Apple TV: Optically connected iPod Hi-Fi emits static with chirps and pops
Symptoms
The iPod Hi-Fi may produce static/chirps/pops when playing some video content, even though UI sounds, music and other video content produces the expected audio.
Additionally, the following conditions are true:
- You have an iPod Hi-Fi connected to your Apple TV via an optical cable.
- You are playing an HD movie rental that you obtained from the iTunes store.
- You hear only static audio with chirps and pops.
Many HD movie rentals on the iTunes store support true Surround Sound and contain a Dolby Digital sound track, but the iPod Hi-Fi does not support Dolby Digital sound. When Apple TV sends the digital file to the iPod Hi-Fi connected via an optical cable, the iPod Hi-Fi produces an audio rendition of the digital data. This creates the static audio with chirps and pops.
Products Affected
Apple TV
Resolution
HD movie rentals on the iTunes store always have an AAC stereo audio track that is supported by an optically connected iPod Hi-Fi.
To get the AAC stereo audio track to play through your optically connected iPod Hi-Fi:
- On the Apple TV, go to Settings > Audio.
- Highlight Dolby Digital Out and click Play to select Off.
This forces the Apple TV to output an available stereo audio track, rather than a Dolby Digital multi-channel audio track, over the HDMI and optical ports.
Note: Changing the Dolby Digital Out setting affects both Sony/Phillips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) and HDMI audio.
If you want to output Dolby Digital on HDMI while the iPod Hi-Fi is connected, you must connect the iPod Hi-Fi via analog stereo cables instead of optical cables.
Important: Information about products not manufactured by Apple is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute Apple’s recommendation or endorsement. Please contact the vendor for additional information.
Related posts: