List of TV’s that will pass 5.1 from HDMI Sources to Playbar

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joeydego
Userlevel 2
Not only does my Vintage 2008 Sony KDL40S4100 not pass any HDMI audio thru the optical, but HDMI 2 & 3 don't handle HDMI from my Roku box properly. I've always used an AVR, so I've just used HDMI 1. But I'm on a mission to get rid of the AVR, and only found these quirks when I rewired without the AVR. I've ordered a new TV that MagnoliaAV promises will have no limitations, but won't be able to test until Wednesday

be sure to test it IN STORE like I did. Sony AND Sonos tech support swore on a stack of bibles the Sony TV would work and it didn't. The specs say it'll pass 5.1, but it passes 5.1 from either its tuner or at best component. Im fairly certain without illegally stripping the HDMI signal, you can forget optical 5.1.
J
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be sure to test it IN STORE like I did. Sony AND Sonos tech support swore on a stack of bibles the Sony TV would work and it didn't. The specs say it'll pass 5.1, but it passes 5.1 from either its tuner or at best component. Im fairly certain without illegally stripping the HDMI signal, you can forget optical 5.1.

I'm having good luck with an HDMI switch that outputs 5.1 through optical output:

This is the one I'm using right now and it works but I'm having to restart it a few times which is annoying, especially for my wife and kids -

http://jtechdigitalinc.store.rakuten...242768954.html

I have this on order in hopes it is more reliable -

http://octavainc.com/blog-hdmi-switch-extender/?p=432

Are you saying that both of these units which successfully redirect audio from HDMI sources to the optical out with 5.1 support (verified by me in the Sonos app) are somehow doing something illegal?
P
I've been using one of these to get around the lack of TV optical - works fine, passes the 5.1, no issues so far

http://www.kenable.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=110_225&products_id=6372
L
Any word on the Samsung UN60F6350AF ?
T
I discovered something about my new Sharp LC-70UE30U, In the advanced settings, you can change from PCM (2.1 output) to something called "bitstream". Now my playbar and a couple of Play1 speakers produce perfect surround. Check for the same choice in your TV.
Z
Based off our testing, these models are able to pass 5.1 through the Optical Out of the TV.


  • LG 55LX9500
  • Samsung PN43D490
  • Samsung UN55C6500VF
  • Sony 46EX400
  • Sony KDL32EX400
  • Sony KDL46EX400
  • Sony KDL55EX500
  • Sony KDL xxNX800/KDL-xxNX810
  • Vizio XVT3D554SV
  • Vizio E601i-A3


These have worked with external components such as, Bluray, Apple TV and Cable boxes.

I added my 60" Vizio e601i-a3 to the list. I am sure the 70" version works the same. I had to go deep into audio settings to change optical out from PCM to Dolby Digital. But it does indeed work now.
E
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Any news on the new Samsung UHD 4K UN55JU7100?
C
Userlevel 2
For people who do not need optical audio input, this is quite good:
http://www.marmitek.com/en/product-details/audio-video-at-home/connect/multiple-av-devices/connect-421.php

Is ARC compatible, 5.1 passthru and has 1 optical output. You can connect 4 HDMI devices.
S
anything for the Sony XBR43830C ?
J
You would also need to make sure that the specifications of these listed sets are the same throughout different countries. I do know that Panasonic have different specs for their sets in the states than we have here in the UK and ours are different to the European ones too a lot of the time.
C
Userlevel 3
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anything for the Sony XBR43830C ?
(I have an 850C Series Sony.)

I assume all the new 2015 'C' models behave the same when it comes to external audio, since they are all based on the same Android TV OS. They only differ in the display and what built-in speakers the TV has. My 850C passes multi-channel streams from HDMI to the optical out. However, it does not support DTS to AC-3 transcoding, so if you play a Blue-ray/whatever with DTS audio, you will get silence from the Playbar. Also, Android TV requires app developers to explicitly code for AC-3 passthrough, so many streaming apps are currently limited to stereo sound only because they haven't been programmed to handle passthrough. I have personally confirmed KODI will pass 5.1 once passthrough is enabled in the advanced KODI settings. Netflix and Plex are also reported to do AC-3, but I don't use either of those services, so haven't confirmed them. Amazon Instant Video, Google Movies and TV, YouTube and the new Disney Movie Anywhere sadly do NOT support AC-3 streaming at this time. Hopefully that will get addressed with software updates in time.
D
Userlevel 2
Sony 55" HX925 working fine - albeit with "TV Volume is fixed" message in the bottom right corner when changing volume with TV remote.
E
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Any news on the new Samsung UHD 4K UN55JU7100?

I can confirm that this TV does pass through 5.1 to the Playbar. I tested via Apple TV and my Uverse STB. Oddly, I couldn't find the right settings in my Xbox One to get it there too. The support note seems to have some outdated menu items.
P
Sony 55" HX925 working fine - albeit with "TV Volume is fixed" message in the bottom right corner when changing volume with TV remote.

Can you re-program your Sony remote ? Does it has the flick switch between TV/CD/DVD etc so that the volume controls send out a different IR signal for the Playbar to learn, and the TV to ignore ?
D
Userlevel 2
anything new for LG ?

