Outdoor TV Wiring Setup - Sonos Integration

Thanks, 

I think what I’ll try is something like this:

https://atlona.com/pdf/manuals/AT-HDR-EX-100CEA-KIT_G.pdf
 

This will skip the built in HDBaseT which seems useless on Samsung’s part by not having a transmitter at least recommended.

I believe that the optical port splits out the return ARC sound from Ethernet cable from the TV. Then with the optical to HDMI you mentioned maybe it will work. Hopefully I don’t need to buy a receiver but optical will support that too. 

@jonasmith 

I think a transmitter/receiver pair like that may well work more reliably than trying to match one with Samsung, if they don’t recommend one. There’s a cost difference, of course.

Yes - you’d use the Sonos adaptor to connect a Sonos Amp to the HDBase-T transmitter’s optical port.

In this case (and any other involving Sonos and HDMI), the Sonos Amp is the A/V receiver (well, it doesn’t do video, but you wouldn’t need another device. I think the term “A/V Receiver” predates ARC).

Thank you.  Yeah, I get that Sonos can act as the receiver but unfortunately some of the good things receivers provide (multiple source inputs + ARC) make this kind of setup difficult.  And more expensive than I planned :).

@jonasmith 

Yes - if you need more than one TV input, you’d either need a HDBase-T transmitter with multiple HDMI inputs, or an HDMI switcher (presumably an IR blaster connected to the HDBase-T transmitter would send any IR codes to a HDMI switcher, so you could control the input from outside).

I don’t think a A/V Receiver would work in conjunction with the Sonos Amp over HDMI - they have no reason to provide ARC or optical output. And if you used analogue line-out to line-in on the Amp, you’d incur delays on the audio and lose the option of having surround sound (which would need a second Amp).

Yeah I think with a receiver perhaps it would be more like this:

Video+Audio Source(s) → Receiver HDMI In Ports → Balun → TV → Balun → Receiver (ARC port) → Sonos Connect

Only benefit I see is not needed the optical return path since receiver can do ARC via the HDMI. But that means buying 2 more products (Receiver + Sonos Connect)

The discontinued Sonos Connect is not designed for home cinema use, and neither is it’s replacement, the Sonos Port. The use of either will induce a delay as they digitise the analogue signal and pre-buffer it for sharing on the network. This is why the Amp has an HDMI socket. Seriously, if you’re going to use Sonos devices, forget all about A/V Receivers - they just don’t work in tandem (unless a Port or Connect is providing a music stream to a receiver).

An A/V Receiver won’t use ARC - it get’s the audio before the TV does - but you’re correct in that the return path isn’t needed.

An HDMI switch with optical audio stripping could do the same task for the Amp for much less money - and combine the function of switching inputs. It shouldn’t be needed, however, as the HDBase-T system already provides the audio feed for you. However, the TV will actively convert a non- Dolby Digital stream (like DTS) into one, which I presume no HDMI switch would do. With an A/V Receiver, you’re paying extra for amplifying circuits, audio processors, DACs and codec licenses that you’re just not going to be using, all to get an analogue signal that needs converting back to digital again.

I can’t really comment on Baluns as I had never heard of them until you mentioned them earlier. I assume that if they’re needed, the HDBase-T system would include them internally.

I really think all you’ll need is the HDBase-T system, an optical converter from us, and a good HDMI switcher. And either one or two (for surround) Sonos Amps, if you don’t have one/them already.

Ah yes, I meant Sonos Port.  But the delay would definitely be an issue.  Thanks for the help/clarity.

You are very welcome!

Have you tried the Samsung forums - surely someone there has used the inbuilt HDBase-T link on your TV and can advise? It would surely save you a fair bit of cash.

Not yet, but that is a great idea.