Home theater

Discuss Ray, Beam, Arc. Playbar, Playbase, and the entire Sonos home theater experience. Should you get a Sub Mini or a Sub? Maybe two Subs? Which Sonos work with your TV? Talk about your Sonos Home Theater experience here.

  • 6,222 Topics
  • 51,771 Replies
Ryan S
Ryan S
started this topic

Home Theater and Television Recommendation Megathread

Looking for information on Sonos home theater setups? Find answers about surround sound, Dolby Digital, TV recommendations, and all the rest...
  • 16
  • 254

6222 Topics

Ryan S
Ryan SRetired Sonos Staff
published in Home theater

Understanding Surround Sound and SonosTips & Tricks

This article will help clarify what surround sound is, and answer some common questions about using Sonos surround sound setups. So if you’re wondering: Why don’t I hear anything from the rear speakers? How do I make surrounds louder? My surrounds aren’t working? Or something of that nature, this thread might be for you.   What is surround sound anyway? Surround sound is TV and movie content that surrounds you with the audio based on how it’s intended to be heard. When talking about 5.1 audio, surround sound is dedicated mixing for six channels. You’ve got the front left and right channels, along with the front center, and the rear surround channels as well. When it’s working correctly, you should hear the audio mixed for each specific channel play out of that side.   Surround sound does not mean the front and rear speakers are mirroring the same audio. We’ve heard some requests to make a mode or setting to allow this in the future, but don’t have any announcements around doing so.   W

1370117
E
2 years ago
L
LMettsContributor I
posted in Home theater

Sonos Playbar cutting in & out intermittently when playing music if the audio optical cable is connected to Sony XBR-75X950H TV and the TV is turned off

Sonos Playbar cutting in & out intermittently when playing music if the audio optical cable is connected to Sony XBR-75X950H TV and the TV is turned off. If I unplug the optical cable from the Sony TV (TV power is off) the playbar does not cut out and plays continuously with no problem.The playbar does not cutout when the TV is on and audio optical cable is connected with the TV sound coming through the playbar (surround sound).

14
buzz
15 hours ago
J
JFranciscusContributor I
posted in Home theater

DTS is returning

Dear Sonos,It's time to support al DTS formats. DTS support is returning to TVs, for example with the lg g3 en c3. Watching 4k movies on Blu Ray is just amazing with the Sonos surround set and Dolby Atmos (arc+era300+sub). But many of the best films, like the Christopher Nolan films, use DTS and not dolby. So please, update the system:). 

12
skullc
2 days ago
K
kdth_jhspk69Avid Contributor I
asked in Home theater

New Sonos Arc oil stains

Hi everyone,I've bought a new Sonos Arc and have some stains in the lateral grilles. I've changed it and the new one has the same problem.I've seen other people in the same situation.Could this oil stains affect internally or is only an aesthetic problem?

12
A
3 days ago
D
DenverOpsContributor I
posted in Home theater

feature request: schedule night sound on and off

I see others have requested this several times.  Support says they sent it to the development team for consideration but no real reply on the status or if a consideration has even been discussed. I see you can do this via voice but not with ease for some users.   The problem is I turn on night sound and then forget that it's on for months reducing the quality of sound and my experience.  It would be great if you could schedule during the week Monday through Friday at one time and on the weekends for family movie time at a different time.  Simple feature like this would not only improve the entire family's experience but also improve quality of sleep for some.   Cheers!  

6
U
3 days ago
D
dayofthedaveContributor I
asked in Home theater

Terrible audio quality playing music through TV

I have an LG UK6090PUA TV connected to a Gen 2 Beam, along with a Gen 3 Sub and two One SLs for surrounds. The setup sounds great for movies and TV and also for music played through the Sonos app. Music played through the TV, however, sounds downright awful. Like really, really bad — totally unlistenable, which is a real shame because I have a great music video collection that I would love to have playing in the background when hosting company.I’ve downloaded a bunch of open-license music videos from the internet and extracted the audio for listening only, and I’ve got both the MOV video and MP3 audio versions in my media library. It’s the same exact audio stream for both the videos and the audio files (16-bit 44.1kHz stereo), and having the same audio stream in both formats provides a clear example of just how stark the contrast is.A song played through the Sonos app on my phone sounds great, with all speakers playing at appropriate volume levels and the stereo signal split appropriat

