playbar and comittment for DTS playback firmware upgrade

Hi John I think you're being a bit picky saying DTS isn't relevant to its use as a music system. I have a great many music blue rays. They are all in DTS 5.1 and used to sound fantastic on my 10 year old AV receiver. Now they just sound ok. Of course if I play a Dolby 5.1 source it sounds fantastically nice. Thats what I want all the time and is what I paid for. The original DTS idea thread had 1468 'me too' votes and is still third in the most popular list even thought it has been closed. I think that shows how much of an issue it is. It will get worse as Sonos are advertising a 5.1 system and people will expect it to play the most popular formats. Lets face it; connected via a TV the Sonos doesn't play 5.1 in any true sense unless the TV is broadcast in 5.1. So for everything else it just plays a 5.1 experience. It really doesn't make any sense.

I too think this is a massive issue and have a HDMI switch box with a built in DTS HD and DD True HD converter, with optical output. Problem I have is I have to switch optical lines from TV to switch box when I want to watch a Bluray through my XB1. The decoder box is only $99, which I'm honestly surprised they don't add it to the Playbar, with dual optical inputs. I would really like grouping too of Play 1/3s in surround sound.
hi Donovan - I wasnt aware such a device existed.  The new(er) Samsung blurays do DTS to DD 5.1 conversion on the fly but didnt know you could get a switchbox that would handle any DTS source and convert it - can you provide a link ??
thanks,
nick

I too think this is a massive issue and have a HDMI switch box with a built in DTS HD and DD True HD converter, with optical output. Problem I have is I have to switch optical lines from TV to switch box when I want to watch a Bluray through my XB1. The decoder box is only $99, which I'm honestly surprised they don't add it to the Playbar, with dual optical inputs. I would really like grouping too of Play 1/3s in surround sound.
The issue has always been on the TV end, as most TVs optical output only sent DD 2.1. Now I haven't tested the new TVs with the built in DTS decoders, but I believe the PlayBar will read the signal. I've been using a cheap DTS hdmi switcher which works extremely well

I too think this is a massive issue and have a HDMI switch box with a built in DTS HD and DD True HD converter, with optical output. Problem I have is I have to switch optical lines from TV to switch box when I want to watch a Bluray through my XB1. The decoder box is only $99, which I'm honestly surprised they don't add it to the Playbar, with dual optical inputs. I would really like grouping too of Play 1/3s in surround sound.
User820801, I might have a trade for you then.  I've got a 7.1 channel Denon in my house, and I'm moving to a new place soon that isn't wired for surround. I'm going to migrate to Sonos because for me having the connectivity to several streaming services and a whole-house speaker system is more important that trying to decipher true DTS vs. DD5.1 vs Sonos 5.1 "experience".  If you're up to talk about a trade, reach out to me.  Thanks.

Just chiming in that this issue was a surprise for me when I went to make a purchase decision this week.  While I own a Sonos system for my whole house music needs, and thought the playbar + sub + plus rear speakers would be great for my new home theater in a new house, both the only-optical-input issue and the lack of DTS support mean I am buying something else.  It simply does not make sense to pay this kind of money and have to resort to workarounds by adding an optical switch, and having no viable workaround to use DTS directly.  I know Sonos seems to think this is an issue reserved for die hard audio people, but there is much more of a ripple effect- most of my friends who are not so tech savvy ask me what to buy, and I can not recommend this system to them given those limitations at this price.  If they are going to compromise on sound, they might as well get something less expensive.
Whilst I do fully understand and support your statement, I must also state that this ultimately (at this stage) comes down to the TV. If you have purchased any of the most recent 4k TV's, most have on board DTS decoders. This means that DTS 5.1 is being sent directly out of the TVs Optical output into the Playbar. I would classify myself as a Home Threatre fan and I personnally own the exact system you have described and there is nothing that comes close to the sound reproduction and clarity.

Just chiming in that this issue was a surprise for me when I went to make a purchase decision this week.  While I own a Sonos system for my whole house music needs, and thought the playbar + sub + plus rear speakers would be great for my new home theater in a new house, both the only-optical-input issue and the lack of DTS support mean I am buying something else.  It simply does not make sense to pay this kind of money and have to resort to workarounds by adding an optical switch, and having no viable workaround to use DTS directly.  I know Sonos seems to think this is an issue reserved for die hard audio people, but there is much more of a ripple effect- most of my friends who are not so tech savvy ask me what to buy, and I can not recommend this system to them given those limitations at this price.  If they are going to compromise on sound, they might as well get something less expensive.
Hi Donovan.  May I ask for clarification please?  Given that the Playbar does not support DTS, if a TV were passing DTS directly into the Playbar I would expect silence.  Are you saying that is not the case?  Have I misunderstood? Thanks. John

As a Sonos enthusiast and customer, I felt the need to chime in with my own take on this, both positive and negative.

First, I commend Sonos for the entrance into the Home Theater market in the first place.  The Sonos identity as “all the music in the world” was never going to be enough to make it in an ever-changing market place, and I would think that focus on audio solutions for both music and video content, streamed throughout the house, is what will appeal to consumers in the long run.  Something that just works, EVERYWHERE, for most everything in a single, easy and expandable system.  The announcement of the Playbar was a welcomed one, and I look forward to further product developments and to see how far Sonos will take this product.  But I’ll tell you why I do not yet own one, despite my high interest in the product.

First the positive.  The bar itself is well-built and attractive, and the sound compares favorably to other soundbars I’ve tested (and I’ve tested many).  Setup is a cinch like all other Sonos products, and it would be fabulous to stream content throughout the house seamlessly and in sync.  But there are serious drawbacks, and there are far too many to warrant purchasing the product at it’s hefty price when including the subwoofer (a must).  But even if it were less expensive, I still will not purchase until the product line meets at least the basic needs for home theater.  

