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Connect your Roku Streaming Stick to the TV, then connect the soundbar to the TV—not directly to the Stick. The TV routes audio from the Roku to the soundbar. Use HDMI ARC/eARC if both devices support it; otherwise, use optical audio if the TV and soundbar have matching ports.
Choose a connection your TV and soundbar both support
Check the labels on the TV and soundbar before connecting anything. For HDMI audio return, both need compatible HDMI ARC or eARC ports. For the optical alternative, the TV needs a digital optical audio output and the soundbar needs an optical input. Port availability and menu labels vary by model, so consult the manuals if the labels are unclear.
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- HDMI ARC/eARC: Connect the TV’s port labeled ARC or eARC to the soundbar’s corresponding port. ARC sends audio from the TV and its connected devices back to the soundbar. For eARC’s enhanced capabilities, both devices must support eARC and the HDMI cable must meet the required specifications. See Roku’s HDMI ARC and CEC guidance.
- Optical: Use this route when ARC is unavailable and both devices have compatible optical ports. See Roku’s optical audio instructions.
Check the soundbar’s packaging before buying a cable; what is included varies by product. An ARC/eARC cable connects the TV and soundbar, not the Roku Stick and soundbar.
Connect the Roku Stick and soundbar
- Connect the Roku Streaming Stick to the TV. Plug it into an available HDMI input. Connect its supplied USB power cable; if the TV’s USB port does not provide enough power, Roku recommends using a wall outlet. Select the TV input used by the Stick. Follow Roku’s Streaming Stick setup instructions.
- Connect the soundbar to the TV. For ARC/eARC, run an HDMI cable between the TV’s ARC/eARC port and the soundbar’s matching port. For optical, connect the TV’s digital optical output to the soundbar’s optical input with a TOSLINK cable.
- Set the soundbar’s input. Choose the TV, ARC, eARC, or optical input that matches the cable connection. The exact label depends on the soundbar.
- Enable the TV audio connection if needed. For HDMI ARC/eARC, turn on ARC and HDMI-CEC in the TV settings. For optical, enable digital optical audio output if the TV requires it. The setting names and locations vary by TV.
- Test playback. Leave the TV on the HDMI input used by the Stick and play a program. The sound should come through the soundbar.
Set the audio format
If your TV offers audio-format controls, choose an option compatible with the soundbar and the content. On Roku TV, the path is Settings > System > Audio > S/PDIF and ARC. Roku describes Auto detect as the default and also offers Auto passthrough or specific formats for supported equipment. Menu wording and available choices differ by model; Roku’s audio output guidance describes the options.
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- Clutter-free setup: Easy to set up with your Roku TV-just plug it into power to get started. The wireless connection makes it a suitable fit for any setup
- Place it anywhere: Plug in your Roku TV Wireless Soundbar, then place it below your TV or wall mount it for your desired setup
Fix common sound problems
- No sound over ARC/eARC: Confirm the cable is in the TV’s ARC/eARC-labeled port and the soundbar’s matching port. Check that the soundbar is set to the correct input and that ARC and HDMI-CEC are enabled on the TV.
- No sound over optical: Confirm the cable connects the TV’s digital optical output to the soundbar’s optical input. Check the soundbar input and enable the TV’s optical output in its audio settings if necessary.
- The TV and soundbar do not share a connection type: Check both manuals for other supported audio outputs and inputs. The Roku Stick connects to the TV over HDMI; the TV must provide a compatible route to the soundbar.
- Roku Stick power or setup trouble: Verify the Stick is powered and the TV is on its HDMI input. If the Stick’s USB power from the TV is insufficient, use a wall outlet as Roku recommends.
Do not confuse a Roku TV soundbar with a Roku Stick setup
Roku states that its Roku TV Wireless Soundbar works only with Roku TVs; it does not work with other TVs, Roku players, or Roku Streaming Sticks. That is different from connecting a separate soundbar to a TV through compatible HDMI ARC/eARC or optical ports. Check the specific TV and soundbar manuals for supported connections. See Roku’s Wireless Soundbar compatibility guidance.
Quick Recap
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Rank #2
- Powerful, premium audio: With high frequencies and dynamic bass, Roku Wireless Surround Speakers are meticulously engineered to deliver full, clear sound and crisp dialogue with seamless audio/video sync to your Roku Smart Soundbar
- Immersive TV experience: Experience room-filling audio that moves with the action, conversations like you are in the room, and soundscapes that transport you to another world, it is cinematic sound for your entertainment
- Elevated music listening: Listen to your music come to life with clear highs and volume without distortion; simply tune into your favorite music channels on your Roku Smart Soundbar
- Simple audio settings: Easily boost the volume of voices with Speech Clarity, quiet loud commercials for consistent sound with Automatic Volume Leveling, and enjoy your TV without waking the house with Night Mode
- Built-in 4K streaming capability: Integrated Roku streaming media player provides access to thousands of streaming channels with stunning 4K picture quality directly through your soundbar
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