Youtube Concerts TV Streaming - HDMI eARC

dokosan

... streaming concerts on YouTube on the TV via HDMI eARC ...  it seems the max resolution is 48khz for both ...The Streamer does show it coming in at 48khz and it sounds pretty good.

All YouTube audio is compressed and actually quite lossy, like an mp3 file. But the files are carried in a 48kHz container, which is what your streamer shows.

If your a premium user its much better sound quality. Settings also have to be set to to hi quality. 

AI gave this: 

The maximum audio quality on YouTube is typically 256 kbps AAC or Opus for Premium users and high-quality music, while standard/free users generally receive 128 kbps. This high-quality setting is available on both the YouTube Music app and the main app for music videos and "Art Tracks". 

Key Details on YouTube Audio Quality:

• Maximum Bitrate: 256 kbps AAC/Opus (Premium/High setting).
• Default Bitrate: 128 kbps AAC/Opus ("Normal" setting).
• Low Quality: 48 kbps AAC/Opus.
• Best Codec: Opus is considered the best codec, providing high quality even at lower bitrates.
• Upload Recommendation: For creators, YouTube recommends up to 384 kbps for stereo or 512 kbps for 5.1 audio in uploads.
• Enabling High Quality: Users must manually select "High" (256kbps) in settings, which is essential for maximizing audio, especially on mobile data.
• Impact of Source: The final audio quality is limited by the quality of the file uploaded; a low-quality upload cannot be improved by YouTube's encoding. 

Hi , I went through a period of “ Concert Watching “ back when flat panel TV’s first became affordable ( post Fujitsu ). I was using an old Oppo and was bootlegging DVD’s that I rented from Blockbuster. I had a blast and enjoyed quite a few concerts, mostly classic rock. I think the above answers your question , but I STRONGLY RECOMMEND the advice given and try the Audioquest cable recommendation. It’s on the lower cost , but is a huge step up from a cheap HDMI. With Amazon’s return policy it’s a no brainer and you might be very surprised at the improvement. Above that there is the rule of diminishing returns, but if you don’t try you’ll never know. Happy Listening, Mike B. 

glennewdick

AI gave this: 

Impact of Source: The final audio quality is limited by the quality of the file uploaded; a low-quality upload cannot be improved by YouTube’s encoding. 

That’s false, actually. Regardless of the quality of the original file, the final audio quality on YouTube will be limited and always be less. That’s because every file uploaded to YT is first compressed using a lossy algorithm. By definition, some of the information contained in the original file - regardless of its actual quality - will be discarded.

Update:  Took the plunge and purchased a used Audioquest Vodka 48 HDMI cable.  Did not A/B vs stock cable as electronics are in cabinet and it's a bit of a pain.

Could be wishful thinking but seems to be a bit more detail coming through.  Also, it is much cooler looking with the blue and black braided jacket.