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Reventon85
Avid Contributor I
May 29, 2017
Answered

PLAYBASE No Sound, When switching TV inputs

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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    Airgetlam
    AirgetlamAnswer
    May 29, 2017
    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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    YYZTBParlk
    Lyricist II
    March 26, 2018
    I've not been able to output 5.1 from my Sony X900E at all. I have a simple optical out setup, which was working perfectly with my former LG TV. Now with the Sony, I only get stereo audio. I've done a factory reset and have the latest software. Sony advises me to call Sonos, and Sonos advises me to call Sony!

    I realize YouTube is not 5.1 and have been selecting Netflix movies via the Sony TV App. The Sony technicians have been through all my settings via their remote assistance.

    I'm at a stalemate!

    Any suggestions?
    Airgetlam
    Airgetlam
    March 27, 2018
    Perhaps open up a dialog with the OP in this thread?

    https://en.community.sonos.com/home-theater-228993/the-sony-xbr-x900e-passes-through-beautiful-dd-5-1-6802677

    S/He seems to have particular knowledge about that specific TV.
    Bruce
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