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esspydermonkey
Contributor I
June 12, 2020
Answered

LPCM ETA for Arc?

LG has released a firmware upgrade for the B9/C9/E9 supporting multichannel PCM passthrough.  This is great except Arc doesn’t support it yet.


Because of this new update, my Apple TV decides it should use LPCM instead of Dolby Digital 5.1 with Atmos enabled resulting in only 2.0 audio for non Atmos content.  The current only workaround is to disable Atmos and enable it when you want to watch an Atmos file.  Very frustrating as the previous firmware had no issue.

 

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    Ditte
    DitteAnswer
    November 10, 2020

    Hi all,

    We hear you. With a software update today, Arc now supports multi-channel LPCM, bringing new immersive sound experiences for gaming, Blu-ray discs, and more. To get support for multi-channel LPCM on Arc, download the latest Sonos S2 update from the app store and then update your system in the Sonos S2 app. After updating the app, go to Settings > System > System Updates > Check for Updates.

    All the best,

    Ditte

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    jakesilv
    Contributor I
    July 7, 2020

    Do people come on here as a way of passing time, for reasons other than to talk about Sonos products? Must have such fun lives.

    We’re trying to troubleshoot an expensive soundbar that isn’t working properly. Beat it, Karen. 

      Tzuhsiao
      Lyricist I
      July 7, 2020

      I did the new 4.80.03 update on my LG65OLEDC9. I right off the bat lost the center channel on the PS4 pro. It turns out the PS4 now recognizes the TV can decode 7.1 PCM. This issue  can be addressed easily by entering the main PS4 audio settings. The moment you open the audio settings it will mention how this device can support 7.1. You need to force it to 5.1 using the checkbox on that screen. Then change the output from PCM to Dolby. Everything works great. I just go into the game settings (last of us part 2) and make sure the audio home theater is set to 5.1 in game. 

      I’m not sure this can be answered, but I will ask out of curiosity.  When Sonos delivers the LPCM update, will the Arc be able to receive 7.1 PCM? Or will we still need to force 5.1? 

      Yeah, PS4 and Xbox One both support Dolby output so they are fine.  The problem is some streaming box can’t output Dolby bitstream, for example: Apple TV

      SOCalistic
      Renowned Enthusiast I
      July 12, 2020

      I’ve read this whole thread and am not clear perhaps because it depends on what TV you have.

      I have an Apple TV 4K which all my content comes from and a Sony X930E with Arc.  I have an Arc, Sub, and rear One’s. I’m happy with 5.1.

      I can get Atmos from the built in Amazon Prime app but not the ATV Prime app.  It sounds ok, not amazing, and the TV’s Prime app looks noticeably worse than the Apple TV app so I stopped using it.

      What will LPCM do for me related to Atmos?

      Ackmandoo
      Lyricist III
      July 13, 2020

      There seems to be so much confusion around this topic.

       

      Simple question I was hoping people could help out with. Currently, what content are people able to get “Lossless” Dolby Atmos (Dolby Digital True HD) to play on the Sonos Arc?

       

      Seems like one route are the TV apps on new televisions with eARC?

      SOCalistic
      Renowned Enthusiast I
      July 13, 2020

      You don’t have to have eARC on a TV to get Atmos.  My Sony X930E has Arc but the built in Amazon Prime app does get me Atmos.  But Amazon Prime on my Apple TV does not.

      ewolkoff
      Enthusiast II
      July 13, 2020

      You don’t have to have eARC on a TV to get Atmos.  My Sony X930E has Arc but the built in Amazon Prime app does get me Atmos.  But Amazon Prime on my Apple TV does not.

      This thread is based on an LG firmware update which doesn’t convert LPCM automatically.  Because Sonos cannot accept LPCM, it is an issue.  It doesn't impact your Sony TV.

      SOCalistic
      Renowned Enthusiast I
      July 13, 2020

      Looks like this thread is over other tvs too as I did read the entire thing.

      Ackmandoo
      Lyricist III
      July 13, 2020

      SoCal - I don’t think that’s correct.

       

      If you’re using a standard ARC port (no eARC) - you’re getting “lossy” atmos through Dolby Digital Plus

      From Sonos website:

      https://support.sonos.com/s/article/4844?language=en_US

       

      “Most Dolby Atmos audio can be played through HDMI-ARC using the Dolby Digital Plus codec. HDMI-eARC is required to play lossless Dolby Atmos audio using the Dolby TrueHD codec.”

       

      ewolkoff
      Enthusiast II
      July 13, 2020

      SoCal - I don’t think that’s correct.

       

      If you’re using a standard ARC port (no eARC) - you’re getting “lossy” atmos through Dolby Digital Plus

      From Sonos website:

      https://support.sonos.com/s/article/4844?language=en_US

       

      “Most Dolby Atmos audio can be played through HDMI-ARC using the Dolby Digital Plus codec. HDMI-eARC is required to play lossless Dolby Atmos audio using the Dolby TrueHD codec.”

       

      There is no such thing as TrueHD over a streaming service or device (e.g. Apple TV).  So he’s definitely getting DD+ Atmos.  You can only get TrueHD via a 4K Blu-ray player with an eARC connection.  Note however, that Apple TV requires an eARC connection to get Dolby Atmos at all (it will not pass DD+ Atmos via ARC).  Apple has imposed that requirement.  

      As for the rest of this thread, I can report that I am running the latest firmware on an LG E9 and do not have this issue.  My Apple TV is playing Atmos without having to do anything in the audio settings.  Just make sure your audio setting is set to “Auto” rather than “Pass Through” or PCM.

       

       

      Ackmandoo
      Lyricist III
      July 13, 2020

      Thanks - that’s interesting. 

       

      This could not get more complicated if they tried.

       

      When you say you’re getting atmos - is that through an external Apple TV 4K console, or the LG Apple app?

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