Sonos Arc value or lack of

Note too, that the Amazon Prime App can vary across devices - not all may show the Atmos logo, but perhaps just ensure you’re not misinterpreting the Audio Description logo for Atmos content, see the attached image showing the two logos - sometimes people see AD and expect Atmos, but Jack Ryan is definitely available (on compatible devices) encoded in Atmos audio for its original soundtrack, but if there is something along the path to the Arc that does not support Atmos (eg the TV), the audio sent will fallback to the lowest common denominator, usually DD 5.1 or PCM stereo in some instances.

John B

You must not have read my last post, or something else is going on with your thoughts and post of seeming frustration, I do not know.

The way we and a lot of people use forums: is to communicate and learn from each others trial and error, experiences and knowledge.  But for this to be efficient and right/factual, we need the whole picture and facts/truth. So that's why in my last post I stated that I physically found a movie or TV show that according to Amazon prime is listed as Atmos specifically. I tried that and the sound bar did not produce Atmos. It was only dolby 5.1 and I did try multiple different settings on the TV. It changed on the S2 app as being PCM or 5.1 NOT Atmos.

So I am using the process of elimination and passing that information on to the other forum members knowledge. I understand that a main problem is that the tv is the failed link in the chain. But I wanted to be positive with the test and results and not just assume.

I did this so we all have the whole picture and facts of what is going on.

Are you saying Amazon is lying when it says Atmos, it is not? Or are you saying I am a thick headed Moron due to continuing to post information here?

Also I called Sonos and they said adding a sub or surrounds does NOT improve or effect the Soundbar in any way.

Some of us hoped that the crossovers would send the proper information off to the other speakers thereby making the Soundbar work less and cleaner, etc.

My impression was the person was just reading a script and may or may not have understood my language or the tech/science.

I have read opposing information in forums addressing this question, people trying to improve the Soundbar and not just add fill to the room.

@ProUSAConstitution, I don't have an Apple TV, so I don't know if these apply, but worth a shot:

You can't play sound in Dolby Atmos if Quick Start is turned off in Settings. To check, go to Settings > Apps > iTunes Movies and TV Shows > Quick Start.

Audio format: By default, Apple TV uses the best audio format available. You can change the audio format if you’re experiencing problems with playback. Select Audio Format, then select Change Format and choose either Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital 5.1, or Stereo.

When testing these, be sure the Vizio is set to bitstream and the cable is connected to its HDMI1 (ARC) port.

EDIT: The cable that comes from the Sonos Arc connected to Vizio's HDMI1 (ARC). The cable that comes from the Apple TV to any other HDMI port

Apple TV will automatically send Atmos over DD+ in its default setting (as long as the Atmos option is turned on in settings). It is smart enough to change from LPCM to DD+ when on an ARC-only HDMI port.

I can even toggle my HDMI port between ARC and eARC and Apple TV will seamlessly alternate Atmos formats.

If you have Apple Music, I would recommend turning on one of the playlists “Made for Spatial Audio” as all the tracks will be Atmos and you’ll have lots of pleasant testing material running.

Thanks, I didn’t realise that the ATV audio format would auto-switch and detect the port in use by the Receiver, 👍

That rings me a bell. If the Apple TV is connected to a regular HDMI (non-ARC) port on the TV, would it be able to send Atmos over DD+?

Because this TV has just one ARC port, which is being used by the Sonos Arc.

Yes, that’s how it works. ARC returns the audio channel coming in from the other HDMI ports, and the built-in TV apps. 

Surprised when I do this the S2 app just says Apple Music, not what format is playing. No 5.1/pcm/atmos.

Seems rather clear the TV is not supporting pass-through of Atmos audio. I would still personally suggest you consider using an audio extractor, like Arcana/VAX04101 to bypass the TV altogether, or just live with DD/DTS 5.1 audio … and maybe get the suggested HT surrounds.