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at https://en.community.sonos.com/home-theater-228993/solving-the-51-dts-issues-with-the-playbar-34523, which is now out of date.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!
Userlevel 2
+1
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Page 1 / 6
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!!! :)
Like others this is a problem that we have had to learn how to work around (but should not have to).
When I first heard about the PlayBase I was getting ready to move our SoundBar to another room and replace it with the PlayBase as I just assumed that Sonos would "correct" the omission of DTS support with the new product. Shame that my assumption was incorrect.
I still live in hope that Sonos will bring out a PlayBar II with DTS and perhaps even HDMI support, but after so many years of disappointment I am not holding my breath nor assuming anything!!
New to Sonos and new to the forum. Love my Sonos but clearly DTS is a real issue to many. Clearly Sonos have no intention to solve this issue and Who can blame them when sales of their products are still strong. So I guess the answer is to stop buying their products. No company can survive without its customer base. Please Sonos read and act sooner rather then later. Your customers have spoken.
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).
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!!! :)
So the Portta 4x1 HDMI Switcher actually re-codes the DTS signal as Dolby Digital? I have an Octava HD41-ARC and I didn't have luck with this. I have an nvidia shield tv box connected to an hdmi input on the switch. The hdmi output goes to an hdmi input on the TV. The optical out put on the switch goes to the playbar. When I play a file in plex that's encoded with DTS 5.1 audio, I get no sound from my playbar and I also get the unsupported audio message in Sonos.
Am I missing something?
I feel your pain. I got a result though , I don't have nvidia shield but otherwise your experience mirrors mine (I have lg b6 TV with plex app from lg webshop) provided your client options are same as mine my thread on plex forums should help you
https://forums.plex.tv/discussion/263218/audio-drops-when-playing-dts-sources-via-plex-app#latest
It's essentially a case of 'force plex server to transcode the audio' you will NEVER get dts audio out of a Sonos bar, unfortunately Sonos picked optical for god knows what reason and is doomed as a viable surround sound solution. Sucks because the audio is amazing for music, but surround is terrible optical doesn't have the bandwidth to carry the signal so you n Ed down convert. Worst choice ever, I'm really bitterly disappointed with my very expensive purchases because I didn't know this beforehand.
You will get working surround this way at least. Make sure. You check the Sonos app and -> about to see that your signal is markesd as 5.1 because if you get options wrong you will get stereo output to all speakers and it can trick you into thinking surround works for a while.
Userlevel 7
+17
So the Portta 4x1 HDMI Switcher actually re-codes the DTS signal as Dolby Digital? I have an Octava HD41-ARC and I didn't have luck with this. I have an nvidia shield tv box connected to an hdmi input on the switch. The hdmi output goes to an hdmi input on the TV. The optical out put on the switch goes to the playbar. When I play a file in plex that's encoded with DTS 5.1 audio, I get no sound from my playbar and I also get the unsupported audio message in Sonos.
Am I missing something?
the ONLY product I ever saw mentioned in these forums to do this was this one
http://www.ambery.com/2hddodtsdihd.html
or search 'au-hcp2' on ebay
however, I dont have one so cant verify this claim (DTS received on HDMI converted to DD 5.1 over optical) one way or the other.
if you have success then please share the news !
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).
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!!! :)
So the Portta 4x1 HDMI Switcher actually re-codes the DTS signal as Dolby Digital? I have an Octava HD41-ARC and I didn't have luck with this. I have an nvidia shield tv box connected to an hdmi input on the switch. The hdmi output goes to an hdmi input on the TV. The optical out put on the switch goes to the playbar. When I play a file in plex that's encoded with DTS 5.1 audio, I get no sound from my playbar and I also get the unsupported audio message in Sonos.
Am I missing something?
I have the same TV and for me, it doesn't pass through any DD 5.1 from connected HDMI sources, no matter what I do.
1. What did OP do to make it work for him?
2. Why does he talk about buying an optical switch to get 5.1 from all sources including PS4 etc, then suddenly the solution is to just buy a different model BluRay player?
3. Why does he have an audio receiver and how is that connected to the playbar?
before I lay out my situation below (as we have different TVs) you first need to figure out if your TV can pass a source or not, some TVs might just output direct stereo ALWAYS, then you will never get any surround. My tv will output dolby digital if it gets a good source. it will not convert a DTS source to dolby digital at all though.
