Planning to connect your Vizio soundbar to your Roku TV? But don’t know how?
Well then, you’ve come to the right place.
There are a few ways to do that, and each one has its pros and cons.
So, if you want to know which setup is best for you…
Continue reading to discover:
- Which setup is best for streaming 4k video and audio.
- 3 different ways to connect a Vizio soundbar to Roku TV.
- How to output Roku TV audio to Vizio soundbar via Bluetooth.
- And so much more…
How to connect Vizio soundbar to Roku TV?
To connect a Vizio soundbar to Roku TV, plug one end of an HDMI ARC cable into the HDMI ARC port of the soundbar. And the other end into the TV’s HDMI ARC port. You may also use an Optical cable to connect your devices. Or use a Bluetooth receiver to output audio from the Roku TV to your soundbar.
3 ways to connect Vizio soundbar to Roku TV
#1: Via HDMI ARC/eARC
For the best audio quality output, connect your devices using HDMI ARC.
HDMI ARC works just like your typical HDMI connection. Except that it also transmits audio signals. Which allows you to output the audio from your smart TV to your soundbar.
Plus, it’s easy to set up. You just have to pick up an HDMI cable and plug it into your devices.
Tip: For better quality and bandwidth, get an HDMI 2.0 cable.
If you’re using one of the latest Vizio soundbars today, like M512x-J6…
You may connect it to your Roku TV via HDMI eARC.
It works the same with HDMI ARC. Except that it supports higher audio file formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
Note: However, you must know that not all Vizio soundbars have an HDMI ARC port. So, if yours doesn’t have one, check the other connection options below.
Here’s a quick rundown on HDMI ARC/eARC connection:
Pros
- Promotes less cable clutter.
- Easy installation and setup.
- Compatible with most smart devices.
- Support most of the latest audio formats.
Cons
- It isn’t available on older Vizio soundbar models.
To connect a Vizio soundbar to Roku TV via HDMI ARC/eARC
Do both of your devices support HDMI ARC/eARC connection?
If yes, then let’s get started with the setup.
Follow these instructions:
Step 1: Turn on the Roku TV.
Press the POWER button on the TV remote once. After that, the TV screen should light up and display the homepage.
Step 2: Turn on the Vizio soundbar.
Make sure first that it’s plugged into a power socket.
Then, press the POWER button on the device once. Look for the circle-with-a-slash icon on one of its sides.
You should see its LED lights glow. On some models, you may also hear a tune.
Step 3: Get a working HDMI cable.
There’s no such thing as an HDMI ARC cable. So don’t try hard looking for anything like that. A regular HDMI cable should work.
Step 4: Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the Vizio soundbar.
Look for the HDMI ARC/eARC port at the back of your Vizio soundbar.
It usually has an “HDMI ARC” label on it.
Plus, it has a green outline around the port. So, you shouldn’t have a problem looking for it.
Step 5: Plug the other end of the cable to the Roku TV.
Look for the HDMI ARC/eARC port on your Roku TV. It’s usually labeled as “HDMI ARC (Audio Out).”
Take note of the “Audio Out” label. As plugging the cable into an “input” port would fail your connection setup.
Step 6: Change the Roku TV’s audio output.
The actual steps may vary depending on your TV model.
But here’s the usual way how to do it:
Using your TV remote, press MENU. Then, select Settings>Audio>Audio Output>HDMI ARC/eARC.
Step 7: Change the Vizio soundbar’s input source.
Press and hold the INPUT button on the device for a few seconds. Or until the LED lights started flashing. Just search for a box-with-a-line icon.
Doing this puts your device into “Auto Input Search.”
Alternatively, press “INPUT” on the soundbar remote to select the correct input source.
Learn more: Why is my Vizio soundbar blinking up and down?
After this, try playing anything on your Roku TV.
Suppose you hear the audio coming from your Vizio soundbar, congratulations! You’ve successfully connected your devices via HDMI ARC/eARC.
You may also watch this video to learn how to connect your Vizio soundbar to the TV via HDMI properly:
#2: Via Optical cable
You may try this connection if your Vizio soundbar doesn’t have an HDMI ARC/eARC port.
Before HDMIs, users connect their devices using an optical cable.
Note: It’s also known as TOSLINK or SPDIF connection.
It works similarly with an HDMI connection. An optical cable output sounds from your smart TV to your soundbar.
The only difference is that it can’t support higher resolution audio formats such as Dolby Atmos.
So, an optical cable connection is only good for regular movie or gaming streaming.
A quick rundown on Optical cable connection:
Pros
- Has high bandwidth.
- Fast and easy installment.
- Works with most smart TVs and soundbars.
Cons
- Don’t support higher resolution audio formats.
