Remotes

Learn how to reset a Roku remote, how a Roku remote works, or pair a new remote.
cancel
Showing results for 
Show  only  | Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
James47
Channel Surfer

Roku will not connect with NON=ROKU Soundbar

Jump to solution

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!!

Labels (1)
1 Solution

Accepted Solutions
Tivoburkee
Community Streaming Expert

Re: Roku will not connect with NON=ROKU Soundbar

Jump to 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. 

Edmund
Roku Community Streaming Expert

Help others find this answer and click "Accept as Solution."
If you appreciate my answer, maybe give me a Kudo.

I am not a Roku employee.

View solution in original post

7 REPLIES 7
Tivoburkee
Community Streaming Expert

Re: Roku will not connect with NON=ROKU Soundbar

Jump to 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. 

Edmund
Roku Community Streaming Expert

Help others find this answer and click "Accept as Solution."
If you appreciate my answer, maybe give me a Kudo.

I am not a Roku employee.
James47
Channel Surfer

Re: Roku will not connect with NON=ROKU Soundbar

Jump to solution

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.

0 Kudos

Re: Roku will not connect with NON=ROKU Soundbar

Jump to solution

MY SOUNDBAR IS CONNECTED BY HDMI...

0 Kudos
sstruj
Newbie

Re: Roku will not connect with NON=ROKU Soundbar

Jump to solution

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 

0 Kudos
Tivoburkee
Community Streaming Expert

Re: Roku will not connect with NON=ROKU Soundbar

Jump to solution

@sstruj 

 

LG Soundbars responds to LG tv commands for their volume. makes it easy when you have alike tv & Soundbar brands. Add to this that Sharp Roku tv oem remote uses the LG tv code set. So, the Roku Tv remote controls the LG Soundbar directly. Just a very convenient coincidence. I still stand by what I posted earlier. 

Edmund
Roku Community Streaming Expert

Help others find this answer and click "Accept as Solution."
If you appreciate my answer, maybe give me a Kudo.

I am not a Roku employee.
0 Kudos
Kgret3
Newbie

Re: Roku will not connect with NON=ROKU Soundbar

Jump to solution

We are having the same issue. We had an older samsung tv, a polk soundbar with no hdmi port connection option so used the optic cable port and used a roku stick plugged in the back and it paired with the soundbar with no issues. The lightening struck that tv and we had to get a new one. We got a Hisense with roku built in, it came with the roku remote that doesnt have the same options as our roku stick remote. We CANNOT get this to pair with the soundbar, we have tried everything. We also have Direct TV, that remote pairs just fine, but when we go to stream or watch live tv, every time we arrow down the volume on the sound bar goes wayyyy up. Thats the only way to get sound from the soundbar when using the roku remote. Im ready to unplug the soundbar and not use it, its turning into the biggest pain in the rear. Does anyone have a FIX?????? 

0 Kudos
dresoccer4
Reel Rookie

Re: Roku will not connect with NON=ROKU Soundbar

Jump to solution

did you ever get this working?

0 Kudos
Need Assistance?
Welcome to the Roku Community! Feel free to search our Community for answers or post your question to get help.

Become a Roku Streaming Expert!

Share your expertise, help fellow streamers, and unlock exclusive rewards as part of the Roku Community. Learn more.