Audio Passthrough Explained
What audio passthrough means, how it differs from a device decoding audio itself, and when it matters for your setup.
Audio passthrough means a streaming device sends an audio format unchanged to a connected receiver or soundbar, letting that external device decode it, rather than the streaming device decoding the audio itself first. This matters because passthrough preserves the original audio format exactly, while device-side decoding can sometimes downgrade a format the device doesn't fully support.
Key Takeaways
- Passthrough sends audio unchanged to an external receiver or soundbar for decoding.
- The alternative is the streaming device decoding audio itself before sending it onward.
- Passthrough preserves the original audio format exactly, which matters for advanced surround formats.
- A device without passthrough support may downgrade certain formats it can't fully decode itself.
- This setting is usually configurable in a streaming device's audio output settings.
Most viewers never touch their device's audio output settings, but passthrough is worth understanding if you use an external sound system and want the best possible audio fidelity.
What Is Audio Passthrough?
Audio passthrough means a streaming device forwards an audio signal in its original, undecoded format directly to a connected receiver or soundbar — typically over HDMI — letting that external equipment handle the actual decoding, rather than doing it itself.
Passthrough vs Device-Side Decoding
The alternative to passthrough is the streaming device decoding the audio itself and sending an already-processed signal onward. This works fine for common formats, but if the device doesn't fully support a more advanced surround format, it may downgrade it in the process — something passthrough avoids entirely by not touching the original signal.
When Passthrough Matters
Passthrough matters most if you have a capable AV receiver or soundbar and want to guarantee it receives the exact original audio format rather than a version already processed by the streaming device. For basic stereo or standard surround setups, the practical difference is often minimal.
How to Check Your Passthrough Setting
Most streaming devices include an audio output setting menu where passthrough (sometimes labeled "bitstream") can be selected instead of a fixed decoded format. If your receiver isn't receiving the surround format you expect, this setting is one of the first things worth checking.
Frequently Asked Questions
No — passthrough matters most for preserving advanced surround formats. Basic stereo works the same either way, so passthrough isn't a meaningful concern for a simple sound setup.
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