Question PC connected to SONOS surround sound system is not working ?

[aspect102]

Hi all,

My setup currently:
PC connected via HDMI (2.0 I believe) to my samsung UE65TU8507UXXU TV, which also has a SONOS Beam soundbar connected via another HDMI eARC port. The SONOS system also has connected 2 rear speakers as well.

This system works well with my splitter that splits fire stick, EE TV box and is flawless! However, my PC does not seem to work (see below for clarification)? I have tried a lot of things, like using the Dolby Access app and turning on the home theatre surround audio setting. I've also enabled all the passthrough and relevant settings for eARC and receiver in the TV settings. (although if it works with the splitter, the TV settings should be fine anyway..!)

What's odd is, when I open the SONOS app, despite only coming from the SONOS Beam (not the two rear speakers), it says "Dolby Atmos" being played. But why does it not decide to play on the two rear speakers whilst it plays with all other content (EE TV, etc)?

I stumbled on this thread, https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/pc-to-tv-to-soundbar-not-working-earc.3799020/, which I thought might help my problem, so I have installed CRU and tried to edit my channels from 2 to 8 on LPCM, but it changes the name of the audio device from "SAMSUNG" to "HDMI Audio device", and then removes all the supported formats in the control panel audio section. (It usually says Dolby Digital, etc), so then the Dolby Access doesn't work, so I've ran the reset-all program and kept it how it is.

I tried this with another computer to see if it was some random problem with my current computer, but the same result on the other one!

Would appreciate any insights on this, thanks guys.

UPDATED SPECS:
System Info:
OS Name Microsoft Windows 11 Home
Version 10.0.26100 Build 26100
Other OS Description Not Available
OS Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation
System Name ASPECT
System Manufacturer GIGABYTE
System Model G5 KD
System Type x64-based PC
System SKU RC45KD
Processor 11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-11400H @ 2.70GHz, 2688 Mhz, 6 Core(s), 12 Logical Processor(s)
BIOS Version/Date INSYDE Corp. FB1, 28/10/2021
SMBIOS Version 3.3
Embedded Controller Version 7.08
BIOS Mode UEFI
BaseBoard Manufacturer GIGABYTE
BaseBoard Product G5 KD
BaseBoard Version Not Applicable
Installed Physical Memory (RAM) 16.0 GB
Total Physical Memory 15.8 GB
Available Physical Memory 7.91 GB
Total Virtual Memory 31.6 GB
Available Virtual Memory 23.1 GB
Page File Space 15.8 GB

-------
The original device I was trying to get it to work on is my laptop, so I'm not sure about the PSU there, I just have it plugged in on perfomance mode and all that.
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Disk drive: ESR512GTLG-E6GBTNB4 (M.2 SSD I believe).
19.5GB free of 458GB.
-------
Connected periphreals: None on this device, just the HDMI and power.
-------
Sound devices and info:
Bose Revolve+ II SoundLink
Bose Revolve+ II SoundLink Hands-Free
HD Audio Driver for Display Audio (HIDDEN)
HD Audio Driver for Display Audio (HIDDEN)
Microsoft Streaming Service Proxy
NVIDIA High Definition Audio
NVIDIA Virtual Audio Device (Wave Extensible) (WDM)
Oculus Virtual Audio Device
Razer Siren Mini (HIDDEN)
Realtek (R) Audio
Steam Streaming Microphone
Steam Streaming Speakers
teVirtualMIDI - Virtual MIDI Driver x64
ULT WEAR
ULT WEAR Hands-Free
WH-CH720N
WH-CH720N Hands-Free
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Display adapters:
[Display]

Item Value
Name Meta Virtual Monitor
PNP Device ID ROOT\DISPLAY\0000
Adapter Type Not Available, Meta Inc. compatible
Adapter Description Meta Virtual Monitor
Adapter RAM Not Available
Installed Drivers Not Available
Driver Version 17.12.55.198
INF File oem111.inf (VirtualScreen_Install.NT section)
Colour Planes Not Available
Colour Table Entries Not Available
Resolution Not Available
Bits/Pixel Not Available
Driver C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\WUDFRD.SYS (10.0.26100.4652, 365.38 KB (374,144 bytes), 11/07/2025 11:17)

