YouTube TV getting 5.1-channel audio on Android TV and Roku soon

YouTubeTV is adding immersive sound to other platforms as the company is now testing 5.1 channel audio on Android TV, Google TV & Roku devices. YouTube expects to make surround sound available on every hardware available, although support for Apple TV, Fire TV, and a lot of game consoles are still being worked on.

To run 5.1 audio currently, you will either require a traditional Chromecast or a TV set from LG, Samsung or Vizio with a version of the YouTube TV app that runs at least Cobalt 20. The shows that offer surround sound will be enhanced.

We know 5.1 audio is important to many of you, so we wanted to share an update. We’re currently testing 5.1 audio on Google TV, Android TV, and Roku, and if everything runs smoothly, we can expect 5.1 audio to launch on those devices next.— YouTube TV (@YouTubeTV) March 28, 2022

The first step from YouTube is relatively late compared to Hulu, Sling TV, and other streaming services out there. Almost all of the competitors and the streaming service market have offered some form of 5.1 channel output for a while now, But because now this feature is coming to YouTube TV, It will be very tempting for audiophiles to join in.