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[Aske]

I just got the official PS4 remote. It's solid, but it powers off after 30 mins for no good reason, regardless of your PS4 controller shutdown settings, with no visible indication of its status. Very, very annoying. Doesn't affect its IR functions, and as a universal remote it works very well. So I'm finally exploring the system's media functions, hoping to finally retire my PS3; which remains my Netflix and BD box.

However, I discovered any movies that default to 5.1 on Netflix give my audio system no signal. I can switch to 2.0 and get stereo which converts to Pro Logic II and plays out of all my speakers, but no true Dolby Digital 5.1. Games play in 5.1 on the PS4 (both DD and DTS), and BDs, games and Netflix play in DD/DTS 5.1 on the PS3. Both consoles have the same setup: audio and video going to a Monoprice HDMI splitter which outputs video via HDMI to my TV, and audio to my speakers via optical. I'm aware this is an unsophisticated setup, but it's worked reliably until now.

I've tried all 3 audio output settings on the PS4 (PCM, DD, DTS); all give me no audio signal.

When 5.1 works, it's either DTS or Dolby Digital. I'm not talking about Pro Logic II over a 5.1 setup. I specify this since others have complained about certain speakers not working in their setups.

So, to my questions. First, is this the same bug others have complained about since the PS4 Netflix app launched, and if so, will it ever be fixed if it's still screwed up at the end of 2015? Do we know if it's a Sony problem, a Netflix problem, or a problem some users experience with certain AV setups?

Second, if the problem is due my outdated equipment which now needs replacing, what do I need to look for in a receiver to get true 5.1 working on the PS4 Netflix app? I ask because I've read dozens of threads on various forums describing the same issue plaguing those who run their consoles through decent receivers: PS3 works fine with everything, PS4 games and BDs work fine, PS4 Netflix doesn't.

 

[jetsetnickradio]

I just got the official PS4 remote. It's solid, but it powers off after 30 mins for no good reason, regardless of your PS4 controller shutdown settings, with no visible indication of its status.

Dang, I was actually thinking about buying one of those remotes but this kills it.

 

[Syriel]

Netflix is outputting Dolby Digital Plus, not standard Dolby Digital.

Dolby Digital Plus cannot be carried over optical. That is limited to Dolby Digital.

If your splitter is passing the EDID information from the TV (or passing generic "supports all" EDID info) then there is no Dolby Digital information to put on the SPDIF optical cable as the PS4 will be outputting DD+ over the HDMI cable.

You will need to set your PS4 so that it only sends DD and not DD+ over the HDMI cable if you want to use the splitter. Or, just run an optical cable straight from the PS4 to your receiver. The PS4 should automatically down-convert DD+ -> DD for the optical.

It's either that, or get a new receiver which supports DD+ and has HDMI input.

 

[hardcastlemccormick]

Does Netflix output in DD 5.1 on the PS4? I recall that other codecs are supported on the PS4, some sort of Dolby Digital 7.1 Plus codec that they're pushing for streaming purposes. It's possible that the new codec is part of the problem.

Then again, it's probably more likely it's just a bug in the Netflix app.

 

[Sulik2]

It's using optical that is causing the issue. I had all kinds if issues with 5.1 in a variety of settings over optical with the PS4 and just gave up and bought a new receiver to use Hdmi.

 

[Aske]

Dang, I was actually thinking about buying one of those remotes but this kills it.

Yep. It's not cool. I wish it worked like the PS3 remote: always on, always worked, great battery life; but no. After 30 minutes, the buttons stop controlling the PS4 until you push the PS button and get it working again.

Otherwise it's well-made, feels good in the hand, the learning function works, and the programming function works (assign buttons from a remote to soft keys on the PS4 remote). PS4 app support is spotty. Netflix works, YouTube doesn't; and the remote lacks L1, L2, L3 etc. equivalents which is occasionally annoying. And the Circle button - as necessary as Stop, Pause, Play for using the Netflix app - is smaller and less comfortable to hit with your thumb than it is on the PS3 remote.

My verdict: infinitely better than using the DS4, but focusing on nothing but ability to control the system, it renders the PS4 a far less pleasant media player than the PS3.

 

[Transistor]

Netflix is outputting Dolby Digital Plus, not standard Dolby Digital.

Dolby Digital Plus cannot be carried over optical. That is limited to Dolby Digital.

If your splitter is passing the EDID information from the TV (or passing generic "supports all" EDID info) then there is no Dolby Digital information to put on the SPDIF optical cable as the PS4 will be outputting DD+ over the HDMI cable.

You will need to set your PS4 so that it only sends DD and not DD+ over the HDMI cable if you want to use the splitter. Or, just run an optical cable straight from the PS4 to your receiver. The PS4 should automatically down-convert DD+ -> DD for the optical.

It's either that, or get a new receiver which supports DD+ and has HDMI input.

