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jrbak
Contributor I
February 14, 2013

Line In: New No Delay Local Mode

I'm using a Connect to switch between TV audio (line-in) and other traditional Sonos sources. I find the minimum 70ms delay on the line-in input to be maddening. While it occasionally works out that audio/video are reasonably sync'd, more times than not the Connect noticeably degrades A/V sync. Additionally, if other televisions are on in adjacent rooms (common occurrence) the delay in the Connect creates an obvious audio sync problem between devices. After having read the forums, etc. I understand some of the technical reasons for the delay; I’m not proposing we violate the laws of space/time. What I am proposing is a dual-mode line-in function. The primary mode would work exactly as it does now (ability to share Connect line-in with all Sonos components). The secondary mode would be a local only mode (no sharing) and would forgo the analog to digital conversion process and simply provide direct analog amplification for the line input. This would completely eliminate the line in delay problem! This may involve a hardware design modification in addition to a software change, but I consider it a must have. I'm fairly new to Sonos (2 months) and the system generally has exceeded my expectations. However, I consider the line-in delay issue a major shortcoming.
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      chrismilne
      Trending Lyricist I
      July 12, 2015
      The speaker is worthless for playing guitar out from an iPad which is what I'm trying to do. I would love to have my money back to have a cheaper solution.
      When I click on a song I want it to just continue playing out to the rest of the album. Currently you have to add the album or songs to the playlist the pick the song you want to listen to.
      John B
      July 14, 2015
      The speaker is worthless for playing guitar out from an iPad which is what I'm trying to do. I would love to have my money back to have a cheaper solution.
      Thank you for clarification.  You mean the queue, not a playlist.  This thread may be of interest:

      https://ask.sonos.com/sonos/topics/simply-want-it-to-play-next-track
      chrismilne
      Trending Lyricist I
      July 14, 2015
      The speaker is worthless for playing guitar out from an iPad which is what I'm trying to do. I would love to have my money back to have a cheaper solution.
      Indeed I did. Thanks for the info.
      Jason789
      Lyricist I
      December 6, 2015
      I found a solution to this: simply set the Line-in to "uncompressed" in the line-in settings. It's the compression that is causing the delay.
        AVDweeb
        Lyricist I
        December 24, 2015
        I can tell you that I've tried with the compression settings on the Sonos units, and the direct vs. filtered sound on the home theater system (connected with Sonos Connect), and I can not get the Sonos components (Play 3/5) to play without an audible delay. This is really terrible. Looks like this feature has been requested for going on ten years!
          buzz
          buzz
          Grand Maestro
          December 25, 2015
          SONOS was conceived as a robust whole house stereo system and it works very well for that purpose. So well, that the SONOS company now dominates this application. That 70ms delay is one of the reasons why SONOS works so well because it allows the players some time to work through the inevitable little day to day network issues. Eliminating the delay would result in a less robust system.

          If "no delay" is a requirement for your application, then SONOS is not the system for you. For example, SONOS would be a poor choice for use as a guitar amplifier or PA system. Except when used in conjunction with PLAYBAR, one should not attempt to use SONOS components in a surround sound application.

          True, "anyone" can build an inexpensive Bluetooth speaker, but this is not a practical whole house approach. Bluetooth is optimal for short range, very low power communication -- perfect for handset to ear microphones and such or single room, portable wireless speakers, but not for covering a whole house.
            Beech2
            Lyricist I
            May 22, 2016
            If "no delay" is a requirement for your application, then SONOS is not the system for you. For example, SONOS would be a poor choice for use as a guitar amplifier or PA system. Except when used in conjunction with PLAYBAR, one should not attempt to use SONOS components in a surround sound application.

            This statement would be fine if there was anything in the SONOS specs to warn you of the delay, but as there is no information suggesting such a delay exists there is no way of making this choice before you buy it. I love the Play 5 anyway, but I had hoped that I would be able to use it to double as a PA system. The delay makes this impossible.
            Stuart_W
            Stuart_W
            World-Class Superstar
            May 22, 2016
            If "no delay" is a requirement for your application, then SONOS is not the system for you. For example, SONOS would be a poor choice for use as a guitar amplifier or PA system. Except when used in conjunction with PLAYBAR, one should not attempt to use SONOS components in a surround sound application.

            This statement would be fine if there was anything in the SONOS specs to warn you of the delay, but as there is no information suggesting such a delay exists there is no way of making this choice before you buy it. I love the Play 5 anyway, but I had hoped that I would be able to use it to double as a PA system. The delay makes this impossible.

            Oh come on! If you're going to make that statement I'll point out there is NOTHING in the Sonos advertising or marketing output that suggests Sonos is a great PA system, karaoke system, DJ deck or guitar AMP.

            Besides, Sonos offer a very generous money back no questions asked if you buy from them.
            Arc + Sub (Gen 1) + 2 x Play 1/ Stereo Play 3s/ Era 100 Stereo in Kitchen, One Stereo in Bedroom, Play 1 stereo pair in Study, Play 1in Bathroom, Sonos Move 2
            grassynoel
            Contributor I
            May 26, 2016
            .... there is no way of making this choice before you buy it. I love the Play 5 anyway, but I had hoped that I would be able to use it to double as a PA system. The delay makes this impossible.

            Um, they give you a 45 day trial period:

            "Products purchased directly from Sonos or from an authorized Sonos dealer may be returned under the following circumstances:

            Within 1 year of the date of original shipment for a defect ; or
            Within 45 days of the date of original shipment for any reason "

            http://www.sonos.com/support/policies
            Canberradj
            Lyricist III
            June 9, 2016
            Just discovering how much of a nuisance this line-in delay is. Tried plugging a DJ mixer into my Connect, and the delay between headphones (connected to the mixer) and speakers is literally impossible to work with. Bit of a bummer, but at least I can still bypass my Connect and plug the mixer directly into my amplifier. If I want audio to other rooms, I suppose I could always plug line out from my amplifier into the Connect...
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