- Plex Media Server Version 1.0.0.2261 (local network server)
- Apple TV 4 tvOS 9.2.1
- Denon AVR-E400 receiver
- Movies encoded with Handbrake ATV3 setting with a few tweaks
- 1st audio track is stereo, second track is AC3 DD 5.1
I've been running Plex on the ATV4 since it came out last fall. I'm fairly certain this wasn't an issue before; movies would always default to playing the surround track, and my receiver would display "DD 5.1". Now I've noticed that whenever a movie plays it defaults to the stereo audio track and the receiver displays "PLII". I'm thinking this started with a recent Plex Media Server update, or the latest tvOS update, or maybe even an update of the Plex app.
The surround track is available to select within Plex, both in the settings of the file before playing and during playback, and it does play correctly when selected, but must be manually selected for each movie which is obviously not ideal. I verified with Subler that the stereo track is set as fallback for the surround track; I believe the settings in Handbrake do this automatically. Playing the movies via Home Sharing defaults to the surround track properly. I've tried both the Dolby Digital 5.1 and the Best Quality Available settings in the Apple TV Settings, both result in the same issue.
I think it's pretty safe to say this is a Plex app issue; Home Sharing plays the same files properly with the surround track, and Netflix and HBO Go play everything in DD 5.1 as well, so the ATV itself and the receiver seem fine.
Hoping someone from Plex can chime in on this and advise of a fix.
Thanks!