Getting Netflix 4k on my 4k projector, and 5.1 sound too
Discussion
I have a Viewsonic X10-4k projector. I'm very happy with it apart from it having a hobbled version of Netflix which will only allow SD quality images. Oh and it seems to be incapable of supplying a 5.1 sound output via optical no matter what the source. There is scant information available about this for the projector and very few settings to play with. I've even installed different video player apps and played with the settings on them but to no avail.
Regarding Netflix I do have a 4k account and it works fine on my TV which can also output 5.1 sound via optical when available. I've tried to install a regular version of Netflix on the projector but it just ends up declaring that it's not allowed on my device.
Any suggestions? I've been thinking about a 4k firestick or roku as a solution to get Netflix 4k but I'd like to get 5.1 sound to go with it. I'm unsure about the problem with the sound and I think I may need something that can output 5.1 via optical. My elderly av amp doesn't have hdmi but at least I know the optical will work.
Regarding Netflix I do have a 4k account and it works fine on my TV which can also output 5.1 sound via optical when available. I've tried to install a regular version of Netflix on the projector but it just ends up declaring that it's not allowed on my device.
Any suggestions? I've been thinking about a 4k firestick or roku as a solution to get Netflix 4k but I'd like to get 5.1 sound to go with it. I'm unsure about the problem with the sound and I think I may need something that can output 5.1 via optical. My elderly av amp doesn't have hdmi but at least I know the optical will work.
blondini said:
I have a Viewsonic X10-4k projector. I'm very happy with it apart from it having a hobbled version of Netflix which will only allow SD quality images. Oh and it seems to be incapable of supplying a 5.1 sound output via optical no matter what the source. There is scant information available about this for the projector and very few settings to play with. I've even installed different video player apps and played with the settings on them but to no avail.
Regarding Netflix I do have a 4k account and it works fine on my TV which can also output 5.1 sound via optical when available. I've tried to install a regular version of Netflix on the projector but it just ends up declaring that it's not allowed on my device.
Any suggestions? I've been thinking about a 4k firestick or roku as a solution to get Netflix 4k but I'd like to get 5.1 sound to go with it. I'm unsure about the problem with the sound and I think I may need something that can output 5.1 via optical. My elderly av amp doesn't have hdmi but at least I know the optical will work.
If you use a Roku, ATV or Firestick you will need an audio extractor to strip the audio from the HDMI and send it to the AVR and then send the video signal via HDMI direct to the projector. The devices above no longer have optical outputs built in ... they're all paired back generally just with HDMI and network, USB. For me, Apple TV's always look and sound better than any other streaming device on the market. Regarding Netflix I do have a 4k account and it works fine on my TV which can also output 5.1 sound via optical when available. I've tried to install a regular version of Netflix on the projector but it just ends up declaring that it's not allowed on my device.
Any suggestions? I've been thinking about a 4k firestick or roku as a solution to get Netflix 4k but I'd like to get 5.1 sound to go with it. I'm unsure about the problem with the sound and I think I may need something that can output 5.1 via optical. My elderly av amp doesn't have hdmi but at least I know the optical will work.
blondini said:
it seems to be incapable of supplying a 5.1 sound output via optical no matter what the source. There is scant information available about this for the projector and very few settings to play with. I've even installed different video player apps and played with the settings on them but to no avail.
The optical out is limited to just stereo PCM on this projector. There's no mention of Dolby or DD or 5.1 in the manual, and no Dolby trademarks acknowledged either, so I think it's safe to presume that Viewsonic figured most of these would play out either from the internal speaker or maybe connect to a basic stereo soundbar, and so DD 5.1 was a luxury they decided to cut out. If your amp sees the optical signal as stereo PCM (can't see why it shouldn't) then have you tried using DPL II Movie or Dolby Upscaler? What results do you get?
I have the same projector but I have a modern AVR with HDMI.
I use a ROKU 4K stick in the X10 and for "tv" viewing rely on the excellent on board speakers. I found the ROKU wouldn't do 4K unless it was mains powered, the USB power wasn't man enough.
If you can, a decent Yamaha or Denon AVR can be had very cheaply secondhand which would give you what you want. Reckon £200 for a used AVR and a new ROKU 4k would be enough.
