Forum Discussion

Mojo65's avatar
Mojo65
Reel Rookie
24 hours ago

Volume control for Samsung TV issue

My Samsung TV has an optical output that connects to a Vizio soundbar. I’ve read thru the other threads regarding controlling the volume on said soundbar with the Roku remote, but despite all the various fixes I read and tried, still no dice. On the upshot that there might be a newer solution (I only found threads from 1-3 years ago) any ideas?

Still doesn’t make sense that the Roku remote controls TV volume if the TV is set to internal speaker, but doesn’t work if the TV is set to optical audio output. So any suggestions are most welcome!

Thanks, mojo65

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2 Replies

  • RokuElizer-A's avatar
    RokuElizer-A
    Community Moderator
    4 hours ago

    Hey there, Mojo65 

    We noticed you're trying to control the Vizio Soundbar with your Roku remote. Quick note: the Roku remote can only control the external speaker volume if connected through HDMI ARC or Bluetooth, not with optical output. 

    Hope this helps! Let us know if you need more info.

    Roku Community Team

    • Mojo65's avatar
      Mojo65
      Reel Rookie
      3 hours ago

      Hi RokuElizer-A...

      Appreciate the reply.  Interesting that it can control volume if connected as you mention.  I did try changing the connection between the TV and soundbar to Bluetooth, but that did not work either.  I'll give it another go as it was late when I tried (and might have missed something).  As for using HDMI ARC...I'll look into this.  The TV is 6 years old, and if memory serves me right I seem to recall I had issues trying to use that interface before.

      And just to clarify, when you talk about connecting through HDMI ARC or Bluetooth, I assume you are talking about the connection between the TV and the soundbar...correct?

      Finally, I've not tried it yet but can I use the Roku Bluetooth headphone option to connect directly to the soundbar (i.e. the TV isn't even in the loop)?

      Thanks!