Forum Discussion

Jeana23's avatar
Jeana23
Reel Rookie
8 months ago

Crackling and static audio Roku Ultra

It is on 2 different Samsung Tvs connected to Roku devices.  One device is a brand new Roku Ultra (bought partially to fix this issue, did nothing for it), the other is another Roku Ultra from about 5 years ago. They are both connected directly to the TV with an HDMI cable, audio is just from the TV, no external speakers are connected.  The issue has been happening for several months on the old Rokus, which is why I bought a new one to see if that was part of the problem ( I also have buffering issues, where the Roku buffers and then jumps to the next show without finishing the last one, the new Roku did nothing to correct that issue either).  

app playback

3 Replies

  • RokuEmmanuel-D's avatar
    RokuEmmanuel-D
    Community Moderator
    7 months ago

    Thanks for flagging this issue here in the Roku Community, Jeana23!

    We appreciate your effort to report this directly to us, and we want to keep an eye on this and investigate this even further. 

    Have you tested the Roku Ultra on a different television? Doing so could help us determine whether the audio problem originates from the TV's built-in speakers or from the Roku Ultra itself. Additionally, have you considered swapping out your current HDMI cable for a high-speed one? Upgrading to a high-speed HDMI cable might enhance the audio performance on your TV and potentially resolve the issue.

    Please keep us posted. 

    All the best,
    Emman

  • StreamerUser's avatar
    StreamerUser
    Roku Guru
    7 months ago

    Jeana23 

    You didnt mention the Ultra's model # (there are many, with differences) or RokuOS version/build (there are many, with differences).

    You also didnt mention your Samsung TV models or any AVR/SBs brand/model, or how you have them connected (to TV or AVR/SB, etc)

    However, if your Ultras are 48xx models (Settings/System/About), make sure of the following:

    1) Configure passthrough: Settings/Audio/Digital output format = Passthrough

    2) Disable sound modes:  During playback press Options (*)/Sound Settings/Customize Sound Mode/Volume Leveling and/or Dialog Enhancement = Off

    These settings are known to cause crackling/static/noise and volume issues in some/all setups.

    Otherwise some older AVRs/SBs/TVs (~12-15 years old) have a buggy DD+ (decoder) version known to cause such behavior, so its best connect around (or update/replace) them.

    • Jeana23's avatar
      Jeana23
      Reel Rookie
      7 months ago

      My TV is about 8 years old, so not the issue you mentioned, my Roku is connected directly to the TV thru an HDMI cable. I just bought a new Roku Ultra, because I had an issue with the last one buffering and then jumping to the next show before it was done, so I purchased a new Roku because mine was about 8 years old.  The new Roku is a 4802R, so I did change the settings as you directed, so I will see if that helps. thanks!