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Answered

Playbar volume inconsistent with LG Nano866NA

  • February 14, 2026
  • 3 replies
  • 33 views
R

Hi all,

 

I’m having inconsistent volume control with my setup and would appreciate any advice.

 

Equipment:

TV: LG Nano866NA (2020 model)

TV software: webOS 04.63.25

Soundbar: Sonos Playbar (connected via optical)

Remote: LG Magic Remote (also tested with brand new replacement)

 

Issue:

The LG on-screen volume graphic appears every time I press volume up/down, but the Playbar responds inconsistently from normal seating distance.

 

If I stand close to the Playbar, volume works reliably. From the sofa, it misses presses intermittently.

 

Everything worked perfectly for 5 years until around two weeks ago.

 

Steps already taken:

 

  • Replaced remote batteries
  • Purchased and tested brand new LG remote
  • Re-trained remote in Sonos app (removed and re-added)
  • Set TV sound output to Optical only
  • Full power cycle of TV and Playbar (unplugged 5+ minutes)
  • Confirmed IR is being emitted via phone camera test
  • Tested in different lighting conditions
  • Checked no obstacles in front of playbar. 

Observations:

  • TV always shows volume graphic
  • Playbar works perfectly when remote is used at close range
  • No HDMI-CEC in use
  • No other changes in equipment layout

It appears to be an IR range/sensitivity issue, but I’m unsure what would have changed after 5 years of stable performance.

Has anyone experienced similar behaviour with older Playbars and newer LG firmware?

 

Thanks in advance.

Best answer by Riverbanks

Hi Guys

 

Thanks for your response.

The problem was fixed by turning off both TV and playbar at the mains and on again. An age old solution to numerous problems - I don’t know why I didn’t try that first before posting. Apologies for taking up your time.

3 replies

Airgetlam
  • Airgetlam
  • February 14, 2026

Remember, when using optical, there is no connection between the Sonos and the TV set, other than one way (from TV to Sonos). Which means that your Sonos PLAYBAR has its own IR sensor, which may have been covered, or gotten dirty, or obscured. You may want to google the location of it, and make sure it’s both clean, and unobscured. Of course, there’s always a possibility of an electronics issue, I’d be tempted first to do a simple reboot of the PLAYBAR (power cycle), and then, if those things don’t ’fix’ it, I would recommend that you submit a system diagnostic within 10 minutes of experiencing this problem, and call Sonos Support to discuss it. Don’t post the resulting diagnostic number here, Sonos’ lawyers get sensitive about GDPR, I suspect.

There may be information included in the diagnostic that will help Sonos pinpoint the issue and help you find a solution.

When you speak directly to the Support staff, they have tools at their disposal that will allow them to give you advice specific to your network and Sonos system.

Bruce
    AjTrek1
    • AjTrek1
    • February 15, 2026

    Unfortunately, you can’t rule out the possibility that the sensitivity of the IR receptor on the Playbar may be failing from distances such as your seating area. You have two options barring dirt or objects blocking the receptor.

    1. Run a diagnostic as suggested by ​@Airgetlam 
    2. Purcahse an IR Booster as shown here
    Together Everyone Achieves More = T.E.A.M.
      R
      • Riverbanks
      • Author
      • Contributor I
      • Answer
      • February 18, 2026

      Hi Guys

       

      Thanks for your response.

      The problem was fixed by turning off both TV and playbar at the mains and on again. An age old solution to numerous problems - I don’t know why I didn’t try that first before posting. Apologies for taking up your time.

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