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In practice, the key feature is an HDMI eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) port, which handles high-bandwidth audio streams from the TV to an external sound system. Look for the latest HDMI 2.1 or at least HDMI 2.0 with eARC support, since this combination ensures uncompressed formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS:X can travel intact. Many mainstream sets support ARC, but eARC removes compression and supports higher bitrates, which is essential for room-filling Atmos or DTS:X signals. Verify that the TV’s firmware explicitly lists eARC compatibility, and confirm that the soundbar or AV receiver also supports eARC for a reliable connection.

Beyond the port itself, the TV’s internal audio processing should be transparent when sending objects and height channels to your receiver. Some televisions apply post-processing that can alter timing or degrade multi-channel streams, especially when night scenes or dynamic soundtracks are involved. To avoid these issues, disable any aggressive processing like virtual surround modes, upmixing, or enhanced dialogue tilt while you’re using external audio. Also review the TV’s audio output options to ensure it can deliver multi-channel PCM or the asset’s native compressed format to the receiver without conversion that breaks the intended channeling.

When evaluating a TV, confirm it supports eARC on at least one HDMI port and that the firmware enables a clean pass-through for object-based audio formats. Some models offer eARC but default to converting to stereo PCM on certain inputs, which negates the benefit. Read user manuals and firmware release notes for mentions of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, or Dolby TrueHD compatibility via eARC, and check for any settings that lock the TV into fixed channel layouts. The goal is to preserve the original channel arrangement and synchronize with the receiver so that the height channels are populated accurately in 3D sound fields.

Another consideration is whether the TV can activate a dedicated pass-through mode that bypasses internal decoding entirely. This ensures the streamer, game console, or Blu-ray player’s audio pipeline remains intact as it travels to the receiver. A modern approach is to provide a “Bitstream Pass-Through” option or “Object-Based Audio Pass-Through” that prevents the TV from decoding the metadata. If a TV only outputs PCM, you may lose some object-based cues or require manual adjustments on the receiver. Always test with a known Atmos or DTS:X title while listening for authentic height channel localization.

To avoid surprises, compile a short checklist before you buy. Confirm the TV has at least one HDMI 2.1 port with eARC, and check that the TV can output 5.1 or 7.1 channel audio in bitstream form. Some devices cap HDR or gaming features when audio passthrough is engaged, so ensure there’s no significant trade-off for gaming latency or picture processing you care about. Look for models that explicitly mention multi-channel passthrough in their feature lists and product pages. Community reviews often reveal practical quirks about how a TV handles Atmos during streaming versus Blu-ray playback.

Consider the practical setup several weeks after you bring the set home. Connect a high-quality AV receiver that supports Dolby Atmos or DTS:X and test with typical content such as blockbuster movies, nature documentaries, and interactive games. Note differences when using streaming apps versus physical media; some apps may route audio differently, which can affect passthrough reliability. If possible, try alternative cables or ports to verify consistent performance. In some environments, cable length can introduce latency or interference, so use short, certified HDMI cables for the most stable connection.

Start with the receiver’s settings and set its input to bitstream or passthrough, depending on the source. If your receiver supports Atmos via HDMI, ensure the TV is not downmixing to stereo by mistake. Disable any automatic volume leveling on the TV that might alter dynamics or compression that can muddle the clarity of height channels. Next, verify that the AVR is set to the correct speaker layout (7.1.4 or 5.1.4, as applicable) and that the room calibration process doesn’t reassign channels away from their intended positions. Properly configured, the system should deliver precise localization of effects and immersive ambience.

For players and streaming devices, consistent results come from using the official apps and native apps that respect the device’s audio output configuration. Some streaming apps limit the ability to switch to bitstream, forcing PCM instead, which reduces available channels. If you encounter this, switch the source’s audio output to the highest quality option supported by your receiver and confirm that the TV passes that signal without alteration. Additionally, keep firmware up to date on both the TV and the AVR, since manufacturers periodically refine audio passthrough behavior.

One frequent pitfall is mismatched sampling rates between source content and the receiver. If the source uses a higher bitrate than the TV can pass through, the signal may downsample or degrade. Check the TV’s supported audio formats in its specifications and ensure your content aligns with those formats. When in doubt, select the highest fidelity option, such as Dolby Atmos bitstream, and let the AVR handle any necessary decoding and upmixing. Also verify that the HDMI cables are rated for high-bandwidth audio, as insufficient cables can introduce glitches or intermittent dropouts in multi-channel streams.

Lighting and room acoustics can influence perceived audio quality, even with perfect signal paths. Treat the space to reduce flutter echoes and ensure the seating arrangement places listeners within the intended sweet spots of the soundstage. While the TV plays a critical role in the chain, the ultimate Atmos or DTS:X experience depends on the AVR’s ability to render the spatial cues. A solid subwoofer integration and well-positioned ceiling or upfiring modules help preserve the sense of immersion without forcing listeners to compensate for bass or localization gaps.

Before purchasing, examine the return policy and warranty specifics in case firmware updates later alter a TV’s passthrough behavior. Gather menus and screenshots showing eARC availability, bitstream options, and any disabled processing modes so you can compare models with confidence. When you install, label your cables and ports to simplify troubleshooting should issues arise later. Consider leaving a small buffer of time after setup to run through a few different content types, including 4K Blu-ray disks, streaming services, and video games, ensuring consistent Atmos and DTS:X outcomes.

In the end, the best television for multi-channel audio passthrough is the one that preserves signal integrity from source to receiver across varied content. Prioritize eARC, bitstream capability, and minimal internal processing that could interfere with object-based audio. A well-matched TV and AVR combination, supported by reliable cables and correct calibration, yields a robust, room-filling Atmos or DTS:X experience that stands the test of time, with predictable performance as formats and streaming catalogs evolve.