SHIELD TV: Volume control FAQ

How can SHIELD TV control my volume?

SHIELD can control your volume in two different ways

1. [RECOMMENDED] Sending volume control signals to your audio output device (TV/AVR/Soundbar)
   • Control using HDMI-CEC commands
   • Control using IR commands
2. Digitally adjusting the volume of stereo PCM audio on SHIELD

Configure volume control by navigating to 

Settings -> Device properties -> Display & Sounds -> Volume control

Default volume control modes

By default, SHIELD volume control will be set based on SHIELD model

Option 1:  Sending volume control signals to your audio output device

It is highly recommended that volume is controlled at the audio output device. 

Volume will be more levelled between stereo audio (including system sounds) and surround sound audio (Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital +, Atmos, DTS).

HDMI-CEC

This is the easiest volume control mode to set up.  SHIELD will send volume control signals over the HDMI cable to your audio output device.  Most AV Recievers and Soundbars support this feature, however many TVs do not, including Samsung, LG, or Sony TVs.  

IR

If HDMI-CEC control is unavailable, IR control is the next best option.

Controlling your audio output device over IR requires one of the following SHIELD accessories

• SHIELD Controller 2017
• SHIELD Remote 2017
• SHIELD Remote 2019

If you select IR, follow the onscreen instructions to configure your remote with your home theater devices

NOTE:   When configuring your SHIELD to control volume using IR or CEC, "HDMI Fixed Volume" will be enabled

Enabling "HDMI Fixed Volume" will match stereo and system sounds with bitstreamed audio (Dolby, DTS, etc)

Volume control when casting:  When adjusting volume control on your cast device, the volume level on the app will not reflect the actual volume level. This is because SHIELD does not know the audio levels of the audio output devices.  

IR Volume Control Limitation:   Volume control may not work properly from cast devices, SHIELD TV app, or Google Home/Alexa

• This feature will work only when the IR blaster on your SHIELD Controller 2017 or SHIELD Remote 2019 are facing your audio output device.

Option 2:  Digitally adjusting the volume of stereo PCM audio

SHIELD can directly adjust the volume of non-bitstreamed PCM audio (e.g. system sounds, YouTube).  SHIELD cannot adjust the volume of bitstreamed audio (Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital +, Atmos, DTS) and must be controlled by the audio output device only.  Bitstreamed audio is often streamed by premium services, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, etc. 

To enable this feature, navigate to:

Settings -> Device properties -> Display & Sounds -> Volume control

And disable

• CEC
• IR
• HDMI Fixed Volume

If you prefer to always control volume digitally, we recommend you configure SHIELD to only output stereo audio.  This can be done by navigating to:

Settings -> Device properties -> Display & Sounds -> Advanced sound settings -> Available formats -> None: Never use surround sound

This setting will force all apps to stream stereo audio only.