How to Connect Vizio Soundbar to Roku TV in 3 Easy Ways?

If you want to enjoy better sound quality from your Roku TV, you might want to connect it to a Vizio soundbar. A soundbar is a device that enhances the audio output of your TV by providing more clarity, bass and surround sound effects. Vizio is a popular brand of soundbars that offers various models and features to suit your needs and preferences. But how do you connect a Vizio soundbar to a Roku TV? There are different ways to do it, depending on the type of connection you prefer and the ports available on your devices. In this article, we will show you how to connect the Vizio soundbar to Roku TV using three methods: HDMI, optical, and Bluetooth.

Table of Contents

How to Connect Vizio Soundbar to Roku TV Using HDMI Cable

The easiest and most recommended way to connect your Vizio soundbar to your Roku TV is by using an HDMI cable. This method allows you to transmit both audio and video signals over a single cable and also enables some advanced features such as ARC (Audio Return Channel) or eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel). These features allow your soundbar and TV to communicate with each other and automatically adjust the sound settings according to the source.

To connect your Vizio soundbar to your Roku TV using an HDMI cable, follow these steps:

Locate the HDMI ARC port on your Vizio soundbar and your Roku TV. The HDMI ARC port is usually labeled as “HDMI ARC” or just “ARC”. It is different from the regular HDMI ports that are used for input devices such as Blu-ray players or game consoles.
Connect one end of an HDMI cable to the HDMI ARC port on your Vizio soundbar, and the other end to the HDMI ARC port on your Roku TV.
Turn on both devices and select the HDMI input on your TV using the remote control.

Your Roku TV should automatically detect your Vizio soundbar and initiate the setup process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the connection.
You can now enjoy the enhanced audio from your Vizio soundbar while watching your Roku TV.

Tips for Using HDMI Connection

To get the best audio quality from your HDMI connection, make sure you use a high-speed HDMI cable that supports ARC or eARC features.

If you have other devices connected to your Roku TV via HDMI, such as a Blu-ray player or a game console, you may need to switch the audio output settings on those devices to PCM or Bitstream depending on your preference.
If you want to control your Vizio soundbar with your Roku TV remote, you may need to enable CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) settings on both devices. CEC allows you to use one remote to control multiple devices that are connected via HDMI.

How to Connect Vizio Soundbar to Roku TV Using Optical Cable

Another way to connect your Vizio soundbar to your Roku TV is by using an optical cable. This method is suitable if your devices do not have an HDMI ARC port, or if you prefer a digital audio connection that does not interfere with the video signal. An optical cable transmits digital audio signals using light pulses and can support up to 5.1 surround sound formats.

To connect your Vizio soundbar to your Roku TV using an optical cable, follow these steps:

Locate the optical port on your Vizio soundbar and your Roku TV. The optical port is usually labeled “OPTICAL” or “DIGITAL AUDIO OUT”. It looks like a small square hole with a flap cover.
Remove the protective cap from both ends of the optical cable and insert one end into the optical port on your Vizio soundbar, and the other end into the optical port on your Roku TV.

Turn on both devices and select the optical input on your soundbar using the remote control.
You may need to adjust some settings on your TV to enable the optical output. Go to Settings > Audio > Audio mode and select Auto (Dolby D+, DTS) or PCM Stereo depending on your preference.
You can now enjoy the digital audio from your Vizio soundbar while watching your Roku TV.

Tips for Using Optical Connection

To get the best audio quality from your optical connection, make sure you use a high-quality optical cable that is not bent or damaged.
If you have other devices connected to your Roku TV via optical, such as a DVD player or a CD player, you may need to switch the audio input settings on your soundbar using the remote control.
If you want to control your Vizio soundbar with your Roku TV remote, you may need to program it using the code provided by Vizio or use a universal remote that supports both devices.

How to Connect Vizio Soundbar to Roku TV Using Bluetooth

The third way to connect your Vizio soundbar to your Roku TV is using Bluetooth. This method is convenient if you want a wireless connection that does not require any cables or ports. However, Bluetooth may have some limitations regarding audio quality, latency, and compatibility.

To connect your Vizio soundbar to your Roku TV using Bluetooth, follow these steps:

Make sure both devices are turned on and within range of each other (about 30 feet).

