Hi all
I am writing this post in the hope it may help those struggling with the above issue(s). The first topic which appears on this in Google is the post at https://en.community.sonos.com/home-theater-228993/solving-the-51-dts-issues-with-the-playbar-34523, which is now out of date. For my part I wanted to set out what I did to "resolve" this issue (or more accurately, work around it).
Since the above post, Sonos have written a few useful notes. The most helpful is: https://sonos.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1945/~/maximizing-playbar-sound-from-your-television.
A further note deals with the XBOX work around (https://sonos.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2490/session/L2F2LzEvdGltZS8xNDQxMjA4NzE0L3NpZC9JdER6cXR2bQ%3D%3D) and another provides the details for PS4 (https://sonos.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/3075/related/1).
The Issue
Playbar with 2 Play:1s and a Sub is a 5.1 Surround system. However, because the Playbar connects through a Digitial Out/Toslink/SPDIF, its limited bandwidth prevents it from EVER being compatible with DTS-HD, Dolby True-HD or any other lossless/HD audio. However, it is possible to play Dolby 5.1 providing your TV can output a Dolby Digital signal through the Digital Out.
People realise that they are only listening to Stereo when they go to About My Sonos System and realise that the AUDIO IN listed under PlayBar is STEREO. When its 5.1 it will say Dolby Digital 5.1, or when Dolby Digital 2.0, exactly that.
DTS
DTS will have to be re-coded as Dolby Digital to be played by the PlayBar, else it will be silent (displaying "Audio not supported"). There is no way of playing DTS itself.
Work arounds: My experience
I read the above post and went off to buy a switch (although, this one in the UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00DZIXIMQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00, called Portta 4x1 HDMI Switcher with Toslink and Digital Coaxial Port 3D Splitter with Remote and AC Adapter/ 3D 1080P). When I connected my BD-Player to this by HDMI, with my STB and TV, and connected the switch to the Playbar, it started to play 5.1. Result. However, this is a poor solution as you have to manually switch between inputs, have another remote, cannot use a magic remote or the input management system on the TV etc.
I thought about buying an XBOX (which my research indicted is the better media system when compared to PS4) it (with PS4) decodes DTS to DD 5.1 "on the fly.
I also thought about buying the OPPO BDP-103 for a whopping £400 as suggested by the post.
However, there are literally a handful of BD Players which also re-code DTS to DD (please see SONOS's own post). I purchased the Samsung BD-H6500 for a very reasonable sum and can now play DTS easily on the Playbar (obviously, recoded to DD5.1).
I have set my system up as follows. My LG 55EC930V is connected to the Playbar. This TV outputs Dolby Digital (and I think, even Dolby Digital Plus) via Digital Out. I have then connected my Virgin Media STB to the TV via HDMI (STB set to output Dolby Digital Audio) and the BD Player via HDMI, which is set to output recoded DTS.
My issue was that my wired Home Cinema system (Panasonic SC-BTT270) would not output DD as it only had an Optical In, so I had to buy a new player. I highly recommend the one I bought, it plays great.
Also, my Playbar also plays 5.1 from Netflix, Amazon Prime video and Live TV (though, not Youtube for some reason).
Other work arounds
You can also work around the DTS issue by connecting the Playbar to an XBox or PS4, or at worst, a switch.
I hope this helps!!! 🙂
DTS, Dolby 5.1 on Playbar, 2015 edition!
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I've got a samsung 4k TV which does output 5.1 over optical. I've found the about my Sonos feature and can happily report Netflix, sky, Amazon all doing what you would expect.
The punishment however is blu ray. If I stick something new in like inside out or the star wars boxset then all they have is DTS tracks. If I watch them in a different language then they have DD 5.1 but good old fashioned English I am treated to silence, until I disable the Sonos and use the TV speaker. Something I am capable of doing but the wife and indeed kids don't understand why, also the phantom menace pod racer scene is a whole load better with the rumble of the sub behind the couch, as we found out watching it through sky.
I've found a setting on the blu ray player that will convert but it seems to just throw it to 2.0 - I need to play with this more.
Now I do have a Xbox one but that's in another room at the moment. What's that going to bring to the party? Is it going to convert the DTS to DD 5.1 or just down to 2.0 like the blu ray player does?