I'm currently battling this baffling decision as well. My situation, and trying to use PLEX to solve it (which isn't going well).
New tv OLED 55B6V from LG (amazing telly)
surround setup with 1x playbar and 2x play 1s.
TV will pass any signal, does no conversion.
running plex on this thing and having anything with DTS audio format = no sound.
Take the following actions
TV settings for DTS audio
TV must be set to output dolby digital
settings -> all settings -> sound -> DTV Audio Setting -> Dolby Digital
Plex client must always transcode the audio otherwise no sound. (sound bar can't handle it)
from home -> settings -> audio -> DTS(DCA) UNCHECKED
home -> settings -> video -> 'Allow direct play' UNCHECKED
doing this should allow to play 5.1 surround from a DTS source.
^ the effect of the above on my setup is that audio plays, but it plays with clicks pops/drops.
I'm really mad at sonos for not including DTS to be honest. Regretting my purchases, because I was around 4000 euro out the pocket before I discovered that this was even a thing I had to contend with. After reading these forums I'll stop recommending and start discouraging people to buy Sonos.
I have a Samsung 55ku6500 TV which according to the manual should pass 5.1Dd from my sky box. However I can only get 2.0. When I connect directly from my sky box I do get 5.1 so it's not an issue with the sky box. Can anyone with a similar TV confirm that it does indeed pass 5.1 from their external source and if so what am I doing wrong as it's driving me bananas?
I'm hoping someone will read this. I am trying to make sense of the OP but somehow I can't.
I have the same TV and for me, it doesn't pass through any DD 5.1 from connected HDMI sources, no matter what I do.
1. What did OP do to make it work for him?
2. Why does he talk about buying an optical switch to get 5.1 from all sources including PS4 etc, then suddenly the solution is to just buy a different model BluRay player?
3. Why does he have an audio receiver and how is that connected to the playbar?
I have the same TV and for me, it doesn't pass through any DD 5.1 from connected HDMI sources, no matter what I do.
1. What did OP do to make it work for him?
2. Why does he talk about buying an optical switch to get 5.1 from all sources including PS4 etc, then suddenly the solution is to just buy a different model BluRay player?
3. Why does he have an audio receiver and how is that connected to the playbar?
Userlevel 7
+22
You were/are complaining that that the Playbar won't decode DTS, you confirmed your TV will pass DTS and Stereo and you stated the majority of your video source is SKY thereby heavily implying SKY outputs audio in DTS (else why would you be bothered?).
Sky outputs audio in DD5.1 (at least on a lot of the main HD channels) therefore if I connect my Playbar to my Sky box directly I can see that my Sonos setup is receiving 5.1
My TV does NOT pass DD5.1 from anything that is connected to it directly via HDMI (i.e. my Sky box), it will only pass stereo or DTS Neo (the DD option is greyed out).
If Sonos supported DTS I could plug my TV directly into my Playbar
I'd be amazed if your TV output DTS if it received DD5.1 so how would that help?
You were/are complaining that that the Playbar won't decode DTS, you confirmed your TV will pass DTS and Stereo and you stated the majority of your video source is SKY thereby heavily implying SKY outputs audio in DTS (else why would you be bothered?).
Sky outputs audio in DD5.1 (at least on a lot of the main HD channels) therefore if I connect my Playbar to my Sky box directly I can see that my Sonos setup is receiving 5.1
My TV does NOT pass DD5.1 from anything that is connected to it directly via HDMI (i.e. my Sky box), it will only pass stereo or DTS Neo (the DD option is greyed out).
If Sonos supported DTS I could plug my TV directly into my Playbar
Userlevel 7
+22
What proportion of programmes via Sky are DTS or Dolby Digital +?
I'm guessing somewhere between 0% and 0%
Quite a few of the Sky HD channels send Dolby 5.1 (I keep checking on the Sonos > About My Sonos > Playbar section)
And the Playbar WILL play DD 5.1 brilliantly.
Is there something you wish to get off your chest sweetheart?
You were/are complaining that that the Playbar won't decode DTS, you confirmed your TV will pass DTS and Stereo and you stated the majority of your video source is SKY thereby heavily implying SKY outputs audio in DTS (else why would you be bothered?).