A single optical input just.doesn’t.work.  Most televisions, including my brand new top of the line Sony 4k tv, do not output audio from sources coming into the television via HDMI over optical, which like it or not, is how most people connect their components.  Period.  Now one can say that it’s the TV manufacturers, and I’d agree to some extent, but the bottom line is most folks cannot and generally will not make such a large purchase solely based upon it’s optical output capabilities, assuming they’re in the market for a brand new television in the first place.  I buy a tv for it’s video display capabilities and leave it to 3rd parties for audio solutions.  The Sonos doesn’t have HDMI inputs (ARC), so it was immediately out for me, sadly.

People who are in the market for a soundbar in the first place are looking for simple, easy to setup solutions that don’t have tons of wires running everywhere.  That should fit into the Sonos bucket, but in order to make the playbar work with my system I’d have to employ splitters, switches and such to “make it work”.  Too much trouble and defeats the purpose for the soundbar market.

I mentioned the build of the playbar is attractive, and it is, but it’s so large (tall) that it would interfere with the television remote functions (IR).  Without a repeater on the back of the playbar to relay commands, the bar becomes a serious hinderance in normal, daily operations.  And while it’s nice that it can be hung on the wall, again, most folks have tv stands and are looking to lay the bar on a surface.  Consider reducing it's height, or adding a backside repeater to resolve this.

And finally, I come to why I’m posting.  DTS.  It’s not something that is optional in my opinion.  It’s a must have, a basic need.  DTS is common for blu ray, and is picking up in popularity, so decoding DTS is simply required.  Leaving it to the blu ray player to convert to DD, assuming the consumer’s player will even do that, seems unreasonable to me.  It’s an AUDIO function, so the AUDIO solution chosen should handle that, whether it’s a receiver for a large 7.1 wired system, or a soundbar for a consolidated, low profile system.  Soundbars are gaining in popularity because of those traits, and there are more and more to choose from as manufacturers are improving their sound quality in these packages every day.

So despite the fact that I’ve invested heavily into Sonos and have speakers in nearly every room of my house, Sonos does not yet have a presence in the most important room in my house.  My living room.  I purchased a competing soundbar to go along with my very cool new television, and while I prefer the sound of the Sonos and desperately want to “keep it in the family”, there were far too many compromises.  Please consider developing the product further in these areas, and you’ll have another sale and happy customer.

P.S.  I’d like outdoor speakers, too, please. And bluetooth.  :o)

This is a very good post.  Well thought out and balanced - and I could NOT AGREE MORE WITH YOU!!

I love my Sonos system, and am also looking for a solution to go with my TV - but like you I feel the Sonos just isn't it.  I would be more than happy to buy both the Sub and the sound bar if it had DTS support and more inputs.  But as it doesn't my £1500 is going to go elsewhere...

Sonos, you need to wake up and listen to your customers...

I've ploughed over last 12 months £1600 in sonos gear and biting the bullet and getting 2 play 1 this week, this is something I said I wouldn't do because of the lack of DTS.. When 5.1 is being passed through the experience is just epically awesome but I was presently surprised how very good the faux 5.1 sounded. After watching guardians I had a smile on my face and I don't regret of my purchase. I do believe and hope that sonos will bring DTS because this would be the icing on an already tasty cake.

I understand your frustration, however I would like to know which Bose component Soundtouch you were referencing

This reply was created from a merged topic originally titled Stop closing the DTS conversations. Sonos should stop closing the DTS idea conversations.

It is clear that a great many people are not satisfied with the reasons given for not supporting DTS (one of the most used sound formats) and to simply say most TV's cannot pass DTS is avoiding the subject.

If we are to use our 5.1 system as recommended the only thing we can ever hear in actual 5.1 is HDTV (when broadcast in 5.1). Anything else passed through the TV is converted to PCM for the (small print advertised) 5.1 experience.

So what is the point paying £2000 for simulated 5.1?

Let people vote for what they want and stop closing the conversation.

If sonos do not like their customers raising the conversation they should make it very clear from the beginning that their 5.1 system cannot play actual 5.1 through the recommended set up. 

This reply was created from a merged topic originally titled Revisit DTS Decision. I have spent a fortune on Sonos - 3 play bars, 3 subs and 3 sets of play 3s for surround (one 5.1 setup for master bedroom, one for lounge and one for media room) as well as 3 play 5s and two play 1s throughout the house. I upgrade my 3 main TVs every 6-12 months so currently have a 79 inch lg 4k in the media room and a sony 65inch 4k in the lounge and master. Each room also has a blu ray player that upscales to 4k. How in this day and age can you justify a product that does not support DTS? I am clearly your target market - I spend a bloody fortune on your products! You are very lucky there is currently zero competition in this space but others are developing and catching on. You need to fix this and fix it now. I don't care if I have to pay extra money for DTS support - your sales pitch is "it just works" and is "simple" - well stuffing around with HDMI switches and relying on my xbox one to play blu rays is not simple. Please for the sake of what I presume is one of your most loyal customers fix this problem!

This reply was created from a merged topic originally titled DTS Compatibility for Playbar. As many others have requested, your Playbar needs DTS compatibility.  I am the happy owner of 10 other Sonos components, but will not be buying the Playbar when I upgrade my HDTV later this year to a new Samsung UHD television.  Given this company's share in the TV market, and their support for DTS out via the optical out jack, your position that few TVs offer this is puzzling. Would love to have the Playbar, sub and a couple of Play surrounds, but without DTS support will pursue other options.  Thanks.  John C.