Discussions

[cbuhl]

Hello all. We are setting up our new Roku 43R4A5R TV to work with our existing speaker system via the optical ouput. We have switched the TV's audio settings to use the optical output and we have verified that the optical input on the external speaker works using a separate source. Unfortunately, it appears that the digital optical output from our new TV does not work. I spoke with a customer service representative and their solution was to suggest that we purchase new Roku speakers as those are the "only speakers" compatible with the Roku TV. She verified that the optical output from the new TV does not work, and again suggested that we purchase new Roku speakers as that is the only way to get external speakers to work.

Using the optical output from the TV should allow us to use any external speaker/receiver solution that has an optical input ... but it appears that is not the case.

Hey Roku, when do you plan on resolving this issue? Thanks, Christian.

[renojim]

Are you trying to say that every optical output on new Roku TVs doesn't work?  I sincerely doubt that.  If I bought a TV and something wasn't working properly I'd take it back.  Before you do, make sure you're inserting the optical cable all the way.  They can be remarkably hard to insert fully.

[cbuhl]

@renojim, I know exactly what you are speaking about. Optical cables need to be gently pressed in until they click secure. We have tested the TV against another external soundbar using the optical signal, swapping ends on the cable, etc. Both the soundbar and speaker work using a different optical output source. This TV indeed does not output a digital signal through the optical output. The TV is only a few weeks old, so we should have no issue swapping it for another unit that has a functioning optical output. Thank you for the additional perspective.

[cbuhl · Accepted solution]

The TV indeed ended up being faulty. We exchanged it for a new one at our local BestBuy and the digital output on the replacement TV works as expected. The response from the Roku CSR representative was dissapointing ... and incorrect. The digital output from the Roku TV should allow any external speaker, receiver, etc. with a optical input to work. Take care, Christian.