Skip to main content
Ryan S
Ryan S
Retired Sonos Staff
March 22, 2016
Answered

Samsung JS/JU Model TVs Audio Issue with PLAYBAR

  • March 22, 2016
  • 213 replies
  • 22245 views
We've determined there to be an issue with Dolby Digital playback devices (including the Sonos PLAYBAR) and Samsung televisions in the JS and JU series. An example of a TV model number of this line would be the Samsung UN55JS8500. The optical output from these televisions doesn't pass a consistent signal to devices wired in through that connection. This could present when you're watching any Dolby Digital content through the TV's optical connection.

As a workaround if you're using one of these TVs, you can set the output of the TV to PCM (Stereo). There isn't any issue currently with that TV streaming stereo content to the PLAYBAR through the optical. Otherwise, you can look into using a different device. Some suggestions for setups and community recommended devices can be found here on our megathread.

We are working with Samsung on this issue, but there isn't currently a timeframe for a resolution. We'll update you as soon as there are any further details.

Because of the nature of this issue, we've added these televisions to our PLAYBAR Compatibility page which can be found here.
This topic has been closed for further comments. You can use the search bar to find a similar topic, or create a new one by clicking Create Topic at the top of the page.
Best answer by Ryan S
Hi everyone,

We've been testing the firmware of these TVs with some of you and have verified that the Dolby handling issues of the past with these TVs have come back as of software version 1510. We're going to work with Samsung to see about sorting out the issue, but we've been able to replicate the cut out issues on both Sonos hardware and other soundbars too. The PLAYBAR has gotten better at handling poor audio signals in recent updates, so this issue is less noticeable than before, but it's happening.

You can verify the installed firmware version by pressing the MENU/123 button on the remote, then selecting Menu, Support, and then highlight Software Update.

For workarounds, while they sort out the firmware, you can either bypass the audio coming from those JS/JU model TVs by plugging your Sonos directly into the source, or an HDMI switcher, or go into the TV settings and set the audio format to PCM instead of Dolby Digital.

I'll let you know here when we've gotten confirmation that the software has been updated.

213 replies

Show previous replies
jamiehynds
Contributor I
June 22, 2016
Managed to find the 1455 update on the Samsung US Support site: http://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/product/UN40JU6400FXZA?CID=AFL-hq-mul-0813-11000170

Was very tempted to attempt updating my UK set, but decided against it just incase.
LeftMyWallet
Trending Lyricist I
June 22, 2016
!!!!!!!!!!!

Watched about 3.5 hours last night in Bitstream with 1455 update. Not a single glitch!


THANKS RYAN S FOR KEEPING ON TOP OF THIS!
jamiehynds
Contributor I
June 22, 2016
Hey - did you apply the 1455 update to a US set or are you UK based?
LeftMyWallet
Trending Lyricist I
June 22, 2016
Hey - did you apply the 1455 update to a US set or are you UK based?

I'm US. It was automatically installed. In fact had I not read this thread, I wouldn't have even known the update had gone through.
Ryan S
Ryan SAuthor
Retired Sonos Staff
June 22, 2016
!!!!!!!!!!!

Watched about 3.5 hours last night in Bitstream with 1455 update. Not a single glitch!


THANKS RYAN S FOR KEEPING ON TOP OF THIS!


Glad it's working out for you.
____


We just heard back regarding model number UE48JS8500 that they'll be receiving the update soon, probably some time in July. They're testing the update against a number of different TVs and rolling them out over the course of the next month or so. Hopefully you aren't waiting too long.

Personally, I'd recommend against installing an update manually on the TV which isn't specifically for that model. Though it certainly may work without an issue, there's nothing worse than an errant update breaking the TV.
Mark good posts by pressing the like button, and select the best answer on questions you've asked to help others find solutions.
El Jefe
Lyricist III
June 22, 2016
It looks like I've had this firmware update for some time. No time to test just yet though. Hopefully this weekend.
LeftMyWallet
Trending Lyricist I
June 25, 2016
It's day 3, we haven't had a single dropout.

Thanks for talking to Samsung and getting them to patch the firmware!
Chirosono
Enthusiast II
June 29, 2016
Still have dropouts on my JS9500-I'm in Canada..,.Whats the deal???
LeftMyWallet
Trending Lyricist I
June 29, 2016
Still have dropouts on my JS9500-I'm in Canada..,.Whats the deal???

do you have the 1455 firmware?
LeftMyWallet
Trending Lyricist I
July 3, 2016
Ok, 1455 has been solid for a week.... but today I've been having dropouts watching DirecTV...... Maybe it's a fluke, but Food Network and FYI channel have both lost audio about once every 5-10 minutes.....
Show more replies
Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement