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Question

older plasma and sonos compatibility

Sep 12, 2017 9:36AM PDT

I have a pioneer elite pro-920hd plasma and I have recently purchased the sonos playbar only toi learn that its incompatible with the playbar and can't get sound when i run the digital optical cable from the playbar into the tv's optical audio output. It was suggested i get one of these two switches:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HM1RP6G/?th=1

https://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=5557

I am just curious if anyone knows which is better and/or if there is a superior option?

Also, how would i hook this up?

One option that was also suggested is that I run the optical cable right into my cable settop box. That's fine, but then how would I get sound on my apple tv?

Thanks for any help/feedback.

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
I can't guess why those would fix it but
Sep 12, 2017 10:03AM PDT

I find that sometimes I can change the audio encoding from the TV and the soundbar will play.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pio/pe/images/portal/cit_11221/189562704PRO920HDOperatingInstructions.pdf is what we'll check next.

Ahh, this was supposed to be paired with the PRO-1120HD. WAS THAT LOST?

Anyhow that explains a lot if the PRO-1120HD was lost. It has the optical output we need.

That out of the way I'm going with a lost PRO-1120HD and you need to EXTRACT THE AUDIO.

Try this: https://www.amazon.com/DONGJIAN-Extractor-Splitter-Converter-Projector/dp/B074K34Y5H/

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pro1120hd
Sep 12, 2017 10:32AM PDT

Thanks for reply. The PRO-1120HD is just the larger version than the 920HD, but both are paired with a media receiver (brain), which i still have. The issue arises (from what i have read) is that when the media receiver uses the HDMI inputs (in my case for cable STB and Apple TV), the optical output on the media receiver is disabled for some reason--I would note that i have no trouble with video working just no sound. So, I think the splitter/converter you posted is similar to the two above and that I then would (1) connect the tv media receiver to the hdmi output in the splitter, (2) connect the optical output in the splitter to the playbar, and (3) then connect my STB and Apple TV to the HDMI inputs on the converter. Does that seem right? Thanks again.

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My mistake.
Sep 12, 2017 10:40AM PDT

I read it wrong and thought the media receiver had a part number and got that wrong.

Anyhow, MANY TVs disable HD AUDIO when the input is HDMI. For reasons you can easily guess.
What it can pass is PCM or Stereo so if the source is an Apple you configure it to send PCM or stereo and not HD (Dolby, etc.) audio.

That usually passes. If that's not acceptable you are looking at HDMI audio extractors which there are some hundred out there.

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configuration
Sep 12, 2017 10:45AM PDT

does the configuration i laid out in previous post sound like the right way to use the extractor? ty

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Answer
Also, the Dolby Digital problem.
Sep 12, 2017 10:27AM PDT
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so.many.problems!
Sep 12, 2017 10:48AM PDT

thank you, there were some older posts on sonos community about this, but didn't get any hits back so came to cnet. hoping im on the right track by doing this:

using this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HM1RP6G/?th=1

doing this:

(1) connect the tv media receiver to the hdmi output in the splitter, (2) connect the optical output in the splitter to the playbar, and (3) then connect my STB and Apple TV to the HDMI inputs on the converter.

does that make sense?

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Sounds about right.
Sep 12, 2017 10:53AM PDT

A little fiddly for my taste as you may end up with 2 more remotes. We'll see what you think.

In the end I simplified my setup with a simple TV that had analog outputs that worked with the TV remote (some are fixed outputs, yuck.) And then a nice set of amplified monitor speakers. To me it's simple and sounds fine.

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new tv
Sep 12, 2017 11:09AM PDT

i agree, prob getting a new tv is better, but hard to let go of the plasma--not to open a debate on that topic. Happy appreciate the help.

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Sorry but I was asking in a poor way.
Sep 12, 2017 11:13AM PDT

How many remotes did you end up with this setup?

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not sure yet
Sep 12, 2017 11:44AM PDT

i am waiting to get the extractor today and will give it a try and let you know.

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it worked
Sep 13, 2017 4:39AM PDT

it worked, but now i have 4 remotes and the converter is a bit akward with the side inputs. better than no sound i suppose.

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Thanks for sharing (4 remotes.)
Sep 13, 2017 8:28AM PDT

-> My mistake on something. I have an auto switching HDMI switch but it's not so good today as today's sources tend to be always on. But I want to note a device I want but haven't looked deeply at. Travel and such means I'm not always home.

Look up the Logitech Harmony Home. Might help.

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Harmony Home
Sep 13, 2017 9:34AM PDT

Thanks for sharing, will check it out.