Request for HDMI Stereo → Rear Speaker Option
Dear Sonos Team,When stereo PCM is sent over HDMI, the Arc forces playback through the front channels only. Sonos frames this as “purism,” but it actually blocks creative intent and creates inconsistency: Artists’ intent is restricted. If a stereo track is designed to fill the room, Sonos prevents rears from engaging. Other brands allow “All Channel Stereo.” Inconsistent behaviour. The Arc mirrors stereo to surrounds in music mode (AirPlay, Spotify Connect), but forbids it over HDMI. There is no technical or licensing reason — simple channel duplication costs nothing. Purism becomes interference. By enforcing silence in rears, Sonos isn’t respecting the mix, it’s imposing a design choice that neither creators nor customers asked for. It’s like buying a 4K TV, but when you watch HD content the manufacturer only lights up the centre part of the screen, leaving black bars around the edges, saying “we’re respecting the director’s intent.”Unless there is a clear, rational justification,
