Wondering how to how to hook up Roku to surround sound? Well, you definitely need a guide considering that your devices might not always support the required inputs.
We’ll first explain exactly what you need and then share with you several ways to hook up your Roku to a surround sound.
You can connect your Roku to surround sound using an optical cable with or without an HDMI cable. On the other hand, if you’ve got an HDMI cable (or more than one) the connection is much easier because in that case, the direct connection is available.
To understand better which way of connection will work for you, let’s take a look at what you’ll need first.
How Do I Hook Up My Roku To My Surround Sound?
There are certain cables and information that you need to acquire before continuing so you can realize how to approach your case. Let’s find out what you need!
What Do I Need? (Preparation)
Ensure Both Devices Are Compatible
To check if the devices are compatible, you must ensure that both your Roku TV and surround sound main device have an optical cable entry.
Also keep in mind that not all Roku players will include an optical port by default and in that case, you will have to use an HDMI cable for both of the connections.
Note: HDMI cable will be used in both methods of connecting your surround system.
In the second method, however, there is a way of using an extra optical cable if your Roku doesn’t have an HDMI output.
Get Cable Adapter
Once you’ve ensured the devices are compatible, your next step is to acquire the cable you’re going to use for the job.
As we’ve previously mentioned, not all Roku sound devices include an Optical cable entry so if that’s the case, you will have to use an HDMI adapter to connect both of your devices.
How To Hook Up Roku To Surround Sound In 5 Ways
Optical cables are generally used to connect surround sound systems to a device, but in the case of Roku, some players may not be equipped with such an entry.
In that regard, we will first describe the traditional way of connecting your devices using an Optical cable and then share with you what to do in case you don’t have one.
Method #1 Use Optical Adapter For Audio Delivery
If you’re going to use an Optical cable to deliver the sound from your Roku device, then there are two possibilities:
Connect Without HDMI Ports
If there are no HDMI inputs on your surround sound system you should have at least one optical cable entry to make this work.
- Connect the end of the HDMI cable to your TV (the one end that is not attached to your Roku).
- Then, grab the optical cable and plug it into the output of your TV tightly.
- Lastly, connect the other end of the optical cable into the surround sound.
Hopefully, the connection will work instantly and if you’re concerned that you’re doing something wrong, check how it’s done without HDMI at all.
Connect Without HDMI At All
If you only have an optical connector and your surround system doesn’t support HDMI ports, follow the steps below:
- Connect the available HDMI input onto your TV.
- Then using the optical cable, connect its first end into your Roku player.
- Connect its opposite end to your surround system.
Note: When connecting without HDMI, you will have to switch between video and audio sources on your TV or surround sound.
Method #2 Using HDMI Adapter For Audio Delivery
Still, asking how to connect Roku to surround sound? Luckily there are 3 different ways to hook up the devices using a simple HDMI cable. Let’s jump right in!
Connect Directly
For this method to work for you, the surround sound must be already connected to a compatible TV and ready to go. Simply get the Roku adapter and directly connect it to your TV.
The audio will be shared this way and once you’re viewing Roku, your TV will make contact with the surround sound. Once ready, test if the audio is there and if it isn’t there are other ways to connect that you can try.
Connect Through Roku Via HDMI
If your surround sound is designed to be a single point, you will have the ability to switch between your video and audio devices connected via different adapters.
It is best to refer to your manufacturer whether your configurations have this feature or not.
To hook up the surround sound through the Roku player, follow the steps:
- Connect the available end of your HDMI cable to your Roku device.
- Once done, plug another HDMI cable into the output of your surround system.
- Lastly, connect its other end to your TV.
Turn on your TV and play some content with audio and check if the connection worked. If not, there is one more way of connection so let’s find out how it’s done!
Connect To An ARC
The ARC, also known as an audio return channel, is a simpler type of connection, allowing you to switch audio and video between your device from the TV.
If both your surround sound and TV have an ARC follow the steps below:
- connect the HDMI cable that isn’t currently attached to your Roku player.
- Then, using another HDMI cable, connect it to the ARC slot on your TV (The slot usually has an ARC written above).
- Lastly, connect its opposite end to your surround system.
Once the setup is ready, turn on your TV and check if any sound is transmitted over your surround sound system. If not then there could be a faulty cable, damaged input or hardware issue with one of your devices.
Read Next: How to Fix Roku No Picture?
To connect the surround system to Roku, you can either use an optical or HDMI connection. For optical, you can connect without HDMI ports and without HDMI at all. For only HDMI establishment, you can use a direct connection, with HDMI ports and ARC type of connection.
Last Thoughts
Now when you know how to hook up Roku to surround sound you will be able to configure your audio workflow as per your requirements.
If you were unable to establish the connection and your devices are compatible, you can reach out to Roku for further assistance.
If this post was helpful and you’re having other issues with the devices in your setup, feel free to check our blog and discover the solution you’re looking for!
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.