Only getting Stereo PCM through Arc

What specific model is your TV and DVR? What content are you testing on these devices? What audio setting options do you have on the DVR?  

On the PS5, be sure to have the HDMI Device Type setting set to AV Amplifier, not Sound Bar. And set Audio Format (Priority) to Bitstream (Dolby).

FYI… you can only get multichannel PCM over an HDMI eARC connection.

Thanks for responding! That’s right, I forgot multichannel only works through eARC.

Samsung TV: PN58A550

Spectrum DVR: Spectrum210 T

I’ve checked the PS5 with games as well as Blu Ray movies. I’ve checked the DVR on HBO and Showtime movies since that content would supposedly be coming in Dolby.

What audio setting options do you have on the DVR?

On the PS5, did you set the HDMI Device Type setting set to AV Amplifier and set Audio Format (Priority) to Bitstream (Dolby)?

I have all the PS5 settings set the way you recommend. Even the pop up menu option during movie playback is set to Bitstream. But I’ve also played with every setting and have seen no change. Sound Bar, Linear PCM, every configuration possible. I played a movie with Dolby TrueHD and even though the PS5 reads Dolby TrueHD 7.1, the Sonos app says still says Stereo PCM and sounds just as bad.

The DVR settings are basic. There are two menus:

Stereo Audio:

• Enhanced 
• Compact
• Standard

I have it set to Enhanced.

Audio Output:

• Dolby Digital
• HDMI
• Other

I have it set to Dolby Digital. Though I’ve tried HDMI as well and no change. Always Stereo PCM. However, audio sounds better on DVR and games on PS5 but movies on PS5 are awful and tinny. Even if I stream Apple TV app on the PS5, audio is still lousy. Switch over to the physical Apple TV box watching the same movie, I get Dolby 5.1 and audio is much better.

Like multichannel PCM, Dolby TrueHD audio also requires an eARC connection.

Your TV model is pretty old. It was first sold in early 2008. I think this might be why you are limited to stereo audio on the PS5 and DVR. I know this doesn’t explain your ability to get 5.1 audio from the Apple TV.

This is from the TV manual:

When the receiver (home theater) is set to On, you can hear sound output from the TV's Optical jack. When the TV is displaying a DTV(air) signal, the TV will sendout 5.1 channel sound to the Home theater receiver. When the source is a digital component such as a DVD and is connected to the TV via HDMI, only 2 channel sound will be heard from the Home Theater receiver.

If you want to hear 5.1 channel audio, connect the DIGITAL AUDIO OUT (OPTICAL) jack on the DVD player or Cable/Satellite Box directly to an Amplifier or Home Theater, not the TV.

More text from the TV manual:

When following the connection above, the Optical jack only outputs 2 channel audio. You will only hear sound from the Home Theater's Front Left and Right speakers and the subwoofer. If you want to hear 5.1 channel audio, connect the DIGITAL AUDIO OUT (OPTICAL) jack on the DVD player or Cable/Satellite Box (ie Anynet Device 1 or 2) directly to the Amplifier or Home Theater, not the TV.

It might be time to invest in a new TV.

I guess that explains why everything sounded better through my Denon receiver prior to purchasing the Arc.

I plan to upgrade the TV soon so hopefully that fixes everything.

Thanks for your help!