A sound bar is a simple and convenient way to upgrade your TV’s audio quality without having to invest in a full-fledged home theater system. Roku is a popular streaming platform that offers a range of devices for streaming content from different channels. If you have a Roku device and a sound bar, you might be wondering how to control your sound bar with your Roku remote.
Before we get started, it’s important to note that not all sound bars can be controlled with a Roku remote. To use your Roku remote to control your sound bar, your sound bar must support HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) technology. HDMI-CEC allows devices connected via HDMI to communicate with each other and share information, including remote control commands. If your sound bar does not support HDMI-CEC, you’ll need to use a separate remote to control it.
What is HDMI-CEC ?
HDMI-CEC stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface Consumer Electronics Control. It is a technology that allows devices that are connected through HDMI cables to communicate with each other and be controlled by a single remote control. This means that when you turn on your TV, for example, it can automatically turn on your sound bar or switch to the correct input.
With HDMI-CEC, you can control multiple devices with a single remote, making it easier and more convenient to use your home entertainment system. This technology is often used in modern TVs, sound bars, Blu-ray players, and other home entertainment devices.
When using HDMI-CEC to control your sound bar with your Roku remote, you’ll need to make sure that both your sound bar and TV support HDMI-CEC and that it’s enabled on both devices. This will allow your Roku remote to send commands to your TV, which will in turn send them to your sound bar, allowing you to control your sound bar’s volume, mute, and other functions with your Roku remote.
Step 1: Connect your sound bar to your TV
The first step in using your Roku remote to control your sound bar is to make sure that your sound bar is connected to your TV. The easiest way to do this is to connect your sound bar to your TV using an HDMI cable. Most sound bars come with an HDMI input that you can use to connect to your TV’s HDMI output. Once you’ve connected your sound bar to your TV, make sure that the sound bar is set to the correct input.
Step 2: Enable HDMI-CEC on your TV and sound bar
The next step is to enable HDMI-CEC on both your TV and your sound bar. HDMI-CEC is usually disabled by default, so you’ll need to turn it on in both devices’ settings. The exact process for enabling HDMI-CEC will vary depending on your TV and sound bar model, so you’ll need to consult your user manual for instructions. Generally, you’ll need to look for settings related to HDMI-CEC, HDMI Control, or Any net+ (Samsung’s version of HDMI-CEC).
Step 3: Pair your Roku remote with your TV
Before you can use your Roku remote to control your sound bar, you’ll need to make sure that it’s paired with your TV. If you’ve already set up your Roku device and TV, your remote should already be paired. If not, you’ll need to follow the on-screen instructions to pair your remote. To do this, you’ll need to ensure that your TV is on and your Roku device is connected to your TV via HDMI. Then, press and hold the pairing button on the back of your remote until the pairing light starts flashing. The pairing light should stop flashing and turn solid once the remote is paired with your TV.
Step 4: Test your remote
Once you’ve paired your Roku remote with your TV, you can test whether it’s working properly by pressing the power button on the remote. This should turn on your TV if it’s off or turn it off if it’s on. If your remote is not working properly, make sure that it’s paired with your TV and that your TV is set to the correct input.
Step 5: Use your Roku remote to control your sound bar
Now that your Roku remote is paired with your TV, you can use it to control your sound bar. When you press the volume up or volume down buttons on your Roku remote, the volume on your sound bar should increase or decrease accordingly. If your sound bar has a mute button, you can use the mute button on your Roku remote to mute your sound bar. If you have multiple sound bars or other audio devices connected to your TV, you can use the audio settings menu on your TV to select the device that you want to control with your Roku remote.
Step 6: Adjust the audio settings
If you’re not satisfied with the sound quality of your sound bar, you can adjust the audio settings on your TV or on your sound bar to improve the sound quality. Most sound bars come with their own remote or mobile app that allows you to adjust the bass, treble, and other audio settings. You can also adjust the audio settings on your TV to get the best possible sound quality from your sound bar. To do this, go to your TV’s audio settings menu and select the option to output audio to your sound bar.
Step 7: Use voice control
If your Roku remote supports voice control, you can use your voice to control your sound bar. To use voice control, press and hold the microphone button on your remote and say a command, such as “volume up” or “mute.” Your Roku device will send the command to your TV, which will in turn send it to your sound bar. Voice control can be a convenient way to control your sound bar without having to fumble with buttons on your remote.
Step 8: Use the Roku mobile app
If you prefer to control your Roku device and your sound bar with your smartphone, you can use the Roku mobile app. The Roku mobile app is available for both iOS and Android devices and allows you to control your Roku device and your sound bar from your phone. To use the mobile app to control your sound bar, make sure that your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Roku device and your sound bar. Then, open the Roku mobile app and select your Roku device. From there, you can use the app to control your sound bar just as you would with your Roku remote.
Step 9: Consider a universal remote
If you have multiple devices connected to your TV, including a sound bar, a Blu-ray player, and a cable box, you might want to consider using a universal remote. A universal remote allows you to control multiple devices with a single remote. Many universal remotes are compatible with both Roku devices and sound bars, and can be programmed to control both devices at once. This can be a convenient way to simplify your home entertainment setup and eliminate the need for multiple remotes.
Conclusions.
Controlling your sound bar with your Roku remote can greatly improve your home entertainment experience by simplifying the process of adjusting the audio settings and providing a convenient way to control the sound bar’s volume and other functions.
To control your sound bar with your Roku remote, you’ll need to ensure that your sound bar supports HDMI-CEC technology and that it’s connected to your TV via HDMI. You’ll also need to pair your Roku remote with your TV and enable HDMI-CEC on both devices. Once these steps are completed, you can use your Roku remote to control your sound bar’s volume, mute, and select the audio output device.
If you’re not satisfied with the sound quality of your sound bar, you can adjust the audio settings on your TV or your sound bar to improve the sound quality. You can also use voice control or the Roku mobile app to control your sound bar, and consider using a universal remote to control multiple devices with a single remote.
Overall,
By following these steps and taking advantage of HDMI-CEC technology, you can greatly enhance your home entertainment experience and enjoy better sound quality and convenience when using your sound bar and Roku remote.
FAQs.
Can I control my sound bar with my Roku remote without HDMI-CEC?
No, HDMI-CEC is necessary to enable communication between the devices and allow your Roku remote to control your sound bar.
Can I use voice control to adjust the audio settings on my sound bar?
Yes, if your Roku remote supports voice control, you can use your voice to adjust the volume, mute, and other settings on your sound bar.
What if my sound bar doesn’t have an HDMI input?
If your sound bar doesn’t have an HDMI input, you may be able to connect it to your TV using other methods, such as optical or RCA cables. However, you may not be able to control your sound bar with your Roku remote in this case.
Can I control multiple devices with a single remote?
Yes, you can use a universal remote to control multiple devices, including your Roku device and sound bar, with a single remote.
Why is controlling my sound bar with my Roku remote beneficial?
Controlling your sound bar with your Roku remote can simplify your home entertainment setup and enhance your overall viewing experience by providing easy access to audio settings and volume control, as well as reducing the need for multiple remotes.
