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.

  • 6,171 Topics
  • 51,418 Replies
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...
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6171 Topics

H
henrybseilerTrending Lyricist I
asked in Home theater

How to tell if Playbar is getting 5.1

Is there a way from controller software to tell what type of audio signal the playbar is receiving from source?

4
plasticmoz
6 years ago
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User221370Contributor I
asked in Home theater

Annoying Display on TV When Changing Volume w/ Remote

I have a Samsung PN58B550 flat screen plasma TV. Now that I've set up external speakers, Sonos Playbar works great. However, I receive an annoying message onscreen (when using any remote control) when I adjust volume that says "Not Available". How do I eliminate this message?

5
S
4 years ago
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Paul DannContributor I
posted in Home theater

Smaller Sonos PlayBar

Smaller Sonos PlayBar for those with smaller TV's and rooms - and partners who don't like technology dominating the room!. Say one with 5 speakers and around a half metre wide would be good. I know it's a compromise but it would still vastly improve the sound quality of a TV's speakers and the (most important) separation of action noise over speach.

11
U
4 years ago
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Mark GandyContributor I
posted in Home theater

Queue position is lost when switching from music to TV

Queue position is lost when switching from music to TV. Now that I have a playbar, I regularly switch my input from music to TV. When switching from TV to music I would like to be able to listen from where I was in my queue earlier, but system doesn't remember.

10
O
4 years ago
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matthewjcreechContributor I
posted in Home theater

New Sound System

Hi all, I am looking to start a home theater system for myself and I'm caught between two options. I am trying to decide if it would be better for me to start a 5.1 setup with a receiver that would run about $500 and speakers that would cost about $400. I know different speaker and AV setups produce different sounds and functionality, but I am just curious how you would compare the sound quality and functionality of 2 Sonos 5s and a bridge to a comparable 5.1 AV Network setup at the price above. The use of this system is primarily to play music followed by watching TV and Movies. I have heard various 5.1 systems but have never heard a Sonos speaker. What would be the pros and cons of owning each of these types of systems. Thanks, A Sonos newcomer

2
Y
4 years ago
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Joe ProtanoContributor I
asked in Home theater

Does Playbar Connect to a TV with HDMI cable?

I am purchasing a new tv and it is limited by only 2 HDMI outlets. I figured one HDMI is for my cable box and the other for my DVD player. Does playbar need a HDMI input too. The answer to this question determines which TV I buy. One with 2 HDMI or one with 3HDMI

6
S
5 years ago
E
Eric JohnsonContributor I
asked in Home theater

How many of the 32 Sonos zones can be a play bar with a sub and surrounds?

With Play 3 and Play 5, a sub counts as a zone within the 32 zone limit. I've heard a rumor that with Playbar, this is not the case. Is it true that you can have 32 home theaters with sub, surrounds and playbar in each room?

15
Chris
6 years ago
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Bob_58Contributor I
posted in Home theater

Have the Playbar automatically group back to previous group when TV playback is ended.

The PLAYBAR has the autoplay mode that will remove it from the group when audio from the TV is detected. After you are done watching TV and want to return to listening to music through All Sonos devices, you "must" manually add the PLAYBAR back to the group for audio playback. Why couldn't this be automated? If the TV is not on, the Playbar should be automatically grouped back to the previous group, as it was before you started watching TV. Maybe, a "default" setting that it can return to automatically.

50
R
4 years ago
U
User348681Contributor I
posted in Home theater

Playbar, Play:3 and "Surround-Group/ungroup"

We have the Playbar as a great improvement to the TV-sound. Also we have 2 Play:3 set up as separate stereo speakers, but is also perfectly placed as Surround-speakers. As 95% of our TV viewing don't benefit from surround-sound from the Play:3 speakers, we prefer using the Play:3 as separate stereo speakers. Only when watching an occational good movie with good surround effects, we would like to use the Play:3 speakers as surround speakers. Instead of the more complicated reconfiguring of the setup, I would like an easy and fast way of changing the setup. As it is easy to group/ungroup rooms I would like to suggest a similar "Surround-group/ungroup" function when having the combination of Playbar and two Play:3.

