Forum Discussion

George157's avatar
George157
Reel Rookie
10 months ago

Roku Tv, soundbar, and volume control

I’ve spent hours reading and I’ve found no solutions. I’ve read definitive's answers from “experts” who are wrong when they say you can’t control the soundbar volume if using an optical cable. So here are the facts,

I have a 55” Insignia Roku TV, model NS-55DR, an Insignia 2.1 soundbar with wireless subwoofer and this model does not have an HDMI port. The soundbar is connected to the TV using an optical cable.

TV speakers are turned off, audio output is set to optical, and digital output format is set to stereo. The Roku remote that came with the TV controls the soundbar volume and mute function, I have to turn on the soundbar with the remote that came with it and after that I use only the Roku TV remote.

The remote that came with the Insignia Roku TV can still control the volume of the Insignia 2.1 soundbar, but the OK button is failing. I purchased a Roku manufactured Roku TV replacement remote which works great, except it will not control the volume on the soundbar.

Obviously the replacement remote is not the same, Roku changed something for some unknown reason. What could they have possibly saved in manufacturing by making it a lesser remote. All I know is the original remote was better, and I returned the lower quality replacement. 

The question is simple, why doesn’t a Roku manufactured replacement remote work exactly the same as the original? 

remotes

4 Replies

  • Tivoburkee's avatar
    Tivoburkee
    Community Streaming Expert
    10 months ago

    George157 

     

    So, your Insignia Soundbar responds to Insignia TV IR commands. Your old Roku tv remote was an IR remote, was your new remote an IR remote too? Or Roku Voice wifi remote? 

    • George157's avatar
      George157
      Reel Rookie
      10 months ago

      I did my homework and ordered a Roku TV simple model replacement remote. It states, the Roku remote uses infrared connectivity to control Roku TV models. Obviously it is not programmed exactly the same as the original.

      • KevQc's avatar
        KevQc
        Newbie
        6 months ago

        I have the same problem. My replacement remote works perfectly with my Roku TV (Sharp), I can mute and ajust volume on my TV but not working with my LG sound bar connected with a optical cable. So I still need my original Roku remote to adjust the volume as my TV speaker are disabled and Optical is enabled