Yes the X1 converts DTS to DD5.1 I've tested this myself with the Star Wars Blu-Ray set. PS4 does not and shows as stereo
I must say, I rate myself as an enthusiastic amateur when it comes to audio. I've invested in Sonos both at work and at home and would say we've spent close to about £5k on the kit in total. The most recent move was the playbar and sub, and went into it presuming it would just work, like all previous Sonos facilities.
I've got a samsung 4k TV which does output 5.1 over optical. I've found the about my Sonos feature and can happily report Netflix, sky, Amazon all doing what you would expect.
The punishment however is blu ray. If I stick something new in like inside out or the star wars boxset then all they have is DTS tracks. If I watch them in a different language then they have DD 5.1 but good old fashioned English I am treated to silence, until I disable the Sonos and use the TV speaker. Something I am capable of doing but the wife and indeed kids don't understand why, also the phantom menace pod racer scene is a whole load better with the rumble of the sub behind the couch, as we found out watching it through sky.
I've found a setting on the blu ray player that will convert but it seems to just throw it to 2.0 - I need to play with this more.
Now I do have a Xbox one but that's in another room at the moment. What's that going to bring to the party? Is it going to convert the DTS to DD 5.1 or just down to 2.0 like the blu ray player does?
I've got a samsung 4k TV which does output 5.1 over optical. I've found the about my Sonos feature and can happily report Netflix, sky, Amazon all doing what you would expect.
The punishment however is blu ray. If I stick something new in like inside out or the star wars boxset then all they have is DTS tracks. If I watch them in a different language then they have DD 5.1 but good old fashioned English I am treated to silence, until I disable the Sonos and use the TV speaker. Something I am capable of doing but the wife and indeed kids don't understand why, also the phantom menace pod racer scene is a whole load better with the rumble of the sub behind the couch, as we found out watching it through sky.
I've found a setting on the blu ray player that will convert but it seems to just throw it to 2.0 - I need to play with this more.
Now I do have a Xbox one but that's in another room at the moment. What's that going to bring to the party? Is it going to convert the DTS to DD 5.1 or just down to 2.0 like the blu ray player does?
Hahaha you must work for Sonos!
its time they realize that customers need the DTS support! Are they awake in 2016?
its time they realize that customers need the DTS support! Are they awake in 2016?
It's not even 2015 yet, so either your calendar is wrong, or you take Sonos' statement about DTS at face value and are just blustering with these over-the-top posts.
So Sonos still no DTS in 2016 come on? Get of your chairs and do your homework! DTS support please!
After some further testing it seems the PS4 DOES NOT re-encode DTS to DD on the fly, but the X1 does!
Looks like the X1 has just become my default Blu-Ray player now.
Looks like the X1 has just become my default Blu-Ray player now.
Hi guys, first post so please be gentle.
Just received my Playbar today and so far so good. Read most of the forum on DTS so won't rant about that because to be honest I knew what I was getting, but just wanted to ask to see if what I'm seeing should and is right.
Ok so my setup, a Sony 50W829B with Sky HD, PS4 and X1 plugged in via HDMI and an optical cable from the TV to Playbar.
On Sky and also Netflix on PS4 the SONOS app shows DD 5.1 (win, clearly working ok) but when watching a Blu-Ray on PS4 with a DTS-HD track it shows as Stereo, is that right?
I'm yet to try a Blu with a DD track, DVD or the X1 but I guess I've got it right?
Thanks.
Just received my Playbar today and so far so good. Read most of the forum on DTS so won't rant about that because to be honest I knew what I was getting, but just wanted to ask to see if what I'm seeing should and is right.
Ok so my setup, a Sony 50W829B with Sky HD, PS4 and X1 plugged in via HDMI and an optical cable from the TV to Playbar.
On Sky and also Netflix on PS4 the SONOS app shows DD 5.1 (win, clearly working ok) but when watching a Blu-Ray on PS4 with a DTS-HD track it shows as Stereo, is that right?
I'm yet to try a Blu with a DD track, DVD or the X1 but I guess I've got it right?
Thanks.
Awesome! Thanks for the answer.
Yes, if you are getting DD 5.1 from an hdmi source, your TV passes DD successfully.
