Solving playback issues

[p_dennehy]

I have a Roku soundbar plugged into a smart TV.

However if I try and just watch television through the TV (i.e.: not through the Roku app), the sound only comes out of the TV and not the soundbar, even though the soundbar is turned on. 

It seems the only way to get Roku sound on the TV is to watch TV through the Roku, using apps like iPlayer etc. Is that right?

[renojim]

Is it a Roku Soundbar or Roku Streambar?  I'm not sure it matters, but the model number displayed under Settings->System->About might help.

How is it connected to your TV?

[AvsGunnar · Accepted solution]

@p_dennehy 

If your TV has an HDMI ARC input, try plugging your Roku soundbar into it and see if that resolves issues.

On TVs without an HDMI ARC, you will be using your TV speakers for everything (antenna, hdmi peripherals like dvd players, game consoles, etc) and the Roku soundbar for everything Roku related if you are plugged into a standard HDMI input.

On older TVs without the HDMI ARC input, you may be able to use the optical port if so equipped.

https://support.roku.com/article/360034303013

https://support.roku.com/article/360050643353

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Feel free to post back with model number of TV as well as the requested soundbar model number and can see what kind of inputs your TV has.

[p_dennehy]

Thank you @AvsGunnar this has solved it; I had it plugged into HDMI1 instead of HDMI Arc!

[p_dennehy]

@renojim it's solved now; thank you anyway!