Forum Discussion

tdexter's avatar
tdexter
Binge Watcher
8 months ago

Surround sound with soundbar using HDMI ARC

I can't seem to get surround sound on my Roku Stick 4K. I'm trying this with the Roku Fandango At Home app. Here's my setup:

I'm using the Roku Stick 4K connected to one of the HDMI ports on the TV (a new LG OLED G4). I'm using a Sony SA-S350 soundbar connected to the TV on it's HDMI2 port which is an eARC port. The soundbar is ARC compatible.

The sound works when setup like this and the SIMPLINK is working where the TV remote controls the soundbar volume etc.

So far however, I've only been able to get surround using apps built into the TV. I'm not getting surround from the Roku Stick 4K at all. I've tried with the Roku Sound settings set to Auto as well as setting the manual and still no surround.

Any clue what it takes to get surround working? Thanks in advance!

EDIT: Just out of curiosity I did a factory reset of the Roku Stick but that didn't help. Should I be getting surround with this setup? It certainly seems like I should be.

Tom

TV & Player Setup

12 Replies

  • tdexter's avatar
    tdexter
    Binge Watcher
    8 months ago

    I wish I understood why the topic of getting surround sound on a soundbar from an HDMI device connected to a TV seems to be such a confusing mess.

    My brother has this same TV. He has the identical soundbar I have, only his is still connected via an optical cable, However his Comcast box connected to HDMI does get surround sound on the soundbar.

    Why is this such a black art and again, why isn't my Roku Stick doing so? Getting pretty annoying I have to say.

    Tom

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

      Thanks for sharing it here, tdexter.

      Have you tried checking if the Volume mode was enabled in your sound settings? Here's a link for more tips!

      Don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

      Roku Community Team

      • tdexter's avatar
        tdexter
        Binge Watcher
        8 months ago

        Yea, already been there. My Volume Mode if Off for sure.

        Thanks!

        Tom