Sonos Playbar User manual

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June 2018
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Playbar
Flood any room with epic, full-theater sound and wirelessly stream all the music on earth through one easy-to-
use speaker.
• Sophisticated 9-speaker design
• Connects to your TV using a single optical cable and plays everything that's connected to the TV,
including cable boxes and game consoles
• Can be placed flat on a TV stand or mounted horizontally above or below the TV
• Compatible with Dolby® Digital and stereo
It takes just a few minutes to get your Playbar®up and running—see What you need to get started. Once
you’ve got it set up, you can add additional Sonos products any time.
New to Sonos?
Download the app from the app store on your mobile device. Open the app and we’ll guide you through
setup. If you’re using a computer, get the app at www.sonos.com/support/downloads.
For the latest system requirements and compatible audio formats, go to http://faq.sonos.com/specs.
Note: Sonos recommends using the Sonos app on a mobile device instead of a computer for setup.
Already have Sonos?
You can easily add new speakers anytime (up to 32).
Just plug in the speaker, open the app and tap > Settings >Add a Player or Sub.
If you’re using a computer, go to Manage > Add a Player or Sub.
What’s in the box
•SonosPlaybar
•PowerCord
• 5 ft. /1.5m TOSLINK Optical Audio Cable
• Ethernet Cable
•QuickStartGuide
• Important Product Information Booklet

Product Guide
2
What you need
Here’s what you need to set up Playbar:
•TV with an optical digital audio OUT port.
•Wi-Fi—have your network name and password ready.
•Amobile device or computer connected to the same Wi-Fi.
•Sonos app installed on the mobile device or computer you’re using to guide you through setup.
Select a location
You can mount the Playbar to a wall above or below your TV or place it on a credenza.
Placed on a credenza
• Place horizontally on a stable and level surface at least 2" (50mm) from TV.
• Don’t place vertically or on its side.
• Don’t block the TV’s IR sensor.
• For best sound quality, place with the connector panel towardthe TV (Sonos logo is closer to TV).
• Don’t place in a cabinet or on a shelf.
• Keep both ends of the Playbar at least 1' (30cm) from a wall or other obstruction.
Wall mounted
Use the Playbar wall mount kit. You can buy it on www.sonos.com. Follow the instructions in the kit. See Wall
mounting for instructions.

Sonos Playbar 3
Connect the cables
Before you start
1. Disconnect existing home theater or surround sound equipment from your TV.
2. Connect any external devices, such as a cable box or DVD player, directly to your TV.
Connect the soundbar to your TV
1. Remove the protective cap from each end of the optical audio cable.
2. Connect the optical audio cable from your TV’s digital audio OUT (optical) to the Playbar’s digital audio IN
(optical). Do not twist or bend the cable.
Note: The Playbar’s digital audio IN port and the optical cable are ’D-shaped’—make sure the connector
aligns correctly into the port.
3. Attach the power adapter to the Playbar and apply power. Push the power cord firmly into the Playbar until
it is flush with the surface.
IMPORTANT: Remove the protective caps from
each end of the optical audio cable before
inserting.
TV’s Digital Audio
OUT (optical)
Playbar’s Digital
Audio IN (optical)

Product Guide
4
The speaker status light on the right side flashes.
Play/Pause
Status light
Volume up
Volume down
Explore Playbar
Play/Pause
Status light
Volume up
Volume down
IR sensor light
IR sensor light
Note: The grill cloth is not removable. Tampering with the cloth may damage your Playbar.

Sonos Playbar 5
Controls
Volume Up (+)
Volume Down (-)
Play/Pause
Status lights
Speaker status
IR (InfraRed) Sensors / Signal Lights
Connector panel
IR Repeater
AC Power (Mains)
Digital Audio IN (Optical)
Ethernet ports
Press to adjust the volume.
Note: You can also use the app and remote control.
Press to Play or pause sound.
For more information, see http://faq.sonos.com/led.
The IR sensor receives signals sent by a remote control.
When the Playbar receives a volume or mute command,
the IR light displays momentarily. You can adjust this
setting so the light never displays. See IR signal light.

