Forum Discussion

Bernd's avatar
Bernd
Channel Surfer
2 years ago
Solved

Support for A/V Receivers

I am looking for a Roku streaming device that in addition to the TV can also support controlling an A/V Receiver (on/off and volume).  Is there such a device, and if so, what is the model number.  Thanks!

TV & Player settings
  • atc98092's avatar
    atc98092
    2 years ago

    Yes, CEC is a function of HDMI, and it's full name is HDMI-CEC. If you're using an optical connection, there's no way to use CEC. Unfortunately, I am not aware of any Roku remote that includes IR codes for anything but TVs, so there's no way to control the AVR using IR control with a Roku remote. Of course, Roku sells a couple of soundbars that have a Roku player built into them, so with those you do have a remote that controls the Roku and the soundbar audio. 🙂

    The Roku Streaming Stick (all models) does not have an IR receiver, which is why universal IR remotes will not work with them. Since they are designed to connect directly to the TV, which all have their HDMI ports on the rear panel, there's no valid reason to include an IR receiver since it would be impossible to get a visual line of sight with the Stick when so connected.

    RF (Radio Frequency) is a generic term for any device that uses something other than IR for its connection to another device. Bluetooth is one form of RF, while WiFi is another. Roku only used Bluetooth for a remote one time (the very old Roku 2 XS). All other RF remotes, such as today's Voice Remote, uses what Roku calls WiFi-Direct. It means it uses the same frequencies/channels that WiFi uses but makes a direct connection between the remote and the Roku. No WiFi network is involved or necessary for that direct connection. If you use a WiFi scanner program on a computer, you can usually see these random connections which show up as just another WiFi network in use on that specific radio band. But you can't connect to it, as it's a direct connection between the remote and the Roku and wouldn't provide a network connection to anything else. 

6 Replies

  • andyross's avatar
    andyross
    Roku Guru
    2 years ago

    I believe Roku mainly relies on CEC for controlling devices. Only the basic remotes have IR, and I'm not sure if those support other devices. The other remotes have NO IR on them at all (look for the LED in the front.)

  • atc98092's avatar
    atc98092
    Community Streaming Expert
    2 years ago

    Since almost all AVRs support CEC, most Roku remotes will control the AVR volume through that link. Naturally, only remotes with volume buttons will do so. I have no problem controlling my Yamaha AVRs volume using the Roku remotes. While the Roku voice remotes have IR functions as well, they only have codes for TVs, so no way to program them to control an AVR with IR.

    • Bernd's avatar
      Bernd
      Channel Surfer
      2 years ago

      Thanks for the info.  However I am confused about the remote signal types (CEC, IR and RF). CEC seems to use HDMI for communication? My AV receiver is an older Sony and connected to the TV only via an digital optical cable (no HDMI support).  I know that some Roku sticks can control sound bars and work nicely via HDMI ARC .  Do you know of a Roku device that will allow me to control the TV and AV rec with the same remote?  I have looked at universal remotes but they seem to specifically say  that they do not work with streaming sticks.

      • atc98092's avatar
        atc98092
        Community Streaming Expert
        2 years ago

        Yes, CEC is a function of HDMI, and it's full name is HDMI-CEC. If you're using an optical connection, there's no way to use CEC. Unfortunately, I am not aware of any Roku remote that includes IR codes for anything but TVs, so there's no way to control the AVR using IR control with a Roku remote. Of course, Roku sells a couple of soundbars that have a Roku player built into them, so with those you do have a remote that controls the Roku and the soundbar audio. 🙂

        The Roku Streaming Stick (all models) does not have an IR receiver, which is why universal IR remotes will not work with them. Since they are designed to connect directly to the TV, which all have their HDMI ports on the rear panel, there's no valid reason to include an IR receiver since it would be impossible to get a visual line of sight with the Stick when so connected.

        RF (Radio Frequency) is a generic term for any device that uses something other than IR for its connection to another device. Bluetooth is one form of RF, while WiFi is another. Roku only used Bluetooth for a remote one time (the very old Roku 2 XS). All other RF remotes, such as today's Voice Remote, uses what Roku calls WiFi-Direct. It means it uses the same frequencies/channels that WiFi uses but makes a direct connection between the remote and the Roku. No WiFi network is involved or necessary for that direct connection. If you use a WiFi scanner program on a computer, you can usually see these random connections which show up as just another WiFi network in use on that specific radio band. But you can't connect to it, as it's a direct connection between the remote and the Roku and wouldn't provide a network connection to anything else.