It was on (the box was checked). I resolved the issue by experimenting with all the settings again and documenting the combinations to make sure I tried each one. Here's what finally worked. The Ultra had to be set to Auto under "Preferred Streaming Format" and Passthrough for "Digital Output Format." And the Pioneer Fire TV ARC Mode (in the Display ^ Audio setting) needed to be set to eARC. That is what finally got it working.
My only remaining issue is that the volume control on the Ultra remote lags significantly when adjusting up and down, which can get confusing. For instance, I'll click the volume up four times and then wait for 2-3 seconds for the volume to actually increase. But the soundbar remote volume control is smooth. Any thoughts on that problem?
Thanks for your input.
I'm glad you got it working! I don't understand why audio settings affect power on/off, but what do I know? :-)
I have the same lag problem with a Roku stick connected to a Roku TV with audio coming from a Roku Streambar (don't ask). I wish I knew why. I don't know if CEC isn't all it's cracked up to be or if Roku just doesn't have it quite right.
This may sound odd, but have you reported this yet? I would think it would be something roku would want to know about.
I gave up on reporting things to Roku a long time ago. It's pointless.
Agreed. I am tech support for everyone in my family (and neighbors). I've set up and used all the major streaming devices. For streaming newbies like my 80-year-old parents, the Roku remote and interface (after you clean it up to make it look more like Apple TV) is by far the easiest for them to use. Specifically because of the tactile directional pad. But, it is the most limited when it comes to sound settings. I can't pinpoint why, but this is the third time in the past year I've set up a Roku (or a new device with the Roku), and it's been difficult getting soundbars to work correctly (whereas an Apple TV and Firestick were simple).