Ethernet Ports (2)
Digital Audio IN (Optical)
AC Power (Mains) Input
IR Repeater
Product Guide
6
Adjust TV and sound settings
Use the app to change sound settings or modify the way your home theater speaker works with your TV.
Refer to the Sonos App for Mobile Devices product guide to get more information about using the Sonos app.
Note: You can also use the Sonos app for Mac or PC.
TV Dialog Settings
If TV audio is out of sync with video, use the app to adjust the audio delay (lip sync).
1. Tap > Settings > Room Settings and select the room.
2. Tap Advanced Audio > TV Dialog Settings.
3. Drag your finger across the Audio Delay (Lip Sync) slider to increase or decrease the sound delay.
Use the supplied Ethernet cable if you want to connect
to a router, computer, or network-attached storage
(NAS) device (optional).
Use an audio optical cable to connect the Playbar to
your TV.
Use only the supplied power cord (using a third-party
power cord will void your warranty).
Note: Insert the power cord firmly until it is flush with
the speaker.
Allows the commands from your remote control to reach
your TV if the Playbar is positioned in front of the TV.
This setting is on by default, but can be turned off. See
IR repeater for more information.

Sonos Playbar 7
TV Autoplay
Turn on TV Autoplay (default) so audio plays directly through the home theater speaker when you turn on your
TV.
If music is playing when you turn on the TV, the music stops and the home theater speaker switches to TV
audio.
1. Tap > Settings > Room Settings and select the room.
2. Tap TV Setup and Control >TV Autoplay.
If the home theater speaker is part of a group when the TV is turned on, it drops from the group (default).
3. Select On or Off.
Ungroup on Autoplay
You can include your home theater speaker in a group if you’re playing music in a group of rooms.
Turn on Ungroup on Autoplay to ungroup your home theater speaker when you turn on the TV (default).
1. Tap > Settings > Room Settings and select the room.
2. Tap TV Setup and Control >Ungroup on Autoplay.
Enhance TV sound
When you’re watching TV, the Now Playing screen in the app includes sound enhancement features. These
features are only visible when you’re looking at the room where you home theater speaker is located.
Speech Enhancement
Makes TV dialog easier to hear.
Tap on the Now Playing screen to turn on or off.
Night Sound
Enhances quiet sounds and reduces the intensity of loud sounds. Turn on to reduce the volume while still
experiencing proper balance and range.
Tap on the Now Playing screen to turn on or off.
Tune your room with Trueplay™
Every room is different. With Trueplay tuning, you can put your speakers wherever you want. Trueplay
analyzes room size, layout, décor, speaker placement, and any other acoustic factors that can impact sound
quality. Then it adjusts how each woofer and tweeter produces sound in that room (works on mobile devices
running iOS 8 or later).
Tap > Settings > Room Settings. Pick a room and tap Trueplay Tuning to get started.
Note: Trueplay tuning isn’t available if VoiceOver is enabled on your iOS device. If you want to tune your
speakers, first turn VoiceOver off in your device settings.

Product Guide
8
Program your remote control
During setup, you’ll program your remote control.
You can program a different remote control any time.
1. Open the app and tap > Settings >Room Settings.
Note: You can also use the Sonos app for Mac or PC to program your remote.
2. Choose the room.
3. Tap TV Setup and Control > Remote control setup.
Note: Some TVs show unnecessary messages when you adjust the volume. You may be able to turn these
off. See Eliminating annoying messages on your TV when using a universal remote.
IR signal light
A light displays on the Playbar when an IR signal is being sent. If desired, you can adjust this setting so the IR
light never displays. This setting is On by default.
On a mobile device:
1. Go to > Settings > Room Settings.
2. Select the room the Playbar is located in.
3. Select TV Setup and Control > IR Signal Light.
4. Select On or Off.
On a computer:
1. Select Manage > Settings (PC) or Sonos > Preferences (Mac).
2. Select Room Settings if it is not already highlighted on the left.
3. Choose the room the Playbar is located in from the Room Settings drop-down list.
4. Select the TV Setup tab.
5. Check the IR Signal Light checkbox to turn this setting on, uncheck to turn it off.
6. Close the Settings window when changes are complete.
IR repeater
When the Playbar is placed in front of your TV on a tabletop, it may block the IR sensor on your TV. The IR
repeater setting allows the Playbar to repeat the signal to your TV. This setting is On by default.
On a mobile device:
1. Go to > Settings > Room Settings.
2. Select the room the Playbar is located in.
3. Select TV Setup and Control > IR Repeater.
4. Select On or Off.