4
D
4 days ago
T
throwawaybeam2Trending Lyricist I
posted in Home theater

Multichannel PCM 5.1 dropping out since 14.10 update

Anyone else experiencing the same issue? Multichannel PCM 5.1 blanks out for a second every 1-2 minutes. I don’t think it’s a bandwidth issue as it works flawlessly with Multichannel PCM 7.1 (thorough test) and Dolby TrueHD Atmos (quick test). And it may have been caused by the Sonos 14.10 update. Setup is PS5→ LG C1→ Beam 2 (via earc). 2 weeks ago before the 14.10 update, I watched a bluray film wherein I had my PS5 transcode the DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio to Multichannel PCM 5.1 (as the C1 does not support DTS) and had no issues. Earlier today, I played a bluray film for the first time in 2 weeks and I encountered consistent audio dropouts every 1-2 minutes. It had the same setup where DTS-HD MA 5.1 → Multichannel PCM 5.1. I tested other bluray discs including the one I watched 2 weeks ago and they all now have the same issue. Curiously, I’ve been gaming heavily on my PS5 the past two 2 weeks and haven’t had any audio issues. Then I realized that I’ve been using Multichannel PCM 7.1 when ga

364
K
5 days ago
M
modpodContributor I
posted in Home theater

Arc SL: LG C2 Keeps switching back to Arc SL when trying to switch to other Sound Outputs like TV speakers

Setup:  LG OLED C2 TV + Arc SL + two One SL surroundsProblem:  Within 2 seconds of changing sound output from the Arc SL to the TV Speakers, automatic return to the Arc SL.Sonos App → TV Autoplay → OFF No other external devices to simplify debugging Unable to disable SIMPLINK (HDMI-CEC) on TV.   Automatically Turns ON within 2 seconds of turning OFFWorkaround:  Pull power cord off the Arc SL and then switch sound output on TV 

8
W
6 days ago
U
UmmagummaContributor I
posted in Home theater

Beam Gen 2 with a Sub Mini

Hi All,I’m new to Sonos and would just like to get a few opinions for the sound settings on my new Beam Gen 2 with a Sub mini.I do not have a iphone so unable to use trueplay. I have it set up in a medium size 3mtr x 6mtr room with 2mtr high ceilings.It sounds amazing and I’m very pleased with my choice just interested in what settings others are using.

4
U
6 days ago
K
KiPeTrending Lyricist I
posted in Home theater

Beam (Gen 2) disorted / metallic sound w/ TV (eARC) and Night Sound Mode

Similar to what is outlined here: I experience in some cases a metallic / distorted / chirping sound on my Beam2. Happens with Panasonic and LG TV, so it’s not a TV issue.The metallic sound is somewhat in the background, but clearly noticeable. It is also somewhat correlated to the original sound, seems to be directly „derived“ from it, like a distorted low volume copy.For me only happens in night sound mode.When i disable night sound, the issue disappears my.Seem to happen more often on TV channels with PCM stereo. But I have not been able to relay reliably reproduce it. It happens quite often though.Switching the channel can make the error appear or go away.Wild engineering guess is some sort of Bitstream MSB/LSB alignment error. Re-init also means re-align and this can fix it. Possibly hardware not SW?Anyone else experiencing this?  

70
E
7 days ago
L
liorehContributor I
posted in Home theater

Dolby Digital Plus instead of Dolby Atmos

Hi here!I have ARC+SUB+2xOneSL system connected via ARC to LG 65UK6100YVA.I also have nVidia Shield and Netflix with the ULTRA HD subscription.However, I only get Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 and not Dolby Atmos.The settings on the TV are as follows:Sound Out: Audio Out (Optical/HDMI ARC)Digital Sound Out: Auto (Options: PCM or Auto)SIMPLINK (HDMI-CEC): OnDTV Audio Setting: Auto (Options: MPEG, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, HE-AAC, Auto)Could anyone please help? Thanks!

