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Roku TVs have a digital audio output; Roku streaming players, including Roku Ultra, send audio to the TV over HDMI and do not list an optical output. On a Roku TV, look for a port labeled “Digital audio out,” “Digital output,” Optical, or S/PDIF. Check the exact TV model and the soundbar or receiver’s inputs before buying a cable: port configurations vary, and both ends must support optical for a TOSLINK connection.
Which Roku has digital audio out?
Roku’s support guidance says Roku TV models have a digital audio output as well as HDMI ARC. Roku-branded TV product information lists optical (SPDIF/Toslink) ports across its TV series, but Roku cautions that configurations can vary by model. See Roku’s guidance on connecting surround sound to a Roku TV and how to find Roku-branded TV product information.
This refers to a Roku TV: a television with Roku built in. It does not mean every Roku streaming device has an optical port. Roku streaming players connect to a television with HDMI, and the published Roku Ultra port information lists HDMI-based audio rather than optical output. If a player is connected to a TV that has optical out, the TV can pass audio onward through its own optical port; that is not an optical output on the Roku player. Roku’s streaming-player setup instructions and Roku Ultra specifications describe those connections.
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- Find the exact TV model number. Check the label on the rear panel, the TV’s settings, or its original documentation.
- Check the model’s specifications. Look for “Optical,” “S/PDIF,” “SPDIF,” “Toslink,” or “Digital audio out.” The specific port listing matters more than the Roku name or TV series.
- Inspect the TV’s rear or side panel. Optical ports are often covered by a small protective cap and may be labeled “Digital audio out.” Do not confuse the TV’s port with one on a separate Roku player.
- Check the receiver or soundbar too. It needs an optical input to accept the TV’s optical output. If it has no optical input, this cable connection will not work.
How to connect a Roku TV to an older receiver with optical
- With the TV and audio system off, connect a TOSLINK optical cable from the TV’s Optical/S/PDIF output to the receiver or soundbar’s matching optical input. Remove any protective caps from the cable ends and align the plugs without forcing them.
- Turn on both devices and select the optical input on the receiver or soundbar.
- On the Roku TV, open Settings > Audio > Audio output and choose Optical. Roku’s guide says this setting makes the optical output operate reliably and turns off the TV speakers. Menu labels may vary by Roku OS version or TV brand; see the Roku TV User Guide.
- If there is no sound, confirm that the TV is set to Optical, the receiver is on the correct input, and both devices are connected to the intended ports. Then check the TV’s model-specific audio settings and the receiver’s supported formats.
Optical, ARC, and eARC: which connection should you use?
| Connection | What you need | What it supports and when to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Optical / S/PDIF | Optical output on the TV, optical input on the sound system, and a TOSLINK cable | Useful for older receivers and soundbars. Roku describes support for two-channel uncompressed PCM or compressed 5.1-channel Dolby Digital/DTS. Dolby Digital Plus is not available over optical in Roku’s cited user guide. |
| HDMI ARC | ARC ports on both the TV and audio device, joined with an HDMI cable | Returns TV audio to the audio system over HDMI and supports additional formats, including Dolby Digital Plus, according to Roku. |
| HDMI eARC | eARC ports on both devices and a suitable HDMI cable | Available only on select Roku TV models. Roku describes eARC as supporting higher-bandwidth formats, including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. |
| Roku streaming player to TV | HDMI connection between the player and TV | The player sends audio to the TV over HDMI. Use the TV’s supported audio output to connect onward to a receiver or soundbar. |
ARC or eARC may be preferable when both devices support it, particularly if you need formats optical cannot carry. Roku describes ARC as supporting additional formats such as Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Atmos, and eARC as supporting higher-bandwidth formats such as DTS:X and Dolby Atmos as well as the formats listed above. Actual playback depends on the TV, audio system, source content, and settings. Roku’s surround-sound connection guidance explains the distinctions.
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- 【HDMI Audio Extractor】The HDMI audio extractor can extract audio from HDMI signal and transmit it to AV receiver through optical or 3.5mm Cable.(Note: Devices do not support ARC and eARC.TV is not supported as the input source，otherwise product doesn't p video.)
- 【3 modes】2.0CH, 5.1CH and PASS mode. Select 3.5mm stereo output, please use 2.0CH mode. Select optical output, please use 5.1CH mode. When you use the first and two modes and find that no audio and video signal is output, use the pass mode.