I was just pointing out that SKY does not, in fact, broadcast a DTS audio signal. Your problem is your TV mangles the DD5.1 signal it receives into stereo.
What proportion of programmes via Sky are DTS or Dolby Digital +?
I'm guessing somewhere between 0% and 0%
Quite a few of the Sky HD channels send Dolby 5.1 (I keep checking on the Sonos > About My Sonos > Playbar section)
And the Playbar WILL play DD 5.1 brilliantly.
Is there something you wish to get off your chest sweetheart?
Userlevel 7
+22
What proportion of programmes via Sky are DTS or Dolby Digital +?
I'm guessing somewhere between 0% and 0%
Quite a few of the Sky HD channels send Dolby 5.1 (I keep checking on the Sonos > About My Sonos > Playbar section)
And the Playbar WILL play DD 5.1 brilliantly.
What proportion of programmes via Sky are DTS or Dolby Digital +?
I'm guessing somewhere between 0% and 0%
Quite a few of the Sky HD channels send Dolby 5.1 (I keep checking on the Sonos > About My Sonos > Playbar section)
Userlevel 7
+22
With my TV, at least when the source is HDMI, it can only send either stereo or DTS NEO 2.5. As has been well covered here, stereo is barely any better than the built in speaker, and DTS.....well, we're all painfully aware.
If I use one of the native apps on the TV (i.e. Netflix) I can get it to send Doly Digital but 80% of the TV I watch is through my Sky box which (you guessed it) is connected via HDMI. Currently, I've connected the optical cable directly to my Sky box (which does send DD) but it's a pain in the backside having to re-connect it to the TV when I want to use either Netflix, YouTube or Amazon Prime directly on the TV.
Frankly for a surround system that when you include the sub, costs nearly £1500 I would expect Sonos to support pretty much all the common audio technologies in use, especially one used by one of the (if not the biggest?) TV vendor, Samsung.
Come on Sonos, get this sorted please
What proportion of programmes via Sky are DTS or Dolby Digital +?
I'm guessing somewhere between 0% and 0%
Add another frustrated voice to the list of people annoyed with the lack of DTS support. I have the Samsung UE55F8000S, which I paid nearly £2000 for a couple of years back. It's a fantastic TV but as expected, the built in speaker is a bit lacking so recently I took the plunge and bought the Playbar and 2 x Play 1's for a surround sound setup (glad I haven't splurged on the sub yet!!)
With my TV, at least when the source is HDMI, it can only send either stereo or DTS NEO 2.5. As has been well covered here, stereo is barely any better than the built in speaker, and DTS.....well, we're all painfully aware.
If I use one of the native apps on the TV (i.e. Netflix) I can get it to send Doly Digital but 80% of the TV I watch is through my Sky box which (you guessed it) is connected via HDMI. Currently, I've connected the optical cable directly to my Sky box (which does send DD) but it's a pain in the backside having to re-connect it to the TV when I want to use either Netflix, YouTube or Amazon Prime directly on the TV.
Frankly for a surround system that when you include the sub, costs nearly £1500 I would expect Sonos to support pretty much all the common audio technologies in use, especially one used by one of the (if not the biggest?) TV vendor, Samsung.
Come on Sonos, get this sorted please
With my TV, at least when the source is HDMI, it can only send either stereo or DTS NEO 2.5. As has been well covered here, stereo is barely any better than the built in speaker, and DTS.....well, we're all painfully aware.
If I use one of the native apps on the TV (i.e. Netflix) I can get it to send Doly Digital but 80% of the TV I watch is through my Sky box which (you guessed it) is connected via HDMI. Currently, I've connected the optical cable directly to my Sky box (which does send DD) but it's a pain in the backside having to re-connect it to the TV when I want to use either Netflix, YouTube or Amazon Prime directly on the TV.
Frankly for a surround system that when you include the sub, costs nearly £1500 I would expect Sonos to support pretty much all the common audio technologies in use, especially one used by one of the (if not the biggest?) TV vendor, Samsung.
Come on Sonos, get this sorted please
It makes sense why there is no surround sound because like you said dolby digital 2.0 is stereo.
I was playing content though Hulu (built in app). I did some research and seems like Netflix has 5.1 dolby digital audio on some movies and tv shows. Does that mean if i play content through netflix I should see 'Dolby Digital 5.1' on my SONOS app as an output ??
