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

Hi TrevorFL --

Did you have to turn off the Sony internal TV speakers from the TV set-up menu? And could you give the link where to find the instructions on how to turn off the message stating that the TV volume is fixed?

Thanks!

Hello WifiStrut.

Yes, I did turn off the Sony internal speakers from the TV set-up menu. Otherwise the sound coming out thru the optical will be stereo only.

Immediately after I turn the internal speakers off, the TV automatically start sending DD audio signal out. No DTS, only DD. But once I do this I start getting the annoying message from the TV every time I change the volume. "TV volume is fixed".

I don't know if there is a way for the TV to turn off the "volume is fixed" withing the TV itself. I did play with almost all the settings and was unable to find it.

What I mentioned in my previous post is that someone suggested at the begining of this topic to use a different brand of remote control other than Sony or something like it. I will need to go back and read again that particular post once I get my Sonos playbar.

Hope I was able to help you. Have a good day.

My 2011 Sony XBR 55HX929 is able to output DD 5.1 using the digital output. If I don't turn off the internal speakers of the TV it will only be stereo sound. As soon as I turn off the Sony internal TV speakers my receiver indicator switch to DD. The receiver does have a display that will tell.

I did the test because I am planning to get a Sonos Playbar plus the Sub next week.

The only problem is the annoying message I get on the TV stating that the TV volume is fixed. Will take care of that when the time comes. I already read here the solution for that.

Unfortunately I can confirm that the Panasonic VT50 series plasma and the new Samsung 8500 series plasma do not pass 5.1 through optical out from an HDMI input. A very nice salesman spent quite a bit of time setting them up in the store to verify and unless there is a very well hidden setting to enable this it just doesn't work. I still want one of these TVs, the only question I have to answer for myself is whether the complexity of a HDMI/Optical switch is worth it.

I tested a few movies, switching between 5.1 and 2ch output from my Apple TV and while the difference was noticeable I wouldn't call it a deal breaker. In fact, if I had only heard the Sonos setup with the 2ch input I would have loved it. Knowing that something a little better is possible sucks...I wish I could un-learn that fact 🙂 In the end I think I'll wire for 2ch input and skip the switch but will plan ahead in case I want to go a different direction later.

Has anyone confirmed any plasma TVs that pass 5.1 through hdmi inputs to their TV? I am looking at upgrading my TV and would prefer plasma over LED.

I currently have a Samsung PN51E7000 that does not pass DirecTV/DVD/Bluray HDMI as 5.1. It only passes 5.1 from Samsung Allshare and Netflix (those are the only streaming services I tested). I did not test OTA.

I can confirm that the Sony KDL-37W5500 passes Dolby 5.1 to the Playbar. So, if you have one of these you should be fine!

(I have the Playbar, sub, and 2 rear S3s....sounds great, both for TV and music!)

I really just want to find a damn TV that will handle the HDMI switching and output 5.1 but that is proving difficult.

I'm still trying to figure out what Sonos was thinking with the Playbar design, since it's so difficult to find a TV that actually outputs 5.1 over optical. I started a whole thread on that so I won't rehash again here, but I'm stumped what they expected us to do. Did they expect us to all get HDMI switchers or optical routers? Did they expect us to figure out what TVs can do this seemingly impossible task?

Vizio XVT553SV (55", from 2010) passes Dolby Digital 5.1 to PlayBar.

Hope this helps someone!

Just spent some $. ADDING to the Playbar and sub...
Bought 2 play 3's, play 5, 60" samsung 7500 smart tv.
And guess what? Samsung disables DD 5.1 to optical when input is HDMI. Can you believe that? Yep, Im pretty pissed. SO scratch Samsung from this list. PCM only... Which sounds like a cheap stereo system playing thru the Sonos...

Bypass the tv altogether. I just bought an optical switch to get around my Samsung TV. I am happy, happy, happy.

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.

Ok, It was just confusing as this thread is for TV's that pass full 5.1, most all tv's push PCM. I got my hopes up that my sharp would, but nope.

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

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.

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.

Sony 55" HX925 working fine - albeit with "TV Volume is fixed" message in the bottom right corner when changing volume with TV remote.