TV Optical to Amp - Volume control?

Hi 

If you connect an Amp via HMDI ARC directly (or via the Sonos Optical adapter) to your TV; you will be able to control the volume of whatever source is connected to the TV. You won’t be able to select the source which will still require your TV remote. 

All newer TV’s are HDMI-ARC equipped, so will pass the volume commands to the Amp. On my Beam this works well. When using Sonos your TV will be the hub for all your devices, be it a BD-player or game console. I’d rather use an HDMI switch for my devices and connect the Amp to an HDMI-ARC on the TV.

Most TV’s have four HDMI connections. You’d lose one to the Amp. What other devices would you want to connect?

I disagree somewhat with the idea that a TV’s optical output will respond to the TV’s Volume control. This will depend on the TV -- some will, some will not. In a few cases there the is a TV option for “fixed” or “variable” output for the optical connection.

Regardless, TV and source “boxes” usually provide an option to use their remote as an IR Volume control for 3rd party (in this case SONOS) devices.

Overall, HDMI-ARC will be the most convenient scheme. When HDMI-ARC or HDMI-eARC works as intended, all of the “boxes” can figure out how to control Volume without any user configuration. Unfortunately, when HDMI-ARC or HDMI-ARC misbehave it can be quite a mess. Be optimistic.

That’s what I was afraid of.

I have need for 3HDMI inputs, not counting  ARC: cable box, Roku, DVD player ( I know, I know). Presently my wife can’t fathom how to control our media system and I want to change that. The TV will be the hub and I want its remote to choose the video source and volume. I will use the Sonos app to control music playback, but it is too complex for just adjusting the TV volume.

Unfortunately, I find the TV published specs incredibly brief and vague.

Thanks

Many cable box remotes can change TV inputs, and issue Volume commands that AMP can use.

I have Line-In/Ethernet.

@eweshere Since most TV's have 4 HDMI connections, you'd be alright. Commands for volume will be passed from the TV to the Amp. You'd either choose the right HDMI-connection for the external players via the TV remote, or you'd start the extrenal player and the TV will pick the right connection through HDMI-CEC.  

Hi @eweshere 

Thanks for your post!

If you use the optical connection from your TV to the Amp, the TV remote will no longer automatically work with Amp to control the volume. You would need to ensure that the TV remote is outputting InfraRed codes, then program Amp to accept them.

Please see these pages for more info:

Control Sonos home theater with your TV remote

Check if you have an IR remote

Use a Samsung F Series Smart Remote with Sonos

Use a Samsung One Remote with Sonos home theater speakers

IR sensor location on Sonos home theater products

I hope this helps.

To be clear, you’re saying that my TV remote might be able to control the Amp volume and I can use the TV’s fixed level optical audio output. Does the Sonos App volume control conflict with the IR remote’s control or is it just whichever sets it last wins? Is this also assuming that I can turn off the TV speakers and still use the volume control on its remote?

Hi @eweshere 

Yes. 

Both will work. If you open the app but use the remote, you will see the volume change in the app in real-time.

Technically, with modern remotes - those that use Bluetooth or radio, and have the option to have IR (InfraRed) mode turned on - this could depend on the manufacturer, but I think it likely that the buttons wouldn’t be disabled, seeing as their IR mode clearly isn’t for the TV’s benefit. With older-style remotes that just use IR, they are incapable of knowing if the TV even exists - they just do what they do.

If your TV remote has a microphone, it will be modern Bluetooth/radio remote.

Note that some modern remotes have no IR ability themselves and tell their TV to transmit the IR codes instead. This can be problematic if the TV is not facing the Amp to some degree, but the light should be able to bounce off walls.

I hope this helps.

You have answered all my questions, Corry. This setup won’t work with my current 10 year old TV and now I know what to look for in a new TV.

Thanks,

Brandt

Hi @eweshere 

If you can’t use the TV for other reasons, fair enough, but if you’ve decided so because of anything I said above, please note that a TV with an older style remote that just does IR will work without issue - if anything, it’s easier than if the remote is newer.

I hope this helps.

Corry - you are correct, it will work with my old TV. I can just replace my receiver with an Amp and do one step at a time.

I appreciate you explaining the issue with new TVs. That helps with my A/V renovation plan.

Thanks