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Discuss Ray, Beam, Arc, Arc Ultra, Playbar, Playbase, and the entire Sonos home theater experience. Should you get a Sub Mini or a Sub? Maybe two Subs? Which Sonos work with your TV? Talk about your Sonos Home Theater experience here.

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Tips & Tricks

Understanding Surround Sound and Sonos

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Ryan S
Ryan S
started this topic

Home Theater and Television Recommendation Megathread

Moderator note:  This article was updated in December 2024. Looking for information on Sonos home theater setups? Find answers about surroun...
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6754 Topics
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Nicholas WagnerContributor I
posted in Home theater
Controlling Playbar sound with TV remote

I've just bought and set up a new Samsung UA55F8000AM television, along with a Sonos Playbar, Sub and 2x Play:1 for a home theatre set up. The set up has gone relatively well, however I'm having trouble controlling the volume correctly. I've tried to disable the TV speakers, however when I change the TV speaker settings to "External Speakers" the remote no longer controls volume, and an error message is displayed on the screen saying to control the volume on the external speakers. If I reactivate the TV speaker, the TV volume is controlled by the remote, however the Playbar does not change volume with the TV - instead, the Playbar volume must be controlled via the Sonos App on my iPhone. Can I reset the Playbar and attempt to set it up correctly? Please help!!

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D
6 years ago
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Tanis71Contributor I
asked in Home theater
PLAYBAR with PLAY3 and PLAY5 surrounds

Ok I bought a PlayBar sub 2 play3 and 2 play5 in the app i have the play 3 set up as surround but I wanted to add the play5 as surround also but the only way I was able to do that was pairing the 5 then adding that to my original group I can’t find a way to add the 5 to the original group as another set of surround is it even possible

30975
Chris
6 years ago
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advansisContributor I
asked in Home theater
Playbar ethernet connections

I have a playbar, sub and two Play:1 all connected wireless to my home network. (so nothing wired) Can i use one of the ethernet connectors at the back of the playbar to connect my smart-tv to my home network?

35756
Chris
6 years ago
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Albert_8Avid Contributor I
posted in Home theater
SONOS connect to SOundbar etc.

I have a SONOS Connect (Zone Player) attached to a YAMAHA YSP 2500 Virtual 7:1 surround "sound projector" but when i want to play music over my Play speakers and the YSP, there is a clearly audible delay of the YSP vs Play speakers - a nuisance as i then have to I have to set the YSP from surround mode to stereo (no surround) as otherwise AND remember to change it back to 5:1 + 2 (virtual 7:1) It ,must be even worse with ATMOS etc. soundbars or AVRs I would like to see an option to change delay of the SONOS PLAY speakers/Connect or other bridge device to enable play speakers etc. to match the delay introduced by surround processing of the YSP, AVR or virtual surround sound bar(projector) I also would like to play you tube music over SONOS so at present I am limited to using YOutube on a smart BluRay player connectingthe BluRay player`s stereo analog output to the connect and use the line in to relay you tube music to the rest of the SONOS system. There is no digital input to th

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bockersjv
6 years ago
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sps1013Contributor III
asked in Home theater
Play 1 - wired question

I have two Play 1’s the first is wired into my router by Ethernet and the second is not. I made some changes to my cabling and now both Play’s are connected via WiFi as I can see them on my network. How can I get back to my previous set up? Is it worth me pursuing this route? Thanks.

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S
6 years ago
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trebor123Contributor I
asked in Home theater
HDMI switcher with auto switch/auto sense (UK) for Playbar?

Hi, I have a Sonos Playbar and am looking to get an HDMI switch with optical out. There are quite a few questions about this on the forum already, which recommend a few reasonably priced ones. However, the one requirement I can't seem to meet is auto switch/auto sense i.e. the switch should automatically select the last input activated. Checking the ones on Amazon and most seem to come with a remote or manual buttons for switching. Can anyone recommend an HDMI switch that can be bought in the UK that has at least the following: - 4 HDMI in, 1 out - Optical out - Auto switch/auto-sense (no remote required) - ARC Thanks

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L
6 years ago
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RichardortegaContributor I
posted in Home theater
Sonos, Netflix/Hulu, Samsung

Sonos not working with apps on new Samsung tv. When ever I use Hulu or Netflix I get no sound and I have to switch to the built-in tv speakers.

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Keith N
6 years ago
Corrode
CorrodeEnthusiast II
asked in Home theater
TV Passes 5.1 for Apple TV but not Blu Ray Player

My current setup is a Panasonic TCP42S2, an Apple TV 4, and a Samsung BD-J4500R Blu Ray player all connected via hdmi. I have an optical out from the TV to my Playbase. For some reason, when using my Apple TV, I get 5.1 on my Playbase just fine. But when using Blu Ray, I only get stereo. I’ve tried every setting possible on the player and my tv. I’ve ensured the Blu Ray is set to “re-encode Dolby D” and downmixing is set to “Surround”. I’ve turned off CeC, changed hdmi cables, swapped inputs, and no dice. My only thought is, in the Blu Ray player manual, there’s this stipulation: “If your TV is not compatible with compressed multi-channel formats (Dolby Digital, DTS), the player may output PCM 2ch downmixed audio even though you selected Bitstream (either Re-encoded or Unprocessed) in the setup menu.” How does it decide this and can I override it? Link to manual: http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/201602/20160222184813068/BD_J4500R_ZC_WEB_1029.pdf Any help i

6424
Corrode
6 years ago
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Jon Vanden BeltContributor I
posted in Home theater
Soundbar makes random beeps

Our soundbar will make a random beep while playing TV audio. Only the soundbar makes the beep, neither of the play:1's serving as a left and right speaker make the noise.

