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

Dear TrevorFL --

Thank you so much for this most useful information! Unfortunately, I don't own yet a Playbar, precisely because I first want to be sure I will be able to input 5.1

Once I got one (which I hope) I will double-check with your tip.

Thanks again!

-cheers-

Just to let people know the samsung UE55ES8000 will pass 5.1.

My Sky box is connected to the tv by hdmi the play is then connected to the tv. When i checked about my sonos system it says
Audio In: Dolby Digital 5.1this has only been possibly from today as my sky box had had a firmware update and now allows me to choose the sound setting for hdmi

I've got a Sharp 80" 632u with Playbar/Sub/P3x2. Is there somewhere in the app or desktop software that shows what the audio format currently being output is? Obviously there's no display on any of the Sonos components to let me know if it's PCM (stereo) or true DD5.1/DTS.

Is there somewhere in the app or desktop software that shows what the audio format currently being output is? Obviously there's no display on any of the Sonos components to let me know if it's PCM (stereo) or true DD5.1/DTS.
Go to About My Sonos System in any controller and look under the Playbar item for Audio In.

Thanks ratty!

Sad to report, the Sharp 80LE632U doesn't seem to pass 5.1 through optical. Tested it with Motorola STB (U-verse) pushing HBO/Cinemax movies, and a PS3 pushing different BluRay's. No matter what I tried, everything was in stereo.

So I'm left with a dilemma. Pick up the TOSLink HDMI switch to replace my RocketFish one (which sits in a closet in rear of room) and run optical from it all the way over ceiling back down to TV, or just stick with stereo surround? It sounds like most new BluRay's are encoded in DTS which the soundbar can't decode regardless if it's coming from TV or AVR/Switch. Hopefully this gets fixed by a firmware update.

The current surround set up sounds pretty damn good, even if it's a stereo signal trumped up to sound like 5.1. How much better/clearer would it really be in DD? I don't really have a frame of reference to compare.

Hoping the next gen soundbar Sonos puts out has an HDMI input which could be run directly from the TV. This would get around the compliance thing wouldn't it? As the TV simply gets its input through HDMI 1, and passes it out over HDMI 2?

Just got my LG LW550T (2011) to pass through 5.1 dolby digital from hdmi to optical. Required access to the service menu to enable the function. Hopefully this will be of use for some of you LG owners out there. Very happy with my playbar now.

To enable on an LG tv....

Credit to mike at avsforums:

To enabl DD 5.1 passthrough, first access the service menu. Just go to the AC3 EDID D/L menu and click the "Start" button. All lines change to AC3(ok) and now your DD 5.1 coming in through your HDMI inputs is passed as DD 5.1 on the optical out of the TV! No more DD 5.1 --> Stereo downconvert.

LG 47LA740V LED works with 5.1

Had to update the firmware manually on my Sky+ Box (press Backup on the box itself during power on) and wait 10 mins. After that 5.1 everywhere.

Hi Everyone,

I am new to Sonos and new to this forum. Last week I bought my first Sonos component, Play:3, which I have in the kitchen. I am so impressed that I have decided to expand Sonos into my living room. My plan is: 2 x Play:3, Sub and Playbar.

However, before I go ahead I would like to know if my TV, Sony KDL 46w4000, is able to pass through 5.1.

The manual says:"Set to Auto when equipment compatible with Dolby Digital is connected, and set to PCM when non-compatible equipment is connected".

Does this mean that my TV is able to pass through 5.1?