Trending Lyricist I

Multichannel PCM 5.1 dropping out since 14.10 update

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Anyone else experiencing the same issue? Multichannel PCM 5.1 blanks out for a second every 1-2 minutes. I don’t think it’s a bandwidth issue as it works flawlessly with Multichannel PCM 7.1 (thorough test) and Dolby TrueHD Atmos (quick test). And it may have been caused by the Sonos 14.10 update. Setup is PS5→ LG C1→ Beam 2 (via earc).

2 weeks ago before the 14.10 update, I watched a bluray film wherein I had my PS5 transcode the DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio to Multichannel PCM 5.1 (as the C1 does not support DTS) and had no issues. Earlier today, I played a bluray film for the first time in 2 weeks and I encountered consistent audio dropouts every 1-2 minutes. It had the same setup where DTS-HD MA 5.1 → Multichannel PCM 5.1. I tested other bluray discs including the one I watched 2 weeks ago and they all now have the same issue.

Curiously, I’ve been gaming heavily on my PS5 the past two 2 weeks and haven’t had any audio issues. Then I realized that I’ve been using Multichannel PCM 7.1 when gaming on my PS5. So I made some changes under the PS5 sound settings to make it output Multichannel PCM 5.1 instead. Lo and behold, I am now getting the same consistent dropouts in games and even on the PS5 main menu.

I think it’s due to the Sonos 14.10 update as that’s the only firmware update I’ve done in the last 2 weeks. No PS5 update, no LG C1 update. Well actually while I was composing this post, I received and applied the latest LG C1 firmware update and I still have the same issue.

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Pinned Reply By Corry P

Hi @throwawaybeam2 et al

We now recommend you reach out to the TV manufacturer (LG) as this behaviour is also occurring with different soundbar manufacturers (so it’s not a Sonos-specific issue).

Alternatively, please utilize different audio formats from McLPCM 5.1 (e.g., McLPCM 7.1, DD+, etc).

I hope this helps.

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A

Anonymous

Hi all, I have a LG C2 and I bought a beam 2 a few weeks back but I had not played my PS5 until today and yep I’ve got this issue 🙄 I’ve had more problems with the Beam 2 than the Beam 1. Some ‘upgrade’.

On the PS5 you can switch on Atmos and it will no longer be a problem (Settings > Sounds > Audio Output > Audio Format). I’ve never had this issues since changing the settings. My PS5 is also on HDMI 3.

Thanks. But can I ask why is Linear PCM recommand for PS5 then and not Dolby atmos? Why was everyone in the thread not just switching over? What I’m I losing by switching to atmos? I presume I still get 5.1

Sorry for all the questions but I am a audio noob :D

There are certain games that don't support Dolby Atmos on PS5. You'll loose Surround or get wrong audio channels with some games. Most games are made with Linear PCM in mind.

Dolby Atmos can also be amazing for certain games. If you have issues with sound, switch back to Linear PCM. It varies game by game.

Here are certain examples that give you issues when using Dolby Atmos:

- The Last of Us Part 2

- God of War Ragnarok

- Stellar Blade (defaults to stereo when using Atmos)

I want to add that only HDMI 3 and 4 are affected by the sound cut out issue. HDMI 1 is totally fine and shouldn't have this issue.

Thanks. I’ll try this new cable and stick to linear. Any problems and I’ll switch to dolby atmos.

A

Anonymous

OK, good job I have ordered that new cable to try because even after trying Dolby atmos I’m still getting the drops every couple of minutes or so. The exact same pattern. So, if no one else has this then maybe my issue isn’t the same? 🤔

FWIW, even when switched to Atmos I was still seeing multi channel PCM 5.1 on the sonos app. I don’t know if that matters.

The more Sonos products I buy the more I loath them. Sick of this shit with them. I just want stuff to work. Feeling like selling my whole system. I dunno. At least, Bose seem to care.

Any ideas @MJW75 or anyone else?

M

MJW75

Enthusiast I

OK, good job I have ordered that new cable to try because even after trying Dolby atmos I’m still getting the drops every couple of minutes or so. The exact same pattern. So, if no one else has this then maybe my issue isn’t the same? 🤔

FWIW, even when switched to Atmos I was still seeing multi channel PCM 5.1 on the sonos app. I don’t know if that matters.

The more Sonos products I buy the more I loath them. Sick of this shit with them. I just want stuff to work. Feeling like selling my whole system. I dunno. At least, Bose seem to care.

Any ideas @MJW75 or anyone else?

No - the Beam should be reporting Atmos. Check your TV is set to audio pass through. I’m not sure what happens on incomparable games though - I don’t think I’ve played any of them.

Fendera

Lyricist III

OK, good job I have ordered that new cable to try because even after trying Dolby atmos I’m still getting the drops every couple of minutes or so. The exact same pattern. So, if no one else has this then maybe my issue isn’t the same? 🤔

FWIW, even when switched to Atmos I was still seeing multi channel PCM 5.1 on the sonos app. I don’t know if that matters.

The more Sonos products I buy the more I loath them. Sick of this shit with them. I just want stuff to work. Feeling like selling my whole system. I dunno. At least, Bose seem to care.

Any ideas @MJW75 or anyone else?

It should show up as Dolby Atmos in the Sonos app. Change the device within your PS5 sound settings to AV Receiver and NOT soundbar.

A

Anonymous

@MJW75 @Fendera Now showing as dolby atmos in the app. And working fine when set to Dolby Atoms! No dropouts detected, so far. The problem was that I was playing PSVR 2 and that was doing something funky to the audio. I can confirm it’s the same issue as this thread, now. It’s cutting out every minute when I switch to linear PCM

I might keep it on Dolby atmos, but if I do switch to the other cable, I’ll try linear PCM again and report the results.

Thank you to both for your help.

A

Anonymous

Update to this - For the last week, I’ve been using the cable recommended in in this thread and so far it’s been perfect. I will re post if I start having issues.

1

1Y3

Lyricist I

I finally found this thread after I’ve already had Apple replace my Apple TV (2022). I had a week where I thought the issue was fixed, but it was just luck since the problem is very intermittent for me. After that I finally suspected my LG C2 or the Beam Gen 2, since the issue before exclusively occurred on a single Apple TV.

Really disappointing there is no official fix for this, especially when the Arc is supposed to be fine.

M

MJW75

Enthusiast I

478 replies and Sonos hasn’t even acknowledged an issue.

Y

yofalat611

Enthusiast I

478 replies and Sonos hasn’t even acknowledged an issue.

Given how they’re currently going through a courageously disastrous new app rollout, that’s no surprise. They don’t care even if they screw over most of their users.

TLDR of the thread for prospective buyers who find their way here: If you own an LG TV, do not buy this product! The same issue does not exist for the Sonos Arc so it is likely a Sonos issue. However, it’s been 2 years since this thread and Sonos has done nothing (except wash their hands off of the issue).

S

Skillosaurus Rex

Lyricist I

Wish I'd found this thread before buying. LG G3 with Apple TV 4K. Beam 2. PCM 5.1 dropouts.

It's going back to Amazon this week.

First Sonos purchase, horrible experience. Further to comments already made in this thread...I don't see how I could buy another Sonos product in good conscience given (1) the ramifications of this issue in the future, i.e. products suddenly become unusable following firmware updates and (2) the dismissive manner in which this has apparently been addressed. I loved the sound initially and was even thinking about buying more Sonos products, but nope.

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