Surround settings

[Xamurai]

Where can i find surround settings. I don't find it in Steam OS or desktop.

When docked i don't have sound from tv or monitor. I red turning surround sound on fixed the issue. But i can't find these settings.

[MAX]

Same issue, I have tried to change to Audio Pro setting in the desktop mode but nothing happens.

[MAX]

Got in touch with tech assistance. You have to switch to desktop mode when HDMI output is set and then find a menu in the audio setting where you can select HDMI/DP output to HDMI 7.1 or 5.1. Finally go back to game mode and it works.

[Xamurai]

I wanted to get tech assistance aswell but then i noticed this message.
Its works :)

Hard to find though, after selecting it i needed to change to external device and it actually works. Finally!

[Rodrigo F.]

Not work for me

[passat]

Doesn't work for me either. When I switch to 5.1 as described and check the channels I hear the front right and left one only and my receiver reports still being in 2.0 mode. When I connect a TV-Stick everything works as expected, so the problem is not in my 5.1-setup.

[HappySpaceInvader]

Same for me… it used to work at one time. Now in desktop mode, only the left/right channels work.

I think a recent update broke this functionality, possibly only for certain audio receivers. Mine is a Sony 7.1 receiver… it still works fine with my Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5 and Apple TV.

I haven’t played the Steam Deck docked in the last 8 months, so can’t say for sure which update caused this issue.

[HappySpaceInvader]

Ok, I have a series of steps that should guarantee it works again...

1. Disconnect the Steam Deck from the Dock
2. Power the Steam Deck off
3. Power the Steam Deck back on
4. Switch to Desktop mode
5. Connect the Steam Deck to the Dock
6. Launch the audio settings menu (still in Desktop mode)
7. Select your preferred surround mode in the audio settings (e.g. 5.1 or 7.1)
8. Run the channel test to confirm all channels are outputting sound
9. (while still connected to the Dock) restart the Steam Deck into Game mode.

And you should still have surround sound for your games!

You can then put your Steam Deck into sleep mode and wake it as many times as you like (while connected to the Dock) and it will come back still in surround sound mode.

However, disconnecting/reconnecting the Steam Deck from the Dock or rebooting it while connected to the Dock will bring you back to square one.

My guess is this problem relates to the Deck/Dock update that enabled HDMI-CEC, as I had no issues before that update.

I have a ticket open with Steam Support... hoping they will be able to diagnose further.

Ok, apologies in advance, but rant incoming....

WHY do we even have to go into a Linux Desktop to enable surround sound audio? Why is the audio menu in game mode so horribly simplistic (only allowing a switch between internal/external).

Valve advertise the Steam Deck as "a console-like user experience"... they should really take a look at every other video game console on the market... all of which have an audio mean that lets you switch between stereo and surround formats. Going into Desktop mode should only be necessary for really advanced stuff geeks like you and me would do.

And don't be claiming the HDMI spec (or lack thereof) is to blame here... I've never had any surround audio problem with ANY other device... which includes PS3, PS4 Pro, PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch (with Dock), Apple TV, nVidia ShieldTV Pro. If all those manufacturers can get this to work reliably, why can't Valve?

It's not as if I'm using particularly obscure hardware either... LG OLED 55CX5LB TV and Sony STR-DH790 receiver.

/rant over