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Badgercop
Enthusiast II
Dec 8, 2018 10:06 AM UTC

Beam: PCM vs Dolby

As we mostly all know by now, some TV’s (especially LG) have lip sync issues with the Beam.

Most people report that switching from Dolby to PCM helps the problem. So before I buy a Beam, can anyone tell me what the real world
difference is in sound quality and UX (when not using the Beam with any other speakers). Is it really noticeable? If I’m really going to be missing out, should I look at other options?
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    melvimbe
    melvimbe
    Dec 11, 2018 3:49 PM UTC
    For my issue, I will look at connecting the tv to the Sky box with optical connection and go from there.


    ????. TVs don't accept optical inputs. Not sure what you meant here. And maybe I don't understand what 'Sky box' is. I'm assuming it's your cable/satellite box?


    Why would I want to spend £££ on a 5.1 soundbar only to use PCM?

    If you had no interest in surround sound for whatever reason. I know plenty of folks who have a soundbar capable of 5.1 who are only interested in better audio than their tv.


    and as for buying a new TV :D:D:D:D You're funny.

    It makes sense depending on the age, quality, and features of your TV. Or perhaps, if you've got a different older TV in the house you want to upgrade. I agree, don't get a new TV just so it will work better with Sonos or some other sound system, get it for other reasons as well, if those other reason matter to you.
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    Danny
    chubba
    Contributor I
    Dec 11, 2018 4:15 PM UTC
    @melvimbe
    I’m not sure what you mean by connecting the DD source (audio only) bypassing the tv. The beam only has one input (HDMI). How can I achieve this without introducing some other hardware?

    PCM setting on TV (I.e. disabling DD) still has a delay. Not as bad but nonetheless a delay. The audio comes out after lips have moved so no amount of adjusting delay on sKY mini box (sat) or the TV audio sync has no effect. It would require a minus adjustment.

    This is a 2 month old tv. I expected too much from Sonos to have a enhanced experience. I just refrain from watching HD channels for now
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    melvimbe
    melvimbe
    Dec 11, 2018 4:37 PM UTC
    @melvimbe
    I’m not sure what you mean by connecting the DD source (audio only) bypassing the tv. The beam only has one input (HDMI). How can I achieve this without introducing some other hardware?


    The Beam comes with an adapter to convert optical to HDMI-ARC (in a way). So you can connect an optical output (your TV or Sky box) to your Beam.


    PCM setting on TV (I.e. disabling DD) still has a delay. Not as bad but nonetheless a delay. The audio comes out after lips have moved so no amount of adjusting delay on sKY mini box (sat) or the TV audio sync has no effect. It would require a minus adjustment.


    Right. That's why I was suggesting connecting the optical audio output from the Skybox directly to the Beam. If the lip sync issue is resolved, then at least you know that the delay is introduced in the TV (which it has been in most cases I've seen).


    This is a 2 month old tv. I expected too much from Sonos to have a enhanced experience. I just refrain from watching HD channels for now

    Why are you assuming that Sonos is causing the delay? If Sonos doesn't receive the audio on time, there is no way they can play it on time. And 2 months old...is that when you bought or when the product was first released. I did a quick look at your TV and couldn't see a release date. But based on the fact that it doesn't appear to be 4K, I'm guessing the model is a few years old.

    Regardless of the age though, there are current TV models that have an issue with delaying audio.
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    Danny
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