Elliot Kim
Roku is a popular streaming device that offers 4K streaming. However, there have been issues with Roku's ability to output Dolby Digital 5.1 sound through certain devices and connections. Roku users have reported that when using an older receiver with an optical connection, they are unable to output Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS sound. This issue seems to be specific to certain Roku models, such as the Roku Express 4K and the Roku Streaming Stick 4K. It appears that the issue may be related to the apps being used, as some users have found that only specific apps, like HBO Max, support Dolby Digital output. Roku has provided some troubleshooting steps in their community forums, but it is not clear if there is a definitive solution to this issue.
Characteristics and Values Table for Roku 4K
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dolby Digital or DTS output | Not supported with Roku Express 4K and older receivers using optical |
| Supported audio output formats | PCM stereo, Dolby Digital, Digital Plus, DTS |
| Streaming Stick 4K audio menu options | Auto, passthrough, stereo, custom |
| Connection options | HDMI, optical cable |
| Supported apps | Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Vudu, HBO Max |
| Workarounds for Dolby Digital | Use native TV apps, upgrade to Roku Ultra 2022 4K, use an audio extractor splitter |
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What You'll Learn
Roku Express 4K and older receivers
The Roku Express 4K streaming device offers brilliant 4K picture quality and vivid HDR colour. It is compatible with popular voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Hey Google. It also comes with a Roku Voice Remote that allows you to power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your streaming with voice commands.
However, when it comes to audio output, there have been reports of issues with the Roku Express 4K and older receivers. Specifically, users have encountered problems when trying to output Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS sound through the optical port on older receivers. The issue seems to be related to the streaming services' use of Dolby Digital Plus, which is not compatible with the optical connection.
To address this issue, some users have tried using an audio extractor splitter to pull the 5.1 or DTS signal from the HDMI output and send it to the receiver. However, this solution does not always work, and users may still experience problems with achieving true Dolby Digital sound.
It's important to note that while some Roku players can decode Dolby Digital, the audio will be output in stereo unless the player is connected to an AVR or soundbar via HDMI or optical connection. So, if you have an older receiver that only supports optical input, you may encounter limitations with achieving the desired audio output formats.
To summarise, while the Roku Express 4K offers impressive streaming features and convenience, it may have limitations when used with older receivers that lack HDMI connectivity. If you have specific audio requirements, such as Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS, it is advisable to carefully consider the compatibility of your receiver with the Roku Express 4K before making a purchase decision.
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Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Dolby
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K offers stunning picture quality with 4K, HDR, and Dolby Vision. It provides a premium streaming experience with sharp and detailed visuals, enhanced by rich HDR10+ colours and lifelike clarity. This streaming stick is an excellent option for those seeking to upgrade their 4K TV experience.
In terms of audio, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K does not explicitly mention producing digital sound. However, it includes a voice remote that allows you to control both your TV and the Roku device. You can power on your TV, adjust the volume, and search or play entertainment using your voice commands. Additionally, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K supports seamless streaming with long-range Wi-Fi, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted viewing experience.
While the device itself may not specifically generate digital sound, it is compatible with Dolby Vision, which enhances the overall audio-visual experience. Dolby Vision is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation, and its integration with the Roku Streaming Stick 4K enables a superior viewing journey.
It's important to note that the audio capabilities may vary depending on your specific setup. Some Roku players can decode Dolby Digital, but the audio output will be in stereo unless your player is connected to an AVR (Audio/Video Receiver) or a soundbar. Additionally, the surround sound pass-through feature is only available when the Roku streaming player is connected via HDMI or optical, if supported.
To summarise, while the Roku Streaming Stick 4K doesn't explicitly mention producing digital sound, it offers a rich audio-visual experience through its compatibility with Dolby Vision and its voice-enabled remote control. The device's focus is on delivering an immersive viewing experience that extends beyond pure audio specifications.
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Roku 4K and DTS surround sound
The Roku Express 4K does not support 5.1 Dolby Digital or DTS surround sound via optical output. This is a known issue that affects the Roku Express 4K when used with older receivers that only support optical audio connections.
To get around this issue, you can try connecting your Roku device directly to your TV or receiver via HDMI. HDMI supports surround sound pass-through, so this may allow you to get 5.1 Dolby Digital or DTS audio. Additionally, some users have reported success by using an audio extractor splitter to pull the 5.1 or DTS signal from the HDMI output and send it to the receiver.