- 【4K Ultra-HD with HDMI 1.4V】HDMI audio converter up to 10.2G bandwidth, support HDCP1.4,4K@30Hz RGB / YUV4:4:4 Ultra high definition image quality. The optical output supports DTS 5.1. The 3.5mm output supports PCM2.0. The audio splitter does not support 7.1 channels.Note: Fire TV, Apple TV, PS4/5 etc. only support 1080p format signals and do not support 4K
- 【Low energy consumption】HDMI audio splitter has a low energy consumption,only requires the USB port to be connected to the 5V-USB port of another device to work. Or use your other 5V-USB power adapter
- 【Wide Compatibility & Plug and Play】Suitable for various HDMI source devices without dedicated audio output as well as Blu-ray/ DVD/ HD player, cable/satellite box, Amazon Fire TV, PS4,PS5, Xbox, PC/laptop etc
What audio formats does optical support?
Roku’s guidance limits S/PDIF to two-channel uncompressed stereo PCM or compressed 5.1-channel Dolby Digital/DTS surround. Dolby Digital Plus is not available through optical according to Roku’s user guide. That makes optical a practical way to connect many older systems, but it is not equivalent to HDMI ARC/eARC for format support. The format you actually hear also depends on the program, the TV’s audio processing and output settings, and the receiving device.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you use an optical cable with a Roku streaming player?
Not directly, unless the player itself has an optical output—and Roku’s cited setup instructions and Roku Ultra specifications describe HDMI connections, not optical output. Connect the player to the TV with HDMI, then use the TV’s optical output to send audio to an optical-equipped receiver or soundbar. The TV must support that audio routing, and its output remains subject to optical’s format limits.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- PROZOR 192KHz Digital to Analog Audio Converter: Converts coaxial or Toslink/SPDIF digital PCM audio signals to analog L/R RCA and 3.5mm jack audio simultaneously ——⚠️Set TV audio output format to PCM | 📌Adjust TV volume via settings or output devices | 📌Optical output not supported
- Supports Uncompressed 2 channel LPCM or PCM Digital Audio Signal Output: Provides Electromagnetic-noise-free Transmission. ⚠️Ensure the audio output is set to PCM or LPCM to avoid potential audio distortion. For 5.1 decoding/output, check out our upgraded 5.1 model.
- Supports High-Resolution Audio: 192kHz Sampling Rate achieved, Supports Sampling Rate at 32, 44.1, 48, 96 and 192kHz, and 24-bit SPDIF Incoming Bit Stream on Left and Right Channels, ensuring that your audio experience is rich in detail and accuracy
- Built-in Audio Amplifier Chip: Equipped with a professional audio amplifier chip, addresses the common issue of low output volume, resulting in pure and crisp sound quality
- Easy to Install and Use: Multiple inputs and outputs for simple setup. Easily converts digital audio from devices like HD TVs, TV boxes, DVD/Blu-ray players, and gaming consoles (PS3/PS4/PS5) to analog audio, connecting to home audio systems, AV Amps, and headphones
Rank #2
- 🔊 【Optical to RCA Converter】192kHz Hi-Res DAC with PCM Decoding---：Bridge old and new audio systems! Connect modern TVs/PS5 to vintage amplifiers with zero quality loss. Note: Supports PCM format only (not Dolby/DTS)
- 🎵 【Studio-Grade Sound】24-Bit DAC Chip for Audiophile Quality----:Experience 192kHz/24bit resolution - 5X clearer than basic 48kHz converters. Hear subtle details in music and games that standard optical audio misses.
- 🔌 【Plug & Play Setup】No Drivers or External Power Needed----:Draws power directly from optical port (no extra adapter required). Simply connect: Optical in → RCA out → instant sound. Status LED confirms operation. [Only Support Optical Input to RCA Output][Not Bi-Directional]
- 📏 【7ft Extended Cable】Perfect for Home Theater Installations----:Extra-long fiber optic cable reaches behind wall-mounted TVs. Flexible tubing fits tight spaces between media consoles and receivers.
- ⚡ 【Premium Build】Aluminum Housing with Gold-Plated RCA Ports----:Excellent Durable-grade shielding eliminates static and interference. Compared to plastic converters, our metal body dissipates heat 30% better for 24/7 operation.
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