Sonos Playbase Nears Release

  • 19 February 2017
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52 replies

Userlevel 5
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So this looks more and more like a repackaged PlayBar. I'm uncertain that the changed form factor will be materially different...

I get that many tech companies push forward new product that are incremental improvements rather than 'bleeding edge' (Every product release update Apple has ever made it seems is accused of not going far enough...)

But, there certainly could be material changes 'under the hood'... so I'm interested in seeing what the details are when it is actually available... what it actually sounds like, etc....

I just would have thought HDMI input to future-prof the product would have been a given... I thought I'd read that an optical input lacks the bandwidth to do DD+ or other formats (DTS) ... I get Sonos doesn't support them now... but thought they might like to hedge their bets...
Userlevel 7
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LOL
Wow
Other TLA's
Userlevel 2
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Playbase specs: https://www.cnet.com/products/sonos-playbase-sound-stand-for-tv/specs/

No Hdmi
No DTS
No High /Res audio.
Userlevel 7
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hmmm... it would also fit perfectly on shelf below my TV on wall in my Sunroom. Ok now I've gone from ditching it to wanting 2 of them (ok again if sound quality is there - which I imagine it is - and it supports all the modern Codecs...assuming those TV's will pass it through which I haven't ever tested on them). Lots of ifs that I will go through but I don't know the average consumer would. Of course I'm sure they have done a lot of market research on.
Userlevel 7
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ah - I get what you mean sjw. Yea they do seem to have gone more toward legs on right and left instead of center stands. Looking at my stand on my living room TV - its really large (ok measured vs. online specs for playbase and it does still fit on top of the Playbase - playbase is pretty big.) Looking at the height with the Playbase only being at 2.3" most TV's with legs on both sides you should be able to slide the playbase below the TV still. Worst case someone may have to fashion something below the left/right legs to hold the TV up an extra 1/2" or so.
Userlevel 7
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Sorry Chris I really meant with newer tv's. The stands seem more more 'leggy' now.
My understanding is this is not really designed to go in your rack/take up space on a shelf.
If this is but a Playbar with a base attached, having no HDMI or support for modern codecs, I question the decision making at Sonos.
Userlevel 7
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I actually do have my main living room TV on a stand. I also looks like it would fit well on a shelf below TV as the sides don't seem as critical as with the playbar. Have to see how it sounds. Yes no DTS would be a big mistake.

I would possibly put one of these in my living room (replacing my amp w/B&W speakers) if it sounds good and has the newer surround codecs.
Userlevel 7
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Do people really have tv's with stands that sit on things like that now?
If this really does still have no DTS then I can see even many Sonos diehards thinking wtf..
I don't buy 'licensing costs' as a reason when you can buy a £20 dvd player that can decode DTS, but even just to get rid of the inevitable flood of 'Why no DTS?' posts and the numerous workarounds involving more research and equipment it should be standard.
Maybe the pics are just placeholder images.
Userlevel 7
Badge +22
Correct me if I'm wrong - but what it could add is DTS decoding via optical and it would be a decent upgrade vs. playbar. I still think they are missing the boat not just having a box (superconnect) with all the inputs to control all wireless speakers (they would sell them like candy to projector users). Still I would list the playbase if these are correct as a disappointment (unless some features we don't know yet).
It just hit all the tech 'zines.

http://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/2/21/14682242/leaked-sonos-playbase-is-a-soundbar-that-your-tv-sits-on
More details like features and specs: http://www.recordere.dk/2017/02/alt-om-den-nye-sonos-playbase/

Google Translate: https://translate.google.dk/translate?sl=da&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.recordere.dk%2F2017%2F02%2Falt-om-den-nye-sonos-playbase%2F&edit-text=
https://www.reddit.com/r/sonos/comments/5v56x3/sonos_playbase_photos/
Userlevel 5
Badge +6
I assume that they are looking to the TV to be the HDMI switcher and this just slaves off the TV using optical - keeping it simple. Does mean getting a TV with lots of HDMI ports, of course..... I use an amp with huge amounts of HDMI ports and it's a bit of a pain having to control an amp and TV so if the TV can do it all and the Sonos just slaves off the audio from the TV, then that would be acceptable, surely? (I don't know - I'm sure you have a different requirement)
Userlevel 7
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If photos are genuine then no hdmi - seriously ?!!!
Userlevel 5
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Someone has tweeted potential photos. Looks fantastic - if real. Good look online.... (I dread linking to it!)
Doubt it's Flexson's version. A Google search shows a post about the Sonos Playbase was deleted here two days ago, so you can bet it's real. This thread will probably disappear tomorrow.
http://www.simplysoundandvision.co.uk/sound_bar_base/sonos_playbase/26041_p.html

Thats just a Playbar-housing delivered by thirdparty (Flexson).

This has nothing to do with the upcoming Sonos product.
Userlevel 3
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http://www.simplysoundandvision.co.uk/sound_bar_base/sonos_playbase/26041_p.html
Userlevel 1
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Nice, glad I held back from buying the playbar until now! Very exciting!
Its a soundbase type of product: http://www.recordere.dk/2017/02/sonos-snart-klar-nyt-produkt/

Ie. A flat loudspeaker you place under the television.
What exactly is it? Interesting that the article called Sonos 'home theater-centric.'
Userlevel 7
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Definitely looks like a new product model 's11'
See FCC listing at https://fccid.io/SBV/amp

Label format doesn't seem to match anything else
Presumably not this.