Given that TVs are so expensive, speaker systems are surprisingly poor. The problem is mainly caused by the available space. As TVs get thinner and thinner, the speakers themselves have less room to work with, so we end up with shallow "tinny" sound.
As such, audiophiles and movie buffs have started using external soundbars. In many cases, they deliver richer, richer sounds than TVs are capable of. And you don't have to spend a fortune on high-end models; there are plenty of mid-range soundbars for audiophiles on a budget.
Even better, if you have a Roku streaming device, you can even control your soundbar using your Roku TV remote. After all, who wants to manage two separate remotes all the time? Let's take a closer look at how to control your soundbar with a Roku remote.
Audio Return Channel (ARC) and Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) are two lesser known features of HDMI technology. Together they enable two-way communication between a TV and an external device via an HDMI cable.
If you're using ARC over HDMI to connect your soundbar to your TV, Roku can use CEC to control the soundbar's volume. Your soundbar must support ARC for this to work. Unfortunately, if you're using optical cables to connect the two devices, you're out of luck.
The setup process differs depending on whether you have a smart TV with Roku OS (AKA a Roku TV) or are using a Roku streaming stick/Roku box.
If you have a Roku TV, follow these instructions:
If you're using a Roku streaming stick or Roku box, you'll need to do all of the above but also enable the feature in your TV's settings menu. The process for doing this differs significantly from manufacturer to manufacturer. See their help documentation for more information.
Even if your soundbar doesn't support ARC, you may be able to control your soundbar with your Roku TV remote if the speaker supports HDMI. Go to Settings>System>Control other devices and turn on System Audio Control to test it.
If neither of these two methods work for you, you might be forced to buy a universal remote. the Logitech Harmony Ultimate is one of the best. And don't forget that Roku is also rolling out Roku TV Ready, a new initiative that should make it even easier to use a Roku remote to control your soundbar.
If you want to get the most out of your Roku, here is a list of the best free Roku channels to install.
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