Introduction
You might run into issues like incorrect commentary language, silent surround sound, or a stream with multiple audio tracks you weren’t aware of.
This is where the audio selection feature is located and what each option does.
Most users discover the IPTV audio track selector by accident, typically while trying to resolve a different issue.
It sits in the playback menu next to the subtitle option and controls which audio stream your player uses from a video feed —something that matters more often than you might think.
It sits in the playback menu next to the subtitle option and controls which audio stream your player uses from a video feed —something that matters more often than you might think.
This guide explains what audio tracks are, why streams contain multiple tracks, how to switch between them in various players, and how track selection relates to format problems that cause silent playback.
What an IPTV Audio Track Is
A single video stream often includes more than one audio stream.
Each of these is referred to as a track.
Each of these is referred to as a track.
The reason for this is simple: the same broadcast can be made available with different types of commentary, such as English or another language, and sometimes with audio descriptions for visually impaired viewers.
Instead of creating separate video streams, broadcasters add multiple audio tracks to one video feed — this is a form of multitrack audio used in live television.
Instead of creating separate video streams, broadcasters add multiple audio tracks to one video feed — this is a form of multitrack audio used in live television.
Your player automatically selects one track, usually the first one in the list or the one that matches your language settings.
If it chooses incorrectly, you might hear commentary in a language you don’t understand, or you might not hear any sound at all if the selected track uses a format your equipment can’t decode.
If it chooses incorrectly, you might hear commentary in a language you don’t understand, or you might not hear any sound at all if the selected track uses a format your equipment can’t decode.
Why Streams Include Multiple IPTV Audio Tracks
Understanding this helps you use the setting more effectively rather than just finding it.
The most common reason is language variations.
International sports events, for example, are often provided with several commentary options on one video feed.
International sports events, for example, are often provided with several commentary options on one video feed.
The second reason is format variations.
A broadcaster might include both stereo and surround audio tracks, allowing your device to choose whichever it supports. This is where format-related silence can occur.
A broadcaster might include both stereo and surround audio tracks, allowing your device to choose whichever it supports. This is where format-related silence can occur.
Audio description tracks are also included for visually impaired viewers and are available as a separate option on many UK channels.
Where to Find the IPTV Audio Track Selector
Every player places this setting in the playback controls, not in the main settings, and it is always next to the subtitle option.
Smarter-Style Players
During playback, press the OK button or the center button to display the playback bar.
A row of icons appears — audio track, subtitles, and aspect ratio. Select the audio icon, and a list of available tracks appears with language labels where the broadcaster has provided them.
A row of icons appears — audio track, subtitles, and aspect ratio. Select the audio icon, and a list of available tracks appears with language labels where the broadcaster has provided them.
TiviMate
During playback, press OK and navigate to the settings cog.
Audio and subtitle track selection are found in the same menu, and TiviMate saves your choice per channel — which is handy if only a few channels require a different audio track.
Audio and subtitle track selection are found in the same menu, and TiviMate saves your choice per channel — which is handy if only a few channels require a different audio track.
Desktop and Smart TV Players
Desktop players offer the most options and are easiest for diagnosing problematic streams.
Smart TV apps are simpler — bring up the playback controls and look for the audio icon. Our player guide provides a comparison of what each app offers.
Smart TV apps are simpler — bring up the playback controls and look for the audio icon. Our player guide provides a comparison of what each app offers.
Setting a Default IPTV Audio Track Language
Instead of manually selecting the language every time, most players allow you to set your preferred audio language once.
Look for the audio language preference in your player’s main settings, typically under Player, Playback, or General.
Set it to English — or your preferred language — and the player will automatically choose that track whenever the broadcaster has labeled one accordingly.
Set it to English — or your preferred language — and the player will automatically choose that track whenever the broadcaster has labeled one accordingly.
This is a setting that most people never use, but it eliminates the majority of IPTV audio track issues in just one step.
It takes about thirty seconds.
It takes about thirty seconds.
When IPTV Audio Track Selection Causes Silence
This is where audio tracks and audio problems intersect, and it’s important to be precise.
If a stream plays without sound while other channels are working correctly, the most likely cause is that your player has selected a surround track that your equipment can’t decode.
Switching to a different track — usually a stereo one — restores sound almost immediately.
Switching to a different track — usually a stereo one — restores sound almost immediately.
If switching tracks doesn’t help, the issue is likely your device’s audio output format, not the track itself.
Setting your television or box to use PCM or stereo output forces conversion to a widely supported format.
Setting your television or box to use PCM or stereo output forces conversion to a widely supported format.
Our no sound guide works through the entire diagnostic process.
IPTV Audio Track Types You Will Encounter
Common IPTV audio track types and their meanings are as follows:
Track Label | What It Is | When to Use It
eng / English | English commentary or dialogue | Default for UK viewing
Stereo / 2.0 | Two-channel audio | Safest choice on any equipment
5.1 / AC3 / EAC3 | Surround formats | Only with a compatible soundbar or receiver
AD / Audio Description | Narration for visually impaired viewers | When that narration is wanted
Unlabelled / Track 1, 2 | Broadcaster supplied no labels | Try each until the right one plays
Stereo / 2.0 | Two-channel audio | Safest choice on any equipment
5.1 / AC3 / EAC3 | Surround formats | Only with a compatible soundbar or receiver
AD / Audio Description | Narration for visually impaired viewers | When that narration is wanted
Unlabelled / Track 1, 2 | Broadcaster supplied no labels | Try each until the right one plays
Unlabelled tracks are common and simply mean the broadcaster did not tag them.
Cycling through the tracks takes a few seconds.
Cycling through the tracks takes a few seconds.
IPTV Audio Tracks and Subtitles Together
The audio and subtitle settings are found in the same menu because they both solve similar issues.
Using them together is often the most practical solution.
Using them together is often the most practical solution.
Watching content in a foreign language with an English audio track is straightforward.
When no English audio track is available, IPTV audio track problems switching on subtitles solves the same problem differently. Our subtitles guide covers this aspect, including how to set a default subtitle language.
When no English audio track is available, IPTV audio track problems switching on subtitles solves the same problem differently. Our subtitles guide covers this aspect, including how to set a default subtitle language.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change the IPTV audio track?
During playback, open the playback controls and select the audio icon next to the subtitle option.
A list of available tracks will appear.
Why does a channel have no sound?
Often, the selected track uses a surround format that your equipment cannot decode.
Switch to a stereo track instead.
Can I set a default audio language?
Yes, in most players’ main settings.
It applies automatically wherever tracks are labelled.
Why are the IPTV audio tracks unlabelled?
The broadcaster did not tag them.
Cycle through the tracks until you find the right one.
Does the IPTV audio track affect video quality?
No.
Audio and video are separate streams; changing one does not affect the other.
Do all channels have multiple tracks?
No.
Many only have one.Multiple tracks are most common on international sports and films.
Getting the Audio Right
The IPTV audio track selector is a quick two-second fix for problems that often look serious—wrong language, silent playback, missing commentary.
Set a default language once, and use the track selector when a specific channel misbehaves. Every British IPTV subscription includes multi-language tracks where available, as long as the broadcasters provide them.
Set a default language once, and use the track selector when a specific channel misbehaves. Every British IPTV subscription includes multi-language tracks where available, as long as the broadcasters provide them.
The same controls apply across all providers because track selection is a player feature, IPTV audio track problems not something specific to any IPTV service in the United Kingdom.