Roku TV has emerged as a popular choice for streaming content. To enhance the audio experience, many users opt to connect their Roku TV to a soundbar.
While HDMI is a common method for this purpose, not all TVs come equipped with HDMI eARC (or ARC) ports. In such cases, an optical cable becomes a valuable alternative.
In this guide, we’ll explore what an optical cable is, its advantages and challenges, and the step-by-step process of connecting a soundbar to a Roku TV using an optical cable.
How To Connect Soundbar To Roku Tv With Optical Cable
Optical cables, also known as Toslink or SPDIF cables, transmit audio signals using pulses of light.
Unlike traditional copper cables, optical cables eliminate electrical interference, providing a cleaner audio signal.
The cables consist of a series of optical fibers, ensuring a reliable and high-quality audio connection. So how do you connect it? Follow the step-by-step below:
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Equipment
Before diving into the setup process, ensure you have all the necessary equipment ready. You’ll need an optical cable and, of course, a compatible soundbar.
Roku TVs typically come with Optical OUT ports, allowing for easy connectivity with external audio devices.
Step 2: Prepare the Optical Cable
Start by removing the protective cap from both ends of the optical cable. It’s crucial to handle the cable with care to prevent any damage to the plugs or ports.
Caution: Inserting the plug with the cap attached can damage the plug and/or the port.
Step 3: Connect the Optical Cable to Your TV
Locate the Optical OUT port on your Roku TV. Carefully insert one end of the optical cable into this port, ensuring the correct orientation to avoid any potential damage.
Caution: Inserting the plug with the wrong orientation can damage the plug and/or the port.
Step 4: Connect the Optical Cable to Your Soundbar
Hold the plug at the other end of the optical cable and align it with the soundbar’s OPTICAL IN port.
Insert the plug carefully, taking note of any hinged doors that may swing inward during the process.
Note: The port on the soundbar may have a hinged door that swings inward when inserting the plug.
Step 5: Power On Your TV and Configure Settings
Power on your Roku TV using your TV remote. Access the audio section of your TV’s menu and turn off the TV speakers. Refer to your TV owner’s guide for more information on accessing these settings.
If you’re using a cable/satellite box or another secondary source, power it on and select the appropriate TV input.
Step 6: Power On the Soundbar
With everything connected, power on the soundbar. You should now hear sound coming from the soundbar, indicating a successful connection.
Connecting to Soundbar using Optical for Audio
If your Roku player has an optical connector, and your AVR or soundbar does not support HDMI, you can follow this alternative configuration.
Connect the HDMI cable from your Roku player to an available HDMI input on your TV.
Connect an optical cable from the optical output on your Roku player to an optical (or S/PDIF) input on your AVR or soundbar.
Note: Some Roku players include an optical port, while others may require HDMI to pass through surround sound.
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Advantages of using Optical Cables as a Connectors
Interference-Free Transmission: Optical cables transmit audio signals as pulses of light, eliminating interference from electromagnetic fields. This results in a cleaner and more reliable audio signal.
Compatibility: Optical cables are versatile and can transmit various audio formats, making them suitable for connecting devices like Roku TVs and soundbars.
Durable and Lightweight: Optical cables are generally durable and resistant to damage caused by bending or twisting. Additionally, they are lightweight and easy to handle.
Challenges of Optical Cables as Connectors
Limited Bandwidth: While optical cables are excellent for transmitting stereo and Dolby Digital audio, they may not support advanced audio formats like DTS-HD Master Audio or Dolby TrueHD.
Fragility: The cables’ ends can be delicate, and excessive force during connection may damage the plug or port. Users must handle them with care.
Soundbar won’t Connect To Roku Tv With Optical Cable? How to Fix!!
Check the Basics
Before diving into complex troubleshooting, it’s crucial to ensure that the basics are in order. Start by verifying the following:
- Ensure that both your soundbar and Roku TV are powered on.
- Confirm that the optical cable is securely connected to both the soundbar and the Roku TV.
- Check for any physical damage to the optical cable.
- Verify Audio Settings on Roku TV
Roku TV has specific audio settings that need to be configured correctly for optimal soundbar connectivity. Follow these steps:
- Navigate to the Roku TV’s home screen.
- Go to “Settings” and select “Audio.”
- Choose “HDMI and S/PDIF” under “Audio mode.”
- Confirm that “Auto detect” is selected.
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Soundbar Input Selection
Ensure that the soundbar is set to the correct input source. Some soundbars have multiple input options, such as HDMI, Bluetooth, and optical.
Select the optical input on the soundbar corresponding to the port where the cable is connected.
Test with Alternate Optical Cable
If the issue persists, try using a different optical cable. Cables can degrade over time, and a faulty cable might be the culprit. By swapping out the cable, you can rule out this possibility.
Check for Firmware Updates
Both the Roku TV and the soundbar may receive firmware updates that address compatibility issues.
Check the manufacturer’s website for each device to see if there are any available updates. If updates are available, follow the provided instructions to install them.
Power Cycle Devices
Sometimes, a simple power cycle can resolve connectivity issues. Turn off both the Roku TV and the soundbar, unplug them from the power source, wait for a few minutes, and then reconnect and power them on.
Reset Audio Settings
If all else fails, you can try resetting the audio settings on both the Roku TV and the soundbar to their default configurations.
Refer to the user manuals for each device for instructions on how to perform a reset.
Consult Manufacturer Support
If the problem persists after exhausting all troubleshooting steps, reach out to the customer support of both the soundbar and Roku TV manufacturers.
They may provide additional guidance or have specific solutions for your model.
Conclusion: How To Connect Soundbar To Roku Tv With Optical Cable
Connecting a soundbar to your Roku TV using an optical cable is a straightforward process that enhances your audio experience significantly.
By following the step-by-step guide outlined above, you can enjoy immersive sound while watching your favorite shows and movies.
Always refer to your TV and soundbar manuals for specific instructions and troubleshooting tips tailored to your devices.
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