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RoninDevil
Avid Contributor I
May 7, 2020
Answered

Sonos Arc HDMI in?

I like the look of the new Arc. Sonos seems to be catching up but they always seem to be a step behind. There doesn't seem to be a HDMI in for a Dolby Atmos device, like the Apple TV. I take it that means a lot of people will need to also buy a new TV, adding to the cost. Am I correct in thinking that my not that old Sony TV will not pass through Dolby Atmos over HDMI from my Apple TV as the TV is not Dolby Atmos even though the Apple TV is? I'm thinking a newer TV is also required with a newer HDMI port?

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      jgatie
      jgatieAnswer
      May 7, 2020

      Thanks, I hope that is the case. I have a Beam at the moment. My TV has arc but not earc. It is about 3 years old so is not Dolby Atmos itself. I was under the impression that this would not pass Dolby Atmos to the Sonos. I had read that a newer HDMI 2.1 earc standard was required.

       

      ARC will pass Atmos with DD+ encoding.  eARC is required for Atmos with TrueHD (lossless) encoding. 

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      Airgetlam
      Airgetlam
      May 7, 2020

      Lots of great info on Dolby Atmos here:

       

      https://www.dolby.com/us/en/brands/dolby-atmos.html

      Bruce
        RoninDevilAuthor
        Avid Contributor I
        May 7, 2020

        My TV is 2016 I think

        neo06
        Lyricist III
        June 18, 2020

        I will be upgrading to this when I've saved up a bit, I do like my beam, but I'm concerned that my TV might not pass through the Atmos. It says DD+ in the instructions. It was bought before Amos became big on TV branding.

        No atmos on Arc through Sony X930E ARC connection from Apple TV. Only the prime video app passthrough Atmos. Everything from Apple TV is Dolby Digital. 

        Airgetlam
        Airgetlam
        June 19, 2020

        That’s correct, other company’s apps will usually send a Dolby Digital Plus signal with Atmos encoded. Apple has chosen to use MAT for their apps, which requires Dolby TrueHD, and can only be carried by eARC, due to bandwidth issues. 

        Complain to Apple. I certainly have.  

        Bruce
        david82
        david82
        Collaborator II
        June 19, 2020

        this appears to be developing into a modern day Erie Gauge War.

        RoninDevilAuthor
        Avid Contributor I
        July 6, 2020

        While it would be nice for Apple to be able to send Atmos in more than one codec, and it certainly should, Sonos really should have thought about the issue more. The Arc really needed some HDMI inputs as we are not at the point where most people have the latest TV's and it seems silly to design something which is likely also going to mean you need to spend a large chunk of money on a new TV. Surely you would create a bigger customer base if you cover more options. Saying all that, I do love my Sonos buy will probably stick with the beam until it's time for a new TV, which could be a couple of years away. If they had included a spare hdmi hdmi they would have my money now.

          neo06
          Lyricist III
          July 6, 2020

          While it would be nice for Apple to be able to send Atmos in more than one codec, and it certainly should, Sonos really should have thought about the issue more. The Arc really needed some HDMI inputs as we are not at the point where most people have the latest TV's and it seems silly to design something which is likely also going to mean you need to spend a large chunk of money on a new TV. Surely you would create a bigger customer base if you cover more options. Saying all that, I do love my Sonos buy will probably stick with the beam until it's time for a new TV, which could be a couple of years away. If they had included a spare hdmi hdmi they would have my money now.

          I wish they would have included the HDMI IN. It would have solved so many issues for a lot of people. Its a premium soundbar and not a entry level bar. HDMI IN was required to use the ARC at its full potential.

            controlav
            controlav
            Lead Maestro
            July 6, 2020

            I wish they would have included the HDMI IN. It would have solved so many issues for a lot of people. Its a premium soundbar and not a entry level bar. HDMI IN was required to use the ARC at its full potential.

            Well then they would also have to provide HDMI OUT, in order to get the video to the TV. It would have made things a lot simpler for us all, mind you. Maybe Arc Gen 2??

            Author of the leading independent Sonos apps for Android, MacOS, iOS, Windows and Xbox.
              Serpent
              Lyricist I
              July 6, 2020

              https://www.hdfury.com/product/4k-arcana-18gbps/

               

              While this product is currently only available for preorder, it solves the problem with not having HDMI in. It will basically let you send Dolby TrueHD from any external device into the sonos arc. A good alternative to buying a new tv, and still be able to use the ARC to its maximum potential.

                Dafrapster
                Lyricist III
                July 8, 2020

                https://www.hdfury.com/product/4k-arcana-18gbps/

                 

                While this product is currently only available for preorder, it solves the problem with not having HDMI in. It will basically let you send Dolby TrueHD from any external device into the sonos arc. A good alternative to buying a new tv, and still be able to use the ARC to its maximum potential.

                Just came here to post this and help reach the preorder goal :grin:

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