I have a Sonos PLAYBAR with the sub and 2 PLAY1 speakers, making a full 5.1 surround system. The PLAYBAR's only input option is optical/Toslink, there is no HDMI.

The TV I'm upgrading from doesn't pass-through 5.1 audio from external HDMI devices to the optical out, it only sends stereo. So at present I have the Sonos connected to out Xbox which has the Apple TV connected to it, and that covers the majority of our viewing. We don't own a Sky decoder.

I've been looking at upgrading the TV for a number of reasons, and a bottom line is that it passes 5.1 audio from HDMI sources.

After doing a lot of research and talking to some helpful people at the store, it seems the Sony TVs often do this. So yesterday I brought home a Sony Bravia 49" X7000D. I know it's configured correctly because the Sonos app is showing that it's getting 5.1 from internal sources, such as the TV tuner and apps like Netflix. However, I'm only getting PCM for any HDMI source when I'm certain I'm playing content encoded in Dolby digital 5.1.

There are two applicable settings under digital audio out on this model of Bravia, auto1 and auto2. I've tried both and neither work, so I have to assume I've got a model that won't do what I want.

The Sony call centre was utterly clueless and I couldn't make them understand the issue. The store I bought it from is happy to refund or exchange if necessary and has been very helpful.

Unless anyone has a magic cure for this model, I'd be grateful for any model recommendations.

I'm looking at around 50 inches, and I'd prefer Android TV as I'm blind and Android TV offers Talkback so my wife and I can navigate the device.

Other than this one issue, this TV is awesome, so I suppose I could investigate other options like an HDMI switch, or an external Freeview box if such a thing exists. But I'm trying to keep whatever we get non-geek-friendly. My wife just wants to turn on the TV and have it work.

Cheers for any thoughts.