The Sonos Playbar is a popular home audio device that provides great sound quality, enhancing your TV and music experience. In this article, we will guide you on how to connect your Sonos Playbar, answer common questions like whether it’s Bluetooth compatible, if it’s still in production, and more about its age.
How to Connect Your Sonos Playbar
Connecting your Sonos Playbar is a straightforward process, but it helps to know exactly what steps to take. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Position Your Playbar: Place the Playbar beneath your TV on a stand or mount it on the wall. Make sure it’s positioned so the speakers face outward and there’s minimal obstruction for sound.
- Connect to Your TV:
- Optical Cable: The Sonos Playbar connects to your TV using an optical audio cable, which transmits high-quality sound. Plug one end of the optical cable into your TV’s optical output port and the other into the corresponding port on the back of the Playbar.
- Power Up: Plug in the Playbar’s power cable and connect it to a power source.
- Download the Sonos App: The Sonos app is available for both Android and iOS devices. Download and install the app on your phone or tablet.
- Setup with the App:
- Open the Sonos app and select Set Up a New System.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to add the Playbar to your network. The app will guide you through connecting the Playbar to your Wi-Fi network.
- Make sure your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network that you want your Playbar to connect to.
- Configure Remote Control: After connecting the Playbar to your network, you can configure your TV remote control to manage the volume on the Playbar. The Sonos app will help you set this up so you can use one remote for everything.
- Test Your Playbar: Once set up, you can test your Playbar by playing audio from your TV. The sound should be directed through the Playbar, providing a much richer and fuller sound experience compared to your TV’s built-in speakers.
Is the Sonos Playbar Bluetooth-Compatible?
No, the Sonos Playbar is not Bluetooth-compatible. Instead, it connects to your home network using Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable. This network-based connection is one of the features that allows the Sonos system to provide a reliable and seamless listening experience across multiple devices throughout your home.
If you’re looking for a Sonos product with Bluetooth functionality, you may want to consider the Sonos Move or the Sonos Roam, which both support Bluetooth.
Did Sonos Stop Making the Playbar?
Yes, Sonos has stopped manufacturing the Playbar. The Playbar was replaced by newer products with enhanced features, including the Sonos Arc and the Sonos Beam. These newer models support advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos, which provides an even more immersive sound experience compared to the Playbar.
While the Playbar is no longer in production, you can still find it available from third-party sellers or secondhand marketplaces. Sonos continues to provide support and software updates for the Playbar, so it remains a viable option if you’re able to find one.
How Old Is the Sonos Playbar?
The Sonos Playbar was originally released in 2013, which makes it over a decade old. Despite its age, the Playbar remains a solid choice for boosting TV audio quality, especially for those who are loyal to the Sonos ecosystem. However, the newer models, such as the Sonos Beam and Sonos Arc, offer improved sound technology and additional features that better align with the capabilities of modern TVs.
Conclusion
The Sonos Playbar is still an excellent device for enhancing your TV’s audio, despite being over ten years old and out of production. Connecting your Playbar is easy through an optical cable and the Sonos app, and you can quickly enjoy a significant upgrade in sound quality.
If you’re looking for more recent Sonos soundbar products, consider the Sonos Arc or the Sonos Beam, which come with updated features like Dolby Atmos and enhanced voice assistant support. Regardless of your choice, Sonos continues to provide a high-quality audio experience that turns your living room into a home theater.
