# Roku Question **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 20, 2021, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roku-question/951012 "2021-09-20T18:19:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![thdudescar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thdudescar/32/4638_2.png) [@thdudescar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thdudescar)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2021, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roku-question/951012/1 "2021-09-20T18:19:27Z")
I recently bought a Roku speaker w/subwoofer and built in Roku. Sounds great. However, when I switch to the antenna (football games) and DVD, I lose the Roku speakers. It has an HDMI and Optical outlet. Can I use both of them? I want to hook the optical into the tv. Is this going to cause a conflict? ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2021, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roku-question/951012/2 "2021-09-21T13:52:42Z")
I’m not sure about the Roku speakers specifically, but typically the HDMI-ARC and optical ports on the speaker can take output from the TV. Since I’m guessing the Roku sends video to the TV through the HDMI-ARC port, it’s probably simplest to just use that instead of the optical. So hook the HDMI cable from the Roku to the HDMI-ARC port on the TV. Not all HDMI ports are ARC, and not all TVs have ARC ports, so you’ll have to check to the TV’s ports to see what your TV can do. If it doesn’t have ARC, you’ll have to use the optical. Once the cables are connected, go to your TV’s audio settings and select the HDMI-ARC or optical output as appropriate. Then when you’re watching off the antenna, the TV should send the audio to the Roku speakers. With external speakers, you may need to use the Roku’s remote to change the volume. Sometimes the TV’s volume control only controls the TV speakers. I’m not sure if the Roku will need to be told which audio input to play through the speakers. So if you have both the HDMI and optical connections between the speaker and the TV, I’m not sure if Roku will automatically switch the audio to the port which has sound. You may need to tell Roku which audio input to use. ---
**Author:** ![thdudescar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thdudescar/32/4638_2.png) [@thdudescar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thdudescar)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2021, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roku-question/951012/3 "2021-09-21T17:45:28Z")
Thanks so much. I’ll give it a try tonight. ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2021, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roku-question/951012/4 "2021-09-21T18:18:51Z")
> [@filmore](#): > > Since I’m guessing the Roku sends video to the TV I’m confused. Isn’t the OP question about a Roku speaker, not a Roku video player? ---
**Author:** ![filmore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/7993a0/32.png) [@filmore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmore)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2021, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roku-question/951012/5 "2021-09-21T18:27:01Z")
Roku makes speakers that are combination Roku video streamers plus speakers. Like this one: > **[Amazon.com: Roku Streambar | 4K/HD/HDR Streaming Media Player & Premium...](https://www.amazon.com/Roku-Streambar-Streaming-Premium-Released/dp/B08G8JH836)** > > Buy Roku Streambar | 4K/HD/HDR Streaming Media Player & Premium Audio, All In One, Includes Roku Voice Remote: Streaming Media Players - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases I’m assuming it’s one of those combo units. I’m not sure if Roku makes speakers that are just standalone speakers. ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2021, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roku-question/951012/6 "2021-09-21T18:41:37Z")
Yes they do make standalone speakers: > **[Roku](https://www.roku.com/products/audio/roku-wireless-speakers)** > > Roku provides the simplest way to stream entertainment to your TV. On your terms. With thousands of available channels to choose from. OP, which product do you have? ---
**Author:** ![thdudescar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thdudescar/32/4638_2.png) [@thdudescar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thdudescar)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2021, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roku-question/951012/7 "2021-09-21T18:45:16Z")
Pretty much the same one posted except with a subwoofer.