Shield TV a second rate home theater streamer due to limited audio? (Rare 5.1)

by joften

I'm thinking hard about replacing/complementing my shield TV in my home theater with a roku due to the lack of 5.1 audio on most android TV apps. I know you kodi/plex users can stream 5.1 audio, but it seems like every other app (Cinema Now, Netflix, Hulu, hbo...) can't stream in 5.1 while my Roku's seem to have the ability to stream DD+. I know the app creators aren't supporting 5.1 sound, but it makes the Shield a substandard streamer. Am I missing something? No, Dolby Pro Logic isn't good enough btw, not when other streaming devices are able to receive a 5.1 stream.

TheRealSilverBlade

Don't blame Android TV. Blame the developers of the apps..

Andrroid

Apps that support [some level of] 5.1 to my knowledge:

Kodi/SPMC
Plex
Netflix
Starz
Live Channels
Sling TV (only on-demand stuff)
Vudu
Google Play Movies

Showtime/HBO really need to get DD. Other than that, we have a decent list.

Can anyone speak to Hulu's 5.1 capability?

niuguy

Strange, my shield handles surround content just fine from Netflix. Can't speak for other services though. It'll also produce HD audio over Plex which is a deal breaker for me with other boxes.

Andrroid

Whats the receiver?

Andrroid

Also this: https://forums.geforce.com/default/topic/840181/shield-android-tv/setup-help-for-netflix-5-1-surround-sound/

Sgt-JimmyRustles

Shield supports at least 7.1, and I know it can do dolby digital. And Netflix not using 5.1? That's extremely odd since i know it can support up to 7.1 on the Shield, and my Pioneer VSX-830-k supports 5.1 surround sound with the Shield TV, especially with Netflix.