Solving playback issues

[Flabbergastedon]

I just purchased a roku express 4k + and set up on my Samsung series 6 4k tv and the tv has a vizio sound bar attached. Since iv hooked up the roku any streaming service I use I get popping and static. I tried 3 different hdmi, restarting roku, changed the audio settings in roku and on tv, disconnecting the sound bar and using just the tv speakers and still getting static. I used one on my other tv which is not 4k, older flat screen and it has not a single issue works perfect. Anyone can help please?

[StreamerUser]

What are the current audio settings?  (Setting/Audio/HDMI, Settings/Audio/Audio mode)

[Funkball]

Having the same issues here. I had a Roku 3 for the last 7 years and decided to upgrade to a new Roku Express 4K+. The old Roku device as well as the new one are running through my Vizio sound bar. But the new device, when playing videos off of YouTube or certain extras for movies does not decode the sound properly and sounds like low base and popping and clicking. The only thing that has changed is the Roku device.

I have tried every sound option and the Roku settings but cannot seem to resolve this.

[RokuDanny-R]

@Funkball

Thanks for the post.

For troubleshooting purposes, have you tried connecting your Roku device just to your TV without your soundbar to see if you are still experiencing the same audio issues?

Please keep us posted what you find out.

Thanks,
Danny

[Funkball]

Yes, and it works without going through the soundbar. And I have tested all HDMI cables. But my old Roku 3 (4200x) has no problems with the soundbar, with the same sound options. Trying to figure out why the newer Roku doesn't work with it.

It's also limited to certain media types. The Roku setup video, including the controller setup (where it plays audio to test) both distort the sound. Videos through Netflix play fine, but YouTube videos are distorted.

I hooked up the Roku 3 again for direct comparisons and was able to verify the old device has no issues where the new device fails.

[StreamerUser]

@Funkball 

1)  Verify what Roku detects your soundbar is capable of:  Highlight Settings/Audio/HDMI=Auto detect  - what are the detected formats (lower right of screen)?

2) Verify no surround/other processing is being applied by the soundbar.

3) Make sure Volume Modes are off:  During playback/Options (*)/Volume Mode=off

4) Configure Roku for PCM 2.0:  Settings/Audio/HDMI=PCM Stereo - does any/all audio pop/crackle (especially those that didnt before)?

[RkkMe]

I continue to have pops and clicks on newer Roku Ultras (2020 / 4800X,4800RW). I've found that it is related to streams/files that have AAC audio (especially multi-channel like 5.1, 7.1 etc). If I convert AAC audio to AC3, the pops and clicks go away. Not sure if this is related, but it continues to be a problem for me. The decoding seems to be introducing the pops and clicks for that format by the device.

[Funkball]

Ok. Here's what worked for me. Basically, step 3 you mentioned, but mine was already set to Off by default.

* While a video is playing, press the * button, Then go to Volume Mode and change it left or right. Mine was already set to 'Off'.

As soon as I switched it to the right, the 'Leveling' option, the sound immediately corrected. And after that, it didn't matter what I set it to. The sound did not distort again.

Thanks!

[StreamerUser]

@Funkball 

Good feedback, thanks for posting back so that others may see/try the solution.