Hi! Iam totally new to all of this, I got the playbar maybe 1.5 years ago. After reading pretty intensely last night I realised I was only getting PCM sound from my sonos playbar. I did some changes to the tv:s settings and in in apple tv(3 generation). Now when I play something from the appletv and I got to sonos app to check what the soundbar is playing it says "Dolby digital 5.1" When i change back to how I had it for almost 2 years it says PCM Sound. So my Tv can pass through DD 5.1 via my optic cable when iam watching something on my apple tv3(netflix in this case),
Does this then mean my TV has support for DD 5.1 via optic cable in all cases? Aka if i feed my tv a DD 5.1 sound, with no regard to source my optic will pass it through to my Sonos playbar correctly?
If anyone is curious my tv is a 60 inch LG pm 670t
Does this then mean my TV has support for DD 5.1 via optic cable in all cases? Aka if i feed my tv a DD 5.1 sound, with no regard to source my optic will pass it through to my Sonos playbar correctly?
If anyone is curious my tv is a 60 inch LG pm 670t
I think SONOS don't know what market they are in, other wise the playbar would have HDMI and DTS.
Their "Market Monitor" needs to go to specsavers :)
I'm going to use SONOS sales techniques and sell flying cars.
Of course You'll have to buy the wings and test it yourself, let me know which ones work and I'll make a list on the web site.
Their "Market Monitor" needs to go to specsavers :)
I'm going to use SONOS sales techniques and sell flying cars.
Of course You'll have to buy the wings and test it yourself, let me know which ones work and I'll make a list on the web site.
So Ryan S wich factors have gone into the decision to not go for DTS Support?
People have ask hundreds of times to add DTS support for the Sonos Playbar... as we want to play our music/movies on Blueray DTS.
We get no sound when playing a Blueray DTS Movie or a DTS music Concert!
Is it the hardware that won't work with DTS? is it too expensive to get a DTS license? what is the real problem.
I have payd 1800 euro for my Sonos 5.1 set, DTS is standard in 2015 and its a missing feature!
you still make updates for the app why not updating to DTS...come on Sonos don't let your customers down, a cheap surround set allows you to play DTS...
Peace brothers! sleep well.
People have ask hundreds of times to add DTS support for the Sonos Playbar... as we want to play our music/movies on Blueray DTS.
We get no sound when playing a Blueray DTS Movie or a DTS music Concert!
Is it the hardware that won't work with DTS? is it too expensive to get a DTS license? what is the real problem.
I have payd 1800 euro for my Sonos 5.1 set, DTS is standard in 2015 and its a missing feature!
you still make updates for the app why not updating to DTS...come on Sonos don't let your customers down, a cheap surround set allows you to play DTS...
Peace brothers! sleep well.
Please reread, i did attack the message. You speak out of both sides of your mouth. You criticized it for lack of DTS support and then criticize others for the doing same thing telling them to get over it. I bought a product that is inferior than described, i have the right to come here and voice my complaint about it without someone like you telling me how i should feel or deal with it. If you are sick of people complaining about it, stay out of the 'sonos and DTS' forums then. It is not like i came to a post you started and began complaining about it.
I will post what I want, when I want. As long as I adhere to the terms of service, I imagine I'll be just fine. I suggest if you cannot handle the discourse. maybe it is you who should leave.
Userlevel 7
+26
We appreciate the continued interest here, and rest assured, the team is still monitoring the market to see how things develop. The story on DTS support remains the same. There are no plans to add support for DTS to the PLAYBAR. If there's any change we'll let everyone know. As we've said before, a lot of factors have gone into this decision and it was a difficult one to make.
Let's also remember to stay friendly here. There's no need for attacks or profanity. Thanks!
Let's also remember to stay friendly here. There's no need for attacks or profanity. Thanks!
When you can't attack the message, attack the messenger. It would be a funny occurrence, if it wasn't so tired and sad.
Please reread, i did attack the message. You speak out of both sides of your mouth. You criticized it for lack of DTS support and then criticize others for the doing same thing telling them to get over it. I bought a product that is inferior than described, i have the right to come here and voice my complaint about it without someone like you telling me how i should feel or deal with it. If you are sick of people complaining about it, stay out of the 'sonos and DTS' forums then. It is not like i came to a post you started and began complaining about it.
We want a answer from Sonos to this question how much will it cost to support DTS on the Sonos Playbar?
I still have my Sonos set after al this time.
Moderation edit by Ryan S Inappropriate language and behavior.
