Solving the 5.1, DTS issues with the Playbar

Home Theatre PC
XBCM

I think the XBMC is a typo.

Thank you kindly 🙂

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.

Actually the stock Playstation 3 Blu-ray player has been able to transcode DTS to DD5.1 for a long time. There's some options in the settings menu, can't remember which ones and I haven't had a PS3 for a long time.

I also have a Samsung player that does the transcoding 🙂

wow i thought i was the only one having this problem ! ( im new to sonos ) does anyone know if BDP-S7200 Sony blu ray player decodes DTS to Dolby? i'm sick of the crackling sound on blu ray discs. this is the highest model sony makes as far blu ray players. if this isn't the answer, i will go a head and buy a ps4.

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'm trying to get the Samsung J5900 working in my setup and not having any luck so far. I have the audio set to "Bitstream (Re-Encode to Dolby D)", which I would think is right on the player's end. HDMI from player to HDMI switch, then on to TV, and optical from TV to Playbar. I'm positive the TV passes through 5.1 (confirmed w/ DVR, Roku, Apple TV), but have checked by running optical straight from the HDMI switch to the TV. No matter what settings I choose or hookups I try, I keep getting nothing but stereo on the Playbar's end. It sounds like others have had luck with the J5900 (or some older version thereof), so hoping someone may have some ideas.

I have had my surround Sonos setup (Playbar, Sub, 2 x Play 3's) for around a year now. I love the sound, wireless capability, and functionality of the streaming services. It works great with my AT&T box - providing 5.1 on the HD channels without issue.

Anyway, regarding playing DTS bluray's / media files I thought I would share my current workaround to help others. I have a HTPC in my living room. Attached to this via USB I have a Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro. This handy little device transcodes DTS to Dolby Digital and provides a toslink optical connection which goes into my toslink switcher - ultimately connecting to the Playbar. When I play DTS bluray's / media files; full 5.1 sound is produced by the Sonos system. I had the HTPC before I bought the Sonos, so it only cost me a $50 upgrade to get it working.

Please note the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro is only able to provide 5.1 with Windows 7 and 8.1. Microsoft screwed up the audio platform on Windows 10 breaking 5.1 for all manufactures. This is a major bug that has not been resolved yet. Currently my HTPC dual boots 8.1 and 10 until the issue is fixed.

I agree with others – Sonos need to pony up for the DTS license. It is a significant step up from DD, plus more and more movies are adopting it as their standard. It is strange to think you can buy a cheap 5.1 sound system for $200 that is DTS compatible, while the Sonos system (costing 10x) has no support - doesn't make sense.

Most of the Sonos Playbar owners are connecting the Sonos Playbar not to the led tv but to their dreambox. Why because the dreambox outputs DD, DTS true optical and my old led tv not.
So we need the DTS license on our Sonos Playbar!!! Wake up Sonos and support DTS

Most of the Sonos Playbar owners are connecting the Sonos Playbar not to the led tv but to their dreambox. Why because the dreambox outputs DD, DTS true optical and my old led tv not.
So we need the DTS license on our Sonos Playbar!!! Wake up Sonos and support DTS

You have no idea how :most" Sonos Playbar owners are connecting their Playbar. Stop this nonsense.

I say what I want! This is no nonsense its a serious problem for me and a lot of other Playbar users! Its time they update to DTS!

I say what I want!
Of course. But this is getting you nowhere. Keep on like this and you'll be your own worst enemy.

Of course. But this is getting you nowhere. Keep on like this and you'll be your own worst enemy.

Turns out the fine line between enthusiastic movement leader and insufferable bore is not as fine as I thought. 😉