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

Hi,

My old Panasonic 50" plasma P50G10 does support DD5.1 over the air, but does not do 5.1 HDMI to optical pass.

I have a new sony 55" XBR55X850A (4K-UHDTV) being delivered tomorrow and I hope it does do DD5.1 HDMI pass. ;(

I can finally confirm that the Sony 4k 55" TV - XBR-55X850A - Does do DD5.1 pass via HDMI to Optical without any issues. Also does DD5.1 from all built in Apps that support 5.1 (Like Netflix), and from over the air TV.

I can confirm that after the most recent firmware update my Samsung PN60F8500AF now fully supports passing 5.1 from an HDMI source. When I first got my Playbar the TV lacked support and I used a switch. Then I got frustrated at the switch and just lived without 5.1. Much to my surprise the firmware fixed the issue and I'm getting 5.1 from my cable box and apple tv. My xbox one doesn't support DD yet but I'm sure they will fix that soon.

Good news to anyone looking for a plasma that is 5.1 compatible with the Playbar because the Samsung is the best looking set I've owned and is a step up from the non-kuro Pioneer Elite that it replaced.

Anybody with experience with a LG LM7600?
I'm really thinking to sell my Bose Cinemate and get a Playbar

I emailed Samsung to inquire about which of their TV sets will pass DD 5.1 optical audio from an HDMI source. Not the response I was hoping for with the rumors of firmware updates enabling this functionality. Here is their response.

I understand that you are looking for a Samsung TV that allow DD 5.1passthrough from HDMI sources.

I will provide you with the necessary information.

Thank you for choosing Samsung. We value you business with Samsung.

Currently, no Samsung TV can pass 5.1surround sound through optical connection from an HDMI source and at this moment there is no firmware update available to allow 5.1 sound pass through from an HDMI source. TV can pass 5.1 surround sound through Optical out only when the source is Antenna or cable from wall. As the HDMI can only carry 2.1 surround sound to TV, it is not possible to get the 5.1 surround from TV.

Alternatively, you can connect the Samsung TV to Sonos 5.1 system using an optical cable and amplify the 2.1 input from Samsung TV to 5.1 sound on the external sound system.

the HDMI can only carry 2.1 surround sound

That would come as startling news to everyone, if it were true.

LG 47LM670T . This is one of the LG 2012 models . I assume that the 2013 models will have similar specs . I have the Playbar hooked up to the TV optical out , with the TV connected to a Sky Plus Box over HDMI. The Playbar seems to output whatever Sky is transmitting ,either Dolby 2.0 or Dolby 5.1, or plain stereo .

Monday I bought a Samsung LED F8500 (55"), I can confirm that when using an optical cable the TV is passing trough 5.1 dd.

That was one reason for not buying a Sonos Playbar, but that doesn't seems to be an issue anymore.

Hi guys,

I can confirm that my Sony BRAVIA KDL46HX750 is passing Dolby digital 5.1 through Optical.
But when hooked (HDMI) on my PS3/Mac mini it just play stereo.
Any tips/help is welcome.

You have DD 5.1 when watching TV, right? But not in any case when an HDMI device is connected?

Anyhow:
PS3: look in your audio settings, I know you have to specify somewhere what the audio output is and you can even specify whether it should convert DTS to DD 5.1

Mac Mini: What do you use on your MacMini to watch movies? Plex? XBMC? VLC?
As for current Plex and XBMC releases, you have to enable audio passthrough for AC3 in their settings. For VLC, I don't know.

Note that next XBMC release will fix DTS to DD 5.1 conversion and should be later ported to Plex as well.

I have a Samsung UE40B6000 Led TV, Does someone know if this TV output 5.1 via optical?