Remotes

[James47]

I have posted a similar question previously but thought it deserves follow up. I recently obtained a Roku Ultra to use with my existing LG TV and Samsung Soundbar.  Several people have offered "fixes" for  my issue. Unfortunately none have solved my issue. I was just informed by Roku Customer Support that Roku does NOT have the capability to work with a NON-ROKU soundbar. I also just tried to reset up my Roku Ultra device. During the setup I read a statement that basically said ROKU cannot work with with other soundbars. I replaced a Firestick remote which easily connected to my LG TV and Samsung Soundbar. I'm shocked Roku does not have this ability. How disappointing!!

[Tivoburkee · Accepted solution]

@James47 

It's not that the Soundbar is a non-Roku Soundbar why it doesn't work, the reason is your Soundbar is connected by optical cable, that's why it won't work. If it was connected via hdmi cable, a Roku remote would control the Tv volume by IR, and in turn the tv controls the Soundbar via CEC signal over the hdmi cable. Yes Firestick remotes can be programmed for audio devices directly, Roku remotes cannot. 

[James47]

Thank you for the response.  Can you please be more specific on the connections required? I am not very technical savvy so need all the support I can get.  My LG TV has several HDMI IN connections HDMI 1 is also ARC. My TV settings are as follows: TV Speaker-Off,  ARC mode -On. AV Sync - On.  My Samsung soundbar has an HDMI IN and HDMI OUT. The Roku streaming device only has an HDMI OUT. Can you provide the connections please. I believe you also mentioned CEC. I'm not sure what that is.  Thank you in advance.

[alreadytaken]

MY SOUNDBAR IS CONNECTED BY HDMI...

[sstruj]

My remote controls my LG sound bar with the Roku remote that came with the sharp Roku tv from best buy and I do not have HDMI inputs in my LG soundbar it’s only connected via the optic cable 

[jacoboffical]

It’s unfortunate that Roku Ultra doesn’t natively support non-Roku soundbars for direct control. However, you can try these alternatives: HDMI ARC Connection: Ensure your LG TV and Samsung Soundbar are connected via HDMI ARC. Roku Ultra should then pass the audio through your TV to the soundbar. Optical Cable: If HDMI ARC doesn’t work, try connecting the soundbar to the TV via an optical cable, ensuring audio is routed correctly from the TV to the soundbar. Universal Remote: Consider using a universal remote that supports both Roku and your Samsung soundbar to control them together. Please give kudos if this helps!