Solving the 5.1, DTS issues with the Playbar

I got two Ones yesterday and added them to the playbar+sub as surround speakers and it works great with KODI (XBMC) transcoding DTS to DD5.1. Highly recommend it as a solution for them that want to play DTS on your Sonos system. Get a HTPC with bluray and install XBMC, then you can both play bluray-discs and other videofiles with DTS.

I found this thread during my research. Can anybody confirm:

The Samsung BD-F5900/ZA Blu-Ray will convert DTS to 5.1. However, it will only pass-thru whatever format is on a DVD. I would assume that most DVDs would be older and hence, this wouldn't be a huge issue. Here is a link to the owner's manual (see page 62). (I can't post links so copy/paste //downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/201301/20130128133823310/02285N-BD-F5900-ZA-ENG-0128_BM.pdf

It also appears that if the TV will not pass-through 5.1 from HDMI connected devices (pass-through digital optical audio out), you simply get an optical switch, which allows you to plug each device into the switch, which is connected to the Playbar, thereby by-passing the TV altogether. You merely switch between the devices, depending on what you are using. Now, you are really going to need a switch anyway, as your converted Blu-rays will have to get to the Playbar. Simply, there is no reason to get a TV that will pass-thru 5.1 because if you want to get guaranteed 5.1 from your Blu-rays, you are going to need the switch, or you are going to have to plug your Blu-ray into your Playbar every time you are dealing with DTS.

Am I correct?

I had 4 Sonos components (Sub, Play 5, and 2 Play:3s). I read this forum to decide if the Sonos Playbar would be a good investment to create surround sound for the TV. I also own a Samsung F-5900 Blu-Ray. I don't often watch DVDs, but I do watch a lot of movies through the Plex app on the Blu-Ray. Since I do everything through the Blu-Ray, I connected the optical cable direct from the Blu-Ray to the Playbar.

I did not have success DTS transcoding from the Plex media server through the Blu-Ray (Samsung app). Only PCM worked. In the Plex forums, some indicate that the PlexPass (monthly fee) solves the issue, but I doubt it's true (so far). So the takeaway is that the Samsung F-5900 Blu-Ray will transcode DTS sound from a disc, but not a file through plex media server. That's something I didn't know from this thread. I assumed that I could always get Dolby 5.1 out through the Blu-Ray since it is one of the options. So I'm writing this so that others can make a more informed decision.

The cheapest workaround is the Popcorn program that converts DTS to Dolby Digital 5.1/ AC-3. The only problem is it only works on MKVs, and it requires more work.

I'm still happy with my choice to purchase the PlayBar because it's great for music, and now I have a truly wireless surround sound system. But it seems to be a different ball game when you are using files through Plex and not discs.

I noticed that the Monoprice switch has a note that says 24awg cabling is highly recommended and runs of at least 4 ft. I am assuming that is for input and output. Is everyone running that sort of cabling with this switch? I am going to order one and am guessing I will need to buy some more hdmi cables...

Okay, so i have read quite a bit of the posts here..

Still i have no clue what to do, if i want true 5.1..

The only way i use my TV is:
Television Signal from Cable
Chromecast via HDMI
Computer via HDMI

Is there any possible way, to get these sources to put Dolby Digital into my playbar? Xbox? Switch? Converter? what ever 😃

My current setup works to play DD 5.1 and convert DTS to 5.1.

I'm using a Lenovo desktop connected to a monoprice HDMI switch to my TV (Using HDMI). And I'm running the optical cable from my switch to the Playbar.

And I'm using the Plex Home Theater app on Windows. This is the Key I believe.

Pretty much everything I throw at it including TrueHD and DTS-HD gets somehow converted to DD 5.1. That's what shows on my Sonos app is showing.

Has anyone achieved 5.1 and 1080p, playing there movie collection from a synology nas . If anyone could share there setup. i would be forever grateful.

My current setup works to play DD 5.1 and convert DTS to 5.1.

I'm using a Lenovo desktop connected to a monoprice HDMI switch to my TV (Using HDMI). And I'm running the optical cable from my switch to the Playbar.

And I'm using the Plex Home Theater app on Windows. This is the Key I believe.

Pretty much everything I throw at it including TrueHD and DTS-HD gets somehow converted to DD 5.1. That's what shows on my Sonos app is showing.

Is there a setting in Plex where you can choose if Audio should be converted in Dolby?

Plex is now also available for the Playstation 3. Maybe it is now also possible to to play BluRays with the Playstation 3 and get 5.1 sound. Or you can play files from your NAS in converted Dolby.

How about running a Mulitmedia PC with Plex on it connected to your NAS?

I am now using a Samsung BluRay Player that can convert DTS to Dolby.

I got two Ones yesterday and added them to the playbar+sub as surround speakers and it works great with XBCM transcoding DTS to DD5.1. Highly recommend it as a solution for them that want to play DTS on your Sonos system. Get a HTPC with bluray and install XBMC, then you can both play bluray-discs and other videofiles with DTS.

I for one would appreciate it if you could explain the acronyms you are using, i.e. XBCM, HTPC and XBMC - I have no idea what you're talking about. Many thanks.

Home Theatre PC
XBCM

I think the XBMC is a typo.