It's possible. Assuming you would be playing through the Netflix app on the Samsung TV, then the app needs to support DD 5.1. If it doesn't you just get stereo.
@tom thanks for your response.
It makes sense why there is no surround sound because like you said dolby digital 2.0 is stereo.
I was playing content though Hulu (built in app). I did some research and seems like Netflix has 5.1 dolby digital audio on some movies and tv shows. Does that mean if i play content through netflix I should see 'Dolby Digital 5.1' on my SONOS app as an output ??
It makes sense why there is no surround sound because like you said dolby digital 2.0 is stereo.
I was playing content though Hulu (built in app). I did some research and seems like Netflix has 5.1 dolby digital audio on some movies and tv shows. Does that mean if i play content through netflix I should see 'Dolby Digital 5.1' on my SONOS app as an output ??
Here is a 2016 list of TVs that support 5.1 surround audio pass-through via optical cable connecting the TV to Sonos Playbar (Source ->TV ->Sonos Playbar), meaning that the TV can natively pass through the 5.1 audio (Dolby and/or DTS) to Playbar, through the Optical Cable, without downgrading to stereo. The source can be a PC, Blue Ray player, video game console, etc...
http://www.rtings.com/tv/tests/inputs/5-1-surround-audio-passthrough
Well, I'm pretty sure that Dolby Digital 2.0 is just a stereo signal. That's the reason you're not getting surround.
As far as the lack of volume in the Hulu app, well I don't know what to say about that. I don't use Hulu myself. How do the other apps in your TV work in regards to the volume? If they play louder than that indicates just an issue with Hulu. Maybe you can contact your TV's support team and report this issue?
A more recent and up to date list of 4K TVs with full reviews indicating 5.1 pass-through support can be found here:
http://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/by-resolution/4k-ultra-hd-uhd/best
Click on review and scroll down to read about 5.1 pass-through support.
This should enable playing all 5.1 Dolby Digital audio sources on the playbar, with no downgrading to stereo, assuming you have the 5.1 surround hardware in place, with no need for any HDMI switch or Blue Ray player in between.
Sonos Playbar still won't play DTS audio in this case even when delivered at its doorstep due to lack of support, but thought I would save the trouble for those who are looking to buy a new 4k TV screen with native 5.1 Dolby pass-through support via optical cable.
Thoughts?
I just bought the samsung KS8000 as shown here (http://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/by-resolution/4k-ultra-hd-uhd/best). I did my research and I know that my TV supports dolby pass through via optical cable which you can see in the screenshot (My Sonos Info), it says 'Dolby Digital 2.0. I was looking forward to connect my new tv with sonos but the sound quality i am getting is terrible.
My problem is with how LOW the damn sound is when playing content through HULU (smart app in tv). It just doesn't sound like "surround". (I have playbar and 2 play 1's configured as surround. Optical cable is connected from PLAYBAR to samsung 'One connect'.). I need some advice here because this is driving me bonkers !!! I have to turn my sonos volume to 50% or more just to listen dialog and it all seems coming from playbar. When i play radio / itunes music on my sonos via iphone app it sounds amazing. Then why is my TV sound is so crappy even though it is 'Dolby Digital 2.0' and what can i do to fix this ??
Any ideas help would be appreciated ...
Here is a 2016 list of TVs that support 5.1 surround audio pass-through via optical cable connecting the TV to Sonos Playbar (Source ->TV ->Sonos Playbar), meaning that the TV can natively pass through the 5.1 audio (Dolby and/or DTS) to Playbar, through the Optical Cable, without downgrading to stereo. The source can be a PC, Blue Ray player, video game console, etc...
http://www.rtings.com/tv/tests/inputs/5-1-surround-audio-passthrough
A more recent and up to date list of 4K TVs with full reviews indicating 5.1 pass-through support can be found here:
http://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/by-resolution/4k-ultra-hd-uhd/best
Click on review and scroll down to read about 5.1 pass-through support.
This should enable playing all 5.1 Dolby Digital audio sources on the playbar, with no downgrading to stereo, assuming you have the 5.1 surround hardware in place, with no need for any HDMI switch or Blue Ray player in between.
