YouTube TV is Bringing 5.1 Audio to Google TV, Android TV, and Roku

YouTube TV is planning to bring 5.1 audio support to more devices soon. The streaming television service announced on Twitter yesterday that Google TV, Android TV, and Roku devices will be the next platforms to enjoy 5.1 surround sound, with Apple TV, Fire TV, and game consoles to follow.

“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. We’re still working internally and with partners to enable 5.1 on Apple TV, Fire TV, and game consoles,” the YouTube team explained in a series of tweets. 

There are already many programs on YouTube that support 5.1 surround sound, though the list of compatible devices is restricted to select Samsung, LG, and Vizio Smart TVs, as well as older Chromecast models (the ones without Google TV). “We know 5.1 audio is important to many of you,” the YouTube team acknowledged, though there’s still no clear ETA on when 5.1 audio will come to more platforms. 

YouTube TV launched five years ago in the US and it remains exclusive to this market. The service currently provides access to more than 85 television channels including NFL, NBA, and MLB networks, as well as unlimited cloud DVR storage. Starting at $64.99/month with no installation fees, it’s a pretty attractive service for cord-cutters, and it’s set to become even better for users with a 5.1 speaker system.