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alastc
Contributor I
June 11, 2020
Answered

Where is the IR repeater on the Arc?

Just got the Arc, loving it, but wondering if I need to change the physical setup as it does block the TVs IR receiver. 

In the app I have enabled the IR repeater, but it doesn't seem to work.

The TV receiver is on the far left, where is the IR repeater on the arc? Is there anything I can try?

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    Ryan S
    Ryan SAnswer
    Retired Sonos Staff
    June 18, 2020

    Hi everyone, there are IR repeaters on both sides of the area where the cables are plugged in on the middle (called the cable cove), designed to broadcast the signal out to both sides of the bar from the back. As long as the IR receiver of the TV isn’t hanging over the back of the bar, it should be able to see the signals.

    If you’re having trouble, maybe you need to just pull the Arc forward a bit. But if that’s still not working, you may want to give our support team a call to investigate further.

    Mark good posts by pressing the like button, and select the best answer on questions you've asked to help others find solutions.
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    Selectron
    Lyricist III
    June 22, 2020

    No one has a fix yet. I called customer service and they are aware of the issue. I did notice by using my camera that the IR repeaters are working if the remote is used at a very close distance, about a foot from the soundbar. However, when I am sitting at a normal distance away, like my couch, the IR repeaters do not flash. I've tried different batteries in the remote and have the same issue. Maybe some sort of sensitivity issue with how the ARC is processing the IR signal from the remote and passing through the repeaters.

      Selectron
      Lyricist III
      June 25, 2020

      I've communicated with customer support and they basically don't have a fix. Ive been told that maybe it is something with Samsung and I should contact them. I don't think it is an issue with Samsung, as the IR repeater should work regardless of the TV. I would keep this in mind if you decide on the Arc, the IR repeater may or may not work as it should with your TV. This won't be an issue if you mount your TV above the soundbar or obviously if you are using HDMI ARC instead of the optical connection. I don't feel it is worth sending the Arc back as I plan on getting another TV and mounting anyway, but you may want to keep this in mind if you don't have this option. 

      TheHeadlessPoster
      Enthusiast I
      June 26, 2020

      I've communicated with customer support and they basically don't have a fix. Ive been told that maybe it is something with Samsung and I should contact them. I don't think it is an issue with Samsung, as the IR repeater should work regardless of the TV. I would keep this in mind if you decide on the Arc, the IR repeater may or may not work as it should with your TV. This won't be an issue if you mount your TV above the soundbar or obviously if you are using HDMI ARC instead of the optical connection. I don't feel it is worth sending the Arc back as I plan on getting another TV and mounting anyway, but you may want to keep this in mind if you don't have this option. 

      Typical. Blaming the other party.

      I had a Panasonic HTB900 prior to the Arc. The Pana IR Repeater passed all remote presses just fine. The Arc in the exact same spot, does not. The Arc, pulled forward to give more space for the signal, does not. Really is annoying having to point up over the Arc to change channels etc.

        Selectron
        Lyricist III
        June 26, 2020

        *Typical. Blaming the other party.*

        Exactly. When enough people notice it isn't working properly, they will hopefully decide it is worth actually fixing.

        Timberland1
        Lyricist I
        June 30, 2020

        *Typical. Blaming the other party.*

        Exactly. When enough people notice it isn't working properly, they will hopefully decide it is worth actually fixing.

        I'm working through with Sonos support. Having same issue. Try moving Arc further forward. Playbar worked fine

          ShadowMoses
          Lyricist II
          July 10, 2020

          Issue still persist for me even after moving it forward - this is on a Panasonic Viera plasma TV (so definitely not Samsung-specific at all). The Playbar that the ARC replaced worked flawlessly with the exact same positioning.

            tom 2000
            Lyricist I
            July 17, 2020

            Any progress on this issue?  I have set up the Arc today on the shelf with Panasonic GZ950. The top of the Arc is just above the bezel. Thereis about 15cms between Arc and tv panel. I need to hold the remote about 30cms above my head for it to work. 

              alastcAuthor
              Contributor I
              July 21, 2020

              I got a £10 ir repeater off amazon, that did the trick until Sonos manage to sort this out.

                106rallye
                106rallye
                July 21, 2020

                What does Sonos need to manage if your TV is positioned to low down?

                Selectron
                Lyricist III
                July 24, 2020

                Dear Sonos,

                 

                I want to love you, but your silence on this issue makes me question what I thought we had together 💔 

                 

                Seriously, what's up with the IR repeater not working? Definitely irritating having to lI old the remote way above the soundbar so the signal reaches the tv. You know it's an issue, I know it's an issue, we all know it's an issue. Can't we at least get a canned "we're aware of the issue and working to resolve it" response?

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