It's worth noting that some streaming services, such as Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video, use Dolby Digital Plus, which is not supported by optical connections. In this case, you may need to use a device that supports Dolby Digital Plus, such as a newer AVR or a TV that supports Dolby Digital Plus.
If you have a Roku Streaming Stick 4K (2021), you may also experience issues with getting Dolby or DTS surround sound output via optical. This issue seems to be specific to the 2021 model and may be due to the lack of support for Dolby Digital Plus over optical connections.
To summarise, if you're having issues with getting Dolby Digital or DTS surround sound on your Roku 4K device, try connecting via HDMI or using a newer AVR or TV that supports Dolby Digital Plus. Additionally, the specific model of your Roku device and the apps you're using may impact your ability to get surround sound output.
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Roku 4K and digital audio output
Roku 4K devices do support digital audio output, but the specific functionality depends on the model and setup. For example, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K (2021 model) does not support Dolby or DTS surround sound output via optical cable. However, when connected directly to a compatible TV, it can deliver Dolby and DTS surround sound through the TV's native apps, such as Netflix, Disney+, and more.
On the other hand, the Roku Express 4K also seems to have some limitations with Dolby Digital 5.1 sound when connected to certain receivers via HDMI and optical cable. It appears that the Roku Express 4K lacks the "Audio Mode" option in its settings, which may be a factor in the Dolby Digital sound issue.
To clarify, the Roku Ultra 2022 4K model is mentioned as a solution for decoding sound into Dolby Digital for passthrough to the AVR via optical. Additionally, the Roku Ultra is referenced as offering a "'passthrough' option in the digital output format menu," which is not available on the Streaming Stick 4K.
It's worth noting that some Roku players can decode Dolby Digital, but the audio will be output in stereo unless connected to an AVR or soundbar. Surround sound pass-through is only available when the Roku player is connected via HDMI or optical, if supported.
Lastly, it appears that the HBO Max app is the only one on Roku that currently passes through 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound through the optical output. Other apps, like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video, may have stopped supporting Dolby Digital and DTS.
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Roku 4K and digital sound settings
Roku 4K devices do support digital sound, but the specific functionality varies depending on the model and setup. For example, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K (2021 model) does not support Dolby or DTS surround sound output via optical connection. However, when connected directly to a compatible TV, it can deliver Dolby and DTS surround sound through the TV's native apps, such as Netflix, Disney+, and more.
On the other hand, the Roku Express 4K also appears to have some limitations with Dolby Digital sound when used with certain receivers. Users have reported issues with outputting Dolby Digital 5.1 sound through older receivers that only support optical connections. In these cases, the audio is received but not in true 5.1 or DTS format.
To address these issues, some users have suggested using an audio extractor splitter to pull the 5.1 or DTS signal from the HDMI output and send it to the receiver. However, this solution may not always be successful. Another option is to upgrade to a Roku Ultra 2022 4K, which can decode sound into Dolby Digital and passthrough to the AVR via optical.
To access and adjust audio settings on Roku devices, go to Settings > Audio > Digital Output Format. From here, you can select different options like ''Auto', 'Passthrough', 'Stereo', or 'Custom'. The specific options available may vary depending on your Roku model and connected devices.
It's important to note that the availability of digital sound and the specific audio formats supported will depend on the apps and streaming services in use. For example, HBO Max is known to support Dolby Digital and DTS on Roku devices, while other apps may have stopped supporting these formats. Additionally, some services like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Prime Video use Dolby Digital Plus, which is not compatible with optical connections.
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Frequently asked questions
Roku 4K does not support Dolby Digital or DTS surround sound output via optical connection. However, it can decode Dolby Digital, but the audio will be output in stereo unless connected to an AVR or soundbar.
Roku Express 4K does not have the option to select the "Audio mode" with "Stereo" and "DD+" options, which may be the reason for the absence of Dolby Digital 5.1 sound.
One possible solution is to connect the Roku Express 4K to a TV via HDMI and then connect the TV to a receiver via optical cable. The TV should be capable of transcoding Dolby Digital Plus to Dolby Digital.
Yes, the Roku Ultra 2022 4K is a suggested alternative that can decode sound into Dolby Digital for passthrough to the AVR via optical.
One issue reported by a user is the absence of the "passthrough" option in the digital output format settings after upgrading from Roku Ultra to Roku Streaming Stick 4K.
