Ever since the launch of the Google TV Streamer, there has been confusion about the level of audio codec support, primarily due to a software bug. Google has now officially clarified the situation.
Let's make it as clear as possible: The Google TV Streamer does not support Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD, DTS-HD MA or DTS:X audio.
FlatpanelsHD confirmed this in our in-depth review last year, explaining that the device is built on the Dolby MS12 decoder, which supports up to Dolby Digital Plus (E-AC-3), with or without Dolby Atmos. Additionally, Android uses an open-source codec to decode legacy DTS formats.
However, confusion persisted because the Google TV Streamer actually listed support for DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD under 'Advanced sound settings'. This was a bug, which also appears in other Android/Google TV devices. As such, some users mistakenly believed that support for these formats would be added in a future update.
Google clarifies the issue
Google has now finally put the confusion to rest. A new system update released for the Google TV Streamer this month removes all mentions of DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD from the settings menu.
To be clear, Google has not removed support for any audio format; the update simply fixed the bug that incorrectly suggested support for these codecs.
This was first spotted by users on Reddit and reported by AFTVNews. FlatpanelsHD has also confirmed that the bug in the menu has been fixed and removed.
In addition, the new system update includes the January 2025 Android OS security patch.
Also read: Eclipsa Audio is also coming to Google TV, LG TVs, Android, more
If HD audio support is important to you, it is probably best to stick with your good ol' Nvidia Shield.
- Source: Reddit, AFTVNews