7
M
4 years ago
B
BirgerContributor I
posted in Home theater

I want to install the playbar behind my TV, good idea?

My television setup (design wise) does not accept a playbar in front of it. Now I use the Play 5 for TV sound but want to replace it with a playbar, since I cannot place it in front of my TV I was wondering if it would work (well enough) behind my screen? I've read you can place it upright so I'd like to do that. Would my TV block to much of the sound?

2
F
4 years ago
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muddmanContributor I
posted in Home theater

Playbar + Connect:AMP: mute entire group using TV remote

I have a Playbar grouped with two sets of Connect:AMP speakers but I would like the ability to Pair (or some hybrid of grouping and pairing) them, even if surround sound wasn't supported, so the Connect:AMP speakers would also mute when I mute TV sound on the Playbar using the TV remote. Thanks!!!

5
B
6 years ago
D
DarinContributor I
posted in Home theater

how do i get rid of not available message that pops up on my samsung when pressing the volume button

31
S
4 years ago
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Racin929Avid Contributor I
posted in Home theater

Solving the 5.1, DTS issues with the Playbar

This thread is specifically for those who are trying to understand the Playbars 5.1 and DTS issues. As most of you know the Playbar does not convert DTS signal. It also will only convert 2.0 to SIMULATED PCM 5.1 signal. If you can live with the simulated signal, then you are ahead of the game. IF you want PURE unadulterated 5.1 from your DirecTV or Cable, you WILL most likely have to buy a switch like this one. [url]http://www.monoprice.com/products/7974[/url] Or a Bluray converter like this one. [url]http://www.oppodigital.com/blu-ray-bdp-103/[/url] MOST tvs will not convert true 5.1. There are some on this thread that say they do, but most dont. I found this out the hard way by buying one of Samsungs highest end tv's, only to find out that 2.0 is all im ever gunna get. A $75 switch is a bargain IMO to have such sound to the Playbar the way it is intended. IF you want 1080p up convert video and and 5.1 audio, then a simular Bluray like the Oppo is for you. Concerning mo

205
Ken_Griffiths
3 years ago
N
Nicholas_10Contributor I
posted in Home theater

How to Program New Xfinity XR2 Remote

Add to your FAQ how to program the new Xfinity XR2 remote to control Sonos. The Xfinity manual for the new remote (comes with the new X1 box and service) does not include a remote code for any Sonos products. Sonos tech instructed me to program the remote with the code for any other audio device, then go through the Sonos remote programming steps. It worked!

1
T
4 years ago
J
JeffoContributor I
asked in Home theater

Is Playbar compatible with a BenQ W1070 projector?

I bought a BenQ projector (http://www.amazon.com/BenQ-W1070-Theater-Projector-Silver/dp/B00A2T6X0K) and now need a sound system. The room is rectangular, ~ 18-feet by 12-feet. Directv and blu-ray at one end; projector nearly at the other, throwing the picture onto third wall. I'd like the sound to emanate from beneath the picture but i don't want to rip apart the ceilings/walls to hide wires. so wireless is appealing. Is the playbar right for this situation? can it work with a projector? can it work with a projector and DirecTV and a blu ray player? Do i also need a receiver? any advice much appreciated. :)

8
J
5 years ago
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ukncdcContributor I
posted in Home theater

Control PLAYBAR Night Mode and Speech Mode to Remote Control

I would like to be able to toggle the speech and night mode features of the playbar off and on from my remote; I would like to be able to assign an unused key to toggle these on and off without needed to go to my iPad or phone. Thanks

3
T
4 years ago
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User699402Contributor I
asked in Home theater

annoying tv message when turning volume up or down

i have a samsung tv and when i turn the volume up or down from my tv remote "not available in current mode " appears on tv. the sonos set up said this may occur but i cant turn it off. ive been through the tv menu and turned everything off.