Listen to this dude. He knows what he's talking about. Time to bite the bullet and get an HDMI capable receiver, OP. They're pretty cheap now.

 

[Dartastic]

Listen to this dude. He knows what he's talking about. Time to bite the bullet and get an HDMI capable receiver, OP. They're pretty cheap now.

I've got the same problem as OP. Unfortunately, just getting a new receiver won't work because I have a Bose Lifestyle 35. ...before anyone asks why I have it, I got it for free.

So to fix this it seems like I should just go into my PS4's settings and try and disable DD+?

 

[Aske]

Netflix is outputting Dolby Digital Plus, not standard Dolby Digital.

Dolby Digital Plus cannot be carried over optical. That is limited to Dolby Digital.

If your splitter is passing the EDID information from the TV (or passing generic "supports all" EDID info) then there is no Dolby Digital information to put on the SPDIF optical cable as the PS4 will be outputting DD+ over the HDMI cable.

You will need to set your PS4 so that it only sends DD and not DD+ over the HDMI cable if you want to use the splitter. Or, just run an optical cable straight from the PS4 to your receiver. The PS4 should automatically down-convert DD+ -> DD for the optical.

It's either that, or get a new receiver which supports DD+ and has HDMI input.

Thank you! This is invaluable info. I now have optical straight from the PS4 into my speaker system. Current sitch:

I don't get DD from Netflix, but a movie set to 5.1 now gives me something that reads as Pro Logic II instead of silence. This is true if I set the PS4 to output Linear PCM, DD, or DTS.

Linear PCM gives me a Pro Logic II reading on the PS4 menu as well, whereas the bitstream settings give me PL II for Netflix, and DD/DTS for the system menu.

Guessing this means I should set the system to bitstream, but why am I still not getting DD from a 5.1 movie on Netflix? The same setup with the same movie gives me DD with Netflix PS3.


And to be clear, any HDMI receiver will work as long as its compatible with DD+?

 

[Syriel]

I've got the same problem as OP. Unfortunately, just getting a new receiver won't work because I have a Bose Lifestyle 35. ...before anyone asks why I have it, I got it for free.

So to fix this it seems like I should just go into my PS4's settings and try and disable DD+?

If you configure your PS4 to only output in standard DD 5.1 and DTS 5.1 (DTS will only be used for movies, Netflix doesn't encode in DTS) then you should be good.

Every certified DD+ device is required to support downsampling (not an entirely accurate term here, but close enough) to DD. This is done because the DD+ info is layered on top of a core DD stream. If the device needs to output DD, it just strips away the DD+ info and then passes along just the DD info. It doesn't actually need to do any other processing.

This is what your PS4 should do when you tell it the max quality output is standard DD.

Another option, though one that won't always be ideal, is to run HDMI to your TV and then run optical audio out from your TV to your stereo. The reason I say this is not always ideal is because some TVs will output a 5.1 signal if DD or better is input via HDMI, while others will only output a 2.0 signal over optical, regardless of what is input via HDMI. With those latter devices, the only way to get 5.1 out of the optical port is for OTA broadcasts.

 

[LightofRohan]

Dang, I was actually thinking about buying one of those remotes but this kills it.

It's nice to have, but it's kind of a pain in the ass atm. I hope they either have a software update or at least a hardware update.

Currently there are a bunch of apps that just DON'T support the controller at all or have limited usability with it.

It also shuts off after a while so it gets confusing when you are quickly trying to pause something. AND the worst bit, it doesn't allow Push-Through audio FOR amp receivers, so you have to switch to AMP mode every time you want to adjust your audio (if you have a receiver). But it allows TV push through audio... it's really weird.

 

[Aske]

AND the worst bit, it doesn't allow Push-Through audio FOR amp receivers, so you have to switch to AMP mode every time you want to adjust your audio (if you have a receiver). But it allows TV push through audio... it's really weird.

Really? The instructions say it does - just hold down the AMP button and the mute button for 4 seconds. It's supposed to work with any device you have programmed to any input. I can't test it because it jumbles my amp buttons all over the place. Not surprised; no reason anything but my TV should be supported at all, I'm just glad I can programme my volume control to the coloured soft keys. But the Punch Through command just doesn't work with the device you have on the AMP key? Have you tried programming the receiver to, say, the CABLE key in case it's a bug?

 

[LightofRohan]

Really? The instructions say it does - just hold down the AMP button and the mute button for 4 seconds. It's supposed to work with any device you have programmed to any input. I can't test it because it jumbles my amp buttons all over the place. Not surprised; no reason anything but my TV should be supported at all, I'm just glad I can programme my volume control to the coloured soft keys. But the Punch Through command just doesn't work with the device you have on the AMP key? Have you tried programming the receiver to, say, the CABLE key in case it's a bug?

