How to Pair Philips Soundbar with Roku TV [Complete Guide]

Watching your favorite shows on a Roku TV offers great visuals, but the built-in speakers often leave much to be desired. That thin TV design comes at a cost—audio quality. Adding a Philips soundbar can dramatically improve your viewing experience with richer sound, better bass, and clearer dialogue.

But how exactly do you connect these two devices to create your perfect home entertainment setup?

In this guide, I‘ll walk you through every possible method to pair your Philips soundbar with your Roku TV. Whether your devices have the latest connectivity options or you‘re working with older models, you‘ll find the right solution here.

Why Connect a Philips Soundbar to Your Roku TV?

Before diving into the connection methods, let‘s quickly understand what you stand to gain:

• Superior sound quality: Philips soundbars deliver more powerful, room-filling sound compared to TV speakers
• Enhanced bass: Experience deeper, more impactful low frequencies
• Clearer dialogue: Dedicated center channels make conversations easier to understand
• Immersive experience: Many Philips models offer virtual surround sound
• Simplified setup: Fewer cables than traditional home theater systems

The difference between built-in TV speakers and a dedicated soundbar is substantial. According to a 2023 consumer electronics survey, 78% of users reported significant improvement in audio quality after adding a soundbar to their TV setup. The thin design of modern TVs simply doesn‘t allow for powerful speakers with proper acoustic chambers.

The Technical Advantage of External Audio

TV manufacturers typically use small 10-15W speakers facing downward or backward, creating poor acoustics. By comparison, even entry-level Philips soundbars deliver 120-300W of power through properly designed speaker arrays facing the listener.

From a technical perspective, soundbars offer:

• Higher power output (120-400W vs. 10-20W for TV speakers)
• Dedicated audio processing chipsets
• Properly tuned speaker enclosures
• Optimized driver placement
• Separate amplification for different frequency ranges

Understanding Audio Connection Standards

Before we get into specific connection methods, it‘s helpful to understand the technical differences between them:

This table highlights why HDMI connections are generally preferred for modern setups, while other options serve specific needs or compatibility requirements.

Connection Methods Overview

You have several options to connect your Philips soundbar to your Roku TV:

1. HDMI ARC/eARC connection – Best audio quality with simplified control
2. Optical cable connection – High-quality digital audio
3. 3.5mm AUX connection – Basic analog connection
4. Bluetooth connection – Wireless convenience (where supported)
5. HDMI passthrough – For connecting additional devices

The best method depends on your specific Philips soundbar model, your Roku TV‘s available ports, and your audio quality preferences.

How to Connect Philips Soundbar to Roku TV Using HDMI ARC/eARC

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) or the newer eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) provides the highest quality connection between your devices. This method offers digital audio transmission and allows you to control both devices with a single remote.

What You‘ll Need:

• HDMI cable (high-speed for ARC, ultra high-speed for eARC)
• Philips soundbar with HDMI ARC/eARC support
• Roku TV with HDMI ARC/eARC port

Technical Specifications:

• HDMI ARC supports PCM stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1, and DTS 5.1
• HDMI eARC adds support for Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X
• Requires at least HDMI 1.4 for ARC or HDMI 2.1 for eARC
• Enables control of both devices through HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Identify the HDMI ARC ports

   • On your Philips soundbar, look for an HDMI port labeled "HDMI OUT (ARC)" or "HDMI OUT (eARC)"
   • On your Roku TV, find the HDMI port marked "ARC" or "eARC" (usually HDMI 1 or HDMI 3, depending on your TV model)

2. Make the connection

   • Connect one end of your HDMI cable to the HDMI OUT (ARC/eARC) port on your Philips soundbar
   • Connect the other end to the HDMI ARC/eARC port on your Roku TV

3. Configure your Roku TV settings

   • Press the Home button on your Roku remote
   • Navigate to Settings > Audio
   • Select "Audio output"
   • Choose "ARC (HDMI)" or "Auto Detect"
   • Enable "HDMI ARC" if it‘s a separate option
   • For advanced audio, set "Audio mode" to "Auto" or "Dolby Digital Plus" if available

