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Ruku2
Newbie

Feature Request: Private Listening w/ Simultaneous TV Speakers

The reason my post is different is due to this is a plea. Roku please bring back being able to use private listening while simultaneously using the tv’s speakers. If it was possible for years it can be possible again. I believe many purchase these devices to be able to watch with family while using private listening. I’m sure you can understand why. Please bring this possibly back. If there is already a way then please pardon my error. But I all the articles seem to say the same thing; not possible. Thank you for your time and I hope you will make this possible for the many wishing the same as me. All my best.

-Ruku2

Labels (2)
18 REPLIES 18
Shootertx
Reel Rookie

Re: Private Listening w/ Simultaneous TV Speakers

I am astounded that the ability to have audio outputs simultaneously as speaker and direct headphone input is not available! That’s ridiculous! I have a hearing disability as well as does another member of our family. I’m fortunate enough to be able to have hearing aids but others do not. Why is this not an option? Inquiring minds want to know. 

Poopy
Channel Surfer

Re: Private Listening w/ Simultaneous TV Speakers

Obviously, no one reads them or they don't know. Let us link all "hard of hearing" folks & file a disabled complaint. Why would one need private listening ONLY when no one else was in the room?

MilesT
Roku Guru

Re: Private Listening w/ Simultaneous TV Speakers

Some TVs have audio out connections that don't kill the speakers.  This allows T-loop hardware to be connected for hearing aid use, and also wireless headphones.

If Roku made hardware that supported attaching speakers/ear buds via Bluetooth it would address multiple uses, especially if the HDMI volume could be set independently from Bluetooth in software.

Not a Roku employee
Poopy
Channel Surfer

Re: Private Listening w/ Simultaneous TV Speakers

Have found the Roku Mobile App for iphone. It allows private (volume controllable) listening that streams tv directy (through phone) to my hearing aids.

Other listeners must use it (on separate phone) but it gives individual controls.

Partner phone does NOT have to have earbuds/headset---just gets it from phone speaker.

Hope this info might help others.

 

trm2
Reel Rookie

Re: Feature Request: Private Listening w/ Simultaneous TV Speakers

I am also disabled and have trouble concentrating as well as hearing problems. I am also looking for the support of simultaneous hearing through headphones/earbuds/ hearing aide while my wife can hear the regular audio. I have this set up now through the normal TV (Not Smart TV), but I really wanted the benefits of streaming through the StreamBar Pro especially the clear dialog feature - which if they ever implement the second audio source, the clear dialog function should be supported through each audio signal and not just the regular audio.

Roku should step up and implement this change immediately!  I almost purchased it and that would have been a huge mistake.

Tim M.

buglegirl
Newbie

Re: Feature Request: Private Listening w/ Simultaneous TV Speakers

My mom will be 100 in less than a month.  Her old TV upstairs has a long stereo cable out the back, connected to a pair of headphones with an audio control.  It works.  But not on anything with Roku connected— not the sound bar, the Ultra or the stick.   I was desperately hoping that when she watches TV with me downstairs, she could have a headset with no wires.  ROKU, we are ALL counting on you to make our lives easier…and, mostly, you have done it.  PLEASE consider the hard of hearing!  Dementia makes it impossible to fiddle with an iphone controller.   THANK YOU for your almost fantastic product.  

DS6
Newbie

Re: Feature Request: Private Listening w/ Simultaneous TV Speakers

Does anyone know if Roku is listening to these complaints? Simultaneously listening would be wonderful for me and my family. Please Roku make this happen.

MilesT
Roku Guru

Re: Feature Request: Private Listening w/ Simultaneous TV Speakers

The better adaptation is probably not Roku.

If the TV has an audio out (RCA or similar, or optical) then that can be connected to:

A/ permanently installed T-loop system for hearing aids (specialist supplier).  There are also systems that use a microphone placed close to TV

B/ amplifier and wireless hi fi type headphones

It may also be possible to find boxes which take audio in and then connect to Bluetooth headphones.

This would work for anything on the TV and would be simpler for people with impairments to use.

 

Not a Roku employee
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trm2
Reel Rookie

Re: Feature Request: Private Listening w/ Simultaneous TV Speakers

I appreciate your response but the idea is to have the Roku so that I can use their DVR type system with expanded programming instead of the cable DVR as I am presently using. I already have the system you describe and have no problems using my current cable service.

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