Avid Contributor I

Sonos Playbar 2 with HDMI and other additional features

Forum|Forum|12 years ago
February 7, 2014
43 replies
54826 views

I completely understand the problem to add DTS re-coding to the current Playbar due to the fact
of introducing audio delay. And since the Sonos Playbar is only
responsible for audio, this delay can't be added for video as well.

Therefore, I would like Sonos to make a Sonos Playbar 2 or Sonos PlaybarHDMI which takes care about audio and video. DTS and other sound formats could be easily re-coded into a supported audio format and the audio/video sync could be kept.

But it could also address other improvement possibilities:
- Display "Volume" onscreen
- Support IR remote controls (and others as well) to adjust night mode and speech enhancement
- Multiple HDMI inputs / HDMI switch
- Display currently played music (while not in TV mode)
- Possibility to steer music with basic controls via IR (Play/Pause, Next track, Previous track, radio stations)
- Possibility to add two front channels (Playbar + 4x Play:1 + Sub)
- Possibility to increase width of Playbar to fit it to the size of the TV

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Dave

Headliner II

I have no insights to their plans, but if Sonos should release anything new to accommodate to those and similar needs, it should be a modular IO/Unit, maybe Sonos:IO?

HDMI Input
Analog Input
Optical Out
DAC with 24bit support
ROM to store on-demand licensing (AirPlay encryption key/license, DTS, etc)
2 port Gigabit Switch

This essentially requires a new AMP/Processor.

At the same time, there are plenty solutions out there to accommodate to that, called AVR or Pre/Pro Amps. The key stipulation would be a TOSLINK output to connect the Playbar directly and all the above would be taken care of (except OSD function). Most AVR manufactures offer Bluetooth and AirPlay modules (inbuilt or as accessory).

If we take Sonos:AMP as reference point a new component would likely range above the price of the Playbar.

Guess the question is if Sonos customer would be 'cool' with an additional $700+ device?

Thoughts?

Can you share what soundbar you brought?

Sonos Boost - PlayBar with Surround Sound Play 1's (Living Room) - Stereo Pair Play 1's (Dining Room) - Stereo Pair Play 1's (Kitchen) - Amp with two Canton 845 ceiling speakers (Bathroom) - Sonos Move - HomePod Mini x1

U

User685213

Lyricist III

I have no insights to their plans, but if Sonos should release anything new to accommodate to those and similar needs, it should be a modular IO/Unit, maybe Sonos:IO?

HDMI Input
Analog Input
Optical Out
DAC with 24bit support
ROM to store on-demand licensing (AirPlay encryption key/license, DTS, etc)
2 port Gigabit Switch

This essentially requires a new AMP/Processor.

At the same time, there are plenty solutions out there to accommodate to that, called AVR or Pre/Pro Amps. The key stipulation would be a TOSLINK output to connect the Playbar directly and all the above would be taken care of (except OSD function). Most AVR manufactures offer Bluetooth and AirPlay modules (inbuilt or as accessory).

If we take Sonos:AMP as reference point a new component would likely range above the price of the Playbar.

Guess the question is if Sonos customer would be 'cool' with an additional $700+ device?

Thoughts?

The Denon DHT-S514. I must say the music sounds a lot better due to the subwoofer. You can hear that the Play:1 lacks low. The stereo of the two paired Play:1's is better but compared to the Denon they sound rather 'thin'. Sonos provides better integration with Spotify since the Denon only supports Bluetooth.
I do not have the Sonos Sub, but that's another $700 and unfair to compare.
The perfect system still does not exist....

Dave

Headliner II

I have no insights to their plans, but if Sonos should release anything new to accommodate to those and similar needs, it should be a modular IO/Unit, maybe Sonos:IO?

HDMI Input
Analog Input
Optical Out
DAC with 24bit support
ROM to store on-demand licensing (AirPlay encryption key/license, DTS, etc)
2 port Gigabit Switch

This essentially requires a new AMP/Processor.

At the same time, there are plenty solutions out there to accommodate to that, called AVR or Pre/Pro Amps. The key stipulation would be a TOSLINK output to connect the Playbar directly and all the above would be taken care of (except OSD function). Most AVR manufactures offer Bluetooth and AirPlay modules (inbuilt or as accessory).

