Confused by HDMI connections, Help!!!

[Gmlgml]

I have:

A Phillips 4K tv

A PlayStation 4 pro

The PS4 is connected is to HDMI 3, which is what the TV tells me to do to get the best picture quality. It comes up with HDMI /MHL.

I want to add a sonos beam, mainly because I already have two Sonos Ones that I’m happy with and I understand I can add the beam to that (plus a sub) to make a 5.1 system.

So far, so happy!

Now my knowledge starts to flounder...

One of the TV HDMI sockets is labelled HDMI arc. I understand this is for audio.

Question is I watch Netflix through the PS4 as the TV doesn’t support HD playback from Netflix.

If I watch Netflix through the PlayStation will the audio come through the Sonos even though the PS4 isn’t directly connected to it, or do I need to add an optical cable bridge between the PS4 and beam?

I’m hoping if I connect via the ARC channel and set the TVs menu to bypass the internal speakers (which it has the option to do I think) the sound defaults on the TV and whatever is connected to it via the Sonos?

Ta in advance for any info!

Edited by Gmlgml on Thursday 7th February 20:49

[Boz123]

Yes.

If your sonos beam is connected to the HDMI Arc socket, then it will play the audio from whatever the TV is showing.

No need for an optical connection.

[SS2.]

A 4K TV that doesn't support Netflix HD ? Seems a bit odd.

What package have you purchased ie is it one that provides HD ?

[Gmlgml]

I did think it was odd. I do have the full Netflix package that supports HDR/Ultra HD but the picture quality via the PlayStation is night and day better than via the dedicated Netflix app on the TV.

I’ve messed about with the settings on the TV and Netflix itself so everything is set to the “top” quality.

As long as I can watch it via the PS I’m happy.

[SS2.]

Good to see you've got a solution you're happy with, but I think I'd be taking that up with Netflix - doesn't sound right at all.

[Gmlgml]

I’ve just checked with Netflix and the TV does support HDR and ultra HD. If I search for 4K it comes up ok via the inbuilt app. I had to log out and log back in and all seems ok. I think because when I got the Netflix account I had “ordinary” and have only upgraded it today.

However, even with setting both up properly now, as stated before the difference in picture via the app on the TV and the PS4 is remarkable.

[SS2.]

Still sounds a bit suspect to me - I expect the built-in Netflix app to provide content of an equal (more likely better) standard than a PS4.

[Teddy Lop]

SS2. said:

Still sounds a bit suspect to me - I expect the built-in Netflix app to provide content of an equal (more likely better) standard than a PS4.

I've seen instances where the TV manufacturers are slow and unwilling to support app based services even on brand new devices, wheras the ps4 being so popular you'd expect to have issues resolved more quickly.

...says he on one of the popular yet buggy internet forums.

[The_Jackal]

SS2. said:

Still sounds a bit suspect to me - I expect the built-in Netflix app to provide content of an equal (more likely better) standard than a PS4.

Thats your mistake, inbuilt apps on TVs are notoriously shoddy copies of premium dedicated apps.

[Gmlgml]

Via TV app- akin to watching a DVD

Via the PS4 app- akin to watching a blu Ray.

Either way I’m happy.

Just means I’ll have to buy a PS4 remote control as the controller is a P.I.T.A to navigate with!

[FunkyGibbon]

Gmlgml said:

Via TV app- akin to watching a DVD

Take a look at this thread.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

It may well be your sound output settings that is limiting the video output of the netflix app. If the app things you only have stereo output it may default to SD output like it did for the OP in the quoted thread. Forcing audio to be 5.1 digital - external speakers only sorted it.

[Lazermilk]

Could also be the internet connection, I have ran ethernet cable to my TV etc for this reason, so there is no issues with wifi providing enough bandwidth for 4k Streams.

The other benefit with ARC is that your TV controller should be able to control the volume of the speakers too and they should turn on automatically when turning on the TV.