Name Intel(R) UHD Graphics
PNP Device ID PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_9A68&SUBSYS_50E11558&REV_01\3&11583659&0&10
Adapter Type Intel(R) UHD Graphics Family, Intel Corporation compatible
Adapter Description Intel(R) UHD Graphics
Adapter RAM 1.00 GB (1,073,741,824 bytes)
Installed Drivers C:\WINDOWS\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\iigd_dch.inf_amd64_7510514be791188f\igdumdim64.dll,C:\WINDOWS\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\iigd_dch.inf_amd64_7510514be791188f\igd10iumd64.dll,C:\WINDOWS\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\iigd_dch.inf_amd64_7510514be791188f\igd10iumd64.dll,C:\WINDOWS\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\iigd_dch.inf_amd64_7510514be791188f\igd12umd64.dll
Driver Version 30.0.101.2079
INF File oem70.inf (iTGLD_w10_DS section)
Colour Planes Not Available
Colour Table Entries 4294967296
Resolution 1920 x 1080 x 144 hertz
Bits/Pixel 32
Memory Address 0x0000006202000000-0x0000006202FFFFFF
Memory Address 0x0000004000000000-0x000000400FFFFFFF
I/O Port 0x00004000-0x0000403F
IRQ Channel IRQ 4294967275
Driver C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERSTORE\FILEREPOSITORY\IIGD_DCH.INF_AMD64_7510514BE791188F\IGDKMDN64.SYS (30.0.101.2079, 42.62 MB (44,685,296 bytes), 26/08/2022 04:04)

Name NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU
PNP Device ID PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_2520&SUBSYS_50E21558&REV_A1\4&1498A8E3&0&0008
Adapter Type NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU, NVIDIA compatible
Adapter Description NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU
Adapter RAM (1,048,576) bytes
Installed Drivers C:\WINDOWS\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\nvcvi.inf_amd64_5a4fe1e735fd8418\nvldumdx.dll,C:\WINDOWS\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\nvcvi.inf_amd64_5a4fe1e735fd8418\nvldumdx.dll,C:\WINDOWS\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\nvcvi.inf_amd64_5a4fe1e735fd8418\nvldumdx.dll,C:\WINDOWS\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\nvcvi.inf_amd64_5a4fe1e735fd8418\nvldumdx.dll
Driver Version 32.0.15.7688
INF File oem125.inf (Section102 section)
Colour Planes Not Available
Colour Table Entries Not Available
Resolution Not Available
Bits/Pixel Not Available
Memory Address 0x0000000081000000-0x0000000081FFFFFF
Memory Address 0x0000006200000000-0x0000006201FFFFFF
IRQ Channel IRQ 4294967274
Driver C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERSTORE\FILEREPOSITORY\NVCVI.INF_AMD64_5A4FE1E735FD8418\NVLDDMKM.SYS (32.0.15.7688, 106.50 MB (111,668,848 bytes), 12/07/2025 14:44)
-------


(This info is taken without the TV connected)

 

[Ralston18]

Update your post to include full system hardware specs and OS information.

Include PSU: make, model, wattage, age, condition (original to build, new, refurbished, used)?

Disk drive(s): make, model, capacity, how full?

List of all connected peripherals.

What audio devices are listed in Device Manager? (Check that "Show hidden devices" is checked in View.)

= = = =

Are you able to sketch out a simple diagram showing all devices, ports, and cables?

Then scan or photograph the diagram and post it the diagram here via imgur (www.imgur.com) > green "New post" icon).

My thought is that there is some sort of audio loop: Device A connected to Device B connected to Device C connected to Device A again.

Does not need to be fancy: just enough to clearly present the connections (of all sorts) being used).

Someone may spot something amiss.

On your computer - do you have a small speaker icon usually found in the lower right screen corner of the display?

Right clicking that icon opens an audio menu that, in turn, leads to many other audio related configuration settings via windows, tabs, and properties.

 

[aspect102]

Update your post to include full system hardware specs and OS information.

Include PSU: make, model, wattage, age, condition (original to build, new, refurbished, used)?

Disk drive(s): make, model, capacity, how full?

List of all connected peripherals.