To connect a Vizio soundbar to Roku TV via Optical cable
Do you already have an optical cable to use? Then, let’s get started!
Follow the instructions below:
Step 1: Ensure that your devices are powered ON.
See if your Roku TV screen displays the homepage. And that your Vizio soundbar LED lights are glowing.
If not, make sure to turn on your devices first.
Step 2: Connect one end of the optical cable to the Vizio soundbar.
Locate the optical cable port at the back of your soundbar.
Look for an irregularly-shaped port with a square outline. Depending on your soundbar model, it’s either on the left or right side of the port panel.
Step 3: Connect the other end to the Roku TV.
Access the back panel of your TV to search for the optical cable port. Look for a port with a “Digital Audio Out (Optical)” or similar label.
Again, take note of the “Audio out” label.
Step 4: Change the audio output of the Roku TV.
To do this, you must use your TV remote.
Press MENU, then go to settings. Select Audio>Audio Settings>Optical.
Suppose “Optical” isn’t on the options. Choose “TOSLINK” or “SPDIF.”
Step 5: Change the input source of the Vizio soundbar.
Grab the soundbar remote and press “INPUT.” Then, select “optical.”
Or you may also press and hold the INPUT button on the soundbar. And allow it to detect your Roku TV optical connection.
Now, try to play music on your TV.
If you hear the sounds coming from your soundbar…
Then, you’ve successfully connected your devices via optical cable.
But if not, try to reconnect the optical cable. And redo the same process above. Suppose the problem persists. Try changing the cable.
Reading tip: (13 Fixes) Vizio Soundbar No Sound
#3: Via Bluetooth
Most Vizio soundbars and Roku TVs today support Bluetooth connections.
Bluetooth technology allows you to connect your devices wirelessly and remotely. Which makes the setup convenient for many users.
With this, you won’t have to worry about cable clutter or any cable connectivity issues.
Note: However, a Roku TV Bluetooth can only connect with other Roku devices.
So, if you want to connect your Vizio soundbar to your Roku TV…
You have to use third-party devices. Either a Bluetooth receiver or a smartphone that has a Roku mobile app.
A quick rundown on Bluetooth connection:
Pros
- Cable-free.
- Fast and convenient connection.
Cons
- Third-party devices are needed.
- Roku TV Bluetooth can only connect with Roku devices.
To connect a Vizio soundbar to Roku TV via Bluetooth receiver
Since your Roku TV can’t directly connect to your Vizio soundbar via Bluetooth…
You have to use a Bluetooth receiver. This device helps connect Bluetooth-supported devices without issues.
Here’s how to connect it with your devices:
Step 1: Ensure that the Bluetooth receiver has power.
If your device is battery-powered, make sure that it’s fully charged. And if it needs to be plugged in, ensure that it’s connected to a power source.
Step 2: Plug the Bluetooth receiver into the Roku TV.
Connect it to the AUX or RCA cable port, whichever connection you want. Make sure that it has an “Audio Out” label.
Step 3: Enable Bluetooth on your Vizio soundbar.
Just press the BLUETOOTH icon on the device.
Step 4: Connect the Vizio soundbar to the Bluetooth receiver.
Depending on your device brand, the connecting process varies. So, please refer to your product manual.
Step 5: Adjust the Roku TV’s audio output.
Go to the TV’s settings. Then click Audio>Audio Output>Bluetooth.
To connect a Vizio soundbar to Roku TV via the Roku mobile app
If that doesn’t work, try using the Roku mobile app.
In this app, you can control your TV’s settings. Plus, you can use this to connect external speakers to your Roku TV.
Note: Just make sure that your Roku TV and smartphone are connected to the same WiFi network for it to work.
Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Download the Roku mobile app.
This app is available for free. And works for both Android and iOS devices.
Step 2: Add your Roku TV as a device.
If it’s your first time setting up your Roku mobile app, the app will automatically search for your Roku TV.
Just tap your Roku TV once it shows up on your phone’s screen.
Step 3: Go to “Control.”
Tap the CONTROL button at the bottom-middle of the screen. Look for a cross-like icon.
Step 4: Tap the “Private Listening” button.
Just press the headset icon at the top-right corner.
It’s ON when you see an audio wave in the middle of the headset icon.
Step 5: Connect your Vizio soundbar to your phone via Bluetooth.
Enable Bluetooth on both your Vizio soundbar and smartphone. Then, look for and select your Vizio soundbar on your phone’s Bluetooth device list.
After that, play anything on your Roku TV. And see if the sounds are coming from your Vizio soundbar.
If yes, then you’ve successfully connected your devices via Bluetooth.
But if not, try disconnecting other Bluetooth devices connected to your smartphone. Or redo the entire process.
You might also want to check out: 3 Steps To Pair Vizio Soundbar With Subwoofer