Can I use a Playbar without it being hooked up to a network?

[Mr Noble]

If I buy a Playbar from Sonos, can I just plug it into my TV and use it as a soundbar, or do I have to permanently have the bridge plugged in and the Sonos network running?

Also, will I have to grab the Sonos controller and fire the playbar up every time I turn the TV on and off?

I can see that getting a little tiresome as I use the TV almost every day and night, but might only play music on Spotify etc once a week.

I have a Play 1 set up in my kitchen, but usually have it and the bridge switched off until I want to use it at weekends or when friends are over etc.

Help appreciated!

[VEX]

I am not sure if you can set it up without a network, but from memory it can be taught your standard TV remote control instructions, so no you don't need to use the app.

V.

[Mr Noble]

• UPDATE**

I bought a Playbar and have set it up now, and can confirm that it does indeed turn itself on and off with the TV and works fine with my Sky remote and Samsung remote to alter the volume.

Only slightly annoying thing is that the TV no longer shows any volume level so you don't really know where you are. You can see the level in the iOS app though.....


Must say, as a TV soundbar, I'm not overly blown away by the sound quality. It's louder and a bit better than the TV speakers on my 4 year old 46" Samsung LED TV, but it ain't quite as fabulous as I was hoping my £599 purchase would be!! To me, it's not 'that' much better sounding than the Play 1 in my kitchen when playing music.

Have I bought a duffer or is this pretty normal??

[Alex L]

that's pretty much how I would describe it, slightly improved as we have 2 play 1s as rear speakers too. I haven't yet purchased the sub at an additional £600.

It doesn't compare in sound quality/volume to the home theatre it replaced but the other half prefers the look of the Sonos

[Mr Noble]

Personally I think the Sub would make a massive difference, especially in a room with just the Playbar, as it'll add an element of surround to the TV's sound.


But, I just can't bring myself to pay the SAME price for a 'matching' Sub as what the main Playbar costs. I seriously think Sonos shot themselves in the foot with their Sub price. If it was £399, it'd be a no-brainer for many playbar purchasers. I for one would have got both at the same time for £999, but to pay another £600! for a Sub box seems mad.

[Alex L]

Agreed, I can get a whole 8% off a Currys so saved me a little when buying the 4 Sonos components but I couldn't justify the sub as well.