Anyone having issues with Netflix streaming?

[Hi Ho]

I am having issues with audio. I am using the Xbox 360 and I just started 24 Season 7 last night after not watching it for a while. Seasons 1-6 all streamed just fine with 5.1 audio. Last night I noticed that my receiver said it was receiving 5.1 Dolby Digital however only the front left and right speakers were working. In other words, I was getting stereo sound in a 5.1 wrapper so my receiver wouldn't even apply ProLogic II. The only way around this was to back out of the Netflix app on the Xbox and go into the console settings and set the audio output to 2ch stereo. The info for 24 says "HD 5.1" however the only option available in "Audio and Subtitles" is "Stereo (English)".

Tonight I was experimenting some more and found that this issue is occurring with quite a few titles. Orange is the New Black works fine and has Dolby Digital as an option. I have tried a bunch of shows that state "HD 5.1" and it's a toss up whether I get 5.1 or not. Is anyone else noticing this? Is this just an Xbox thing?

I actually went to Best Buy this evening and purchased a Roku 3 because I'm tired of the Netflix app on the Xbox getting messed up every time they do an update but then I did more research and ended up returning the Roku before I even got home because it apparently does not convert the Dolby Digital+ stream to legacy Dolby Digital like the Xbox does. I really would rather not have to upgrade my receiver JUST to get Netflix in 5.1 consistently especially since my receiver does everything I want it to do and a comparable replacement (RX-A3030) would be north of $2k. I have a Chromecast and it works great but it has the same problem as the Roku in that it does not output legacy DD from Netflix. I know there are a LOT of people out there that have receivers that do not support Dolby Digital+ and I can't believe that there is no solution.

 

[Actran]

I've noticed the same issue, but on the PS3 (which supposedly can decode DD+ to bitstream). Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't (even on the same show, movie, or episode). It doesn't reliably handle DD+. I wish I had a fix for you, but after working with both netflix and Sony, no one seems to be able to explain why DD+ is an issue. I've been in 2 channel mode for about 6 months now because of this issue.

 

[j_garcia]

No issues yesterday and I watched about 3-4 episodes of American Horror Story Asylum in 5.1 over the course of the day via my PS3. I have issues with Amazon streaming 5.1 occasionally, but have yet to have the issue with Netflix.

 

[ImcLoud]

I noticed my ps3 keeps logging me out in the middle of a movie, I gave up and I have been using the laptop plugged into the hdmi cable...

 

[markw]

I'm using a Sony BDP-S390 and noticed lately that on occasion, DD 5.1 emits a loud "CA-RACK" and mutes for a split second. I wanna see if this occurs on Amazon Prime.

 

[markw]

FWIW, I just watched the same movie* on both Netflix and Amazom Prime. both were dolby Digital 5.1 and where Netflix made the nasty noises, Amazon Prime did not. Conclusion: Not my equipment or setup.

Boo on Netflix.

* Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters. Don't laugh. It's fun, doesn't take itself amy more seriously than it has to and makes pretty good use of the surround channels, particularly in the beginning.

 

[Adam]

FWIW, I just watched the same movie* on both Netflix and Amazom Prime. both were dolby Digital 5.1 and where Netflix made the nasty noises, Amazon Prime did not. Conclusion: Not my equipment or setup.

Boo on Netflix.

* Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters. Don't laugh. It's fun, doesn't take itself amy more seriously than it has to and makes pretty good use of the surround channels, particularly in the beginning.

It could still be your equipment, Mark. Netflix uses DD+, and Amazon uses DD. Not saying it is your equipment...but it could be.

As for Hansel & Gretel, I liked it, too.

 

[Kruz]

Great show selection J garcia! On topic I've notice netflix sound/audio cutting out near the end of episodes (orange is the new black).

No issues yesterday and I watched about 3-4 episodes of American Horror Story Asylum in 5.1 over the course of the day via my PS3. I have issues with Amazon streaming 5.1 occasionally, but have yet to have the issue with Netflix.