Skip to main content

Home theater

Discuss Ray, Beam, Arc. 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.

  • 6,611 Topics
  • 54,298 Replies
O
Omerpwnz
started this topic

Where should I place Sonos Era 300?

I got Sonos Arc and Sub under my TV, but I lack a rear/surround sound. So I consider buying Sonos Era 300. What do you think is the best pla...
  • 0
  • 11
Tips & Tricks

Understanding Surround Sound and Sonos

  • 11
  • 17
Ryan S
Ryan S
started this topic

Home Theater and Television Recommendation Megathread

Looking for information on Sonos home theater setups? Find answers about surround sound, Dolby Digital, TV recommendations, and all the rest...
  • 16
  • 254
6611 Topics
M
McIrishContributor I
asked in Home theater
Xbox One and controlling the Playbar Volume?

Is there a way I can control the volume on the Sonos via either the Xbox or Comcast Xfinity controller? I need to simplify for the missus and my mom for when she visits.

5
M
6 years ago
D
DTSAvid Contributor I
posted in Home theater
Recommendations on Optical Audio Switcher for Playbar?

Someone recommended an automatic 2 input optical audio switcher in one of the original playbar threads. It was from monoprice and the link is dead, and a search on monoprice makes it look like it's discontinued with nothing else up in its place. I'm buying a new TV soon but based on what research I've done, it's impossible to be certain any TV I buy will have proper 5.1 optical switching. 99% chance it will not have it in spite of what people casually report on the internet. So, I'll need to buy an optical audio switcher. I need to route at least three inputs, ideally four to help future proof me. And it needs to support 5.1. It does me no good if it downgrades the signal to 2.x. I'm also debating over whether I should just buy another A/V receiver. I sold my old A/V receiver with my old 5.1 speaker set when I bought my playbar. As ridiculous as it sounds (and actually is), my best bet may be to buy a cheap $100 to $200 A/V receiver and use that for all my audio routing to the

44
M
6 years ago
L
LarsdegraafContributor I
asked in Home theater
Play 3 without soundbar as surround speaker?

Is it possible to connect a play 3 with my tv without having a playbar?

1
J
6 years ago
JimCork
JimCorkContributor I
asked in Home theater
Happy and sad - JVC setup

A happy day! I set up my Sonos network I bought a JVC LT-43C862 After 60mins on the phone to a helpline they tell me that to turn off the speakers I must “press the mute button” So no connection via Toslink. As I say, sad day! Anybody have an idea?

4
JimCork
6 years ago
M
mattnzContributor I
asked in Home theater
Short Playbar power cable?

In order to wall mount my playbar (and meet fire code) I need to buy a very short power bar that will fit between the playbar and the recessed wall outlet. The total length would ideally be 1ft or at max 2ft. Although the playbar uses a standard looking 'figure eight' on one end, it fits quite deep and the only short power cables I've found don't fit (even though they look like they will) Sonos support have previously pointed me to the 'flexson' brand. However they don't sell anything short with a US 'head' on it. Has anyone managed to find a really short power cable that works with the playbar?

2
Lucid AV
6 years ago
B
baratundeContributor I
asked in Home theater
BenQ HT2050 Projector, AppleTV (4th gen), Sonos Playbar, Sub, 1

I recently ditched my Sony HD TV and replaced it with a BenQ HT2050 projector. I'm trying to adapt my Sonos pieces to a home theatre powered by this projector and a 4th gen AppleTV. [b]Challenges / Questions: [/b] Can I set up the Playbar without an optical connection? It's a Sonos speaker right? So I should be able to add it to a Sonos network, or so I thought. But the app keeps wanting me to connect via optical. Neither the projector nor the AppleTV has optical ports. Is that the end of the discussion?? Assuming I CAN add in the Playbar without optical, my plan is to run a minijack (3.5mm) audio cable out of the projector and into the Play 5. The projector's ONLY audio out is this minijack. That feed will power all the other Sonos Speakers, to include the playbar and eventually two Play 1 speakers as tweeter/surround sounds. Is there a better way of getting audio into the Sonos network other than the Play 5? Maybe with a Connect? FYI my projector is mounted on the ceili