I use a ROKU 4K stick in the X10 and for "tv" viewing rely on the excellent on board speakers. I found the ROKU wouldn't do 4K unless it was mains powered, the USB power wasn't man enough.
If you can, a decent Yamaha or Denon AVR can be had very cheaply secondhand which would give you what you want. Reckon £200 for a used AVR and a new ROKU 4k would be enough.
Edited by pauljdh on Saturday 15th May 14:35
JEA1K said:
His AVR doesn't have HDMI ...
That’s his problem. Must be an ancient bit of kit. UHD video, SD audio. Seems rather at odds!Even getting a cheap but modern AVR with HDMI and 4K etc. and using that as the “hub” will completely transform the performance and update the functionality of his system for the better. Then take your pick as to AV source. AppleTV is the best, outputting up to 4K, Dolby Atmos, etc.
Edited by dvs_dave on Wednesday 19th May 02:21
dvs_dave said:
That’s his problem. Must be an ancient bit of kit. UHD video, SD audio. Seems rather at odds!
Even getting a cheap but modern AVR with HDMI and 4K etc. and using that as the “hub” will completely transform the performance and update the functionality of his system for the better. Then take your pick as to AV source. AppleTV is the best, outputting up to 4K, Dolby Atmos, etc.
BIB: Whilst a 4K UHD capable receiver may well improve the functionality, it's not right to say that a cheap one will improve the performance over what the OP currently has. Even getting a cheap but modern AVR with HDMI and 4K etc. and using that as the “hub” will completely transform the performance and update the functionality of his system for the better. Then take your pick as to AV source. AppleTV is the best, outputting up to 4K, Dolby Atmos, etc.
Edited by dvs_dave on Wednesday 19th May 02:21
If I put it in car terms, a 2005-model M3 wouldn't have all the features and toys of today's little hot hatches; no reversing cameras or push-button start, or DAB/Wi-Fi/BT radio, no personal information centre or tyre pressure sensors etc etc. But you could be damned sure it would handle better, and for some people that's the point.
We don't know what Blondinis AVR is specifically other than it doesn't have HDMI. It could be something old and basic, or it might be something old but high-end for its time, or maybe something in the middle. We just don't know. If or when Blondini comes back to the thread he may choose to clue us in. But until then it's a question mark.
What I can say is that I know quite a few HT enthusiasts still rocking big old-school AVRs that were £1000-£2000 in their day; They're loathe to change for a modern AVR because in some respects the performance of today's big amps isn't as good. For someone with a Pioneer VSA-AX10 in its various incarnations, or a Denon 4306, or even a venerable Yamaha DSP-A1 they have amps with 5.1/7.1 inputs which can be partnered with Blu-ray and UHD disc spinners with the same 7.1 analogue outs if HD audio is required. When you hear basic DD/DTS and stereo music played through these amps then you realise why they cost what they did and also why they're such a tough act to follow. HD via analogue in takes things to a whole different level.
It's true that it gets much harder to integrate HDMI-only output devices and obviously impossible to make use of Dolby Atmos. However, not everyone wants or needs speakers in the ceiling. Using the TV as a way to bridge between HDMI and Optical can still produce sound that knocks spots off today's budget 4K UHD AVRs.
Edited by Lucid_AV on Wednesday 19th May 10:20
dvs_dave said:
That’s his problem. Must be an ancient bit of kit. UHD video, SD audio. Seems rather at odds!
Even getting a cheap but modern AVR with HDMI and 4K etc. and using that as the “hub” will completely transform the performance and update the functionality of his system for the better. Then take your pick as to AV source. AppleTV is the best, outputting up to 4K, Dolby Atmos, etc.
Not quite .... my suggestion above negates the HDMI issue by stripping the audio and sending it to the AVR ... Even getting a cheap but modern AVR with HDMI and 4K etc. and using that as the “hub” will completely transform the performance and update the functionality of his system for the better. Then take your pick as to AV source. AppleTV is the best, outputting up to 4K, Dolby Atmos, etc.
Edited by dvs_dave on Wednesday 19th May 02:21
Lucid_AV said:
BIB: Whilst a 4K UHD capable receiver may well improve the functionality, it's not right to say that a cheap one will improve the performance over what the OP currently has.
