Arc - Vizio and Atmos

And no, I never use the TV’s internal apps. Just DirecTV and the AppleTV 4K device.

I can check Amazon and Apple TV+ in a few minutes. 

Same here (but I only use Apple TV 4K). I logged into the TV’s internal apps just to check and see if I could get Atmos, and if so, what it sounded like.  

Sonos Arc + Vizio E70-F3 + Apple TV 4K = 

• Plex (5.1 sources): Dolby Digital Plus
• Netflix: Dolby Digital Plus
• Disney+: Dolby Digital Plus
• Apple TV+: Dolby Digital Plus
• Hulu: Stereo 2.0 (which apparently is all Hulu is capable of on Apple TV, shockingly)
• iTunes Movie purchases: Dolby Digital Plus

This is what the Sonos App reports for all of these sources via “About My System”

Apple TV settings >Video and Audio> 

Video:

Format 4K Dolby Vision
Match Content Off

Audio:

Audio Output Living Room 4 K (HDMI)
Audio Format Auto

Reduce Loud Sounds Off

Navigation Clicks Off

Sound Effects and Music Off

Audio Mode Auto

Audio Language Default

Subtitle Language Auto

Vizio:

Audio

Speakers Off

Volume Control Display Off

Surround Sound Off

Volume Leveling Off

Balance 0

Lip Sync 0

Digital Audio Out Auto

Analog Audio Fixed

TV’s software version 5.0.7.3 (in System Information) no updates available.

So, what’s different? Can’t be the cable, otherwise I’d not be able to send Dolby Vision, and I do see that icon at the top of the TV being received. Is it just my one year younger TV isn’t capable?

@Airgetlam  - I am in the same boat. I’ve actually boxed up my Arc and I am wondering if I will return it.

Once it’s firing on all cylinders I am sure it will be awesome but as it stands, with my beam, sub and surrounds, I just feel the Arc underwhelms. The Bass is off (known issues) and no Atmos mean it’s advantages over the beam in my room are less clear. I may wait until the Bass issue is resolved, set it up and see make a final decision to see if its pushing enough extra sound to justify my outlay. I don’t always use the Sub as we live in a Semi and have a kid at home and without it the beam is currently providing a fuller sounds.

Also, Vizio may update their firmware to allow DD Plus w/Atmos to push through their TV and voila, I am satisfied. 

Finally...I saw HD Fury may bring out a box which will provide eARC functionality which could saw me. But… added complexity flies in the face of the Sonos simplicity. 

What a shame. Its boxed in the corner or my room looking sad. And I am normally so excited with new tech that it’s time in the box is limited to how quickly I can get it open. If something arrives broken I am normally really disappointed… with the Arc… meh. 

I am also disappointed that my 6 month old TV does not give me any Atmos, in any shape or form, no apps, no passthrough. etc. Come on Vizio! 

Since I don’t fancy a divorce right now, a new TV is out the question!

That could be it. Sonos Arc is almost completely reliant on the TV’s capabilities to pass through audio formats. Feels like we’re definitely all beta testing here, unfortunately. 

I’m sorry to hear that @britishwonderings. I’ve got to admit that, even with all its limitations, the Arc is starting to grow on me. I’m super curious to hear how the Sub 3 will enhance things and am hopeful that I’ll be even happier with the sound once it arrives. I’m starting to think of Atmos as an also-ran - it would be nice to have, but from what I’ve heard with this setup I'm not as upset to be without it as I thought I would be. I guess I was expecting (hoping for) a jump as noticeable as from Dolby Pro Logic to DTS/Dolby Digital, but that’s just not the case. 

Despite the increase in complexity, I could absolutely see myself getting HD Fury’s eARC solution down the line if it works and is reasonably priced. At the very least it would cancel out the available sound format question (except for DTS which is also turning out to be a non-issue for me). 

But good luck to you, and please let us know what you end up doing! 

Got my Arc today. Setup with my Sub (Gen 2) and pair of Play:1’s as surrounds was a breeze. 

Sounds good, but so did my Beam 5.1 setup honestly. Think this may be a bit fuller but hard to tell without A/B side-by-side comparisons. Music does sound a bit better but I didn't have a ton of complaints w/ the Beam 5.1 before either. 

I am getting DD+ out of the all the built-in apps. However, I am NOT getting any Atmos from either Netflix or Prime Video with the built-in apps. I’ve set Speaker to off (vs. Auto) and Digital Audio Out to Auto but no dice. I’m on a P75-F1 (2018 model).

I don’t understand how some seem to be getting Atmos from the built-in apps and others aren’t for similar year models. And the P-Series is the higher-end of Vizio’s lineup, granted 2018 model but per Netflix all 2018 Vizio’s should be supported for Atmos w/ the built in Netflix app.

I will try moving my Apple TV 4K (which is in another room) to see if that works but I’m not hopeful… Pretty dissapointing.

Tried with Apple TV 4K and I’ll I’m getting is DD (not even DD+) and definitely no Atmos. 

At least built in apps are giving me DD+.
 

However, I rented Blade Runner 2049 from the built in Vudu app and that does give me Atmos. Seems to be the only app that does. TV confirms Atmos when I click info and so does the Sonos app system info (Atmos DD+). Will watch it tonight to see how pronounced the effects are. 
 

Clearly the TV and Arc are able to get it done but the apps need to be updated to support it. I’m not sure if that’s something that need to be updated by Vizio or by Netflix/ Prime Video...