Roku setup

[SteveInPA]

Hi, I just bought a Streambar(my first Roku device) and the instructions say I need an HDMI-ARC port or optical port on my TV.  My TV is a few years old(2014 Funai/Manavox 50ME314V) and it has three regular HDMI but no ARC and no optical port.

Can I still use this Roku or do I need a different device and a regular sound bar?  BTW I am admittedly technologically ignorant so talk to me like I'm 5(maybe 3). 🙂  Thanks in advance.

[makaiguy · Accepted solution]

@SteveInPA- I don't have a Streambar, but this is my understanding (which could well be wrong):

An HDMI-ARC and/or Optical connection from the TV to the Streambar is needed in order to deliver audio FROM THE TV to the Streambar.  Lacking either of these two connections, you'll only hear audio from the Roku function via the Streambar's speakers.  Other functions on the TV will just play through the TV's own speakers.

[SteveInPA]

Thanks so much! So if I understand correctly, everything I get through the Roku will have audio through the Streambar.  The Roku will be the sole source of programs for this TV, so I'm good to go right?  FYI the TV is specific to our toddler's playroom, so a few specific "channels" for kids is all we plan to have on it.

If eventually we add a game console I realize it will only output through the TV speakers, right?

Thanks again.  

[StreamerUser · Accepted solution]

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@SteveInPA wrote:

Thanks so much! So if I understand correctly, everything I get through the Roku will have audio through the Streambar.  The Roku will be the sole source of programs for this TV, so I'm good to go right?  FYI the TV is specific to our toddler's playroom, so a few specific "channels" for kids is all we plan to have on it.

If eventually we add a game console I realize it will only output through the TV speakers, right?

Thanks again.  

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All the Roku-based apps' audio will be through the streambar itself, so you're good to go.

Yes - anything connected to/through the TV's input ports will only come through the TV's speakers, unless and until either ARC is enabled (new TV?) or an Optical cable is connected (new TV?).

[peterohlin]

I would love to hear if this worked out.  I have a Samsung TV with just regular HDMI (no ARC) ports and no optical.  I just want to use the Streambar to listen to audio from Roku apps.  I don't need it for any other source.  Will a regular HDMI port suffice for that?  Thanks to anybody who can answer this.  

[HDMIGuy]

It will work fine.

[peterohlin]

Thanks for this.  It does work perfectly fine with just regular HDMI.  It is strange that the Roku packaging says the device requires ARC or optical ports.  In any case, I'm really happy with it.  

[Logan92]

Is it possible to connect the streambar to a projector via bluetooth and have the audio come from the streambar and the video show on the projector?

[renojim]

@Logan92, no.  Wireless video isn't possible.

[olgageorg]

Make sure the Roku isn't muted- the volume controls are on the side of the remote!