one of those little things that never get fixed.The CBS app defaults to "English", which appears to default to 2.0.
I am now on season 2 of "Star Trek: Discovery", and it still defaults to "English", but it is now DD+ 5.1 instead of DD 2.0. (It's also 2.35:1 instead of 1.85:1.) Seems to be how an episode or series is configured by CBSAA. I did try another episode of "Bob Hearts Abishola", and that still defaulted to DD 2.0.
I just found this thread and I'm at least encouraged by the Roku solution noted above (press * while playing and choose DD+). My Roku Ultra is a 2018 model, but that shouldn't matter.
Just FYI, Chromecast is also supposed to deliver 5.1 with CBS All Access, but my new Chromecast Ultra also returns only stereo, despite delivering 5.1 on other services. The CBS Android app has a "settings" page, but there's nothing there about audio.
I've also contacted CBS, but aside of saying they're elevating the issue to their tech department, I've heard nothing.
Just FYI, Chromecast is also supposed to deliver 5.1 with CBS All Access, but my new Chromecast Ultra also returns only stereo, despite delivering 5.1 on other services. The CBS Android app has a "settings" page, but there's nothing there about audio.
I've also contacted CBS, but aside of saying they're elevating the issue to their tech department, I've heard nothing.
Yesterday I tried using the Audio setting on Roku to change to 5.1, and it worked! My thanks to andyross63 for the tip.
However, on Star Trek Discovery and Picard, the surround and sub channels aren't very active and the center channel sounds thin compared to the stereo output. I don't know if that's due to the shows' 5.1 mix or the app, but I suspect the latter. I doubt it's the Roku because all other 5.1 I've played back through it sounds great.
Bottom line: for me, at least, stereo processed through the receiver actually sounds better. That's disappointing.
BTW, there's an audio option for DD+ on the new Star Trek shows, but it returns an error message, immediately on Discovery and after about ten seconds on Picard.
_____________
In another oddity, CBSAA is defaulting to subtitles on all the time, on every episode of every show that has subtitles. And since the app has no place to change settings on Roku, I have to shut them off Every Single Time. (The CBSAA Android allows a few settings, but it shows subtitles off right now, and turning off auto-play applies only in Android.)
Clearly, the CBSAA app isn't ready for prime time.
However, on Star Trek Discovery and Picard, the surround and sub channels aren't very active and the center channel sounds thin compared to the stereo output. I don't know if that's due to the shows' 5.1 mix or the app, but I suspect the latter. I doubt it's the Roku because all other 5.1 I've played back through it sounds great.
Bottom line: for me, at least, stereo processed through the receiver actually sounds better. That's disappointing.
BTW, there's an audio option for DD+ on the new Star Trek shows, but it returns an error message, immediately on Discovery and after about ten seconds on Picard.
_____________
In another oddity, CBSAA is defaulting to subtitles on all the time, on every episode of every show that has subtitles. And since the app has no place to change settings on Roku, I have to shut them off Every Single Time. (The CBSAA Android allows a few settings, but it shows subtitles off right now, and turning off auto-play applies only in Android.)
Clearly, the CBSAA app isn't ready for prime time.
I'm not surprised. Most TV broadcast, Dolby audio masters, suck, especially CBS.Yesterday I tried using the Audio setting on Roku to change to 5.1, and it worked! My thanks to andyross63 for the tip.
However, on Star Trek Discovery and Picard, the surround and sub channels aren't very active and the center channel sounds thin compared to the stereo output. I don't know if that's due to the shows' 5.1 mix or the app, but I suspect the latter. I doubt it's the Roku because all other 5.1 I've played back through it sounds great.
Bottom line: for me, at least, stereo processed through the receiver actually sounds better. That's disappointing.
Ian
Not to be argumentative, but I compared the same episode of Hawaii Five-0 (the newer series) on Roku/CBSAA and our cable box (Arris DVR on Spectrum On Demand) and the sound deficiency I hear is definitely in the CBSAA app. On cable the sub is still a little weak, but the surround channels are far more active; even the theme song sounds better.I'm not surprised. Most TV broadcast, Dolby audio masters, suck, especially CBS.