The PS4 remote controls my audio yes. But Sony stated that the Punch Through application (that allows you to control the volume no matter what function you are in) does not support AMP punch through (for no fucking reason). TV punch through works, but the main draw of that is people with AMP Receivers. It has been confirmed by Sony that it is not supported, not sure if they can patch it in... it's really stupid.

So if I want to turn up the volume, I have to push AMP first, adjust the volume, push PS4 button to control the PS4 again. It's a little thing that just kind of sucks.

 

[Syriel]

Thank you! This is invaluable info. I now have optical straight from the PS4 into my speaker system. Current sitch:

I don't get DD from Netflix, but a movie set to 5.1 now gives me something that reads as Pro Logic II instead of silence. This is true if I set the PS4 to output Linear PCM, DD, or DTS.

Linear PCM gives me a Pro Logic II reading on the PS4 menu as well, whereas the bitstream settings give me PL II for Netflix, and DD/DTS for the system menu.

Guessing this means I should set the system to bitstream, but why am I still not getting DD from a 5.1 movie on Netflix? The same setup with the same movie gives me DD with Netflix PS3.


And to be clear, any HDMI receiver will work as long as its compatible with DD+?

Linear PCM should always give you PCM stereo (basically two channel, same as a CD). Pro Logic can be encoded in two channels, so that's not surprising.

When set to DD bitstream, Netflix should be sending DD+ to the PS4 only when actively playing content that is encoded in DD+. Depending on your system settings, the app may be defaulting to 2.0 audio. Also, not every piece of content on Netflix has 5.1 audio.

If you are playing a film or TV show that is encoded in DD+ (and have verified that the DD+ track is active during playback by bringing up the quick menu) then the PS4 should be sending regular DD to the receiver over the optical cable. Unfortunately, I don't have a PS4 in front of me to test the settings.

As to your latter question, yes. DD+ is supported over HDMI, so as long as your receiver is DD+ certified, you'll be good to go. Just plug the HDMI cable from PS4 -> receiver and enjoy.

 

[Aske]

If you are playing a film or TV show that is encoded in DD+ (and have verified that the DD+ track is active during playback by bringing up the quick menu) then the PS4 should be sending regular DD to the receiver over the optical cable. Unfortunately, I don't have a PS4 in front of me to test the settings.

Exactly: it should be sending DD out via optical - like the PS3 - but it doesn't. Awesome to have a better understanding of the whole thing, but I won't hold my breath for a fix. Could easily be an old-ass equipment issue rather than something Sony/Netfilx would identify as a bug. Sounds like I should stick with the PS3 for Netflix a while longer.

 

[bodeiseifer]

I think ppl are crazy using their consoles for hours upon hours of netflix, i just bought a blu ray player for that, they're cheap and use hardly any power compared to a ps4

 

[luffeN]

I think ppl are crazy using their consoles for hours upon hours of netflix, i just bought a blu ray player for that, they're cheap and use hardly any power compared to a ps4

But the PS4 should not use as much power compared to playing a game. But yes, will still be more expensive electricity wise.

 

[family_guy]

Don't retire your PS3. It's the best media player Sony ever made. PS4 is like on training wheels in comparison.

 

[wagamer]

I have no idea what my settings are, but I'm receiving 5.1 from PS4 Netflix with optical, as I too have an old receiver which does not support hdmi audio input.

As a side note, with my pc it took a long battle but now I finally have 5.1 working with movie files, Netflix and pc games with optical and analog outputs. W10 sure is a pain in that regard.

The one thing that baffles me is how some new Netflix films do not have a 5.1 audio track. In 2015!

 

[Aske]

I have no idea what my settings are, but I'm receiving 5.1 from PS4 Netflix with optical, as I too have an old receiver which does not support hdmi audio input.

As a side note, with my pc it took a long battle but now I finally have 5.1 working with movie files, Netflix and pc games with optical and analog outputs. W10 sure is a pain in that regard.

The one thing that baffles me is how some new Netflix films do not have a 5.1 audio track. In 2015!

Tell me more! I've tried everything with my settings, and as I say, best I can get is to have Netflix 5.1 presumably downsample into stereo that gets mixed into Pro Logic II by my speakers.

 

[wagamer]

Tell me more! I've tried everything with my settings, and as I say, best I can get is to have Netflix 5.1 presumably downsample into stereo that gets mixed into Pro Logic II by my speakers.

Well there isn't much in the settings, but I'll have a look. In the PS4 audio output settings I've selected Digital Audio (Optical) on the first setting and Dolby on the second setting (not DTS). There doesn't seem to be any settings in the PS4 Netflix app.

I don't know if it has any effect to PS4, but on netflix.com there are more settings for the playback in the profile section. I have the highest video quality selected.

For me Netflix often defaults the audio track selection to stereo, so sometimes I have to select the 5.1 audio track intentionally from the sound/subtitle menu.

Edit: And there's nothing that needs to be done with the receiver, games output 5.1 with the exact same settings.