If I put it in car terms, a 2005-model M3 wouldn't have all the features and toys of today's little hot hatches; no reversing cameras or push-button start, or DAB/Wi-Fi/BT radio, no personal information centre or tyre pressure sensors etc etc. But you could be damned sure it would handle better, and for some people that's the point.
We don't know what Blondinis AVR is specifically other than it doesn't have HDMI. It could be something old and basic, or it might be something old but high-end for its time, or maybe something in the middle. We just don't know. If or when Blondini comes back to the thread he may choose to clue us in. But until then it's a question mark.
What I can say is that I know quite a few HT enthusiasts still rocking big old-school AVRs that were £1000-£2000 in their day; They're loathe to change for a modern AVR because in some respects the performance of today's big amps isn't as good. For someone with a Pioneer VSA-AX10 in its various incarnations, or a Denon 4306, or even a venerable Yamaha DSP-A1 they have amps with 5.1/7.1 inputs which can be partnered with Blu-ray and UHD disc spinners with the same 7.1 analogue outs if HD audio is required. When you hear basic DD/DTS and stereo music played through these amps then you realise why they cost what they did and also why they're such a tough act to follow. HD via analogue in takes things to a whole different level.
It's true that it gets much harder to integrate HDMI-only output devices and obviously impossible to make use of Dolby Atmos. However, not everyone wants or needs speakers in the ceiling. Using the TV as a way to bridge between HDMI and Optical can still produce sound that knocks spots off today's budget 4K UHD AVRs.
If I put it in car terms, a 2005-model M3 wouldn't have all the features and toys of today's little hot hatches; no reversing cameras or push-button start, or DAB/Wi-Fi/BT radio, no personal information centre or tyre pressure sensors etc etc. But you could be damned sure it would handle better, and for some people that's the point.
We don't know what Blondinis AVR is specifically other than it doesn't have HDMI. It could be something old and basic, or it might be something old but high-end for its time, or maybe something in the middle. We just don't know. If or when Blondini comes back to the thread he may choose to clue us in. But until then it's a question mark.
What I can say is that I know quite a few HT enthusiasts still rocking big old-school AVRs that were £1000-£2000 in their day; They're loathe to change for a modern AVR because in some respects the performance of today's big amps isn't as good. For someone with a Pioneer VSA-AX10 in its various incarnations, or a Denon 4306, or even a venerable Yamaha DSP-A1 they have amps with 5.1/7.1 inputs which can be partnered with Blu-ray and UHD disc spinners with the same 7.1 analogue outs if HD audio is required. When you hear basic DD/DTS and stereo music played through these amps then you realise why they cost what they did and also why they're such a tough act to follow. HD via analogue in takes things to a whole different level.
It's true that it gets much harder to integrate HDMI-only output devices and obviously impossible to make use of Dolby Atmos. However, not everyone wants or needs speakers in the ceiling. Using the TV as a way to bridge between HDMI and Optical can still produce sound that knocks spots off today's budget 4K UHD AVRs.
Edited by Lucid_AV on Wednesday 19th May 10:20

Totally. The main AVR brands now just chuck crap out to fit a budget. When you see/feel/hear a VSA-AX10 alongside todays offerings, you know manufacturers are having our pants down!
The obsession with Atmos/surround sound shows how well the industry marketers are doing. I always question potential customers on the reasoning for multi-channel ... many can't answer why the need it and what it does.
I would have thought it goes without saying that the OP will choose an option to suit his budget? Which is presumably not a big one given that he’s apparently not considered buying a newer amp (at any price point) which would solve all of his current challenges. And the price of entry for a reasonable quality modern AVR with all the HD audio codecs is not high, and is in fact cheap compared to equivalent quality legacy equipment.
As no matter what you do, an old jury rigged “SD” system will only ever be as good as the “SD” signal it receives. It’d have to be a hell of a system to clearly outperform a modern AVR of reasonable quality (and maintain lipsync!) decoding and outputting the latest HD soundtracks.
And for what it’s worth I understand that high quality older equipment can easily outperform newer cheaper stuff under many circumstances. But when it comes to home theatre and the latest HD audio codecs, it’s far less clear cut.
As no matter what you do, an old jury rigged “SD” system will only ever be as good as the “SD” signal it receives. It’d have to be a hell of a system to clearly outperform a modern AVR of reasonable quality (and maintain lipsync!) decoding and outputting the latest HD soundtracks.
