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

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.

This is a great list and living thread that'd be great to keep going. I'm going to sticky it here on the board so it's easy to access. We don't maintain a complete list of devices that pass Dolby but let's see what we all can do here about updating this thread with the latest devices we've found which do.What would be really helpful would be a printable list / summary of the TVs that PlayBar is fully 5.1 compatible with.

Having to search this 2 year old thread looking for what TV to buy is just not viable. Say we want to buy a new TV (which we do!) and we want to ensure it will work in full 5.1 with our PlayBar (which our current TV does not) then a list we can take to the store or use for an internet search is the way to go. Looking for a new TV, finding a great one and then having to double check if it works with PlayBar and finding it does not, is going to be a real pain!

That's a good suggestion, we'd probably have to start with curating this thread into a more condensed list and then spread out from there. If it helps, we have a list here of TVs that we've seen not to work for some reason with workarounds where available: https://sonos.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1931/

Unfortunately that list isn't complete, it gets updated as we find TVs and there are constantly new brands and models coming out.

Sony Bravia KDL-50W704A (Asian variant of a US model I believe) from 2013 -- works.

Primary source is an Android TV box (Tronsmart S89) with HDMI out using Kodi to play back MKV files on a NAS. Kodi does real time DTS to DD AC3 transcoding for files without a DD track.

I had to fiddle with the settings in Kodi and in the Android box to get it to output correctly. It was initially only showing stereo so I was starting to think my TV was incompatible, but with Kodi set to surround passthrough yes / AC3 capable decoder yes / DTS capable decoder no, it's all good.

I think it would be unrealistic for Sonos to keep a list of compatible TVs. I think due to ever changing firmware. Any update could effect feature sets.
I am a long time Samsung user. I am shopping for a TV to be compatible with my future Sonos home theater system. I went in to best buy and Frys to take a look. I am not interested in 4K TVs. Most reps will tell you "ohh yea, all new 4K TVs will output 5.1 over the optical output". But I think they are just looking to make a quick sale. In Best Buy, they had a Sharp and a Samsung rep. I am looking for anything over 65". The reps said usually anything in that size will output 5.1 over optical, but that is not really the case.
I asked for the remotes on 4 different brands to look at the audio options myself. The only definitive one I could find is from Sharp. The Q+ series. It specifically says "5.1 over optical output and receive device must be compatible". Even the newer high end Samsungs only did PCM. The Sonys had something called "variable", which the sales guy tried to convince me that it was 5.1.
I think for me it will come down to one of the Sharp 70" Q+ series TVs.
-edit. So I spoke with Samsung support and they mentioned that anything "6203" and above would have the 5.1 digital audio out over the optical port. For instance, the UN65H6203AFXZA is one. The option is available on smaller TVs, but just look for the middle numbers and make sure they are "6203" or above.

I just want to add that Sonos confirmed that Samsung UE65H6400, eventhough higher than 6203, does NOT transmit 5.1 over optical.

I can confirm this device works for me.

I have a Tivo & my Xboxone plugged into this box. The box will auto power on when I turn on my TV. I am getting DD5.1 into my playbar per my Sonos App. I had to tweak some settings in the xboxone to get it to send 5.1 from that device. Only pain is that when I turn off my TV my TIVO is still outputting so my sound keeps going and I have to mute the playbar OR power down the Jtech Switchbox to stop sound. Also have to manually change input sources (on JTECH) when switching between XBOX and TIVO. No longer have to switch Video inputs on TV since only one HDMI is going to TV now.

Nice solution until I buy a new TV that will hopefully have DD 5.1 passthrough. :)




I just purchased the following item with hopes it will fix my issue...

J-Tech Digital ® HDMI 1.4 Switch Switcher Box Selector 3 In 1 Out HDMI Audio Extractor Splitter with Optical SPDIF & RCA L/R Audio Out & Remote Control Supports ARC, MHL, Ultra HD, Full 3D, 4kx2k, 1080P

From Amazon for $46.99.

