[Digital Fool]

I purchased a HDMI/toslink switch from monoprice (based on what I read here - http://www.avsforum.com/forum/195-soundbars/1458086-new-sonos-playbar.html) to hookup up my Sonos playbar to my Panasonic plasma (P54G25 2010 model) while using two HDMI sources of a Roku and HTPC. The main reason for the setup is I have the TV mounted above fireplace and all my equipment in an AV closet in the basement. When I originally set it up, I had 20ft 26awg HDMI and a 4 ft 28awg HDMI to each source. Everything worked flawless until I turned the TV off. When I turned the TV back on, I did not receive any audio. I reset the switch and the playbar audio came back. The audio would work through the TV speakers just fine. After contacting monoprice support, they said I need 22awg to run 20ft and 24awg to the source for it to work properly. I guess it does say that on the product page so it was my mistake and I placed the order.

SO today I got the new cables and I have the exact same issue. I explained the issue to monoprice tech support again that it's clear that when I turn the TV off, the switch goes dark and when I turn the TV on, it powers back on, but the digital output remains dark. Only when I reset it, the digital output is back and playbar audio is working. Support said it's a TV handshake issue. He said I have 3 choices: always leave the TV on, reset the switch everytime you turn the TV on or get a new TV. No joke, was not happy.

I have a very clunky HDTV that I tried the switch on for testing purposes and it works like a dream. The switch stays active even when the TV gets powered down, so audio is always active when I turn it on.

I guess my question is, am I really SOL with this Panny or is there some setting I'm missing? Nothing jumps out in the menu options, tried home theater option in Viera settings, tried different audio sources, etc. I have read that this model has had handshake issues, but wasn't sure if this was really the issue or not?

 

[mailiang]

I suspect it's the playbar that's the issue not your TV set.

Ian

 

[Five28]

Is the Monoprice switcher turning off each time you power the TV down? I have a Monoprice HDMI switcher and the cable box remote also turns the switcher off. In my case it's not a big deal but if it were located in another room, or in a basement as yours is, it would be an issue. I've also noticed that when it turns back on it always reverts to input #1 , even if I had it last set on input #2 .

 

[Digital Fool]

Not a playbar issue as I hooked it up to another TV and it works fine.

Yes, the switch 'powers down' when I turn the TV off. When the TV turns on it powers back up, but optical port dark, so no playbar audio. The thing is, even though it is 'down' it is just in sleep mode and it requires a full power down for it to come back with the audio. While my other TV, the switch is always active even with the TV off. That is why I suspect it is the Panny.

I think I may have a workaround in order, but still annoying. Going to get a wireless outlet and just put the switch on it so I can easily remotely reset it. Don't suppose a Harmony remote could take on that task? I'm swimming in remotes!

 

[Five28]

Not a playbar issue as I hooked it up to another TV and it works fine.

Yes, the switch 'powers down' when I turn the TV off. When the TV turns on it powers back up, but optical port dark, so no playbar audio. The thing is, even though it is 'down' it is just in sleep mode and it requires a full power down for it to come back with the audio. While my other TV, the switch is always active even with the TV off. That is why I suspect it is the Panny.

I think I may have a workaround in order, but still annoying. Going to get a wireless outlet and just put the switch on it so I can easily remotely reset it. Don't suppose a Harmony remote could take on that task? I'm swimming in remotes!

Have you tried to cover the switchers remote eye with a piece of black tape or something? Make it so that it always stays on and perhaps your problem is solved. If you need to use the remote on the switcher to change inputs then this idea won't work. Just a thought.

 

[Digital Fool]

I think it senses no connection with TV so it powers down, don't think it has anything to do with the IR receiver. So didn't know if there was some setting on the TV to keep that HDMI connection alive, so to speak. Even if I use to switch remote to power down, does not bring back audio. It needs a physical unplug (or I guess the reset button on the back does the same thing). Yes, I hope the remote power plug will work.

Again, the final word from Monoprice is a TV/Handshake issue.

 

[mailiang]

Not a playbar issue as I hooked it up to another TV and it works fine.

The handshake issue can be a problem between the playbar and your Panasonic TV set. You may want to try a different playbar.

Ian

 

[Digital Fool]

The handshake issue can be a problem between the playbar and your Panasonic TV set. You may want to try a different playbar.

Ian

Eh, I'm going to live and die with Sonos. It does work fine direct connect to TV.