And for what it’s worth I understand that high quality older equipment can easily outperform newer cheaper stuff under many circumstances. But when it comes to home theatre and the latest HD audio codecs, it’s far less clear cut.
dvs_dave said:
I would have thought it goes without saying that the OP will choose an option to suit his budget? Which is presumably not a big one given that he’s apparently not considered buying a newer amp (at any price point) which would solve all of his current challenges. And the price of entry for a reasonable quality modern AVR with all the HD audio codecs is not high, and is in fact cheap compared to equivalent quality legacy equipment.
As no matter what you do, an old jury rigged “SD” system will only ever be as good as the “SD” signal it receives. It’d have to be a hell of a system to clearly outperform a modern AVR of reasonable quality (and maintain lipsync!) decoding and outputting the latest HD soundtracks.
And for what it’s worth I understand that high quality older equipment can easily outperform newer cheaper stuff under many circumstances. But when it comes to home theatre and the latest HD audio codecs, it’s far less clear cut.
The OP is looking for a solution wrt streaming from 4K Fire TV stick or Roku. Netflix 4K service has been mentioned. As no matter what you do, an old jury rigged “SD” system will only ever be as good as the “SD” signal it receives. It’d have to be a hell of a system to clearly outperform a modern AVR of reasonable quality (and maintain lipsync!) decoding and outputting the latest HD soundtracks.
And for what it’s worth I understand that high quality older equipment can easily outperform newer cheaper stuff under many circumstances. But when it comes to home theatre and the latest HD audio codecs, it’s far less clear cut.
Tell me what CODEC Netflix 4K uses. Is it Dolby True HD with Atmos, or is it Dolby Digital Plus which is basically core DD with ATMOS matrixed in a bit like Dolby Surround as decoded by DPL/DPLII?
I'll wait.
Lucid_AV said:
The OP is looking for a solution wrt streaming from 4K Fire TV stick or Roku. Netflix 4K service has been mentioned.
Tell me what CODEC Netflix 4K uses. Is it Dolby True HD with Atmos, or is it Dolby Digital Plus which is basically core DD with ATMOS matrixed in a bit like Dolby Surround as decoded by DPL/DPLII?
I'll wait.
On balance, and in the absence of any other info, a newer 4K HDMI compatible amp is probably going to be the best overall solution for that.Tell me what CODEC Netflix 4K uses. Is it Dolby True HD with Atmos, or is it Dolby Digital Plus which is basically core DD with ATMOS matrixed in a bit like Dolby Surround as decoded by DPL/DPLII?
I'll wait.
A lash-up of natively incompatible SD and UHD components is of course another solution, but not one that I’d recommend.
With regards audio codecs, I’m not sure I follow? Netflix 4K (and others) provides audio thats at least the maximum fiber can handle; 192kbps Dolby Digital. Depending on Internet bandwidth, it’s HD audio codecs from there on up to a maximum of Atmos 768kbps, all of which require HDMI.
So if the OP is happy with the SD audio experience legacy fiber forces, alongside his UHD viewing experience, then good luck to him. Again, it’s not something I recommend.
I appreciate all the comments and suggestions, thanks very much everyone.
I'll clear up the mystery identity of my AV amp first, and I'm deliberately leaving off the R from AVR there as I never ever use the tuner. I did say it was elderly, it's a Sony STR-DB840 and it's been with me for a long time. It's also been unused for a long time due to changes in domestic circumstances, but more recently it has been dusted down and brought back into play.
A bit of background on the ViewSonic x10-4k, and I confess that I wouldn't choose the same projector if I was buying now. It was originally intended to be used as a portable for both outdoors and indoors use but the plan evolved and it ended up on a fixed ceiling mount in my lounge. I have to say that even upside down on the ceiling, the sound from the built in speakers is surprisingly good.
Anyhoo, once it was decided to ditch any notions of portability and have a fixed installation I started looking at plumbing in surround sound and subsequently discovered the limitations of the optical sound output. For the record, with my existing hardware I'm currently 'enjoying' pro-logic.