6
J
6 years ago
R
RFreundContributor I
asked in Home theater
Projector to Playbar Options

So after some research it seems like if you have a few options if you plan to use a projector with sonos. I just want to make sure I understand the options. It seems like this is a popular question and hopefully this can be a good summary to the question. (sorry for the poor use of terms here, I am no A/V expert).  [list=1][*]The best case would be to have an Optical Audio out from the projector. You then connect your "data output device" i.e. tv box aka Sky, comcast, ATT, dvd player etc, to the projector. Then you run an toslink (optical audio cable) from the projector to the playbar (yes this requires a long cable) to the front of the room. With this setup there is no delay in audio (lipsync effect)[*]If your projector does not have an optical Out then but your "data output device" does then you can run the optical cable from the "data output device" to the playbar. This may actually reduce your cord length if you keep this device at the front of the room. If I understand corre

8
N
6 years ago
D
donl1150Avid Contributor I
asked in Home theater
Using my Sonos (and other) equipment to create a surround sound system

I have had a Sonos system for years but used it strictly for music. I have not tried to incorporate my TV to create a surround sound system but thought perhaps I should give it a try. Here is the equipment I have: 2 - Play 5’s 1 - Play 1 2 - CONNECT:AMPS 1 - 4th gen Apple TV 1 - Sony Sound bar with sub 4 - in ceiling speakers (not currently in use) I currently have the sound bar as the primary output for the TV. I am not sure how (or if) a surround system can be created out of all of this. And finally, if it can be done, then does that preclude the Sonos items being used from playing music? I am thinking that one way to do it would be to just use the 2 CONNECT:AMPS to drive the surround output of the 4 in ceiling speakers and continue to utilize the sound bar with its sub. Anyone have some ideas for me?

40
D
6 years ago
C
Chris FarmerContributor I
posted in Home theater
Playbar plus single Play:5 in the same room. And also understanding DTS from TV to Playbar.

Hi guys. Apologies if these questions have been discussed before. I bit the bullet and ordered a Playbar which is arriving tomorrow hopefully. This will be set up in my living room, but as I already have a Play:5 there which I have been using for TV audio and music, would there be any issues sound wise with grouping them together in the same room for both TV audio and music? I will eventually purchase the Sub and use either Play:1 or 3's which I already have in other rooms for 5.1, so the Play:5 will be moved then. Just wanting the best set up with what I will have when the bar arrives. The other question is, my Samsung TV is only 1 year old and I have looked into the spec regarding Dolby and such likes. It states it has Dolby Digital Plus and also DTS Codec. Is this the correct requirements for the Playbar and the 5.1 when I eventually get it all to run smoothly? I'm not really clued up on the DTS thing and noticed there seems to be some issues with it but reading into it

9
Erwin I
6 years ago
1
10dnageiwjContributor II
posted in Home theater
I think I figured out the TV Autoplay setting. Is this correct?

I'm not sure if there's a bug or just really poor engineering. It seems like a lose/lose, especially without a way to change sources from the hardware. TV Autoplay: OFF = If you're listening to music from your phone, you can have your TV on in the background, change channels, pause/un-pause video games, or anytime the sound might stop and start like when internet videos buffer, BUT you have to always use the Sonos app to switch back to the TV. TV Autoplay: ON = Your TV audio will resume after you stop listening to the music on your phone AND ALSO anytime you change channels, pause/un-pause video games, or anytime the sound might stop and start like when internet videos buffer... so just don't use the TV for anything when this setting is on or else music from your phone will disconnect.

0
1
6 years ago
K
kleinewolf7Contributor I
posted in Home theater
Use playbar with and without TV

I now use the playbar as a stand-alone unit for music in the living room. We bought a new tv and want to use the playbar as a soundbar for the TV. But is it then still possible to use it when the tv is turned off, as a normal "speaker" ? (from smartphone) Thnx

3
K
6 years ago
A
ackoneContributor I
asked in Home theater
Surround Sounds : There was a problem preparing your speakers

Hi there. Help please. I have a Playbase, and 2 x Play 1 that have worked as a surround sound set, for months. The Play 1's have stopped working now. I have tried all the obvious stuff, volume, rebooting, removing and re-adding. I have created a stereo pair as one forum suggested and added them back in. The controller adds them back in to the playbase, and then on the final stage says "There was a problem preparing your speakers" I have tried another Sonos Play 1 with the same problem, I have reset all the speakers, and started from scratch, Help ... it's driving me mad, and I have a new episode of Stark trek discovery to watch !!! Many thanks.