Press and hold the Bluetooth button on your Vizio soundbar remote for two seconds until you see a blue light flash in front of it.
Go to Settings > Remotes & devices > Bluetooth devices on your Roku TV and select Add new device.
Your Roku TV should scan for available Bluetooth devices and display them on the screen. Select your Vizio soundbar from the list and pair it with your TV.

You can now enjoy the wireless audio from your Vizio soundbar while watching your Roku TV.

Tips for Using Bluetooth Connection

To get the best audio quality from your Bluetooth connection, make sure you use a compatible Bluetooth version that supports A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) or aptX (Audio Compression Technology) codecs.
If you have other Bluetooth devices paired with your Roku TVs or Vizio soundbars, such as headphones or speakers, you may need to disconnect them before connecting.

If you want to control your Vizio soundbar with your Roku TV remote, you may not be able to do so as Bluetooth does not support CEC features.

Troubleshooting Guide

If you encounter any problems while connecting or using your Vizio soundbar with your Roku TV, here are some common issues and solutions that may help:

No sound or low volume: Check if both devices are turned on and connected properly. Adjust the volume level on both devices using the remote controls. Make sure you have selected the correct input source on both devices. Try changing the audio mode or format settings on both devices.

Sound delay or sync issues: Check if both devices are connected via HDMI ARC or eARC port. If not, try switching to that connection method. If yes, try adjusting the audio delay settings on both devices or turning off any processing features that may cause latency.
Remote control issues: Check if both devices support CEC features via HDMI connection. If yes, try enabling or disabling CEC settings on both devices. If not, try programming or using a universal remote that supports both devices.
Bluetooth pairing issues: To avoid Bluetooth pairing issues, turn on both devices and keep them within range of each other. Make sure no other Bluetooth devices are interfering with the connection. Try resetting or clearing the Bluetooth settings on both devices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use my Roku streaming device with my Vizio soundbar?

A: Yes, As long as you connect them to the same TV via HDMI, you can use any Roku streaming device such as Roku Express, Premiere, Streaming Stick+, Ultra, etc., with your Vizio soundbar.

Q: Can I use my Vizio soundbar with my voice assistant such as Alexa or Google Assistant?

A: Yes, some models of Vizio soundbars support voice assistant features such as Alexa Built-in or Google Assistant Built-in that allow you to control them with voice commands via a Wi-Fi connection.

Q: Can I use Dolby Atmos or DTS:X surround sound formats with my Vizio soundbar?

A: Yes, some models of Vizio soundbars support Dolby Atmos or DTS:X surround sound formats that provide immersive 3D audio effects via HDMI eARC connection.

Q: Can I use a wireless subwoofer or rear speakers with my Vizio soundbar?

A: Yes, some models of Vizio soundbars come with wireless subwoofers or rear speakers that enhance the bass and surround effects of your audio system via Bluetooth connection.

Q: Can I update my firmware or software for my Vizio soundbar?

A: Yes, some models of Vizio soundbars support firmware or software updates that improve their performance and compatibility via Wi-Fi connection.

Q: Can I use Wi-Fi to connect my Vizio soundbar with my Roku TV?

A: No, you cannot use Wi-Fi to connect your Vizio soundbar with your Roku TV. Wi-Fi is only used for streaming content from the internet or updating the firmware or software of your devices. To connect your Vizio soundbar with your Roku TV, you need to use HDMI, optical, or Bluetooth connection methods.

Q: How do I change the audio format on my Roku TV?

A: You can change the audio format on your Roku TV by going to Settings > Audio > HDMI and S/PDIF and selecting the option that matches your soundbar’s capabilities. For example, if your soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus, you can select Dolby Digital Plus as the audio format. If your soundbar does not support any surround sound formats, you can select PCM Stereo as the audio format.

Q: Can I use both the Roku TV speakers and the Vizio soundbar at the same time?

A: No, you cannot use both the Roku TV speakers and the Vizio soundbar at the same time. When you connect your Vizio soundbar to your Roku TV, the TV speakers will be automatically muted and the sound will be output through the soundbar. If you want to use the TV speakers again, you need to disconnect your soundbar from your TV.

Conclusion

Connecting your Vizio soundbar to your Roku TV is not a difficult task if you follow our simple steps and tips. You can choose between HDMI, optical, or Bluetooth connection methods depending on your preference and the availability of ports. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of audio quality, latency, and compatibility. You can also troubleshoot some common issues and find answers to some frequently asked questions in our article.

We hope this article helps you connect your Vizio soundbar to your Roku TV easily and quickly. If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know in the comments below.