6
Airgetlam
5 years ago
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User45750Contributor I
asked in Home theater

Playbar with samsung tv

HI i have purchased a playbar which works fine with my samsung tv apart from a warning message apearing on my tv when volume is pressed saying NOT AVAILABLE i have called samsung and they recommened speaking to sonos any idea? the model is LE46C580J1KXXU

7
P
4 years ago
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DoublePDContributor I
posted in Home theater

Sonos Connect Connectivity: HDMI

Are there plans to release a Sonos Connect type device with HDMI connectivity? Here's why I ask. The HDMI connection between my TV and receiver allows my TV to both power up the receiver and to directly control the volume level of the receiver. (not just the line level out to the receiver) I would love to be able to do this with a Sonos type device. I picture walking into the house after a long day, opening up the Sonos app on my phone or tablet, playing a track and the Sonos device automatically powering up my receiver (including direct volume control). All this without having to walk to the hi-fi component shelf to power up the receiver and choose a suitable volume level etc..

17
Sonosjunkie
4 years ago
J
James WContributor III
asked in Home theater

Playbar/Sony TV/Sky remote

Hi, I'm sure this is really easy to fix, but am struggling.....I installed my Playbar today, I have a Sony TV which I control with my Sky remote. I have got the sound coming from the Playbar and changed the speakers to Audio System on the TV to do this. However, although I can control the sound from my Sky remote, everytime I change the sound I get the message "TV Volume is Fixed". Any ideas how toi disable this?

55
SassyS
5 years ago
S
sctoyContributor I
posted in Home theater

Rear Surround Speakers Won't Play Sound When Connected to PlayBar

Hi! I have connected a PlayBar to two Play:3 so that we can have surround sound when watching TV. I can not get any sound out of the Play:3s in this configuration. The two Play:3 work just fine as stand alone speakers attached to my Sonos system. I can successfully connect these speakers to the PlayBar using my controller and they are removed from their original rooms and attached to the PlayBar. When I look at the PlayBar it shows PlayBar (+ LS + RS) suggesting everything is connected. I have checked in AdvancedSettings and see that Surrounds is on. I have toggled it just to be sure. I have moved the sound level adjustment all the way to the right. No sound whatsoever. What can I do to solve this. All speakers have been updated to the latest software.

15
Airgetlam
5 years ago
J
John_110Contributor I
asked in Home theater

Playing my iTunes Library

Hi there Just installed a Bridge, Playbar and Play5. Having problems though accessing fully my iTunes on my iMac. Also neither my iPad nor iPhone5 can access all of my iTunes library and play music on the Playbar. Message states it cannot access iTunes on my iMac Please can you help?

11
C
5 years ago
P
Pat_5Contributor I
posted in Home theater

PLAYBAR TV audio in other rooms?

How can I access the tv input from the playbar so I can access. The tv sound on other Sonos components ?

17
jgatie
4 years ago
U
User863297Contributor III
posted in Home theater

Support arbitrary IR remote commands to Playbar.

I'd like it if playbar supported more programmable functions via IR remote. Many of us have universal remotes with unused/assignable buttons. Functions like: night mode, voice enhance, and music playback controls could all be assigned remote commands. The volume LED could be used to give some feedback for these states without having the sonos app open - E.g. one blink for on, two for off, etc... I know that simplicity is a hallmark of the Sonos system, but these could be added as optional 'power user' features.

14
D
5 years ago
U
User205945Contributor I
asked in Home theater

Compatability issues between Playbar/Sony Bravia KDL46XBR2

Hi Sonos, I just received my Playbar. I have a Sony Bravia 46" (KDL-46XBR2). It receives audio via an HDMI connection from the cable box. It is directly connected to the Playbar via the included optical digital audio cable. As I set up my Playbar, I am getting the message, "Sonos could not detect any audio from the TV." I have tried another optical cable. My TV doesn't necessarily have a "digital audio out" setting in the menu. It only has the option to turn the TV's speaker ON/OFF, though when I had the TV audio output going through component cables to a Play:5, it worked fine. Any troubleshooting steps?

15
J
6 years ago

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