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PLAYBASE No Sound, When switching TV inputs

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I recently upgraded from a Sony x850D to a Sony x900E TV. I had the PLAYBASE connected to the TV via Optical and all sources connected to the TV via HDMI, My previous TV passed through 5.1 through all sources no problem, only issue was the occasional no sound when switching channels on the cable box but easily fixed by switching channel back and forth.

However now with this newer Sony TV i've connected everything up the same and same settings within the TV (settings are identical to the last TV) I'm getting 5.1 passing through no problem on all sources but when switching to Cable TV then back to the internal Netflix App or from apple tv to netflix for example there is no sound when playing any movie or tv I have to actually completely restart the TV a simple on an off won't work to bring back sound. I am aware of the issue for some where DD plus with netflix content won't play but ive been testing this issue with videos that do play in 5.1 but then still experience this issue when switching back and forth from inputs.

I've tried unplugging and plugging back in the playbase as well but issue still persists again. At this point is it best to try resetting everything back to factory settings and start over fresh? maybe some initialization needs to be done again because of the new tv This is extremely frustrating since I figured switching from one Sony TV to another would have no issues since everything worked flawless on the last TV. Anyone have any suggestions. I'm also going to try replacing the optical cable in case something is wrong there from disconnecting and re-connecting. I also confirmed that this TV does passthrough 5.1 no problem RTINGS.com also confirmed this in their testing as well. I'm also using a Harmony Companion remote as well if this matters.

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AirgetlamAnswer

I'd be loathe to use the word "defective". There's a few of things that I think are an issue.

1) and most importantly for your case, I think that there's a lot of data to initialize in the optical stream for a TV set, especially with the extended surround sound data set, and I think that sometimes the operation fails, so that even though you've got something showing on the screen, there's nothing coming out of the optical connection on the back. I think this often is a firmware issue, so making sure that you're up to date on the firmware is advisable. I think this is what happens on my second Vizio, although it's up to date, since I check periodically for updates.

2) I think that some of the manufacturers of TVs insert additional data in to the Optical Out so that they can do something special with their own brand of sound bars. Now that's a complete supposition on my part, but I had to say it. 🙂

3) I don't think that Sonos' Dolby Digital Interpreter software is as compliant with errors as it could be, so if it gets some "garbage" data, it fails, rather than continues to look for "correct" data.

Am I an engineer? Nope, you should take this all as complete fabrication on my part, but my hypothesis does seem to fit the behaviour appropriately. And certainly nothing I've suggested as ways to mitigate or fix the issue will do any harm. So, take it as more of a "huh, that Bruce guy sure is an odd one" rather than gospel, and hope that you can fix the issue you're experiencing.

Bruce

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Reventon85Author

Avid Contributor I

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Reventon85Author

Avid Contributor I

Update: Spoke with Sony support and explained issue they suggest doing a factory reset, will see if this resolves the issue.

Airgetlam

It does indeed sound frustrating. I wish you the best of luck!

Some people have ended up with an external switch to fix similar problems, i.e. taking the 5.1 signal out of the TV's hands completely. Something along the lines as this:

https://www.flexson.com/flexson-3-input-hdmi-switch-audio-converter-for-sonos-playbar

Please note, this is not the only one on the market, and I have not tried it myself, since it's not necessary for me. But that kind of device allows you to plug in all your HDMI inputs into it, and get the audio out from that, and then the picture goes to the TV, without relying on the TV to "interpret" the signal for you. There's others in this forum that use one that starts with an O, Omni-something, maybe? and have reported great success with it. if it was me, and I couldn't get my TV to do the right thing 90% of the time, it's the route I'd go. Certainly cheaper than a new TV.

Bruce

Airgetlam

By the way, the reason I'm semi-familiar with the Flexson one is because I use their speaker stands, which are incredibly well designed and constructed. That being said, I'm pretty sure that this device is just something rebranded (although I could be wrong). But my impression of the Flexson folks is similar to my impression of the Sonos folks, pretty high, so I don't think they'd sell you something that doesn't work.

Again, it's just an example, there are lots of others. Search Amazon, for instance 🙂

Bruce

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Reventon85Author

Avid Contributor I

Thanks for the suggestion I was considering something like this as well. If I can't get it to work this will be plan B. Do you know if the flexon works with harmony remotes/hub?

Airgetlam

Not off hand, but I'd be terribly surprised if it didn't. The Harmony system is pretty darn robust. 🙂

Bruce

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Reventon85Author

Avid Contributor I

another quick question? In order to get the TV's internal netflix and apps to output through the switch then route to the sonos, would I connect the switch to my TV with one HDMI to the ARC port and enable that?

Airgetlam

Gah.... now you're really getting out of my comfort zone. :)

I believe that's correct, but I'm sure someone with more knowledge than I can come along and confirm. There's a pretty great community of damn smart people on these boards.

Bruce

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Reventon85Author

Avid Contributor I

Well looks like after a factory reset of my TV has solved the issue. Crossing my fingers but tested switching inputs and DD 5.1 is passing through and no sound cutouts for some time now. Thanks for your help and support on this one.

Airgetlam

That's outstanding. It's been a pleasure to converse, and I hope the issue never returns.

Bruce

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