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Sound System

Inspect and test the connected audio system on Apple TV.

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Overview​

Sound System gives you a detailed look at the audio setup connected to your Apple TV. You can see what type of system is active, how many channels are available, test individual speakers with tone playback, and review diagnostic logs for any audio issues. It is useful for verifying surround sound configurations, checking spatial audio support, and troubleshooting audio problems.

Table Of Contents​

Quick Stat Card​

At the top, a summary card gives you an at-a-glance look at your audio setup:

  • System Type -- the kind of audio system detected (stereo, surround, Atmos, etc.).
  • Output Port -- where audio is being sent (HDMI, AirPlay, built-in speaker, etc.).
  • Active Channels -- how many audio channels are currently active.
  • Playing Indicator -- shows whether a test tone is currently playing.

Overview Section​

The Overview section provides detailed metric cards covering:

  • Active Channels -- the number of channels in use.
  • Max Output -- the maximum output level.
  • Spatial Audio -- whether spatial audio is detected and active.
  • Port Type -- the type of audio output connection.
  • Channel Order -- a display showing the layout and order of all channels in the current configuration.

Channels Section​

The Channels section lists each individual audio channel as a card. Each card shows:

  • Channel Number -- the position in the channel layout.
  • Label -- the channel label (for example: Front Left, Center, Rear Right, LFE).
  • Test Tone Frequency -- the frequency of the test tone assigned to that channel.

Two main controls are available:

  • Cycle All Channels -- plays a test tone through each speaker one at a time in sequence, so you can verify that every speaker in your setup is working and correctly positioned.
  • Stop -- stops any currently playing test tone immediately.

An equalizer visualization animates during playback, giving you visual feedback that audio is active.

Diagnostics Section​

The Diagnostics section helps you identify problems with your audio setup:

  • Recent Issues -- a list of any warnings or errors detected, such as missing channels or unexpected configurations.
  • Diagnostic Log -- a timestamped log of audio events and state changes, useful for troubleshooting intermittent issues.

Controls​

The Overview section includes an action row with these controls (rather than a separate bottom bar):

  • Refresh Route -- re-scans the audio route to pick up any changes (for example, if you plugged in a new receiver or switched outputs).
  • Stop Playback -- stops all audio playback immediately. This control appears only while a test tone is currently playing.

Notes And Limitations​

  • The information shown depends on the audio system connected to your Apple TV. Some fields may not be available for all configurations.
  • Spatial audio detection requires compatible hardware and content.
  • If you change your audio setup (connect a soundbar, switch HDMI ports, etc.), use Refresh Route to update the display.
  • Available on Apple TV only.
Last updated on by Rogerio Hirooka