The Best Sonos Options For Your TV Audio
Can I play my TV audio through my Sonos System? Simply, yes...as well as enjoying your favourite music on your Sonos speaker, it is also possible to play your TV audio through Sonos via their dedicated soundbars.
If you're new to Sonos, we'd recommend connecting your TV to either the Sonos Ray, Sonos Beam (Gen 2) or the Sonos Arc soundbars for the best possible experience.
These Sonos Soundbars are specifically designed for this application and will provide highly detailed, richly textured TV audio while also giving the opportunity to stream your favourite music streaming service to them.
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) or Arc connect to your TV via the HDMI-ARC or eARC port and then simply require connection via the power cord to play everything that is connected to your TV, from Sky boxes to gaming consoles. No need to connect your Sonos soundbar to anything other than your mains power and TV.
Alternatively, if you opt for the Sonos Ray, this connects via optical. Simply, plug in the power cable, connect to your TV, and open the Sonos App. It does most of the work for you.
When setting up your Sonos soundbar, we recommend enabling a function called Autoplay. With this enabled every time you turn on your TV, your Sonos speaker will automatically select the TV audio as the output.
The Ray, Beam & Arc can also use your existing TV or Sky / Virgin remote to turn the speaker volume up or down. With Autoplay enabled and your existing remote set up to control volume, these Sonos soundbars become a joy to use daily for all the family.
If you would like to see a comparison of the Sonos Ray vs Sonos Beam vs the Arc, check out our dedicated blog.
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Is There Another Sonos TV Audio Solution?
If you're looking for a more sleek setup, it is also possible to use a Sonos Amp to play your TV audio.
When connected to your TV via HDMI ARC or eARC, this device can output TV audio to either in-wall or in-ceiling speakers or even another brands passive speakers like the KEF LS50 Meta's.
Unlike Sonos' soundbars, the Sonos Amp creates a phantom centre channel when connected to the TV which eradicates the need for a dedicated centre speaker.
Now, if you've got a keen eye, you may also find that some of Sonos' Smart Speakers have a dedicated line-in port. Although some TVs can be connected, unfortunately, we wouldn't recommend it as you will experience a 75ms line-in delay which would cause lip sync issues.
View Sonos Amp & Speaker Packages
Learn More: What Sonos Speakers Have Line-in and What Can I Connect to Them? >>
Limitations of Not Using a Sonos Ray, Beam (Gen 2) or Arc
The biggest issue with opting for something other than a Sonos Soundbar is cost effectiveness. Sonos' Soundbars are built for TV audio and therefore offer additional benefits like Dolby Atmos support in order to provide the best experience possible.
Depending on the setup you choose, in some cases, it may result in a more costly install for a worse experience. We'd recommend considering a soundbar first. It's generally easier to install and might be a better fit for your room size and personal listening preferences.
If a soundbar isn't ideal for any reason, then a Sonos Amp with your own choice of speakers is the next best option. However, just keep in mind that this sort of setup might require more work and potentially cost a little extra too.
Can I Play TV Audio Through My Sonos Era 100 or Era 300?
Unfortunately, it's not possible to connect the Sonos One (Gen 2), Sonos Era 100 or Sonos Era 300 directly to the TV as they do not support this type of functionality.
However, the Sonos One, Era 100 and Era 300 do make great surround speakers to a Sonos Ray, Beam (Gen 2) or Arc in a dedicated home cinema.
Did You Know?
Once you have your TV audio connected to a Sonos device, it is then possible to play that TV audio on any Sonos smart speaker throughout your home such as the Sonos One.
For example, if you were watching MTV in the lounge and listening via a Sonos Beam, you would then be able to listen to the audio of MTV on your Sonos One in the bedroom.
Build A Wireless Sonos Home Cinema Surround Sound System
Another great feature of a Sonos TV speaker is the flexibility to build a wireless surround sound system at your own pace.
With a Ray, Beam or Arc connected to your TV, users can then add a their choice of Sonos wireless speaker and/or a Sonos subwoofer to create a complete wireless home cinema setup.
The most common option for rear surround sound speakers are 2x Sonos Era 100 speakers. However, if you're looking for the most immersive setup possible, we recommend opting for 2x Sonos Era 300 speakers instead as they support Dolby Atmos. Want something bigger? you could always go for 2x Sonos Fives for a more room-filling audio performance.
If you're a bass lover, Sonos offers 2 subwoofer options to choose from. You can pick either the compact Sonos Sub Mini or the bigger and bassier Sonos Sub (Gen 3).
With a Sub added to your set-up, You will hear every explosion, crash and rumble exactly as the director intended.
Sonos Sub (Gen 3) vs. Sub Mini: Don't Make the Wrong Decision >>
At Smart Home Sounds We offer a wide range of Sonos Home Cinema Bundles available that combine the very best options, ensuring there is something right for everybody.
If you have any questions about using Sonos with your TV or would like to know more, feel free to get in contact with one of our friendly specialists.
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Sonos Arc (Dolby Atmos) - £899
ABOUT SMART HOME SOUNDS
Smart Home Sounds is a UK Sonos specialist dedicated to filling homes with the joy of music, one room at a time!
We provide expert advice on the full Sonos range, from the voice controlled Sonos One to a Sonos wireless home cinema system with PLAYBAR, SUB, and 2 x PLAY:1s all with free next day delivery and a 6 year extended warranty.
