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

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.

jjonesx86,

It would be useful if you gave the complete model numbers. For example each SAMSUNG model year for the past several years has had an "8500" model, but the feature list is different for each year. For example the newest model would be PNnnF8500 (nn is the size), but there might be a few "E" series units in distribution.

And, unfortunately, any of the TV's can tinker with the feature list with firmware updates.

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.

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!

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.

jjonesx86,

It would be useful if you gave the complete model numbers. For example each SAMSUNG model year for the past several years has had an "8500" model, but the feature list is different for each year. For example the newest model would be PNnnF8500 (nn is the size), but there might be a few "E" series units in distribution.

And, unfortunately, any of the TV's can tinker with the feature list with firmware updates.

These are the models of Samsung plasmas that we tested - PN64F8500, PN60F8500 and PN51F8500.

jjonesx86,

Thanks for the clarification as this will help others.

Anyone have experience with LG TV's other than the 55LX9500 listed on the first page of this thread?

I'm buying my new TV and the playbar at the same time so I have flexibility.

I'm specifically considering 47LM7600 (2012) or 47LA7400 (2013). The best text I can find in their manual is, "Audio with ACP (Audio Copy Protection) function may block digital audio output."

thanks in advance!

Samsung 50C6970 passes 5.1 through optical output, tested with playstation3.

may i use this thread to point to an (from my view) extremely important issue/ ask entry
https://ask.sonos.com/sonos/topics/switch_play_3s_between_surround_for_tv_and_stereo_pair_for_music

that pairing/unpairing pain needs to be fixed - adding play3s & a sub to the playbar for a tv show / dvd by pressing buttons each time is a show-stopper for me, as the same happens while unpairing them to get the play3s and the sub back for music listing ( i know pairing the sub with the playbar and then grouping the play3s for music listing could be a work around, but only for music sessions.....)

I have a brand new Samsung 60" 7500 series and it DOES NOT pass thru 5.1 from a directv input. The 7500 is an upper scale tv so I dont know how a lesser value TV will pass thru when their better TV's dont.