Forum Discussion

Ruku2's avatar
Ruku2
Newbie
4 years ago

Feature Request: Private Listening w/ Simultaneous TV Speakers

The reason my post is different is due to this is a plea. Roku please bring back being able to use private listening while simultaneously using the tv’s speakers. If it was possible for years it can be possible again. I believe many purchase these devices to be able to watch with family while using private listening. I’m sure you can understand why. Please bring this possibly back. If there is already a way then please pardon my error. But I all the articles seem to say the same thing; not possible. Thank you for your time and I hope you will make this possible for the many wishing the same as me. All my best.

-Ruku2

Audio
Support

18 Replies

  • Shootertx's avatar
    Shootertx
    Reel Rookie
    4 years ago

    I am astounded that the ability to have audio outputs simultaneously as speaker and direct headphone input is not available! That’s ridiculous! I have a hearing disability as well as does another member of our family. I’m fortunate enough to be able to have hearing aids but others do not. Why is this not an option? Inquiring minds want to know. 

    • Poopy's avatar
      Poopy
      Channel Surfer
      4 years ago

      Obviously, no one reads them or they don't know. Let us link all "hard of hearing" folks & file a disabled complaint. Why would one need private listening ONLY when no one else was in the room?

      • MtDagny's avatar
        MtDagny
        Reel Rookie
        4 years ago

        Concur. Setting up for my deaf mother in law if it is loud enough for her to hear I am blasted out. So either she can't hear or I am chased out. Why? Who thought this was good programming? Especially my internet scour showed it used to be an option.  Disappointing...such an obvious accessibility option.

    • MilesT's avatar
      MilesT
      Roku Guru
      4 years ago

      Some TVs have audio out connections that don't kill the speakers.  This allows T-loop hardware to be connected for hearing aid use, and also wireless headphones.

      If Roku made hardware that supported attaching speakers/ear buds via Bluetooth it would address multiple uses, especially if the HDMI volume could be set independently from Bluetooth in software.

      • Poopy's avatar
        Poopy
        Channel Surfer
        4 years ago

        Have found the Roku Mobile App for iphone. It allows private (volume controllable) listening that streams tv directy (through phone) to my hearing aids.

        Other listeners must use it (on separate phone) but it gives individual controls.

        Partner phone does NOT have to have earbuds/headset---just gets it from phone speaker.

        Hope this info might help others.

         

  • trm2's avatar
    trm2
    Reel Rookie
    4 years ago

    I am also disabled and have trouble concentrating as well as hearing problems. I am also looking for the support of simultaneous hearing through headphones/earbuds/ hearing aide while my wife can hear the regular audio. I have this set up now through the normal TV (Not Smart TV), but I really wanted the benefits of streaming through the StreamBar Pro especially the clear dialog feature - which if they ever implement the second audio source, the clear dialog function should be supported through each audio signal and not just the regular audio.

    Roku should step up and implement this change immediately!  I almost purchased it and that would have been a huge mistake.

    Tim M.

    • buglegirl's avatar
      buglegirl
      Newbie
      4 years ago

      My mom will be 100 in less than a month.  Her old TV upstairs has a long stereo cable out the back, connected to a pair of headphones with an audio control.  It works.  But not on anything with Roku connected— not the sound bar, the Ultra or the stick.   I was desperately hoping that when she watches TV with me downstairs, she could have a headset with no wires.  ROKU, we are ALL counting on you to make our lives easier…and, mostly, you have done it.  PLEASE consider the hard of hearing!  Dementia makes it impossible to fiddle with an iphone controller.   THANK YOU for your almost fantastic product.  

      • DS6's avatar
        DS6
        Newbie
        4 years ago

        Does anyone know if Roku is listening to these complaints? Simultaneously listening would be wonderful for me and my family. Please Roku make this happen.

    • SWSmoot's avatar
      SWSmoot
      Newbie
      2 years ago

      Mobile device running Roku App w/headphones box checked connected via Bluetooth to Bluetooth headphones streams to private listener. 2nd device running Roku Mobile app w/headphones box checked streams audio to any Bluetooth speaker (we used a JBL Charge 5). This worked perfect for my hearing impaired Father in-law that used to watch the tv with the volume turned up to 11 driving the rest of the family out of the house. 

  • Cycy55's avatar
    Cycy55
    Newbie
    2 years ago

    Very disappointed this is not an option!  Knowing others are having the same issue gives us some hope it will change!

  • JWOLLENBUR's avatar
    JWOLLENBUR
    Newbie
    2 years ago

    I just bought a Roku Pro hoping I could listen to the TV with my family without blasting their ears. I have bone conductive Bluetooth headphones that connect but they cannot hear since it kills the TV/soundbar. Please add this option.