Sonos Playbar 9
On a computer:
1. Select Manage > Settings (PC) or Sonos > Preferences (Mac).
2. Select Room Settings.
3. Choose the room the Playbar is located in from the Room Settings drop-down list.
4. Select the TV Setup tab.
5. Check the IR Repeater checkbox to turn this setting on, uncheck to turn it off.
6. Close the Settings window when changes are complete.
Additional room settings
Tap > Settings > Room Settings to see more room settings you can change, such as:
• Recalibrate audio (Android)
• Turn off the speaker status light
• Disable speaker touch controls
• Change room names
•AdjustEQ
Play music
Playbar can stream music even when the TV is off. If TV Autoplay is On, the music stops and switches to TV
audio whenever you turn on the TV.
•Radio by TuneIn. Select from more than 100,000 free internet radio stations, podcasts, and shows.
•Music services. Explore and manage your music services—add your own or try something new.
•Music stored on your mobile device. Play music you’ve downloaded to your phone or tablet.
•Music library. Play music stored on your computer or any Network-Attached Storage (NAS) device.
For a full list of the music choices available in your country, go to www.sonos.com/music. For more
information about playing music, check out our mobile app product guide at www.sonos.com/guides.
Play or pause sound
Touch to start or stop your TV’s sound and your music’s sound too.
•TV—When TV is on, press to toggle the sound on and off.
•Music—When TV is off, press to restart music.
Add music that’s playing in another room
Press and hold to add music in another room.
Skip to next or previous song
• Press twice to skip the next song.
• Press three times to skip to the previous song.
Note: This doesn’t work with radio stations.

Product Guide
10
Expand your home theater
You can add a Sub and surrounds to expand your home theater experience. Add them during setup, or
anytime later by selecting > Settings. The app guides you through setup.
• Add a Sub for room-filling bass.
• Add a pair of Sonos speakers as rear surrounds.
• Add both a Sub and pair of surrounds for full 5.1 home theater sound.
Placement guidelines
•Sub—place it either standing up or lying down; you can place it in a corner, against a wall, behind, under
or next to any furniture on any floor surface.
•Surround speakers—place the speakers to the left and right of your main viewing position. They can be
level with or behind the main viewing position. Make sure both have the same orientation (horizontal or
vertical).
Sub
Add a Sub
You can pair a Sub with any Sonos speaker or amplified component.
On a mobile device:
1. Tap > Settings > Room Settings.
2. Choose the room with the speaker you want to pair, and tap Add Sub.
On a computer:
1. Select Manage > Settings (PC) or Sonos > Preferences (Mac).
2. Select Room Settings.
3. Choose the room with the speaker you want to pair from the Room Settings drop down list.
4. From the Basic tab, select Add Sub.

Sonos Playbar 11
Change Sub settings
On a mobile device:
1. Tap > Settings > Room Settings.
2. Select the room with the Sub. It appears as Room (+Sub).
3. Select Advanced Audio > Sub Settings and change a setting.
Sub
Sub Level
On a computer:
1. Select Manage > Settings (PC) or Sonos > Preferences (Mac).
2. Select Room Settings.
3. Choose the room with the Sub from the Room Settings drop down list. It appears as Room (+Sub).
4. Select the Sub tab and change a setting.
Sub
Sub Level
Remove a Sub
On a mobile device:
1. Tap > Settings > Room Settings.
2. Select the room with the Sub. It appears as Room (+Sub).
3. Select Remove Sub.
4. Choose one of the following:
• To pair the Sub with a different speaker, select Choose Room for Sub.
• If you’re not using it, select Don’t use Sub. It appears in Rooms as Sub (unused) until you pair it with a
speaker.
Turn the Sub’s sound On or Off.
Adjust the Sub’s volume. (You can use this setting to
match the subwoofer level to the level of your main
speakers.)
Placement
Adjustment (phase)
Turn On or Off.
Turn the Sub’s sound On or Off.
Adjust the Sub’s volume. (You can use this setting to
match the subwoofer level to the level of your main
speakers.)
Placement
Adjustment (phase)
Turn On or Off.

Product Guide
12
On a computer:
1. Select Manage > Settings (PC) or Sonos > Preferences (Mac).
2. Select Room Settings.
3. Choose the room with the Sub from the Room Settings drop-down list.
4. From the Basic tab, click Remove Sub.
5. Choose one of the following:
• To pair the Sub with a different speaker, select Choose Room for Sub.
• If you’re not using it, select Don’t use Sub. It appears in Rooms as Sub (unused) until paired with a
speaker.
Surround speakers
Turn two Sonos speakers (same model) into separate right and left channels for your home theater.
Note: If you create a room group or stereo pair instead, you won’t have surround sound.
Add surrounds
On a mobile device:
1. Tap > Settings > Room Settings.
2. Choose the room with the home theater speaker and tap Add Surrounds.
On a computer:
1. Select Manage > Settings (PC) or Sonos > Preferences (Mac).
2. Select Room Settings.
3. Choose the room with the home theater speaker from the Room Settings drop-down list.
4. From the Basic tab, select Add Surround Speakers.
Change surround settings
When you add your speakers as surrounds, surround sound is optimized for your room. You can adjust these
settings:
Surrounds
TV Level
Music Level
Music Playback
Balance Surround
Speakers (iOS)
On a mobile device:
1. Tap > Settings > Room Settings.
Turn surround sound On or Off.
Adjust surround volume for TV audio.
Adjust surround volume for music.
Ambient (subtle) or Full (louder, full range). 
Doesn’t apply to TV audio.
Manually balance your surround speakers.

