Roku TVs have a digital audio output; Roku streaming players do not list a separate optical output. On a Roku TV, look for a port labeled “Optical,” “S/PDIF,” “Digital audio out,” or “Digital output.” Check the exact TV model and the audio device’s inputs before buying a cable, because port configurations vary by model. A Roku player connects to the TV over HDMI, so any optical output you use is the TV’s, not the player’s.
Which Roku has digital audio out?
Roku’s support guidance says Roku TV models have a digital audio output as well as HDMI ARC. Roku-branded TV product information lists optical (SPDIF/Toslink) ports across its TV series, but Roku cautions that configurations vary by model. Check your specific TV’s specifications or inspect its rear panel for the port label before choosing a connection. Roku’s surround-sound connection guide and Roku’s guidance for finding Roku-branded TV product information explain the distinction.
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Roku streaming players, including Roku Ultra, connect to a TV using HDMI. Their published connection information does not list an optical output. If sound from a streaming player is sent to a receiver through an optical cable, that cable runs from the TV’s optical output to the receiver—not from the Roku player. See Roku’s streaming player setup instructions and Roku Ultra product information.
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“Optical,” “S/PDIF,” and “digital audio out” refer to the digital audio connection described in Roku’s setup materials. The connector on a TV is typically used with a TOSLINK optical cable. Check that the other end of the connection—the receiver, amplifier, or soundbar—has an optical input as well. Roku’s Roku TV User Guide v11.0 for U.S. English describes the S/PDIF optical connector as an audio output.
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How do you connect a Roku TV to an older receiver?
- Check both devices. Confirm the TV has an Optical/S/PDIF output and the receiver has an optical input. Port labels and availability can differ by model.
- Connect the cable. Run a TOSLINK optical cable from the TV’s optical output to the receiver’s optical input.
- Select the TV output. On Roku TV, go to Settings > Audio > Audio output and choose Optical. Roku’s guide says this makes the optical output operate reliably and turns off the TV speakers. Menu wording may vary with Roku OS version and TV brand.
- Select the receiver input. Choose the matching optical input on the audio device. If there is no sound, verify both input selections and the audio format supported by the receiver.
Use an optical cable only when both endpoints have optical ports; it cannot add an optical output to a Roku streaming player that does not have one.
Optical, HDMI ARC, or eARC: which connection should you use?
| Connection | What must be available | What it supports and when it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Optical / S/PDIF | Optical output on the TV, optical input on the receiver or soundbar, and a TOSLINK cable | Useful for compatible older audio equipment. Roku describes support for uncompressed two-channel PCM or compressed 5.1-channel Dolby Digital or DTS; Dolby Digital Plus is not available over optical in the cited guide. |
| HDMI ARC | ARC-labeled HDMI ports on both TV and audio device | Returns TV audio over HDMI. Roku says ARC supports additional formats, including Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Atmos. |
| HDMI eARC | eARC support on both devices and a suitable HDMI cable | Available on select Roku TV models; supports higher-bandwidth formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, as well as formats including DTS:X and Dolby Atmos. |
| Roku player over HDMI | HDMI connection from the streaming player to the TV | The player sends audio to the TV over HDMI. For onward audio to a receiver, check the TV’s output options and the receiver’s inputs. |
The format a system actually plays also depends on the TV, source content, audio device, and settings. Roku’s connection guide describes the available connection types and format limits.
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Does Roku Ultra have an optical output?
Roku Ultra’s published ports and audio features are HDMI-based and do not list an optical output. Connect the Ultra to the TV by HDMI; if you need optical audio for an older receiver, use the TV’s optical output if that exact TV model provides one. Roku’s Ultra product page lists the player’s connections.
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- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
What to check before choosing a cable
- Identify whether you have a Roku TV or a separate Roku streaming player. The digital output discussed here is on the TV.
- Confirm the TV’s exact model supports optical output; do not assume every port layout is identical.
- Confirm the receiver or soundbar has an optical input. If both devices have ARC or eARC, HDMI may be a better fit for the formats you want.
- Check the supported audio formats at both ends, especially if you expect surround sound or Dolby Digital Plus.
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