Control all grouped Sonos using TV remote control (via Playbar)

A surround set on Sonos is formed using two surround speakers. A Five, even when set to stereo, counts as one speaker, so has to be set up to a room by itself. So if you want volume control on all speakers in the same physical room via your TV remote you need another Five or change the Five for two One SL’s. I’m not sure the Arc would respond to the remote when you are not using the tv though (as it needs to be commanded by HDMI-CEC).

Thanks @106rallye. I understand how the app currently limits the types of speakers you can use in a "bonded group" now.

I still think this is an unreasonable limitation! I'm going to return my Sonos kit if i can't figure out a workaround - For  $1500 I expect basic functionality like "turn all my speakers in the same room up and down with a remote", regardless of how Sonos has chosen to implement their configuration hierarchy.

I think you’re going to become Sonos kitless, @kiteless  I’m sure someone would have posted it if they’d come up with a practical workaround. 

There is a remote for the system - it’s your phone. And the remote with HDMI-CEC and (e)ARC is even more a part of your TV than it used to be in PlayBar times. With HDMI-CEEC the remote will only command the system (via Bluetooth and HDMI) when the TV is on instead of commanding the Arc directly via ir (as it would have been on a PlayBar). This limitation seems to be technical in nature (even more so now than in the past) and so to me is not unreasonable.

I can understand people wanting this feature, though I do not understand why when the TV is off a phone would not do as a remote.

This is absolutely ridiculous, either allow TV to control group volume or allow full stereo on surrounds as an option. Also for you Soni’s kings, stop being so patronising, people WANT rear speakers to be used when watching TV normally, also they want group control to be used IF THEY WANT IT when using a remote control. To sit there TELLING them they are wrong and they need to use it differently is ridiculous and unfair. Is it really really an issue to give an army of users a tick box option???? 
 

think I’ll sell my beam and 1’s simply because of this. Sounds quite extreme doesn’t it? No more extreme than this ignorance 

I realise the things you mention are nice to have, for some. I also understand that some things are hard to program, given Sonos’ choices earlier: surrounds are commanded very differently form stand alone speakers, Trueplay is different for each set up. Commanding speakers with a remote connected to a TV that is turned off, will be difficult.

Just because you want something, Sonos is not obliged to give it to you. I want an end to the 65k limit and SMBv3 for my Sonos. In the end it’s Sonos who decides where to put their development time, so if you do not like that, looking for another supplier is the perfect option.

Indeed it is. I’ll also says there is no way this option isn’t already built and probably in test app environments. It’s probably even had UAT and sat stagnant already built. It’s baffling that it isn’t an option. 

Controlling group via Hdmi CEC or IR is also a crucial add on for me. Arguments about the need of it is wate if time  as many posts from customers request it. I'm returning my $1800 speakers to best buy just because of it. Going with the bose

I’d be pleasantly surprised if Bose could do the things asked for above:

• control group volume with the TV remote;
• control volume for Sonos when the TV is turned off;
• allowing full stereo on surrounds.

Can you please provide a link to a Bose system that can do this?

Will test the tv remote part and et you know here

Controlling the volume for sonus when tv is turned off is less important for me as if I air play or Spotify play I use my phone not the TV remote. 

Allowing full stereo on surround I know it can.