Sonos Playbar still won't play DTS audio in this case even when delivered at its doorstep due to lack of support, but thought I would save the trouble for those who are looking to buy a new 4k TV screen with native 5.1 Dolby pass-through support via optical cable.
Thoughts?
I just bought the samsung KS8000 as shown here (http://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/by-resolution/4k-ultra-hd-uhd/best). I did my research and I know that my TV supports dolby pass through via optical cable which you can see in the screenshot (My Sonos Info), it says 'Dolby Digital 2.0. I was looking forward to connect my new tv with sonos but the sound quality i am getting is terrible.
My problem is with how LOW the damn sound is when playing content through HULU (smart app in tv). It just doesn't sound like "surround". (I have playbar and 2 play 1's configured as surround. Optical cable is connected from PLAYBAR to samsung 'One connect'.). I need some advice here because this is driving me bonkers !!! I have to turn my sonos volume to 50% or more just to listen dialog and it all seems coming from playbar. When i play radio / itunes music on my sonos via iphone app it sounds amazing. Then why is my TV sound is so crappy even though it is 'Dolby Digital 2.0' and what can i do to fix this ??
Any ideas help would be appreciated ...
Helpful tool for shoppers of a new 4k TV screen:
Here is a 2016 list of TVs that support 5.1 surround audio pass-through via optical cable connecting the TV to Sonos Playbar (Source ->TV ->Sonos Playbar), meaning that the TV can natively pass through the 5.1 audio (Dolby and/or DTS) to Playbar, through the Optical Cable, without downgrading to stereo. The source can be a PC, Blue Ray player, video game console, etc...
http://www.rtings.com/tv/tests/inputs/5-1-surround-audio-passthrough
A more recent and up to date list of 4K TVs with full reviews indicating 5.1 pass-through support can be found here:
http://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/by-resolution/4k-ultra-hd-uhd/best
Click on review and scroll down to read about 5.1 pass-through support.
This should enable playing all 5.1 Dolby Digital audio sources on the playbar, with no downgrading to stereo, assuming you have the 5.1 surround hardware in place, with no need for any HDMI switch or Blue Ray player in between.
Sonos Playbar still won't play DTS audio in this case even when delivered at its doorstep due to lack of support, but thought I would save the trouble for those who are looking to buy a new 4k TV screen with native 5.1 Dolby pass-through support via optical cable.
Thoughts?
Here is a 2016 list of TVs that support 5.1 surround audio pass-through via optical cable connecting the TV to Sonos Playbar (Source ->TV ->Sonos Playbar), meaning that the TV can natively pass through the 5.1 audio (Dolby and/or DTS) to Playbar, through the Optical Cable, without downgrading to stereo. The source can be a PC, Blue Ray player, video game console, etc...
http://www.rtings.com/tv/tests/inputs/5-1-surround-audio-passthrough
A more recent and up to date list of 4K TVs with full reviews indicating 5.1 pass-through support can be found here:
http://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/by-resolution/4k-ultra-hd-uhd/best
Click on review and scroll down to read about 5.1 pass-through support.
This should enable playing all 5.1 Dolby Digital audio sources on the playbar, with no downgrading to stereo, assuming you have the 5.1 surround hardware in place, with no need for any HDMI switch or Blue Ray player in between.
Sonos Playbar still won't play DTS audio in this case even when delivered at its doorstep due to lack of support, but thought I would save the trouble for those who are looking to buy a new 4k TV screen with native 5.1 Dolby pass-through support via optical cable.
Thoughts?
"I also found a link for Italia: http://www.futurhome.net/octavafile/octava_hd41arc.pdf"
Here's the direct link to home page for the Octava dealer in Italy: http://www.futurhome.net/
Cheers!
Thank you for your help, I fixed everything with a new blu ray player ( Samsung 5900, for around 100 Euro).
Definitely the problem is the PS4 itself and his audio processing with blu ray film (but with games audio is ok lol).
Userlevel 7
Your last statement....
[/quote]My tv wont passthrough the audio so I'm trying to get it to use audio from the tv, pc and ps4 without having loads more wires, switches and plugs everywhere. Ordered a three way optical switcher from amazon so I can get the ps4 and tv optical wires in, will hang on and see how that works! I might just live without PC audio for now as that seems more troublesome as I would need an hdmi to optical box I think ? Stressful times setting this up![/quote]
You say...."I'm trying to get it to use audio from the tv"...by it assume you mean the Playbar. Then you go on to say.... "so I can get the ps4 and tv optical wires in". Something doesn't add up???. I understand that some TV's won't pass DD 5.1 over optical; but yet you say you're trying to get..."the PS4 and TV optical wires in..."