I don't have any current need for video switching through an AV. I don't want to use it as a hub.I just want it to give me Dolby Digital 5.1 when I'm using the projector and it doesn't bug me to have to cobble on another box to break out audio from hdmi to optical... Ok, I fibbed. It does bug me. It bugs me a lot,, but not half as much as it bugs me having to cobble on a 4k streaming stick/box gizmo to get my 4k Netflix content on my 4k projector just because of an imposed restriction. That's annoying.
So I'll give this a bit more thought. The only solution for 4k Netflix appears to be a streaming device but I'm now leaning toward a Nvidia Shield Pro
I'll clear up the mystery identity of my AV amp first, and I'm deliberately leaving off the R from AVR there as I never ever use the tuner. I did say it was elderly, it's a Sony STR-DB840 and it's been with me for a long time. It's also been unused for a long time due to changes in domestic circumstances, but more recently it has been dusted down and brought back into play.
A bit of background on the ViewSonic x10-4k, and I confess that I wouldn't choose the same projector if I was buying now. It was originally intended to be used as a portable for both outdoors and indoors use but the plan evolved and it ended up on a fixed ceiling mount in my lounge. I have to say that even upside down on the ceiling, the sound from the built in speakers is surprisingly good.
Anyhoo, once it was decided to ditch any notions of portability and have a fixed installation I started looking at plumbing in surround sound and subsequently discovered the limitations of the optical sound output. For the record, with my existing hardware I'm currently 'enjoying' pro-logic.
I don't have any current need for video switching through an AV. I don't want to use it as a hub.I just want it to give me Dolby Digital 5.1 when I'm using the projector and it doesn't bug me to have to cobble on another box to break out audio from hdmi to optical... Ok, I fibbed. It does bug me. It bugs me a lot,, but not half as much as it bugs me having to cobble on a 4k streaming stick/box gizmo to get my 4k Netflix content on my 4k projector just because of an imposed restriction. That's annoying.
So I'll give this a bit more thought. The only solution for 4k Netflix appears to be a streaming device but I'm now leaning toward a Nvidia Shield Pro
Sounds like you'll be fine with a break out box that will strip the sound via optical to your Sony for 5.1 then. Especially if you aren't interested in filling your room with more speakers anyway, since there isn't any advantage running Atmos through a 5.1 system anyway as the extra channels are 'ignored' and just rendered to the 5.1 you have. You'll be using Dolby Digital of course, rather than Dolby True HD, but unless you have high end speakers and a perfect room set up then you might not be able to tell the difference in a blind test: I still watch a lot of older discs on my setup and DD or DTS can still sound fantastic IMHO.
I'm sure you could go mad and spend a fortune on a replacement AV(R) that has HDMI inputs, but apart from arguably improved options such as room EQ, you may not get a much better sound anyway: I once went back a step from a HDMI AVR (Onkyo) to an older non HDMI Arcam processor (since I was already using a separate power amp) and just using the 'Core' sound from my then BluRay player. I thought it sounded better than the newer AVR and I ran it this way for a number of years before I eventually 'upgraded' to Atmos.
Turns out that I found Atmos a bit underwhelming and wished I hadn't got drawn down the path and peer pressure from a certain AVForum I'm a member of. I didn't do it by halves either; my Atmos speakers are actually my previous LCR speakers, plus one extra bought singly for more than the cost of the AVRs mentioned above. I Still it's like any hobby; you get sucked in and feel that if you spend more it'll be fantastic. I hardly use it now because there is so little I want to watch and much of what I do watch isn't Atmos, or even TrueHD anyway, so it's just 'upmixed' to Atmos (and I often switch over to straight 5.1 anyway as it sounds better to me).
I'm sure you could go mad and spend a fortune on a replacement AV(R) that has HDMI inputs, but apart from arguably improved options such as room EQ, you may not get a much better sound anyway: I once went back a step from a HDMI AVR (Onkyo) to an older non HDMI Arcam processor (since I was already using a separate power amp) and just using the 'Core' sound from my then BluRay player. I thought it sounded better than the newer AVR and I ran it this way for a number of years before I eventually 'upgraded' to Atmos.
Turns out that I found Atmos a bit underwhelming and wished I hadn't got drawn down the path and peer pressure from a certain AVForum I'm a member of. I didn't do it by halves either; my Atmos speakers are actually my previous LCR speakers, plus one extra bought singly for more than the cost of the AVRs mentioned above. I Still it's like any hobby; you get sucked in and feel that if you spend more it'll be fantastic. I hardly use it now because there is so little I want to watch and much of what I do watch isn't Atmos, or even TrueHD anyway, so it's just 'upmixed' to Atmos (and I often switch over to straight 5.1 anyway as it sounds better to me).