What audio devices are listed in Device Manager? (Check that "Show hidden devices" is checked in View.)

= = = =

Are you able to sketch out a simple diagram showing all devices, ports, and cables?

Then scan or photograph the diagram and post it the diagram here via imgur (www.imgur.com) > green "New post" icon).

My thought is that there is some sort of audio loop: Device A connected to Device B connected to Device C connected to Device A again.

Does not need to be fancy: just enough to clearly present the connections (of all sorts) being used).

Someone may spot something amiss.

On your computer - do you have a small speaker icon usually found in the lower right screen corner of the display?

Right clicking that icon opens an audio menu that, in turn, leads to many other audio related configuration settings via windows, tabs, and properties.

See link for diagram

https://imgur.com/a/JbCnvYL

View: https://imgur.com/a/JbCnvYL


Thank you for your response!

One note: This laptop has a USB-C (Display port) that is connected to my GPU, and a HDMI connected to my integrated graphics. I am trying to use my integrated graphics to make this work because using an adapter (a usb-c hub) was causing strange graphical issues and glitches even with normal stereo and video. I believe this is unrelated and is to do with the adapter.

 

[Ralston18]

Nice diagram! Did you do that or is the diagram from some other source? Does not really seem to match your descriptions.

Bose? Steam?

= = = =

Going (full disclosure) out of my comfort zone here....

This sync box?

Phillips Hue

You mention PC; however, the diagram is showing a laptop and does not show DP.

Also:

https://www.t3.com/home-living/smar...nc-box-20-is-8k-and-hdmi-21-now-youre-talking

Not sure about there being a loop or not.

I am also now wondering about the specs/versions and compatibilities of the devices and supporting software.

E.g. HDMI...

Try to update the diagram with more components and details.

Hopefully, one or more of our more audio inclined members may be able to add more thoughts and suggestions.

 

[aspect102]

Sorry for the confusion! I was using a laptop originally, and tried a PC to try and see if my laptop was the problem, but still didn't work.

I made the diagram in draw.io and I believe it is accurate, that'll probably be the best explanation if my original explanation was conflicting.

The Philips Hue Sync Box I have is the older version, HDMI 2.0 I think.

The Bose and Steam devices are from my game library on steam and my bose headset; sorry they are irrelevant here I just put all the audio devices down.

When you were questioning about the specs and versions and compatabilities of everything, I always resort to try and think deductively; I am curious why any other device on the splitter would work but not a Windows device? It's clear that the SONOS system does work by itself, and the whole eARC thing does work; so there is only a limited amount of specs I could check?

 

[dwd999]

What kind of source material are playing on your laptop/pc and what software are you using to play it? Are you playing something like video files with 8 channel sound and using MPC-HC to play them back? I do this all the time on my PC with no problem so it might be a software problem. Since my system is based on Intel hardware and HDMI surround sound comes from an Intel driver perhaps its a driver problem. Or perhaps your playback software isn't set properly to pass through the Atmos sound.

 

[aspect102]

What kind of source material are playing on your laptop/pc and what software are you using to play it? Are you playing something like video files with 8 channel sound and using MPC-HC to play them back? I do this all the time on my PC with no problem so it might be a software problem. Since my system is based on Intel hardware and HDMI surround sound comes from an Intel driver perhaps it’s a driver problem. Or perhaps your playback software isn't set properly to pass through the Atmos sound.

My original plan was trying to play games and have it play through the surround system, but I tried Netflix, Disney+ and the Dolby atmos test audio website but it all plays out of the sound bar and not the rear speakers. And yet, Sonos app states it is playing dolby atmos audio.

 

[dwd999]

My original plan was trying to play games and have it play through the surround system, but I tried Netflix, Disney+ and the Dolby atmos test audio website but it all plays out of the sound bar and not the rear speakers. And yet, Sonos app states it is playing dolby atmos audio.

Does the Sonos app have it own test function to check that the rear speakers are working through their wifi? Since dolby atmos content is mainly designed to use the up firing speakers for the atmos effect, there wouldn't be much rear channel content. You could use a sound editor like the free Audacity app to create a special 5.1 sound track file that tests the front, center, subwoofer and rear speakers. At least that would ensure that the rear speakers are operational. Otherwise it may be a Sonos setup problem or a problem with your wifi not connecting to the rear speakers.

