Do you need HDMI ARC for Roku soundbar?
Emily Sparks
Published Mar 09, 2026
Do you need HDMI ARC for Roku soundbar?
ARC, or Audio Return Channel, lets your TV send audio to an external audio device such as a Roku Streambar, Roku Streambar Pro, or Roku Smart Soundbar without the need for additional cables.
Why can’t I get my Roku to work?
First, make sure that your power cable is connected properly and plugged in. If it still won’t turn on, remove the power cable for five seconds, and then plug it back in. If that fails then you will have to reset your Roku device using the reset button. If it still won’t work, you can contact Roku support.
Do you need a HDMI cable for Roku?
If you have a Roku Streaming Stick, there’s no need for the HDMI cable — insert the Streaming Stick directly into your TV’s HDMI port. If you have an older TV that lacks an HDMI cable, you will need to use a Roku model that works with old-style composite video cables.
Why does my Roku not play surround sound?
If you do not hear audio only when trying to play a movie or TV show in surround sound, then it is possible that your TV, AVR, or soundbar does not support the surround sound format used by the content provider (e.g. Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, etc.). Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
What kind of audio cable do I need for Roku?
Composite audio cables commonly have a red or white connector. Connect the Roku player to a different input on the AVR or soundbar (ideally one you know works) and see if you can now hear audio. If you can, then there is a problem with the previous input on AVR or soundbar. Try changing the cables, one at a time.
How do I Set my Roku to stereo?
Press the Home button on your Roku remote. Scroll up or down and select Settings. Select Audio. Set Audio mode to Stereo. Set HDMI to PCM-Stereo. Note: On Roku players with an optical port, you will set HDMI and S/PDIF to PCM-Stereo. If you need help connecting to an AVR or soundbar, learn more about setting up your Roku player for surround sound.
What should I do if I do not hear my Roku?
Scroll up or down and select Settings. Select Audio. Set HDMI and S/PDIF to Dolby D (Dolby Digital).
Why is my Roku sound not working?
Usually if you get video but not sound it means your Roku isn’t configured correctly. Specifically, in the Roku Player Settings (not the Plex channel, the main settings), there’s a section for audio. If your Roku isn’t connected to a surround sound system, then you need to make sure that setting is set to Stereo instead of Surround/5.1.
How does Roku work with cable TV?
Roku plugs into your TV using an HDMI cable connected from your TV to the Roku device. Roku connects to the internet via a wired or wireless connection to your home network. Roku works by downloading video from the Internet, you then watch on your TV.
Can Roku TV connect to cable?
Connecting the Roku player to your TV: Connect your Roku streaming player to your TV using HDMI Cable or composite cables. If your Roku player has an Ethernet port, you can use an Ethernet cable to connect the Roku player to an available Ethernet port on your router or Ethernet switch