That maybe true, but when comparing most original broadcast content to original streaming content from the likes of Netflix, Amazon... etc. there is a significant difference in DD audio quality. I can only assume it's because of the additional bandwidth, along with more efficient codecs, which also offer full HD (1080p vs 720p/1080i) and UHD/HDR picture quality.Not to be argumentative, but I compared the same episode of Hawaii Five-0 (the newer series) on Roku/CBSAA and our cable box (Arris DVR on Spectrum On Demand) and the sound deficiency I hear is definitely in the CBSAA app. On cable the sub is still a little weak, but the surround channels are far more active; even the theme song sounds better.
Ian
I have generally been able to use the DD+ option. There was one time where I ran into an error a few seconds after trying to select it. I stopped the app and restarted, and then it worked. There is probably a bug somewhere as it's obvious it has to start a new feed whenever you change the audio format.Yesterday I tried using the Audio setting on Roku to change to 5.1, and it worked! My thanks to andyross63 for the tip.
However, on Star Trek Discovery and Picard, the surround and sub channels aren't very active and the center channel sounds thin compared to the stereo output. I don't know if that's due to the shows' 5.1 mix or the app, but I suspect the latter. I doubt it's the Roku because all other 5.1 I've played back through it sounds great.
Bottom line: for me, at least, stereo processed through the receiver actually sounds better. That's disappointing.
BTW, there's an audio option for DD+ on the new Star Trek shows, but it returns an error message, immediately on Discovery and after about ten seconds on Picard.
_____________
In another oddity, CBSAA is defaulting to subtitles on all the time, on every episode of every show that has subtitles. And since the app has no place to change settings on Roku, I have to shut them off Every Single Time. (The CBSAA Android allows a few settings, but it shows subtitles off right now, and turning off auto-play applies only in Android.)
Clearly, the CBSAA app isn't ready for prime time.
Tried to watch Picard today. This time, I couldn't get DD+ to work. It would give the error after a few seconds. I think it may be an issue with HDCP not being properly recognized, as I can see my receiver going through the authorization.
Much of this seems to have started when the app was updated about a month ago. I think the most obvious change was that the time bar when you hit play/pause is no longer the generic Roku version.
Much of this seems to have started when the app was updated about a month ago. I think the most obvious change was that the time bar when you hit play/pause is no longer the generic Roku version.
Good points. But that just makes CBSAA a weakling, as Prime, Netflix, and Disney+ all sound great on the same device, and I don't have to stop and select a different audio channel to get the best sound. Netflix and Prime have been around a while, but Disney+ is even younger than CBSAA.That maybe true, but when comparing most original broadcast content to original streaming content from the likes of Netflix, Amazon... etc. there is a significant difference in DD audio quality. I can only assume it's because of the additional bandwidth, along with more efficient codecs, which also offer full HD (1080p vs 720p/1080i) and UHD/HDR picture quality.https://youtu.be/_eqdt_UOBAQ
It would also be nice if CBSAA would hold the Roku's CC setting. Right now it defaults to CC on all the time. Maybe the app will be improved now that they've re-merged with Viacom...?
I haven't seen any CC issues with CBS.
The "always on" default only happens with my Roku Ultra.I haven't seen any CC issues with CBS.
I just got a deal on an Apple TV 4k, and it CBSAA doesn't deliver 5.1 on it either, and I don't see a switch (as with Roku) for selecting a different audio track on the device. I can switch it on my AVR, but unless I'm missing something, all the choices there are surround simulated from stereo. I haven't done a lot of testing yet with this device, but so far CBSAA seems to be the only one that's supposed to be providing 5.1 but doesn't.
1 - 20 of 26 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
AVS Forum
A forum community dedicated to home theater owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about home audio/video, TVs, projectors, screens, receivers, speakers, projects, DIY’s, product reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Top Contributors this Month
View All
WilliamR
952 Replies
BASSAHOLIC
504 Replies
bass addict
397 Replies
Recommended Communities
