While the arrival of Dolby Atmos support on the Apple TV has been welcomed by AV fans, some of the enthusiasts are reporting audio problems when using the Apple TV with Pioneer AV receivers.
Posts on the Apple support forum as well as the AVS Forum claim the Pioneer Elite VSXLX503/US receiver is having issues playing movies from the Apple TV that use Dolby Atmos. While this specific receiver is capable of processing Dolby Atmos audio from other sources, it seems to be having issues dealing with sound using the same format stemming from the Apple TV.
An AppleInsider reader also reported a similar issue with his Pioneer SX-LX58 receiver, experiencing that same lack of audio, and his receiver also fails to display the usual Dolby Atmos indicator. The reader reports that other sources play Dolby Atmos content without any issues, with only the Apple TV having issues.
Currently, users are using a workaround for the problem, turning off Atmos on the Apple TV forces it to use a different format. (Which is unacceptable.) Multiple users have contacted Pioneer about the issue, and the equipment maker is said to be working on a solution for the issue.
Apple’s support page warns that some “some third-party AV receivers and sound bars might require a firmware update to support Dolby Atmos,” and recommends users visit their equipment manufacturer’s website for new software.