I have the 42W805 and that one does it.

Thank you, that means the larger 50 inch would do this as well.

Neven

I am about to buy either Panasonic 55AS640 or Sony 55W805B. I was actually hooked on the AS640 but do you know if it will pass on 5.1? This could flip the scale if it doesn't.

Hi all!

I am getting a Sony 50 W 805B today and the Playbar in a few weeks. Do you know will the Sony output 5.1 through optical out if I connect my WD TV Live (or BluRay)?
Thank you
Neven

I reached out to Monoprice and they specifically said the 7974 HDMI switch DOES NOT support 5.1.

I have a Panasonic Plasma TV , Xbox1, and Tivo Premiere and Sonos Soundbar. I am positive the TV only outputs stereo via its optical. I tried an optical manual switch or hooking xbox or tivo direct to playbar with no luck. How do I get 5.1DD out of my Sonos setup from my equipment?

I keep hearing mixed results even from new TV's that claim to passthrough 5.1

I just purchased the following item with hopes it will fix my issue...

J-Tech Digital ® HDMI 1.4 Switch Switcher Box Selector 3 In 1 Out HDMI Audio Extractor Splitter with Optical SPDIF & RCA L/R Audio Out & Remote Control Supports ARC, MHL, Ultra HD, Full 3D, 4kx2k, 1080P

From Amazon for $46.99.

Samsung TV - UE46ES8000U (2012) F/W 2017.1 (March 2015)

I finally took the plunge and bought a Sonos 5.1 system, I thought it would be useful to update my findings from my previous post (Page 21 - #203), I can now confirm that the above TV does pass DD via SPDIF.

For the test I checked the Sonos App -> Help -> About My Sonsos System -> PLAYBAR - Audio In

Sources where: Sky+ HD (Both recorded & live broadcast), Playstation 3, Samsung Plex App (DD Movie from network server)

The settings for the various sources can be found in my previous post (Page21 - #203)

Regards

Lenny

Got the monoprice switch box and hooked it up to all the gear. Now with both sources being routed first through the switch and then to the Playbar, I am getting 5.1. Confirmed this with the Sonos app. Listened to some Game of Thrones - man this thing rocks!:D


Sharp LC-80LE632U with latest firmware
Bell Fibe HD TV receiver
HTPC for Netflix

Both sources connected via HDMI to the TV and then using optical out from TV to the Playbar. The TV is converting everything down to stereo.

When the Bell receiver audio output is set to stereo, everything gets sent over, but when the receiver is set to surround audio output, either nothing is sent, or just stereo. Most channels are quiet, but the audio streaming ones are passed (but still in stereo of course). When the Bell box was set to surround, on some rare cases, when switching inputs on the TV, for a few seconds the tv would pass audio to the Playbar, but would then cut out. Switching Bell box back to stereo output fixed that problem, but now I am not sending any surround data to the playbar. I suspect this is an HDCP protection issue with the TV?

Netflix via the HTPC is fine - but as noted, only in stereo.

I contacted Sonos technical support, and even though it is not an officially supported product, they recommend using an HDMI switch with optical audio output. I now have a Monoprice 107974 on order. Looks like this will remedy the problem, and should be able to deliver the full surround data from both sources to the Playbar without the TV hindering the audio output.

Here are my opinions on the Playbar and Sonos: Sonos technical support is super. Any time I need to call, I always get a friendly person on the phone and they are able to help resolve my issue. Very, very pleased with their customer service. I already have a multi-zone Sonos system in use for years now, so adding the Playbar was a natural extension to my audio setup. Sending my music library from the NAS drive, or streaming internet radio to the Playbar as another zone in the system is great. If you are already a current Sonos system user and are thinking of adding the Playbar to your TV, then I think it is a great product. If you do not have any Sonos components, and probably don't plan on investing into the ecosystem - making the Playbar your only component, then it is probably not the best fit. Some research on the net shows there are better sounding surround bars for less money, but the big value of the Playbar in my opinion is to add on to the existing multi-room ecosystem if you are already in it.