2
G
7 days ago
O
OnclebatContributor I
posted in Home theater

Trueplay issue

Hi everyone,Here is my setup Playbar - Sub - 2x Play:1Here is my issue :I run Trueplay calibration every goes well and calibration complete.  I can enjoy the sound of my TV calibrated as long as home theater does not automatically switch off.  Once I switch back on the TV, sound is extremely low (I have to put it to 50% to ear any sound) and stutters very badly (nothing can be understand from a dialog for example). If I reboot my Playbar during movie is playing, sound will come back but if I press “pause” or switch off and back on the TV, same issue appears.    The only fix is to erase Trueplay calibration and reboot the system.   I search everywhere online and nobody seems to have a similar issue. It’s a shame as Trueplay really improved the surrounding on my system!Does anyone have an idea please? Thanks 

2
O
8 days ago
N
Nut3cContributor I
asked in Home theater

Home Theater Solution

Hi friends,   I have an existing 9.1 room wired with inceiling speakers and a traditional AVR.  I want to use a ARC for my front stage, then use 2 amps to push surround speakers.  Is this possible? So Channels 1-3 will be on the ARC and channels 4-9 will be on AMPs.  Can this be done software wise with the Sonos logic?

1
melvimbe
11 days ago
J
JGGPossumContributor I
posted in Home theater

Failure To Complete ARC connection to LG 65C2 TV via HDMI

I have a Sonos ARC Soundbar connected to an LG OLED65C2PSC TV and after several months of trying I am still unable to successfully establish a connection that allows the LG Magic Remote to control volume and mute.I can get sound through the Sonos when connected to the TV’s HDMI2 (ARC) port but no remote control functionality.If I use the Optical->HDMI converter supplied by Sonos and connect the Soundbar that way I can get full remote functionality, and the Sonos App completes the connection process without any errors. Perfect but I want full HDMI so I can get the Atmos channels.I have tried every TV setting on this blessed earth but the Sonos App always fails during the process of trying to link to the TV when connected to HDMI2(ARC).For completeness yes I have set…TV eARC to On TV Audio Stream to passthroughDuring these failed attempts to connect I have observed the following…If the TV audio out is already set to HDMI2 it will sometimes switch to TV speaker when the Sonos App tries

2
J
11 days ago
K
kdth_jhspk69Avid Contributor I
posted in Home theater

Arc model update

Hi everyone, In a local shop I've found a new Sonos Arc with a 30% discount, but I bought the Beam Gen 2 in January... Do you think is possible that Sonos releases an Arc Gen 2 in this year? Or any equivalent?

3
K
12 days ago
B
BlackwatchContributor I
posted in Home theater

Android and Trueplay

I have read the thread on no Android integration for Trueplay, but I would hope spending 1500 on a system there would be a better solution than "borrow an iOS device from a friend"!  Especially after3+ years!!!  First thought, if it is a microphone issue, then standardize your system with 1 mic to calibrate your system with.  Yamaha, Marantz, Denon, Pioneer etc ALL provide a setup mic with their systems.  Microphones among iOS devices also differ, they are different from year to year and model to model.  So that verbage doesn't add up or holdmuch water.   Second, before the android bashing begins, I bet the cost of my system if the table was turned and it only worked on android and not iOS devices, there would be a loud outcry of Apple users, especially if told to go "borrow" an android from a friend.  Not that this will change anything but I got to express my opinion.  I'm the proud owner of a top-of-the-line Sonos system that is"Meh" at best.

144
Stanley_4
13 days ago
C
C4rtoONContributor I
posted in Home theater

Sonos Beam Gen 2 + Two Era 100 - Dolby Atmos feature

Hello everyone,I own a beam gen 2 + 1 Era 300 and i was a bit confused when i realized i could not use a single Era 300 to pair it with my beam gen 2 as a surround but needed two of them.Anyways, now i am wondering if i should better go for another era 300 to create a home cinema with my beam gen 2. As i do everything with it. Home cinema, music, video games.OrTo sell my era 300 and get a pair of Era 100 instead ?so beam gen 2 + a pair of Era 100.knowing that my living room is quite small ( 291 square feet ).Is it not too much to have a beam gen 2 and two era 300 for this kind of room size ?Last question: Do i still get the dolby atmos feature if i am pairing two era 100 with a beam gen 2 when watching movies, as the era 100 are not dolby atmos ? And when playing apple music spatial audio? Thank you very much ! 🙏 Max 

