Change Playback settings in the Apple TV app on Mac

Streaming Options

Choose the streaming option that works best with your computer and internet service provider.

• High Quality (Up to 4K): Streams the highest-quality video, including HDR video when it’s available.

• Data Saver: Streams the best quality available at the lowest file size.

Download Options

Choose the download option that works best with your computer’s storage space and internet connection.

• High Quality (Up to 1080p): Downloads the highest quality video up to 1080p.

• Fast Downloads: Downloads the smallest possible file size. Choose this option if you have a slow internet connection.

• Most Compatible HD (1080p): Downloads the most compatible format for your computer display in high definition.

• Most Compatible SD (480p): Downloads the most compatible format for your computer display in standard definition.

Download Audio Languages

Choose additional audio languages to download. See Set audio languages for downloaded items.

Download Multichannel Audio

Download multichannel audio when it’s available.

Audio Language

Choose Auto for videos to automatically play in their default or original language. Choose a different language to hear dubbed audio in that language when available.

HDMI Passthrough

Choose Prefer HDMI Passthrough to play Dolby audio on external speakers. (To use this feature, you need an audio receiver that supports Dolby Atmos or other Dolby audio formats connected to a Mac with Apple silicon using an HDMI cable.) If you want to use your Mac computer’s built-in speakers, turn this setting off. See About HDMI Passthrough.

Automatic Subtitles

Turn on Show When Muted to automatically turn on subtitles when the volume is muted or turned all the way down.

Turn on Show on Skip Back to temporarily turn on subtitles when you skip back, up to 30 seconds.

Use Viewing History

Use your viewing history to influence your Home recommendations and to make shows you watch on one device available on all your devices.