Sonos Playbar 13
2. Choose the room with the surround speakers (name includes (+LS+RS)).
3. Select Advanced Audio > Surround Settings and change the settings.
On a computer:
1. Select Manage > Settings (PC) or Sonos > Preferences (Mac).
2. Select Room Settings.
3. Choose the room with the surrounds from the Room Settings drop-down list.
4. Select the Surrounds tab and change the settings.
Remove surrounds
If the speakers were part of your Sonos system before you added them as surrounds, they’ll revert back to
their previous room names. Otherwise, they’ll appear as Unused in Rooms.
On a mobile device:
1. Tap > Settings > Room Settings.
2. Choose the room with the surround speakers (name includes (+LS+RS)) and tap Remove Surrounds.
On a computer:
1. Select Manage > Settings (PC) or Sonos > Preferences (Mac).
2. Select Room Settings.
3. Choose the room with the surrounds from the Room Settings drop-down list (name includes (+LS+RS)).
4. From the Basic tab, click Remove Surrounds.
Wall mounting
You can mount Playbar to a wall above or below a wall-mounted TV. Use the Playbar wall mount kit. You can
buy it on www.sonos.com. Follow the instructions in the kit.
Caution: Do not use any other hardware to mount the Playbar.
Guidelines
• When mounting below a TV, keep 1" (25mm) space (minimum) between Playbar and TV.
• When mounting above a TV, keep 2" (50mm) space (minimum) between Playbar and TV.
• Preserve audio quality: make sure the connector panel faces away from the TV.
• Keep both ends of the Playbar at least 1 ft. (30cm) from a wall or other obstruction.
Note: Connect the power and audio cables to the Playbar before mounting to the wall.
What you need
•Maskingtape
• Pointed tool (such as an awl)
• Phillips head screw driver
• Power drill with Phillips head attachment

Product Guide
14
Note: There are 2 spare screws (and anchors) included in the kit. Use these to provide additional
reinforcement if you’d like.
1. Tape the template to the wall above or below your TV. Use a level.
For best audio performance,
orient the connector panel
AWAY from the TV.
1"(25mm)
2"(50mm)
2. Use a pointed tool to pierce through the template and mark the mounting holes. Mark closer to the
corners of the holes.
3. Remove the template.
4. Drill pilot holes.

Sonos Playbar 15
Wall mounting information
Wall Material Pre Drill Use Wall Anchors Use Screws
5. Insert and secure the wall anchors (don’t use the anchors if drilling into wood).
6. Place the bracket on the wall and loosely tighten the screws to secure the bracket. Check with a level and
then tighten the screws.
Wood Stud 1/8" (3mm) bit No Yes
Drywall (no stud) 3/16" (4.5mm) bit Yes Yes
Hard wallboard or double
board
3/16" (4.5mm) bit Yes Yes
Plaster 1/4" (6.5mm) bit Yes Yes
Concrete or Brick 1/8" (3mm) bit Yes Yes

Product Guide
16
7. Hang the Playbar securely on the bracket pegs.
Turn Sonos on or off
Your Sonos speakers are designed to stay on; they use minimal electricity when not in use.
• To stop the music on a speaker: Touch (you can also use the app).
• To stop the music everywhere: In the app, tap > Pause All.
Troubleshooting
Warning: Do not open the product as there is a risk of electric shock. Under no circumstances should the
product be repaired by anyone other than an authorized Sonos repair center, as this will invalidate
the warranty. Please contact Sonos Customer Support for more information.
If a problem occurs, you can try the troubleshooting suggestions listed below. If one of these doesn’t remedy
the problem, or you are not sure how to proceed, please contact the Sonos Customer Support team and we’ll
be happy to help.
• Customer Support
• Visit our Playbar reference section at http://moreinfo.sonos.com/PLAYBAR
•Visit our website at www.sonos.com/support
•Email us at [e-mail]
Playbar not detected during setup
• Did you allow Sonos to check for updates? The Sonos Playbar requires software version 4.0 or later.
• Is the power cord properly seated? Be sure to push the power cord firmly into the Playbar until it is flush
with the surface.