For Playbar sound quality: on stereo music sources, I am really impressed! Output is very clean, even at full volume. The vocal presence, and guitar tracks on certain albums are mind blowing. The Playbar also seems to provide a wider soundstage - as it would be trying to simulate a surround effect, and it does that very well. Even watching TV, or Netflix (although in stereo only), still sounds very good. Vocals and dialogue are clear. I am curious to hear what the difference will be like once I hook up the Monoprice box and see what the Playbar can do with a true surround signal.

Sharp LC-80LE632U with latest firmware
Bell Fibe HD TV receiver
HTPC for Netflix

Both sources connected via HDMI to the TV and then using optical out from TV to the Playbar. The TV is converting everything down to stereo.

When the Bell receiver audio output is set to stereo, everything gets sent over, but when the receiver is set to surround audio output, either nothing is sent, or just stereo. Most channels are quiet, but the audio streaming ones are passed (but still in stereo of course). When the Bell box was set to surround, on some rare cases, when switching inputs on the TV, for a few seconds the tv would pass audio to the Playbar, but would then cut out. Switching Bell box back to stereo output fixed that problem, but now I am not sending any surround data to the playbar. I suspect this is an HDCP protection issue with the TV?

Netflix via the HTPC is fine - but as noted, only in stereo.

I contacted Sonos technical support, and even though it is not an officially supported product, they recommend using an HDMI switch with optical audio output. I now have a Monoprice 107974 on order. Looks like this will remedy the problem, and should be able to deliver the full surround data from both sources to the Playbar without the TV hindering the audio output.

Here are my opinions on the Playbar and Sonos: Sonos technical support is super. Any time I need to call, I always get a friendly person on the phone and they are able to help resolve my issue. Very, very pleased with their customer service. I already have a multi-zone Sonos system in use for years now, so adding the Playbar was a natural extension to my audio setup. Sending my music library from the NAS drive, or streaming internet radio to the Playbar as another zone in the system is great. If you are already a current Sonos system user and are thinking of adding the Playbar to your TV, then I think it is a great product. If you do not have any Sonos components, and probably don't plan on investing into the ecosystem - making the Playbar your only component, then it is probably not the best fit. Some research on the net shows there are better sounding surround bars for less money, but the big value of the Playbar in my opinion is to add on to the existing multi-room ecosystem if you are already in it.

For Playbar sound quality: on stereo music sources, I am really impressed! Output is very clean, even at full volume. The vocal presence, and guitar tracks on certain albums are mind blowing. The Playbar also seems to provide a wider soundstage - as it would be trying to simulate a surround effect, and it does that very well. Even watching TV, or Netflix (although in stereo only), still sounds very good. Vocals and dialogue are clear. I am curious to hear what the difference will be like once I hook up the Monoprice box and see what the Playbar can do with a true surround signal.

I have the whole surround set up that includes the SONOS Playbar, Sub, and two Play 3's.

I have them connected to a VIZIO 70 inch P-series P702ui-B3 and I can confirm that is working.

You have to complete the following steps in order to work.

1. First go to your Vizio settings and under Audio select TV Speakers off.

2. Under the same sub menu of Audio select Digital Audio Out to Bitstream.

3. To confirm that its working go to your SONOS app and under Settings go to About My Sonos System. Under the PLAYBAR you will see Audio In and it should say Dolby Digital 5.1.

Note*** When I completed the steps I did not see Dolby Digital 5.1 under the Audio In in the Sonos App. The reason was that I was using my Direct TV Genie receiver and I did not have Dolby Digital selected.

To do this, under the Direct TV menu go to settings > Audio > Dolby Digital > Select ON.

You will have to be careful to make sure that if you are using an external receiver such as Direct TV, UVERSE, Apple TV etc.. to have Dolby Digital 5.1 selected.

Hope this helps to the Vizio owners!!
:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

Is there an onscreen message on the Vizio when you use the remote to adjust the volume?