Audio quality of Apple TV/NetFlix HD Movie Soundtracks

[audioguy]

Wasn't sure where to post this so here we go:

We have been thinking about adding Apple TV to our stable of electronic gadgets to our home (one more thing to break and debug!!).

I was wondering if the audio tracks on an HD movie from this source are compressed and if so, how audible is it versus renting the same Bluray movie at a Redbox.

 

[amirm]

Last I looked which was a year ago, Netflix used Dolby Digital at 384kbps for its higher rate 5.1 audio stream. They downgrade this to 192kbps if the bandwidth is too low.

To give some context, 384kbps is the data rate for many DVDs which also have DTS (otherwise it can be 440kbps). Blu-ray allows dolby digital up to 640kbps but vast majority go higher with lossless tracks in the form of DTS or Dolby TrueHD.

I have compared DD at 384kbps to PCM. I find that it is harsher and lacks ambiance that PCM has. Quality is the same as 128k-160kbps MP3 on a channel bandwidth basis.

For casual moving watching, it should be fine. But otherwise, it is not going to sound as nice as Blu-ray.

 

[Roger Dressler]

What I found more disappointing with the two titles I purchased from AppleTV was the picture quality of their HD coding. DVD thru the Oppo upscaler was the clear winner. I've stuck with BDs delivered from Netflix ever since.

 

[audioguy]

Amir and Rodger: Thanks. I didn't invest in fancy PJ's and equipment to get inferior audio and video!

 

[rblnr]

For movies I use it for some kids stuff and undemanding comedies, but got the final season of Breaking Bad on it, for example -- IQ much closer to bluray than DVD, soundtrack the reverse. Was acceptable to me for that in my main system.

Also watched several episodes on my iPad while travelling. And vs bluray, everything is always instantly avail. It depends whether these kinds of convenience are worth it to you for certain kinds of content, in addition to its other uses.

 

[audioguy]

I am thinking about signing up for Netflix. How many of the Blurays that you get are unwatchable due to prior renters mishandling the disc? A few of the ones I have gotten from Redbox are not in great shape but are usually cleanable!

 

[Matt193]

I am thinking about signing up for Netflix. How many of the Blurays that you get are unwatchable due to prior renters mishandling the disc? A few of the ones I have gotten from Redbox are not in great shape but are usually cleanable!

My Blurays from Netflix have been great. They usually are perfect or near perfect but I can't say the same for the DVDs. Most of the time they are in fairly rough shape. I've even had a few come in that are broken.

 

[Bill Hart]

I haven't used Apple TV, but among Amazon, Netflix and other streaming services I found VuDu to have the best sound. Alot of the Amazon instant videos are not even streamed in 5.1- they are stereo, and you apparently only get surround sound if you buy as a download.

 

[Roger Dressler]

I am thinking about signing up for Netflix. How many of the Blurays that you get are unwatchable due to prior renters mishandling the disc?

The BDs I get from Netflix are perfect. I often wonder if I am the first person to view them.