5
Airgetlam
6 years ago
M
MattsrContributor III
asked in Home theater
DTS to 5.1 via Playbase

I'm aware that this has been raised many times already, but the more I read the more confused I get! ? I have a Panasonic DMP UB900 4K Blu ray player, connected via HDMI to an LG55B7 tv. Which in turn is connected via optical to my Playbase /sub/play 1s. Problem being the Panasonic doesn't convert DTS to 5.1, and Playbase doesn't do DTS audio. I think there are players from Samsung and Oppo that can do the conversion- perhaps some kind soul out there could confirm that-so if necessary I'll stick the Panasonic on EBay and get a new player, but is there another way around the problem? I can get stereo sound off the discs but that's a poor substitute for 5.1.

2
M
6 years ago
B
bioguyContributor I
asked in Home theater
5.1 Surround with Projector and AVR

Hey all, I'm working on selecting components for a clients home theater setup and I'm quite a bit out of my depth and was hoping for some guidance. The theater is based around an Epson Home Cinema 5040UBe Projector, a Denon AVR-S720W 7.2 Channel Full 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver and will be receiving input from an apple TV and Samsung UBD-K8500 blu-ray player. Client has decided he really wants to use the Sonos 5.1 bundle for sound. Having started digging through the forums I've seen some mixed messages about using the 5.1 setup with a traditional AVR. Is it as simple as running an optical audio cable out to the playbar at the front of the room? or will I end up with audio delays that way? Anything else I should watch out for? Thanks in advance everyone!

4
M
6 years ago
D
Drod768Contributor I
asked in Home theater
Plug Ethernet into Play 1 for 5.1 System ?

I know that a 5.1 theater system needs to have a device plugged into your router. My router is located next to one of my Play 1s. Can I plug a Play 1 into the router with an Ethernet for a 5.1 surround sound system INSTEAD of plugging the Ethernet into the playbar.

6
D
6 years ago
F
fierafAvid Contributor I
posted in Home theater
When DTS/DOLBY ATOM and YOUTUBE on SONOS systems?

HI when we can enjoy DTS/DOLBY ATOMS and youtube service on our SONOS systems? Thanks

5
S
6 years ago
J
Jay ReelContributor I
asked in Home theater
Adding Sonos to the LG Signature 65W OLED sound bar

I am updating my Home Cinema system and want to explore the Sonos option. Can I use my current LG Signature Sound bar to use with Sonos speakers as I don't really want to add another sound bar. What I would like to do is add the subwoofer and some ones to the LG sound bar. Possible? Can I have a Sonos wifi solution here which integrates? Thank you all! Jay

1
Airgetlam
6 years ago
M
MSheppsContributor I
posted in Home theater
Thank goodness for the old PS3!

Recently set up Playbase & Play 1's for home theatre setup... What a mine field!! Should've done some research prior to purchase, but highly likely that if I'd known all the challenges before hand I would've still gone down the SONOS path to compliment existing Play 5, & Play 1 pair in other rooms in the house. So the main challenge was of course no 5.1 from DTS Bluray discs (my player does not transcode), or Amazon prime via Fire Stick (no optical out & TV does not pass through 5.1). Luckily the old PS3 was still hanging around unused for years... Fired up, setup audio out to transcode to 5.1 (via optical), downloaded Amazon Prime app and all appears to be good... Even automatically picked up my NAS drive which was an unexpected bonus. Need optical switch to connect Virgin Tivo V6 box (also where I stream Netflix), PS3 & TV to avoid the manual switching of cables... Bought this HDMI switch initially, but it downgraded everything to stereo via optical out so best to avoid (a

0
M
6 years ago
M
michaelh555Contributor I
asked in Home theater
Directv + Sonos - Sound keeps dropping out

I have had Directv for 20 years and added Sonos 2 years ago. I have an ATT router (Arris NVG599) that I upgraded to after the original router was on Sonos incompatible list. When watching tv I periodically have the sonos sound system drop off so there is no sound. Sometimes this is for a few seconds, sometimes for longer periods where I have to raise & lower the volume on the remote before Sonos kicks back in. Sonos was not any help when I originally contacted them over a year ago. It was blamed on Directv, but they have no answers for it either. The wifi is hardset to channel 11. Any other suggestions? Running the latest OS and just uploaded diagnostic 7863914.