 

[aspect102]

Does the Sonos app have it own test function to check that the rear speakers are working through their wifi? Since dolby atmos content is mainly designed to use the up firing speakers for the atmos effect, there wouldn't be much rear channel content. You could use a sound editor like the free Audacity app to create a special 5.1 sound track file that tests the front, center, subwoofer and rear speakers. At least that would ensure that the rear speakers are operational. Otherwise it may be a Sonos setup problem or a problem with your wifi not connecting to the rear speakers.

The rear speakers work well with surround sound content provided by apps like Netflix, Disney+ and other sources passed by EE TV box and the Fire stick which are connected as shown in the diagram. This engages the rear speakers very well, so I think the SONOS system does work regardless, especially the rear speakers. It's just a matter of the laptop not engaging the rear speakers on content, which I think is the same, despite the SONOS app identifying that the audio the sound system is receiving from my laptop is, indeed, "Dolby Atmos" format.

The soundbar just isn't passing the audio to the rear speakers with my laptop, which I find very odd. Could this maybe mean there is a problem with the audio being passed to it? Like it has the label of "Dolby Atmos" on the SONOS app but yet isn't? Somehow?

 

[dwd999]

The rear speakers work well with surround sound content provided by apps like Netflix, Disney+ and other sources passed by EE TV box and the Fire stick which are connected as shown in the diagram. This engages the rear speakers very well, so I think the SONOS system does work regardless, especially the rear speakers. It's just a matter of the laptop not engaging the rear speakers on content, which I think is the same, despite the SONOS app identifying that the audio the sound system is receiving from my laptop is, indeed, "Dolby Atmos" format.

The soundbar just isn't passing the audio to the rear speakers with my laptop, which I find very odd. Could this maybe mean there is a problem with the audio being passed to it? Like it has the label of "Dolby Atmos" on the SONOS app but yet isn't? Somehow?

Then that would point to a laptop sound system or driver problem. What kind of chip does the laptop use to process sound? The presence of an Nvidia GPU chip and its driver may complicate the problem. Usually hdmi sound output is controlled by Intel drivers. If you run the Intel Driver and Support Assistant does it show any device for HDMI sound output and is the driver up to date?

 

[aspect102]

Then that would point to a laptop sound system or driver problem. What kind of chip does the laptop use to process sound? The presence of an Nvidia GPU chip and its driver may complicate the problem. Usually hdmi sound output is controlled by Intel drivers. If you run the Intel Driver and Support Assistant does it show any device for HDMI sound output and is the driver up to date?

So the images below show what that tool you sent shows:

https://imgur.com/KDDbO5V

View: https://imgur.com/KDDbO5V

https://imgur.com/a/4eDVjm2

View: https://imgur.com/a/4eDVjm2


So I notice that I don't have any audio drivers for my onboard intel graphics (I am trying to use this one), but I do have some NVIDIA High definition audio for my main GPU.

Main reason I am not using the main GPU is because of this issue mentioned in a previous post in this thread:

One note: This laptop has a USB-C (Display port) that is connected to my GPU, and a HDMI connected to my integrated graphics. I am trying to use my integrated graphics to make this work because using an adapter (a usb-c hub) was causing strange graphical issues and glitches even with normal stereo and video. I believe this is unrelated and is to do with the adapter.

The full list of my specs are in the first post I edited in, sorry if there's some irrelevant stuff in there.

I'm going to update the graphics drivers and everything it mentioned while I'm here, won't do harm anyways.

 

[aspect102]

So after updating the drivers, it seems that it has started working. Also all the audio tests was using Google Chrome which apparently doesn't support dolby atmos and surround sound for some reason; after retrying Netflix with Microsoft Edge it works fine now, so maybe it always worked..!

Thanks all!

Although with this now working with the onboard, for some reason it doesn't work when I use my adapter and plug it into my NVIDIA GPU. Assuming the adapter is working properly, would this be possible? I know you mentioned that the audio stuff usually works with Intel drivers? For reference, when I plug my NVIDIA GPU in instead, it changes from SAMSUNG HD Audio Driver for Display Audio to something like SAMSUNG NVIDIA High Definition.