Question...Does your TV have an optical out or not??
[/quote]My tv wont passthrough the audio so I'm trying to get it to use audio from the tv, pc and ps4 without having loads more wires, switches and plugs everywhere. Ordered a three way optical switcher from amazon so I can get the ps4 and tv optical wires in, will hang on and see how that works! I might just live without PC audio for now as that seems more troublesome as I would need an hdmi to optical box I think ? Stressful times setting this up![/quote]
You say...."I'm trying to get it to use audio from the tv"...by it assume you mean the Playbar. Then you go on to say.... "so I can get the ps4 and tv optical wires in". Something doesn't add up???. I understand that some TV's won't pass DD 5.1 over optical; but yet you say you're trying to get..."the PS4 and TV optical wires in..."
Question...Does your TV have an optical out or not??
Sorry that you are getting a bit frustrated trying to sort all this information out. Here's the down and dirty...
1. Playbar will only process DD 5.1 if your TV will pass it over Optical - some TV's will and some won't - check your manual or call the manufacturer tech support.
2. Using a HDMI switch will not cause you to lose TV audio as long as it's properly configured. As the name implies you will have to select (switch to) the correct source unit to view and listen to content.
That being said...
A. Are you trying to get audio from different sources to play through the Playbar? If you have enough HDMI inputs on your TV you don't need a switch...just the optical cable to run between your TV's optical out and the Playbar's optical in.
B. Are you having trouble setting up surround (DD 5.1). Assuming you've verified condition "1" above. Also, you'll need Play 1's x 2 or Play 3's x 2 for the rear surround speakers. The Sonos Sub while recommended is optional but you only get DD 5.0.
Please post back with additional questions. Everyone is here to help!
Cheers!
My tv wont passthrough the audio so I'm trying to get it to use audio from the tv, pc and ps4 without having loads more wires, switches and plugs everywhere. Ordered a three way optical switcher from amazon so I can get the ps4 and tv optical wires in, will hang on and see how that works! I might just live without PC audio for now as that seems more troublesome as I would need an hdmi to optical box I think ? Stressful times setting this up!
Userlevel 7
Hi chrisredmayne
Sorry that you are getting a bit frustrated trying to sort all this information out. Here's the down and dirty...
1. Playbar will only process DD 5.1 if your TV will pass it over Optical - some TV's will and some won't - check your manual or call the manufacturer tech support.
2. Using a HDMI switch will not cause you to lose TV audio as long as it's properly configured. As the name implies you will have to select (switch to) the correct source unit to view and listen to content.
That being said...
A. Are you trying to get audio from different sources to play through the Playbar? If you have enough HDMI inputs on your TV you don't need a switch...just the optical cable to run between your TV's optical out and the Playbar's optical in.
B. Are you having trouble setting up surround (DD 5.1). Assuming you've verified condition "1" above. Also, you'll need Play 1's x 2 or Play 3's x 2 for the rear surround speakers. The Sonos Sub while recommended is optional but you only get DD 5.0.
Please post back with additional questions. Everyone is here to help!
Cheers!
Sorry that you are getting a bit frustrated trying to sort all this information out. Here's the down and dirty...
1. Playbar will only process DD 5.1 if your TV will pass it over Optical - some TV's will and some won't - check your manual or call the manufacturer tech support.
2. Using a HDMI switch will not cause you to lose TV audio as long as it's properly configured. As the name implies you will have to select (switch to) the correct source unit to view and listen to content.
That being said...
A. Are you trying to get audio from different sources to play through the Playbar? If you have enough HDMI inputs on your TV you don't need a switch...just the optical cable to run between your TV's optical out and the Playbar's optical in.
B. Are you having trouble setting up surround (DD 5.1). Assuming you've verified condition "1" above. Also, you'll need Play 1's x 2 or Play 3's x 2 for the rear surround speakers. The Sonos Sub while recommended is optional but you only get DD 5.0.
Please post back with additional questions. Everyone is here to help!
Cheers!
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