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SlamDesi
Renowned Enthusiast II
Jan 5, 2023 9:02 PM UTC
Answered

Samsung 50" Q60B QLED and Playbar Integration

I have a 2014 Samsung TV and connected my Playbar to it. I experienced problems with getting Dolby 5.1 to play through my system. I ended up buying a dip switch online and connecting it between my BluRay player and Samsung. My question is… IF I buy the Samsung Q60B, are there ways via menu items that help connect SONOS components easily and successfully? Has SONOS changed any firmware issues that make integration with new TVs easier?

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Corry P
Corry PAnswer
Sonos Staff
Jan 12, 2023 10:22 AM UTC

Hi @SlamDesi 

Thanks for your post!

Keep your Playbar - you are happy with it, after all!

Just tell your new TV to always output Dolby Digital 5.1 through the optical output and all should be good. Some older TVs would only output 5.1 if an internal, non-HDMI source was in use - your old TV might have been one of these. So, in all likelihood, Samsung have already made the changes to make your new TV work better with your Playbar. Even if this is not the case, you can still use the switch you already have.

I hope this helps.

 

"Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen." - Albert Einstein
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16 replies

jgatie
jgatie
Jan 5, 2023 9:17 PM UTC

The Sonos Arc and Beam connect via HDMI-ARC or eARC and use CEC to set themselves up.  It’s usually plug-and-play.  They also come with an optical adapter for older TV’s without ARC.  The Sonos Ray is still optical,

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    Airgetlam
    Airgetlam
    Jan 5, 2023 9:24 PM UTC

    Optical is always more challenging, as it’s a one way transmission, and the Sonos has no way to communicate back to the TV that it exists, or what codecs it can handle. This means that lots of settings need to be checked on the audio settings of the TV, and any device that’s feeding data to the TV. 

    ARC is a much more friendly environment. ARC is used by the Sonos Beam and the Sonos Arc, but not the Sonos Ray. 

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    Bruce
      SlamDesiAuthor
      Renowned Enthusiast II
      Jan 5, 2023 9:28 PM UTC

      Thanks, Bruce. I do have like a second generation Playbar… if not the first gen. I appreciate your insight.

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      SlamDesiAuthor
      Renowned Enthusiast II
      Jan 5, 2023 9:32 PM UTC

      Thanks to both of you. Is a Sonos Ray another term for Playbar? A new TV and an upgrade to my Playbar may not sit will with the Mrs. 😂

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      Airgetlam
      Airgetlam
      Jan 5, 2023 11:37 PM UTC

      No. The PLAYBAR is no longer manufactured. The Ray is a much newer device, with an optical connection, but much newer electronics inside it. It’s the least expensive sound bar that Sonos sells. The PLAYBAR’s successor is actually the Sonos Arc. 

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      Bruce
      SlamDesiAuthor
      Renowned Enthusiast II
      Jan 6, 2023 1:22 AM UTC

      Hi, Bruce… Thanks for the clarification. I’ve been so happy with my original stuff that I haven’t thought about replacing the Playbar and Subwoofer.  The Arc is way beyond my price point. Question: How much sonic clarity and punch would I lose if, say, I “upgraded” to the Beam Gen 2? It has the eARC that you and jgatie mentioned previously.  Again, thank you for taking the time to respond to my questions.

      Brad

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      Airgetlam
      Airgetlam
      Jan 6, 2023 7:40 AM UTC

      I don’t know that it’s been measured, and honestly, would depend more on your ears than any measurement. I wouldn’t do it myself, because I like greater separation, and the Beam isn’t as wide as the PLAYBAR. And if you’re listening to Dolby Digital, the signal you get across optical is exactly the same signal that is sent across HDMI anyway. 
       

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      Bruce
      SlamDesiAuthor
      Renowned Enthusiast II
      Jan 7, 2023 1:24 AM UTC

      Great points, Bruce. I figure, at my age, my sonic sensitivity has diminished slightly and, I don't have the patients to experiment. I mean, I got the SONOS equipment to get away from wires and the work that goes along with them. Thanks much.  Brad

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        Corry P
        Corry PAnswer
        Sonos Staff
        Jan 12, 2023 10:22 AM UTC

        Hi @SlamDesi 

        Thanks for your post!

        Keep your Playbar - you are happy with it, after all!

        Just tell your new TV to always output Dolby Digital 5.1 through the optical output and all should be good. Some older TVs would only output 5.1 if an internal, non-HDMI source was in use - your old TV might have been one of these. So, in all likelihood, Samsung have already made the changes to make your new TV work better with your Playbar. Even if this is not the case, you can still use the switch you already have.

        I hope this helps.

         

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        "Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen." - Albert Einstein
          SlamDesiAuthor
          Renowned Enthusiast II
          Jan 12, 2023 5:40 PM UTC

          Thanks very much, Corry.  I really appreciate you taking the time to provide an answer.
          Brad

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