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6 years ago
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User781579Contributor I
asked in Home theater
I'd like to use the sonos speaker to play sound from Netflix streaming movies and tv. How do I do that?

I'd like to use the sonos speaker to play sound from Netflix streaming movies and tv. How do I do that?

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B
6 years ago
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EV10SSContributor II
asked in Home theater
Random bursts of static from Playbar

I have a Playbar and 2 Sonos 1 speakers connected. Playbar has started to have random bursts of static. Diagnostic code is 8173875. Thanks, Frank

7643
Airgetlam
6 years ago
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NurseLizzContributor I
asked in Home theater
Unable to create surround sound group with new Playbar

So we have had 2 Play:1 speakers for a few years now, no issues, one each in our family room and dining room for ambient music. Decided to switch our family room surround sound to Sonos as the wire clutter is annoying in this room. To start off with we just purchased the SoundBar and a pair of Sonos One's. No issues having all 5 speakers in the house connected, we can play each independently or in various mixed groups successfully, however we cannot get the Soundbar to create a surround sound setup with either the Play:1s or the Sonos One's. Each time we attempt it, it fails and then drops the pair of speakers off the digital controller (but not the Soundbar). The wireless router is located in the same room as all speakers. None of the speakers are hard wired although I did try hard wiring the Soundbar to see if I could resolve the issue, no dice. Help!

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6 years ago
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olly79Avid Contributor I
posted in Home theater
Sonos Playbar 2 with HDMI and other additional features

I completely understand the problem to add DTS re-coding to the current Playbar due to the fact of introducing audio delay. And since the Sonos Playbar is only responsible for audio, this delay can't be added for video as well. Therefore, I would like Sonos to make a Sonos Playbar 2 or Sonos PlaybarHDMI which takes care about audio and video. DTS and other sound formats could be easily re-coded into a supported audio format and the audio/video sync could be kept. But it could also address other improvement possibilities: - Display "Volume" onscreen - Support IR remote controls (and others as well) to adjust night mode and speech enhancement - Multiple HDMI inputs / HDMI switch - Display currently played music (while not in TV mode) - Possibility to steer music with basic controls via IR (Play/Pause, Next track, Previous track, radio stations) - Possibility to add two front channels (Playbar + 4x Play:1 + Sub) - Possibility to increase width of Playbar to fit it to the size o

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bockersjv
6 years ago
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baresr95Contributor I
asked in Home theater
Playbar not showing up in my Sonos app

Set-up a new Playbar yesterday and everything seemed to be working. Now, when opening the app, the Playbar isn't shown in the "Rooms". It's playing sound through the TV, but can't play music.

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Keith N
6 years ago
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drubenstein3Contributor I
asked in Home theater
Surround Sound Help!

I have a playbase wired to my router with two Play Ones. They were working perfectly a few days ago. Today I noticed that the play ones were no longer connected. I managed to add them again to the surround system, but no sound comes out of the rest speakers. I noticed that the playbase is WM0, meaning boost mode, but the Play Ones are WM1, meaning standard. Is this causing the problem? Any suggestions on how to fix this? I really want to get my beloved Surround Sound working again! Thanks!

7305
UKMedia
6 years ago
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spalmisanoContributor I
asked in Home theater
Audio with HDMI Switch

I picked up a Monoprice HDMI switch (MD-415ARC) and I'm having difficulty outputting audio to Plex on the Samsung Plex app. I'm using a Playbar, two Play:1s and the sub. The Xbox, PS4, and DirecTV receiver all output audio correctly, but I'm unable to get any audio at all via Plex using the TV's native Plex app. Without the switch audio works fine, save for anything in DTS, hence the need for the switch. I've tracked down that the non-DTS audio works in Plex without the switch because the Playbar is connected directly to the TV via Toslink. This means the TV is sending the audio directly to the Playbar and the Playbar does everything it can to output the signal its given. When using the switch the Toslink is connected from the switch to the Playbar, but since the Plex app is native to the TV there's nothing coming from the TV directly to the Playbar. The TV has a wired LAN connection, which means Plex works without an HDMI interface. There's nothing to send audio to the Pla

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G
6 years ago
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shamusonosContributor I
asked in Home theater
Nvida Shield (Kodi) + LG OLED65B7V + Sonos Home Theater 5.1

