Server Version#: 1.17.0.1709 (FreeNAS)
Player Version#: ATV latest
So I have the ATV setup to convert audio to 5.1 (NOT auto) and that is connected to my receiver (Logitech z-5500) by optical.
I see that if I play a .AC3 audio file, my receiver does not see it as 5.1 and it comes out on screwed up channels.
If I use ffmpeg to put that audio on any video track (x264 using .mkv) and play it as a video, it comes out perfectly (5.1, correct channels).
I saw that six months ago there was a complaint about flac and 5.1 on ATV but it was closed (3 month idle) before reporting it as fixed. Is it possible that the same problem exists with .AC3?
Note: I see that it is leaving PMS direct play so it looks like PMS is off the hook. I strongly suspect the Plex client on ATV.
There has been no fix and it involves all audio multi channel formats. You found the same workaround as some other people have, changing the format to a video format. That is the only solution right now. I’ve just got too many files to do that. This have been going on for over 7 months now. Come join our thread (the one that the Plex Moderator pointed you to).
I apologise. I did search before posting but I saw a similar thread focusing on FLAC and somehow missed this. I’m very embarrassed and apologetic! I will see you on that thread.