3
C
13 days ago
D
Digitize4uContributor I
asked in Home theater

TV Source Skipping on Additional Speakers

I have a TV with a Sonos beam attached.I also have a Sonos Move, a Sonos Rome and 4 Sonos Amps outputting to speakers throughout my house and pool area.  If I play music through the beam and group other speakers, everything works GREAT.   No issues whatsoever.  If I put the source on my SmartTV to Youtube and play videos and only play the beam, no issues whatsoever.  However, when i group the other speakers (Move, Roam and Amps), I get audio skipping.  I have seen this topic many times but I haven’t found a solution.   My connection is great.  I have fast and strong internet.  I have also tried new cables, switching TV’s, connecting the TV and Beam via ethernet and have placed calls to support with no luck.Unless I get a good solution, my next step will be to put another amp and connect my TV and a non-sonos soundbar to the Amp and see if that works.This is really frustrating.  I have a significant investment in Sonos products and I don’t think what I am trying to do is unreasonable.

1
Jamie A
13 days ago
S
Stubbsy747Contributor I
posted in Home theater

How to fix Apple 4K TV remote not controlling Sonos soundbar

This issue has been driving me INSANE for weeks and finally I found the answer on YouTube: Simply hold the input and volume down button on your Apple TV 4K remote for about 5 seconds and 🪄🧙‍♂️ …issue fixed!!!! Your Apple Remote will now control your Sonos sound bar volume again. 

11
D
13 days ago
A
ARBYContributor I
posted in Home theater

surround Systems

What is the best value speakers to pair with the Sonos Beam?

4
106rallye
15 days ago
B
BoilerSimContributor I
asked in Home theater

Sony Bravia (XBR-75X950H) and Sonos Arc

After about a year of having issues with my Arc and  my TV, I was finally able to get them to play nicely together today by following some advice on here. I unplugged power from both, and all HDMI inputs from my TV. Plugged the power back in on both, hooked up only the Arc via HDMI to the eARC port and all was great again. However, as soon as I plug my Apple TV back in via HDMI, the TV and Arc no longer communicate. Sound is output, but volume control no longer works. The Apple TV and Sony Bravia integration seems to “break” as well as the TV will no longer turn on with the Apple TV. If I connect the Sonos I after the Apple TV, the TV loses the signal from the Apple TV immediately.  Anyone else run into this issue and found a way to fix it?

1
buzz
16 days ago
M
Markie999Contributor I
asked in Home theater

adding a one

 I Have sonos one (x2) and a beam gen 1. can I add another one and will it improve the sound???

1
jgatie
17 days ago
C
ChristopherSmith50Contributor I
posted in Home theater

LG Remote doesnt control volume with Arc

I have a 2020 LG CX TV with an Arc, 2 Ones and a sub that has been working fine for a year.  Earlier today, the sound stopped coming through the Sonos speakers.  I was able to get the sound to work through the speakers but the LG remote no longer controls the volume.  I have tried the manual setup controls from other threads but it doesn’t work.  Also, if I try to set up the TV in the Sonos app, I get an error that the Arc Mode is not connected but it is.

36
Jeffrey_35
17 days ago
R
rooteeContributor I
posted in Home theater

Night Mode & Speech Enhancement Control via Harmony 700 (or any IR remote)

Is there really no way to toggle the Beam (gen 2) Speech Enhancement & Night Mode via an IR remote? A user needs to have their iPhone nearby to toggle these (really) often toggled settings??  I’m finding this a rather substantial PITA, I might ditch this Sonos product altogether, and go with something more tightly coupled with my TV vendor (Sony).

7
buzz
17 days ago
Hellnano
HellnanoContributor I
posted in Home theater

Play 1 Era 300 with Bar

Hi guys, I’m having a big question so I expect that someone can help me to resolve this, recently I acquired one Era 300 and I’ve played some content with my Apple TV, and is really cool, but now im planning to upgrade my setup with one bar to stream from my Xbox with games in Dolby Atmos , (beam or arc) but Im not sure if I need to acquire another 300 or  upgrade later , my really question is if I can buy the bar and try to have a half setup with one 300 and the bar or it’s necessary to acquire the second 300, because atm I just have the cash to acquire one of them, thanks ppl

5
Stanley_4
18 days ago

View real-time service status

Terms & ConditionsCookie settings