Ok, so the amp is nothing special.
So quickest/cheapest option is you forget the junk built-in apps on the projector and get a 4K streaming box of your choice, and an HDMI “Audio Extractor” with optical out and job’s a goodun. Understand that you’ll only ever get SD audio with this setup, and you’ll likely run into lipsync issues which are infuriating.
Best option is to buy a modern AV amp with 4K and HDMI (plenty used if you don’t want to spend on new) and plug the streaming box and projector into that. Then you’ll have an up to date system able to take advantage of the HD audio that comes with 4K content, and it’ll just work as you expect it to.
So quickest/cheapest option is you forget the junk built-in apps on the projector and get a 4K streaming box of your choice, and an HDMI “Audio Extractor” with optical out and job’s a goodun. Understand that you’ll only ever get SD audio with this setup, and you’ll likely run into lipsync issues which are infuriating.
Best option is to buy a modern AV amp with 4K and HDMI (plenty used if you don’t want to spend on new) and plug the streaming box and projector into that. Then you’ll have an up to date system able to take advantage of the HD audio that comes with 4K content, and it’ll just work as you expect it to.
Definitely been giving much more thought on my options as I've been on a bit of a learning curve. I've had some catching up to do as I hadn't been keeping abreast of home cinema tech developments for some time.
Although I have a legendary stubborn streak which makes me reluctant to return my old AV amp to the back of a cupboard, I have been somewhat persuaded towards mulling a more up to date replacement. Choosing isn't easy but I'm currently juggling a couple of main contenders. To narrow things down I'm looking for 8k connectivity to leapfrog my short term requirements and hopefully gain a little future proofing...
So without further ado, my front runners are the Denon AVR-X2700H, and the Denon AVC-X3700H. Lets say the X2700H is at the bottom of my budget range, and the X3700H is at the top. Mmmmmm.
Although I have a legendary stubborn streak which makes me reluctant to return my old AV amp to the back of a cupboard, I have been somewhat persuaded towards mulling a more up to date replacement. Choosing isn't easy but I'm currently juggling a couple of main contenders. To narrow things down I'm looking for 8k connectivity to leapfrog my short term requirements and hopefully gain a little future proofing...
So without further ado, my front runners are the Denon AVR-X2700H, and the Denon AVC-X3700H. Lets say the X2700H is at the bottom of my budget range, and the X3700H is at the top. Mmmmmm.
blondini said:
Definitely been giving much more thought on my options as I've been on a bit of a learning curve. I've had some catching up to do as I hadn't been keeping abreast of home cinema tech developments for some time.
Although I have a legendary stubborn streak which makes me reluctant to return my old AV amp to the back of a cupboard, I have been somewhat persuaded towards mulling a more up to date replacement. Choosing isn't easy but I'm currently juggling a couple of main contenders. To narrow things down I'm looking for 8k connectivity to leapfrog my short term requirements and hopefully gain a little future proofing...
So without further ado, my front runners are the Denon AVR-X2700H, and the Denon AVC-X3700H. Lets say the X2700H is at the bottom of my budget range, and the X3700H is at the top. Mmmmmm.
IMO 8k is being thrust upon us by the manufacturers just like previous incarnations of 'tech' were ... 'curved TV's', '3D', '4K'. One thing I can guarantee is that as video resolutions increase, the strength of the human eye will certainly not Although I have a legendary stubborn streak which makes me reluctant to return my old AV amp to the back of a cupboard, I have been somewhat persuaded towards mulling a more up to date replacement. Choosing isn't easy but I'm currently juggling a couple of main contenders. To narrow things down I'm looking for 8k connectivity to leapfrog my short term requirements and hopefully gain a little future proofing...
So without further ado, my front runners are the Denon AVR-X2700H, and the Denon AVC-X3700H. Lets say the X2700H is at the bottom of my budget range, and the X3700H is at the top. Mmmmmm.

So don't get hung up on 8K as content will be limited thats before you start to consider displays.
With regards to an AVR, all I can say is that there is a global shortage right now, so options may be thin on the ground ...
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