LG 55UF9509 / LG 55UF8609
V
Userlevel 2
Sony 55" HX925 working fine - albeit with "TV Volume is fixed" message in the bottom right corner when changing volume with TV remote.

Use some other brand of remote to learn into the Playbar. If you are using a cable remote, learn the commands from a receiver into the playbar that way the TV button still turns the TV, and set the punch through volume to the receiver. Works great with Time Warner remotes. If you are using a universal remote, set a device in your programming for a different brand of TV and label it Soundbar, then learn that into the playbar.

I have the playbar working on the LG 47LM6700, 55LM6700, 60LM7200, 55LV5500, 47LV5500, all with 5.1 with sources connected via HDMI from BluRays, Cable Boxes, and DirecTV.
O
I am using this HDMI switch with Optical out: Monoprice 4X1 HDMI Switcher w/ Toslink & Digital Coaxial Port (Rev.2) w/ 3D support

Note that it will also allow you to change to stereo from 5.1 in the event that you want to play a DTS film through the Playbar.
E
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Sholnay,

Either I don't know what I'm doing (very possible) or you may need to adjust some settings. Per the Sonos app, I'm passing 5.1 through my UN55JU7100 via every source.

Watching a movie on ATV right now and this is what it shows:

Associated ZP: 192.168.1.247
---------------------------------
PLAYBAR: Living Room
Serial Number: 5C-AA-FD-15-44-44:2
Version: 5.4 (build 29591030)
Hardware Version: 1.9.1.10-1
IP Address: 192.168.1.247
Audio In: Dolby Digital 5.1
WM: 1
OTP:
G
Userlevel 2
My Sharp 70" Aquos LC-70LE732U works flawlessly. The remote for my Bell satellite receiver synced automatically and the volume button controls the PlayBar sound level like it should. The best part of the whole set up is the great sound from the PlayBar. One of the best purchases that I have ever made.
S
Userlevel 1
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ATV is AppleTV?

I've done a little more research on my end and it appears that some devices will send DD5.1. The main device that I can't get to work is my HTPC, no matter what I do, what drivers I install or update to, I can't get the PC to send 5.1 audio to the TV (but from what I read, this could be related to the TV - during the HDMI handshake, the TV might be limiting the options for the PC).

It's all very confusing. My main viewing device is my HTPC, I don't use an AppleTV or roku or chromecast at home so it's very frustrating that I can't get the PC to send the right signal.

Sholnay,

Either I don't know what I'm doing (very possible) or you may need to adjust some settings. Per the Sonos app, I'm passing 5.1 through my UN55JU7100 via every source.

Watching a movie on ATV right now and this is what it shows:

Associated ZP: 192.168.1.247
---------------------------------
PLAYBAR: Living Room
Serial Number: 5C-AA-FD-15-44-44:2
Version: 5.4 (build 29591030)
Hardware Version: 1.9.1.10-1
IP Address: 192.168.1.247
Audio In: Dolby Digital 5.1
WM: 1
OTP:
Z
My Sharp 70" Aquos LC-70LE732U works flawlessly. The remote for my Bell satellite receiver synced automatically and the volume button controls the PlayBar sound level like it should. The best part of the whole set up is the great sound from the PlayBar. One of the best purchases that I have ever made.

I have the same TV, I am only getting simulated surround PCM right now. How did you turn it on for the full 5.1?
B
Userlevel 2
Badge +1
Hi,

I have a Sony KDL55EX720 that was bought in 2011.
Last week (Oct 2015), I bought a Playbar and connect to the Sony's optical output.

I looked at the Sonos controller and was surprised to see DD5.1 was passed to Playbar from free to air digital broadcast. I also played a movie from Synology NAS which was connected to the Sony's ethernet. Sonos Controller also reported that DD5.1 was passed to the Playbar.

I sent a support ticket to Sonos advising them of my discovery. I was asked to submit diagnostic tests while the above 2 scenarios were running.

They came back to me and confirmed that Playbar indeed is receiving DD5.1 from my Sony TV.

So this model should be a good buy now, considering it was launched in 2011.

Edited.
I also tested using Chromecast connected to the Sony's HDMI and again Playbar is reporting the audio as DD5.1.
C
Userlevel 2
Hi, im in a similar position in so much as i transfer over a single HDMI various sources from one room to another - the TV in my bedroom where I want the playbar is a toshiba RL853b - will that send 5.1 from the HDMI source to the optical output?

Have emailed Toshiba but had nothing back in their quoed 2 day turn around time.

Thanks
G
Userlevel 2
I have the same TV, I am only getting simulated surround PCM right now. How did you turn it on for the full 5.1?

I am very happy with the PCM sound right now so I didn't do anything except hook up the digital cable. When someone comes up with a better idea I might try it but for now the sound I am getting from the PlayBar is much improved over my old soundbar.
D
I bought a new TV today. I was very dubious that I would get it to passthrough.
but....

I can confirm that my new LG 58UF830v from costco at a snip at £930 does passthrough. I am soooo chuffed I cant tell you.

Picture is great.
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