Orange tv audio glitch: 5g rollout and dazn's role explained

A wave of frustration rippled through Orange TV subscribers this week after users reported missing audio during LaLiga matches. The issue, initially flagged on X (formerly Twitter), has sparked a flurry of questions about the platform’s reliability. But the explanation, as Orange has clarified, is surprisingly nuanced – and hinges on the intricacies of their 5G deployment and content licensing agreements.

The root of the problem: it's not orange's fault

The initial concern stemmed from a simple observation: during a recent LaLiga broadcast, some users couldn’t switch audio feeds, a feature typically available on Orange TV. The immediate assumption was a platform error. However, Orange swiftly refuted this, stating that the audio stream is provided directly by the broadcasting channel itself. This revelation sheds light on a broader issue impacting streaming services – the responsibility for audio functionality doesn’t always rest with the platform provider.

The company’s response on X, via @JavierBos399668, was direct: “The audio of the radio broadcasts is provided by the channel itself (hence why there’s no such option in content broadcast by DAZN, for example).” The implication is clear: if a channel doesn’t offer audio customization, Orange can’t magically conjure it. DAZN, a prominent sports broadcaster, serves as a prime example of this limitation.

Adding another layer to the puzzle is Orange’s ongoing 5G rollout in Cantabria. While lauded as “the most advanced” by the company, its deployment appears to be indirectly linked to the audio issue. The connection isn't necessarily a direct fault, but rather a consequence of the data stream architecture required to support the high bandwidth demands of 5G.

Expanding content, but with limitations

Expanding content, but with limitations

Despite this hiccup, Orange continues to invest in its TV offering. The recent addition of 17 local and provincial channels—delivering a surge of local news, cultural programming, and sports—demonstrates a commitment to expanding content. However, it's crucial to note that these new additions are exclusive to Orange TV subscribers, not accessible through the Orange TV Libre OTT service. The reasoning, according to Orange, is that the OTT platform’s architecture doesn't support regional or autonomous channels.

The company's strategic focus remains on bolstering its sports content, cinema, series, and the inclusion of SkyShowtime, solidifying its position as a compelling competitor in the Entertainment market.

For those facing this audio dilemma, Orange recommends testing different channels for the same event.