7
Airgetlam
6 years ago
G
gsmgkmContributor I
asked in Home theater
Optical output

I just bought a new Samsung Tv 65Q7F. Connected everything through the one connect box. As the sonos play bar is below the TV and all the stuff including the one connect is in cupboard few feet away concealed away. So I connected the optical cable from the one connect to the Sonos hub and chose the option of optical output from the tv and sky, but there seems to be no sound coming. The seems fine if I select tv speaker output. Please help.

5
G
6 years ago
D
DenzylContributor I
posted in Home theater
Line-in and Standby Power Consumption

I've just bought the PLAY:5 and needless to say it sounds absolutely brilliant. I am also using an old LG TV (LB580V) that I have now connected to this speaker using the line-in (apparently the only option available). I have also seen a post on power consumption (https://sonos.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/260/kw/power) which defines sleep (or idle) mode as when there's no music streaming and NO line-in cable connected. I do not wish to have to unplug the line-in everytime I put my TV into standby - it's just not accessible. My question is - if I leave the line-in connected but switch off my TV (on standby; not completely powered off), will my Sonos PLAY:5 eventually go into sleep mode or not? And if not, how much power is the PLAY:5 likely to consume when there's no audio being output?

3
D
6 years ago
D
dazzascanContributor I
posted in Home theater
Thinking of getting Sonos and a new TV. Do i need to worry about 5.1 passthrough?

Hi, new to this Sonos world and it's turning out to be a lot more complicated then I expected. Looking at getting a Playbar and 2x play ones as rear speakers. Don't think I can afford a sub at the moment. I'm looking at getting the Panasonic TX-58EX700B TV but this doesn't appear to have 5.1 pass through via optical. Does this matter? Here's the blurb from the manual: [i]Amplifier (listening with external speakers) ● Use HDMI2 to connect the TV to an amplifier which has ARC (Audio Return Channel) function. If connecting to an amplifier without ARC function, use DIGITAL AUDIO. ● To enjoy multi-channel sound from external equipment (e.g. Dolby Digital 5.1ch), connect the equipment to the amplifier. For information about the connections, read the manuals of the equipment and amplifier.[/i] It then shows a diagram connecting to the Amp via HDMI. I just want to see Tie fighters on a big screen and feel like they're flying around the room! (I'm also looking to

2
K
6 years ago
J
jimsutton10Contributor I
asked in Home theater
Volume control and Playbase

Just set up a Playbase with my Samsung Smart T.V. It sounds awesome but when I use the T.V. remote to increase/decrease volume I get an annoying message saying "Your T.V. is set to use external speakers. Adjust the volume on the connected speakers directly." There is a topic on the Sonos FAQ section of the support page but this leads me nowhere. Any ideas out there please?

1
Keith N
6 years ago
A
AJM_1Contributor I
asked in Home theater
Using a Non-Sonos Sub on a home theatre set up.

Hi. I have a Playbar that's working fine with a Panasonic TV. I want to add a couple of my own (non Sonos) rear speakers using a Connect-Amp and I understand how to do this. However, [b]can I also connect my own (non Sonos) Sub to this system?[/b] (I understand that the Sub output from the Connect-Amp is disabled if the Connect-Amp is used for the rear speakers.) Grateful for any advice on the best way to do this before I splash out on the Connect-Amp!! Thanks.

5
buzz
6 years ago
N
Nukeproof MegaTrending Lyricist I
asked in Home theater
Does Sonos Support Dolby Digital Plus?

Hello, I have had the Sonos system for a couple of years but noticed that Sky Q now has Dolby Digital Plus’s and I wondered if I would notice a difference if I select it?

6
Airgetlam
6 years ago
Terms & ConditionsCookie settings