If we take Sonos:AMP as reference point a new component would likely range above the price of the Playbar.

Guess the question is if Sonos customer would be 'cool' with an additional $700+ device?

Thoughts?

I haven't seen that, will have to take a look. Have you looked at the Arcam Solo Bar http://www.arcam.co.uk/range/solo/solobar.htm

Sonos Boost - PlayBar with Surround Sound Play 1's (Living Room) - Stereo Pair Play 1's (Dining Room) - Stereo Pair Play 1's (Kitchen) - Amp with two Canton 845 ceiling speakers (Bathroom) - Sonos Move - HomePod Mini x1

Josh D

Virtuoso

I have no insights to their plans, but if Sonos should release anything new to accommodate to those and similar needs, it should be a modular IO/Unit, maybe Sonos:IO?

HDMI Input
Analog Input
Optical Out
DAC with 24bit support
ROM to store on-demand licensing (AirPlay encryption key/license, DTS, etc)
2 port Gigabit Switch

This essentially requires a new AMP/Processor.

At the same time, there are plenty solutions out there to accommodate to that, called AVR or Pre/Pro Amps. The key stipulation would be a TOSLINK output to connect the Playbar directly and all the above would be taken care of (except OSD function). Most AVR manufactures offer Bluetooth and AirPlay modules (inbuilt or as accessory).

If we take Sonos:AMP as reference point a new component would likely range above the price of the Playbar.

Guess the question is if Sonos customer would be 'cool' with an additional $700+ device?

Thoughts?

As you imply when saying "The perfect system still does not exist", every system will have its strengths and weaknesses whether it be in sound, services or just general connectivity and stability. Which, unfortunately, is the way it is 😞

- SONOS user since 4th September 2010 - Report innapropriate posts using the flag in the bottom right of the post

Dave

Headliner II

I have no insights to their plans, but if Sonos should release anything new to accommodate to those and similar needs, it should be a modular IO/Unit, maybe Sonos:IO?

HDMI Input
Analog Input
Optical Out
DAC with 24bit support
ROM to store on-demand licensing (AirPlay encryption key/license, DTS, etc)
2 port Gigabit Switch

This essentially requires a new AMP/Processor.

At the same time, there are plenty solutions out there to accommodate to that, called AVR or Pre/Pro Amps. The key stipulation would be a TOSLINK output to connect the Playbar directly and all the above would be taken care of (except OSD function). Most AVR manufactures offer Bluetooth and AirPlay modules (inbuilt or as accessory).

If we take Sonos:AMP as reference point a new component would likely range above the price of the Playbar.

Guess the question is if Sonos customer would be 'cool' with an additional $700+ device?

Thoughts?

Not criticising but it's reviews aren't that great from what I can find. http://www.techhive.com/article/2884878/denon-dht-s514-sound-bar-review-a-disappointing-effort-from-a-noted-speaker-manufacturer.html

Sonos Boost - PlayBar with Surround Sound Play 1's (Living Room) - Stereo Pair Play 1's (Dining Room) - Stereo Pair Play 1's (Kitchen) - Amp with two Canton 845 ceiling speakers (Bathroom) - Sonos Move - HomePod Mini x1

C

CosmoNerd

Enthusiast II

I have no insights to their plans, but if Sonos should release anything new to accommodate to those and similar needs, it should be a modular IO/Unit, maybe Sonos:IO?

HDMI Input
Analog Input
Optical Out
DAC with 24bit support
ROM to store on-demand licensing (AirPlay encryption key/license, DTS, etc)
2 port Gigabit Switch

This essentially requires a new AMP/Processor.

At the same time, there are plenty solutions out there to accommodate to that, called AVR or Pre/Pro Amps. The key stipulation would be a TOSLINK output to connect the Playbar directly and all the above would be taken care of (except OSD function). Most AVR manufactures offer Bluetooth and AirPlay modules (inbuilt or as accessory).

If we take Sonos:AMP as reference point a new component would likely range above the price of the Playbar.

Guess the question is if Sonos customer would be 'cool' with an additional $700+ device?