Sonos Playbar 17
• If either of these is not the problem, a network issue may be preventing the Playbar from connecting to
Sonos. Try moving the Sonos products closer together.
Eliminating annoying messages on your TV when using a cable, satellite, or set
top box remote
After you disable your TV speakers, your television might display an annoying or confusing message when
you adjust the volume on the Playbar. This could be a message reminding you that your TV speakers are off,
or a volume indicator unrelated to the sound from your Playbar. If you have a programmable remote control,
you can try the steps below. These steps will configure your remote control to send volume commands that
are only recognized by the Playbar so the message no longer appears when you increase or decrease the
volume.
You will need to refer to the printed instructions that came with your remote control, or browse the on-screen
help menu on your cable/satellite/set-top box as the specific details will vary. Please contact your cable
service provider for additional help.
Identify an unused device key
Your remote control can likely control a variety of devices. The device keys are usually located at the top of the
remote and labeled TV/Cable/CBL/STB/DVD/AUX. Identify a device key that is not currently being used (for
example, the AUX key).
If your remote will not allow additional devices to be programmed, you might wish to purchase a universal
remote to make it easier to control all your devices. Sonos recommends a Logitech® Harmony® universal
remote. See If you are using a Logitech universal remote for more information.
Program the unused device key
Programming the unused device key will add new volume commands to your remote control.
To perform this step you will need to refer to the printed instructions that came with your remote control or
browse the on-screen help menu on your cable/satellite/set-top box as the specific details will vary by
manufacturer. If you cannot locate the instructions, contact your cable service provider for additional help.
• From the list of codes that can be programmed, select a Sonos code if it appears in the list.
• If Sonos does not appear in the list, select a code for any manufacturer brand other than your TV or
other devices connected to the TV. For example if you own a Vizio TV and a Samsung Blu-ray player,
choose a Panasonic code from the list.
• DO NOT initiate an automated search for a code.
Lock your remote control to the new volume commands
Locking volume control to the new device will ensure your remote always sends the new volume commands.
This feature is likely referred to as volume lock or volume punch through in the instructions that accompanied
your remote control.
Configure your Playbar to work with these new volume commands
See Adjust TV and sound settings for help with this step.
Verify that the problem is solved
If the problem persists, try repeating the steps above, choosing a different manufacturer brand when
programming the unused device key.

Product Guide
18
Eliminating annoying messages on your TV when using a universal remote
After you disable your TV speakers, your television might display an annoying or confusing message
whenever you adjust the volume on the Playbar. This could be a message reminding you that your TV
speakers are off, or a volume indicator unrelated to the sound from your Playbar. Try the steps below to
configure your universal remote so this message no longer appears when you increase or decrease the
Playbar’s volume.
If you do not own a universal remote, Sonos recommends you purchase a Logitech® Harmony® remote.
If you are using a Logitech universal remote
If this remote is a new purchase, you will first need to set up a Logitech user account and install the Harmony
Remote software. Then follow the steps below to add the Playbar as a new device.
1. Use the USB cable provided by Logitech to connect your Harmony remote to your computer.
Note: If this remote is a new purchase, you will need to set up a Logitech user
account and install the Harmony Remote software before proceeding.
2. Launch the Logitech Harmony Remote software or go to www.logitech.com/myharmony and login to
your account. (Where you are directed depends on the Logitech universal remote model you purchased.)
3. Select the Add Device setting.
4. Choose one of the following options:
• If you are using Logitech Harmony Remote software:
• Select Sonosas the manufacturer, and enter Playbar as the model name/number. If the Sonos
Playbar is not in their database, you will be asked to add it.
• Confirm that you've entered the information correctly, and then save your changes.
• If you are using My Harmony website:
•TypeSonos as the manufacturer and Playbar as the model name. If the Sonos Playbar is not in their
database, you will be asked to confirm your entry or make another choice.
• Confirm that you've entered the information correctly, and then save your changes.
If you are using another universal remote
Please follow the instructions in Eliminating annoying messages on your TV when using a universal
remote.
Turning off your television’s speakers
During the setup process you are prompted to turn off your TV speakers so the sound comes only through the
Playbar. While Sonos cannot provide instructions for every television model, please try the steps below.
If you cannot find the correct setting to turn off your TV speakers, please consult the owner’s guide that was
packaged with your television.
1. Select the Menu or Setup button on your television’s remote control (not your cable remote control).
An on-screen menu will appear.
2. Select the menu option that controls your television’s audio functions.
Note: This menu selection is most often labeled Audio, Sound, Too ls , or Options
or may display as a musical note icon.