Hi, I have the following setup: Nvida Shield (Kodi) connected via HDMI 1 (NOT ARC) to an LG OLED65B7V connected via optical to Sonos Home Theater 5.1 (1 playbar, 2 sonos ones and one sub) The problem is that when i try to play a kodi movie in dolby 5.1, I get no sound from the rear speakers besides the standard upconversion. Sonos app indicates it's receiving Stereo. Following the advice on one of these threads, I tried going to kodi and changing the following: Steps for enabling DD5.1 transcoding: Set "number of channels" to 2.0. "Output configuration" to optimised. "Enable Passthrough" on "AC3 capable receiver" on " - Enable Dolby Digital transcoding" on "DTS capable receiver" off Now Sonos says "unrecognized sounds source". Has anyone had any luck getting true 5.1 sound to the sonos? If so, how? Thank you! PS: I'm in a bit of pickle because i spend north of 5k gbp for this setup and it's embarrassing i don't have sound...

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6 years ago
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ElpidioContributor I
asked in Home theater
How to get better sound from my Crosley and Play 5

I have a Crosley recored player plugged into my Play 5. Simply put, I am not happy primarily with the quality and secondary the volume of sound coming out. What can I do to improve sound? As it does have a built in preamp will an external amp or another preamp or sonos connect or sonos amp improve sound quality (or damage anything)? note- I cannot upgrade the record player as it was a gift from my wife so hoping something between the record player and play 5 will do the trick. Thanks. record player: http://www.crosleyradio.com/turntables/product-details?productkey=CR6019D&model=CR6019D-BK

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6 years ago
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chriscpmtmp2Contributor I
asked in Home theater
Playbar dominates surrounds when playing music, but sounds right for movies. How do I balance them?

I ran the room calibration. I'd really just like the stereo pair (two ones) of speakers to play music, then the paybar, with the surrounds for TV. But even with music going though the playbar, is there a way to balance it better so the surrounds are the main source?

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C
6 years ago
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lasportyTrending Lyricist I
asked in Home theater
very low volume from DVD player

hello everyone! i recently bought a playbar in hopes of building my sonos HT system. i successfully connected and installed my playbar. the volume from the television is fine and when the volume is turned up it's magnificent, however the volume from my DVD player when watching DVD movies is VERY low. even when turned up to the highest volume level it's still far too low. if i can't increase the volume more i'll have to return the playbar as i bought mostly for movies. i've attached the volume settings from my DVD player. any suggestions on what needs to be changed? i'm at my wits end.

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Belly M
6 years ago
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Brian SutherlandContributor I
asked in Home theater
New update to controller

Installed new update to controller and now the tv option is missing and the only thing that works are the music services. Not happy at all! !!

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B
6 years ago
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tyrant143Contributor I
asked in Home theater
Play1s surround speakers not working when used with TV but playbar and Sub are playing fine

I have 5.1 sonos system connected to my TV (Sony Z9D) and while playing 5.1 content from netflix or youtube etc. the Play1s are not working. When I play music from sonos app both the play1s work fine along with bar & sub. Only noticing this issue when I play from TV. I connected my TV to playbar with optical cable. And my TV sound is set to external speakers aswell. ANy help on home this can be resolved? I would want my play1s when I watch content on netflix or youtube from my TV.

30417
Airgetlam
6 years ago
J
Jared ChewContributor I
asked in Home theater
White LED light won't turn off after pausing or idle for hours

Hello all, I've initially have 2 play1s set up as stereo mode and only recently bought the playbar. So now am set up as 3.1 but I've stumbled into an issue. All 3 sonos speakers white LED light won't turn off even though it has been IDLE/PAUSED for more than 8 hours. I paused it before I sleep and when I woke up the white light is still apparent. I've hooked it up to my tele via optical cable and my tv is turned off. Turned off as it screen off. All sonos and tele power are still plugged in. I tried searching the community and some recommended factory reset and etc. I know when we play music or in use the white LED will be there and can be switched off via the app. I'm talking about when not in use the lights are on. Appreciate any help I can get. Previously with my Play 1s, I don't have this issue.

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Ryan S
6 years ago
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mkrosseContributor III
posted in Home theater
apple tv as controller, please

port your IOS controller onto Apple TV, please; allowing display of controller's album art onto a large flat panel

5805
chicks
6 years ago
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Mike G.Contributor I
asked in Home theater
Playbar not going 'idle' after turning off TV.

I've had my Sonos playbar setup for a few years now and haven't made any changes to it. (Samsung TV with Directv). I've noticed in the past couple of months, that the playbar does not completely go 'idle' after a few minutes after the TV is turned off. Even after waiting 10+ minutes after turning off the TV, if I put my ear up to the playbar, I can hear a slight hissing sound as if the playbar is waiting for an input. If I go to the Sonos app and try to play music, the app will ask if I want to discontinue TV playback - again, indicating that the playbar is not idle. The only way to get the playbar to go idle now after turning off the TV, is to change the input to a music input, and then pause or stop it. The playbar will then go idle after a few minutes and the hissing sound will go away. Is anyone else noticing this issue after one of the last recent updates? Again, I've never had this issue with the same setup until recently. The Sonos, TV, and Directv receiver are all run

8047
Ryan S
6 years ago
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