Will a Roku Streambar work with my TV?
A Roku Streambar will work with any television with an available HDMI port, but to simplify connections, we recommend using a special type of HDMI port called an ARC port. When using this port, you do not need to connect an additional cable to get audio from your TV (and connected devices) to your Roku Streambar. Instead, ARC (or Audio Return Channel) uses a single HDMI cable to send streaming video from your Streambar to your TV, and audio from your TV (and connected devices) back to your Streambar. Smart TV's manufactured in 2009 and later typically have one ARC port (among the other HDMI ports) commonly labeled "HDMI ARC" or "ARC". If another device is already using the ARC port, consider moving that device to a different HDMI port – only one device can be connected to the ARC port.
If your TV does not have an ARC port, you can still use your Roku Streambar to get exceptional sound from your TV's built-in tuner and other devices connected to your TV, but you will need to connect a second cable. In addition to the HDMI cable, you need to connect an optical cable to your TV's optical output, sometimes labeled "Digital audio out" or "Digital output". This connection carries TV audio to your Streambar, while the HDMI connection delivers video from the streaming player in your Streambar to your TV. If you need to use the optical port, visit the settings on your TV to make sure the output is active, or enabled.
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Note:
- Consult online documentation or the user manual for your TV if you are not sure your TV has an ARC port or need help finding settings for the optical port.
- When using an optical cable, be sure to remove the protective plastic cap from each end of the cable before inserting the connectors. Failing to do so may result in a faulty connection, or damage to the cable or optical port.
- You do not need to connect an optical cable when using the ARC port.