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Avid Contributor I
April 20, 2013

Solving the 5.1, DTS issues with the Playbar

This thread is specifically for those who are trying to understand the Playbars 5.1 and DTS issues.

As most of you know the Playbar does not convert DTS signal. It also will only convert 2.0 to SIMULATED PCM 5.1 signal. If you can live with the simulated signal, then you are ahead of the game. IF you want PURE unadulterated 5.1 from your DirecTV or Cable, you WILL most likely have to buy a switch like this one. http://www.monoprice.com/products/7974
Or a Bluray converter like this one.
http://www.oppodigital.com/blu-ray-bdp-103/

MOST tvs will not convert true 5.1. There are some on this thread that say they do, but most dont. I found this out the hard way by buying one of Samsungs highest end tv's, only to find out that 2.0 is all im ever gunna get.
A $75 switch is a bargain IMO to have such sound to the Playbar the way it is intended. IF you want 1080p up convert video and and 5.1 audio, then a simular Bluray like the Oppo is for you.

Concerning movies that are only on DTS:
Oppo can convert the DTS signal to PCM 5.1 as well. I do not know about the Switch, because I do not have one.
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205 replies

Lyricist I
January 7, 2014
Hi,

I've potentially looking at buying Sonos, my requirements are
1. 5.1 surround sound in living room for music and TV (so looking to buy the play bar, sub and a pair of play 1s or play 3s
2. Outdoor speakers for my deck.

I've got a few questions I'd really appreciate some help with:
1.I've just bought a new Samsung TV, UA60ES6500 Samsung LED TV. I am also going to buy a new Apple TV. Does the sound bar work properly with Samsung?
2. I want outdoor speakers and was thinking the Bose 151SE. I believe I just buy the Sonos Connect Amp and then can link the Bose outdoor speakers as well. Is this right and anything I need to be aware of?
3. I already have a Bose Soundlink Air speaker which I've loved. If I get the Sonos Connect Amp, will this work as another speaker for indoors?

Thanks heaps
Trending Lyricist I
January 7, 2014
so after 11 months of waiting, the latest response from Sonos at ask.sonos.com to the DTS question is....


....brace yourself....

... is it a 'Yes'...

.... is it a 'No'....

..."John M (Official Rep) about 10 hours ago
Vineet, I do not have an update at this time. You will be notified via email when an update is made to the thread."

wow - after 4 months since the last update, I feel so much better now with that really useful insight into what is going on :rolleyes:


Hopefully, soon they will have an update as to when they will update us on the update to the update. :rolleyes: Looking forward to that!!
Trending Lyricist I
January 7, 2014
Fingers crossed!
Avid Contributor I
January 7, 2014
On the other hand, it does seem like a good excuse to sneak a PS4 purchase past the wife :)

But it does no good for the sales of Playbar's. It will put questions in peoples minds, will DTS be added and would that only be to a new version ?, would I have to buy a new unit ?, even if users never use DTS surround, I can't but help feel anyone researching one would now be put off.

I know I am.
Majik
January 7, 2014
It was probably in response to incessant nagging about the lack of a more recent communication.

:rolleyes:

Keith
jgatie
January 7, 2014
It was probably in response to incessant nagging about the lack of a more recent communication.

:rolleyes:

Keith


Of course. When you can simultaneously complain about the lack of a timely response and the lack of any new information in the responses you do get, your disappointment is pretty much guaranteed.

Entitlement Nation at its finest!
Contributor III
January 7, 2014
Good to see the usual comments dismissing any attempts by prospective Playbar owners to gain a definitive answer on DTS. Probably by peoplle who are not wanting or waiting for the feature.

I dismissed this product for consideration due to the lack of DTS but support all those hoping for the feature and persuing Sonos for an answer.
Contributor I
January 7, 2014
Sonos,

Take yourself and your customers seriously and update the playbar with DTS support or announce that you will release playbar 2 that supports DTS. Keeping your customers in the dark is not good and will undoubtedly damage you. Please stop being arrogant, thinking you are the market leader in your field. This is how companies, e.g. blackberry RIM, will be overtaken by others. Thank you again for your consideration.

PS. please also consider lowering price on playbar and subwoofer. Harman Kardon is cheaper and better quality. Offer more competitive price for those that are interested in both playbar and sub.

Best regards,
Why_no_DTS?
NoBoB
January 8, 2014
Good to see the usual comments dismissing any attempts

There's no dismissal. The comments are pointing out the lack of recognition of the futility of the attempts -- the comment between ours here being a perfect example.
Trending Lyricist I
January 8, 2014
Sonos,

Take yourself and your customers seriously and update the playbar with DTS support or announce that you will release playbar 2 that supports DTS. Keeping your customers in the dark is not good and will undoubtedly damage you. Please stop being arrogant, thinking you are the market leader in your field. This is how companies, e.g. blackberry RIM, will be overtaken by others. Thank you again for your consideration.

PS. please also consider lowering price on playbar and subwoofer. Harman Kardon is cheaper and better quality. Offer more competitive price for those that are interested in both playbar and sub.

Best regards,
Why_no_DTS?


I don't think posting the same thing in multiple threads is a good idea. You are just going to irritate people, and you will achieve nothing as these forums are user run and are not (officially) read by Sonos themselves.