I still have my Sonos set after al this time.
Moderation edit by Ryan S Inappropriate language and behavior.
When you can't attack the message, attack the messenger. It would be a funny occurrence, if it wasn't so tired and sad.
You are very defensive for Sonos, you work for them?
No, Sonos employees are duly noted in their names, and I highly doubt Sonos would keep me employed after my scathing review of the Playbar's lack of DTS support. But I'm also not a fan of futilely banging my head against a wall, so I accept that the Playbar is not suitable for a true Home Theater setup, and that all the complaining in the world is not going to change it.
Though it's not the first time someone attacked me as being a Sonos shill when they can't accept the facts.
Not sure what is more concerning, your imperialistic attitude or the fact you hang around the forums for 8955 posts. If it is such a waste of time why do you devote so much of it to going into DTS forums and criticizing others for speaking out about their displeasure due to that fact? I don't need you to respond because this post is mostly rhetorical. Thanks.
You are very defensive for Sonos, you work for them?
No, Sonos employees are duly noted in their names, and I highly doubt Sonos would keep me employed after my scathing review of the Playbar's lack of DTS support. But I'm also not a fan of futilely banging my head against a wall, so I accept that the Playbar is not suitable for a true Home Theater setup, and that all the complaining in the world is not going to change it.
Though it's not the first time someone attacked me as being a Sonos shill when they can't accept the facts.
again this simple question how much work will it cost to support DTS for the Sonos Playbar?
Why do you wish to know how much it will cost, when Sonos has officially stated they have no intention of supporting DTS? Is the answer going to change your mind and make you say "Oh gee, Sonos was correct in not supporting DTS"? Somehow, I highly doubt it.
Sometimes people just have to take a company's statement at face value. They aren't going to support DTS. Period.
You are very defensive for Sonos, you work for them?
again this simple question how much work will it cost to support DTS for the Sonos Playbar?
Why do you wish to know how much it will cost, when Sonos has officially stated they have no intention of supporting DTS? Is the answer going to change your mind and make you say "Oh gee, Sonos was correct in not supporting DTS"? Somehow, I highly doubt it.
Sometimes people just have to take a company's statement at face value. They aren't going to support DTS. Period.
Again, not missing the point. I agree with you. But whether I agree with you or not, the fact is IT DOESN'T PLAY DTS! So you have two choices; futilely keep complaining about it here, long after Sonos has officially stated it will never support DTS, or you can cut your losses and go get a setup that meets your needs.
That's right! and Sonos also marketing that you have a complete 5.1 surround set if you add 2 play 1 or 2 play 3 speakers .If I want to hear a blueray music concert then I want the real DTS sound its much better audio quality. I do not connect the Playbar to my led tv but straight to my dreambox (toslink) why? because the dreambox puts out DD and DTS through Optical and my Samsung led Tv not.But still Sonos have not the DTS Licence...
again this simple question how much work will it cost to support DTS for the Sonos Playbar?
again this simple question how much work will it cost to support DTS for the Sonos Playbar?
I don't disagree with you. But that does nothing to change the fact it doesn't and if you are looking to play all formats, you should seek an alternative system. I stated this very fact the day the Playbar was released, and despite accusations of being the biggest Sonos shill going, I have not wavered in my view. Playbar, despite its expense, is marketed towards those who want an easy to set up 5.1 system, and suffers from the limitation of not being able to play DTS and lossless Blu-ray formats. If these are important to you, get another system. Quite frankly, if one is a HT aficionado, I wonder why they would be getting a soundbar instead of separates in the first place. Hardcore HT fans laugh at soundbar setups.
Still missing the point, i have an 11.1 system for my home theater. A center channel that cost as much as a BW center channel/soundbar should be able to play DTS.
I don't disagree with you. But that does nothing to change the fact it doesn't and if you are looking to play all formats, you should seek an alternative system. I stated this very fact the day the Playbar was released, and despite accusations of being the biggest Sonos shill going, I have not wavered in my view. Playbar, despite its expense, is marketed towards those who want an easy to set up 5.1 system, and suffers from the limitation of not being able to play DTS and lossless Blu-ray formats. If these are important to you, get another system. Quite frankly, if one is a HT aficionado, I wonder why they would be getting a soundbar instead of separates in the first place. Hardcore HT fans laugh at soundbar setups.
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