Arc- Sub-Sonos One Test: Dolby 5.1 / 7.1 / Atmos & Validate Position of L-R Sonos One Back Speakers

Note. Dolby content from an AirPlay 2 generating device will remain that type of signal when sent to another Apple device, such as an Apple TV. When you use AirPlay 2 to send a signal to a non-Apple device, it will send only stereo, and not any form of Dolby 5.1.

I played the Atmos videos from the Dolby Developer website from my iPhone to my Roku Ultra over AirPlay and it played as Dolby Atmos (DD+).

Outstanding, this is the first example of this I’ve seen. I wonder if there was a change in the latest version of iOS?

Not sure. I am running iOS 15.0.2 on an iPhone SE (2020) and my Roku Ultra is the 2018 model.

I just tested the 7.1 test tones video over AirPlay on my Roku and it played as Dolby Digital Plus 7.1.

Dear @GuitarSuperstar,

Thanks for your feeback - kindly also test 5.1, and advise its behavior with Sonos Arc & Roku Ultra.

We are making great progress in this area!

Regards.

... In Partnership and Service,

Raj Dhir 

Dear Bruce / @Airgetlam

Dear @GuitarSuperstar 

Bruce, when I first tested the 4 Dolby streams, they sounded great as the Soundbar, Sub and the 2 back speakers became alive in accordance to the videos. I could not check the Sonos App Sound since that would stop the Airplay 2.

Today, I tried again and I am puzzled that I am not hearing what I heard yesterday. I did check Sonos App running on my other iPhone will I AirPlayed from iPhone, and you are right that Sonos is detecting Sterio.

I have Samsung Q90T and Roku Ultra with having AirPlay 2. I get Sterio using AirPlay 2 on both of them. I do not have the Apple TV’s latest 4K Box. 

I look forward to getting input from @GuitarSuperstar as he has very interesting input on this matter.

Regards.

... In Partnership and Service,

Raj Dhir 

I just played all of the Dolby AC-3 5.1 MP4 files from this link from my iPhone to my Roku Ultra over AirPlay. The Sonos app reports Dolby Digital 5.1. The Dolby Atmos files from the Dolby Developer site still play the correct audio for me too.

Dear @GuitarSuperstar,

Thanks for your prompt and meaningful responses.

1. what is yout Roku Ultra Sound Setting? Mine is set to Passthrough. Also, Samsung Q90T Sound is set to eArc / Passthrough for my Sonos Arc Soundbar.
2. Lastly, how did you download & play the Dolby AC-3 5.1 MP4 from the link that you provided?

Thanks!

... In Partnership and Service,

Raj Dhir 

Dear @GuitarSuperstar,

Item 2. / Previous Message …

Follow up - I was able to download and play Dolby AC-3 5.1 MP4 from the link - it shows as Sterio PCM on the Sonos App.

Regards.

... In Partnership and Service,

Raj Dhir 

@GuitarSuperstar,

My Roku is thd latest Ultra 2020. You have the 2018 Roku Ultra. Could that explain why my Airplay 2 is now playing the right Codec via. Airplay 2.

This sound mystery is consuming me!!

Regards.

... In Partnership and Service, Raj Dhir 

The older Roku Ultra doesn’t have a Passthrough setting. Audio Mode is set to Auto (DD+) and HDMI is set to Dolby Digital Plus.

I’m not sure why it isn’t working for you, especially since you said it was working for you before. What iOS device are you using? What iOS version is installed?

Using iOS 15.1 / iPhone 12 Pro:

Dolby Trailers - https://thedigitaltheater.com/dolby-trailers/

I have downloaded to Files App / Utility - how did you play the various Trailers since the Files App / Utility does not have the AirPlay option. I did the following:

1. I begin to play from Files - sweep down iPhone screen to select AirPlay to TV or Roku and the AirPlay merely shows the AirPlay Message on the Screen - very interesting.

2. I saved the Trailer to my Photo Album - playing it with AirPlay indicates Sterio PCM.

I appreciate your feedback on how to play / AirDrop of a video from Files - I downloaded .mp4 trailer videos.

I am making progress, and will share my final results with you and Bruce / @Airgetlam.

I can definitely confirm that Airplay 2 on iOS 15.1 can definitely play 5.1, 7.1 and Atmos on non-Apple Device such as Roku Ultra and the TV with both supporting AirPlay 2.

Thanks and regards.

... In Partnership and Service,

Raj Dhir 

@GuitarSuperstar,

Kindly respond to my last message.

Thanks.

... In Partnership and Service,

Raj Dhir 

On my iPhone, I simply tap on the link for the MP4 video and tap “Download File”. When the “Do you want to download…” window pops up, tap on “View”. When the video opens, I AirPlay the video to my Roku Ultra or Apple TV 4K.

Dear @GuitarSuperstar & @Airgetlam,

Great News ...

My QA is complete with tested evidence:

TV: Samsung 4K Q90T 

Roku: Ultra 2020

TV & Roku: AirPlay 2.1

Sonos - Arc, Sub & Sonos One Speakers

I am able to stream Dolby 5.1, 7.1 & Atmos - streaming is mandatory.

Thanks for all your support & cooperation.

Regards.

... In Partnership and Service,

Raj Dhir