Thoughts?

I been listening to the Denon and wasn't very impressed. I looked also in the Harman Kardon as i used their equipment for years (at home and for car stereo) but didn't flood my boat either.

The Libratone however was a home run (and suites the needs of my family better with inbuilt BT, AirPlay and DLNA support). The overall audio and the inbuilt sub creates a very clean and full sound experience.

http://www.libratone.com/home/products/diva/#video

Needless to say i bought one a few month ago.

-Cheers

Dave

Headliner II

Just an update on the Arcam Solo Bar, I emailed them regarding their plans to go mainstream with the Solo Bar and if they intended to enter the multi room market. Here is the reply. "We only ever sell through speacialist hi-fi stores through our existing dealer network. We have no plans at all to try to produce a system similar to Sonos they are very good at it (apart from sound quality) and there is no way we could compete in that area."

Sonos Boost - PlayBar with Surround Sound Play 1's (Living Room) - Stereo Pair Play 1's (Dining Room) - Stereo Pair Play 1's (Kitchen) - Amp with two Canton 845 ceiling speakers (Bathroom) - Sonos Move - HomePod Mini x1

U

User685213

Lyricist III

I have no insights to their plans, but if Sonos should release anything new to accommodate to those and similar needs, it should be a modular IO/Unit, maybe Sonos:IO?

HDMI Input
Analog Input
Optical Out
DAC with 24bit support
ROM to store on-demand licensing (AirPlay encryption key/license, DTS, etc)
2 port Gigabit Switch

This essentially requires a new AMP/Processor.

At the same time, there are plenty solutions out there to accommodate to that, called AVR or Pre/Pro Amps. The key stipulation would be a TOSLINK output to connect the Playbar directly and all the above would be taken care of (except OSD function). Most AVR manufactures offer Bluetooth and AirPlay modules (inbuilt or as accessory).

If we take Sonos:AMP as reference point a new component would likely range above the price of the Playbar.

Guess the question is if Sonos customer would be 'cool' with an additional $700+ device?

Thoughts?

I have read other reviews that state the opposite of the techhive review. Just remember reviews are always subjective and represent the opinion of the reviewer. For me the Denon just does what it should do: improve the sound of my television. I did not buy it to play music but it does play music unexpectedly well. I was hoping of integrating the playing of music by Sonos and improving the sound of my television by Sonos. At this moment such a solution is not available due to different limitations which are important to me.
What I did learn was that the 'Sonos sound' is not that special and can be achieved by other (cheaper) equipment. I learned that by directly comparing the sound, playing the same music. The Sonos system does provide me an unparalleled convenience of use. The Denon looses hands down on that.

Z

Zlim

Trending Lyricist I

Looky looky - http://usa.denon.com/us/sneakpreview Heos Home theater

I am certain that Denon will throw in an HDMI which opens the door for 7.1, DTS, and the denon sound bars (non-Heos) have pretty good reviews on amazon.

I can't wait.

SONOS! Seriously, get on it, Heos jsut neutralized what you have built (hardware) in the last decde in a matter of a year. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE respond with some hardware updates, otherwise the Heos sound bar will really start shaking things up. I mean, full home spotify connect + HDMI input for simplified TV audio????

Z

Zlim

Trending Lyricist I

Looky looky - http://usa.denon.com/us/sneakpreview Heos Home theater

I am certain that Denon will throw in an HDMI which opens the door for 7.1, DTS, and the denon sound bars (non-Heos) have pretty good reviews on amazon.

I can't wait.

SONOS! Seriously, get on it, Heos jsut neutralized what you have built (hardware) in the last decde in a matter of a year. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE respond with some hardware updates, otherwise the Heos sound bar will really start shaking things up. I mean, full home spotify connect + HDMI input for simplified TV audio????

I am NOT affiliated to Heos/denon in any way. I was even a Sonos beta tester when they were rolling out 5.2, great software but the hardware is so lacking. Switched to Heos 5 months ago and keep looking for Sonos to respond.

Nothing like jamming my B&W towers with a simple "play" of a song (auto power-on amp) and now I get to add my Family room/TV room!!!

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