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

Mfr: Sony
Model: KDL-55HX800
Firmware: PKG4.114AAT

Passes DD 5.1 through optical cable

Any chance newer sets will pass DTS (with the hope that the PLAYBAR will add this as well?)

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.

Hi TrevorFL --

Thanks. greatly appreciated! However, I tried ti find that in the sound option but could find it. Could you detail me where this option is?

(I didn't have a optical cable plugged into the TV, the option might only appear when a cable is plugged...?)

-cheers-

Any chance newer sets will pass DTS (with the hope that the PLAYBAR will add this as well?)

Traditionally, the video industry does not think through audio details very seriously. I think that SONOS hired an experienced video engineer to manage the PLAYBAR project and this engineer brought all of the standard best practices along. Unfortunately, industry "best practices" are a little short in the audio department. Even in the pre high definition days, TV audio was an unloved stepchild.

I have a friend who helped design the studio facilities of a local TV station. He is very particular and carefully matched all of the video cable lengths to insure the best color match between cameras and video processing chains. Here and there you'll find piles of video cable in racks and under the floor who's only function is to equalize cable lengths.

Audio processing!? While better than other stations in the area with respect to lipsync, there are still issues. Even in the control room, lipsync issues are observable. When I complain about lipsync issues the stare that comes back is classic: "Guy, what is it about lipsync that you don't understand? It's gone."

With respect to TV sets, it is possible that a future firmware update might improve things, but it could also degrade audio features if someone is not paying attention (and they usually don't).

Since SONOS has strong audio roots, they are more likely to attempt an improvement.

Hi TrevorFL --

Thanks. greatly appreciated! However, I tried ti find that in the sound option but could find it. Could you detail me where this option is?

(I didn't have a optical cable plugged into the TV, the option might only appear when a cable is plugged...?)

-cheers-

Hello WifiStrut...

I noticed that your Sony TV model is not the same. Was looking at the manual of your TV and we don't have the same remote control.

Page 30 of your TV manual mention the following:

"Settings
The Settings icon contains all of the necessary configurations to customize your TV settings. The options you can select may vary. Unavailable options are grayed out or not displayed.
Picture: adjust the picture on your TV to fit your viewing preference.
Sound: customize your sound settings to suit your audio preference. You can also change the settings to output the sound to your connected audio equipment. Screen: adjust the size and shape of the images you see on the screen."




It also mention that is there is an option grayed out will mean that the selection or option is not available.

Maybe that will be the answer, but I am not sure. Let me know if you managed.

Have a good day!

Since SONOS has strong audio roots, they are more likely to attempt an improvement.

Well I certainly hope it's a firmware revision to support DTS and not a hardware revision as that would be really bad for existing customers.

@TrevorFL

Thanks a lot for having looked into this. Yes, I do have grey options that I noticed when I was looking for your "stop sound" option, which I don't have, even in grey.

However, you gave me a great idea: as soon as I can, I will plug an optical cable out of my TV into an A/V receiver that indicates whether the source is 2.0 or 5.1.

I let everyone know here if my TV passed the test.

-cheers-

I bit the bullet and bought a new TV to go with the Playbar/Sub/P3s in my family room. The sound is great and simplifies things over the Monoprice HDMI switch I had before.

Sony model KDL-60EX645 does pass DD5.1 from the following HDMI sources: Directv, AppleTV, Samsung BD player. It will also pass DD5.1 from Netflix. I did not test any other streaming services.

BTW, Fry's has a great deal today on Sony XBR 55HX950 for $1919. 😃

I bit the bullet and bought a new TV to go with the Playbar/Sub/P3s in my family room. The sound is great and simplifies things over the Monoprice HDMI switch I had before.

Sony model KDL-60EX645 does pass DD5.1 from the following HDMI sources: Directv, AppleTV, Samsung BD player. It will also pass DD5.1 from Netflix. I did not test any other streaming services.

BTW, Fry's has a great deal today on Sony XBR 55HX950 for $1919. :D

If I may ask...Witch device are you using to stream from Netfix? The TV app or the Apple TV?

Thank you in advance for your information.

TrevorFL,

I used both the Sony TV by itself and the AppleTV to stream Netflix. Both sent a 5.1 signal to the optical output.

Hello WifiStrut.


I don't know if you already own a Playbar or not. Read on...

I was reading somewhere here and learned the following. Maybe you already know it but just in case I would share it with you.

Using the IPad or IPhone app (if you have it) you can find out what is your playbar is getting. (Stereo or DD5.1)

Open the app while streaming or playing something that you know it is 5.1.

Select the little "gear" that will take you to the settings.

At the end select "About My Sonos System"

Pay attention to the Playbar setting.

In "Audio In" it will tell you if the current input is stereo or DD 5.1

I was glad to find out. I was sure my TV was passing 5.1 but was planing in getting a toslink switch just to be 110%. Now there is no need to do so.

Have a nice weekend.

Trevor