4. Configure your Philips soundbar

   • Press the Source or Input button on your soundbar remote
   • Select "HDMI ARC" as the input source
   • Some models may automatically switch to HDMI ARC when they detect a signal
   • For Philips models with on-screen display, verify ARC is active

5. Enable HDMI-CEC for simplified control

   • On your Roku TV, go to Settings > System > Control other devices (CEC)
   • Turn on "1-touch play" and "System audio control"
   • This allows your TV remote to control soundbar volume and power
   • On some Philips soundbars, enable "EasyLink" in the settings menu

Advanced HDMI eARC Setup (For Compatible Models):

The newer Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) standard provides significant improvements over standard ARC. If both your Roku TV and Philips soundbar support eARC:

1. Use an Ultra High-Speed HDMI cable (HDMI 2.1 compatible)
2. In your Roku TV‘s settings, enable eARC specifically (Settings > Audio > Audio output > eARC)
3. Verify your soundbar displays "eARC" rather than "ARC" when connected
4. For Dolby Atmos content, configure streaming apps to output Dolby Audio if available

Benefits of HDMI ARC/eARC:

• Supports high-quality audio formats (including Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Atmos on eARC)
• Allows control of both devices with one remote via HDMI-CEC
• Reduces cable clutter (one cable for audio and control)
• Automatic synchronization between devices

How to Connect Philips Soundbar to Roku TV Using Optical Cable

If your devices don‘t support HDMI ARC or all HDMI ports are already in use, an optical (also called TOSLINK or S/PDIF) connection is an excellent alternative that still delivers high-quality digital audio.

What You‘ll Need:

• Optical/TOSLINK cable
• Philips soundbar with optical input
• Roku TV with optical output

Technical Specifications:

• Supports PCM stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1, and DTS 5.1
• Maximum sampling rate of 192 kHz (for stereo)
• Bandwidth limit of 384 Kbps for compressed formats
• No support for newer formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X
• No return channel for device control

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Locate the optical ports

   • On your Philips soundbar, find the port labeled "Optical In" or "Digital In"
   • On your Roku TV, look for the port labeled "Optical Out" or "Digital Audio Out"

2. Make the connection

   • Remove the protective plastic caps from both ends of the optical cable if present
   • Connect one end to the Optical Out port on your Roku TV
   • Connect the other end to the Optical In port on your Philips soundbar
   • Ensure the connectors are fully inserted and oriented correctly (they only fit one way)

3. Configure your Roku TV settings

   • Press the Home button on your Roku remote
   • Navigate to Settings > Audio
   • Select "Audio output"
   • Choose "Optical" or "Auto Detect"
   • Set the audio format to "Dolby Digital" if available (check your soundbar‘s compatibility)

4. Configure your Philips soundbar

   • Press the Source or Input button on your soundbar remote
   • Select "Optical" or "Digital In" as the input source
   • Some models may have a dedicated "Optical" button on the remote
   • If necessary, set the audio input format in the soundbar settings menu

Audio Format Configuration:

For optimal performance over optical connection, you‘ll need to set the correct audio format:

To set this on your Roku TV:

1. Go to Settings > Audio > Audio mode
2. Select your preferred format based on your soundbar‘s capabilities
3. Test playback with different content sources

Benefits of Optical Connection:

• Supports digital audio formats like Dolby Digital and DTS
• Immune to electrical interference (uses light signals)
• Widely available on most soundbars and TVs
• Separate from HDMI connections, freeing those ports for other devices

Limitations:

• Doesn‘t support the highest quality audio formats like Dolby Atmos
• No HDMI-CEC integration (requires using separate remotes)
• Cannot transmit video signals

How to Connect Philips Soundbar to Roku TV Using 3.5mm AUX Cable

For older soundbar models or budget setups, a 3.5mm auxiliary connection provides a simple, reliable analog audio option.

What You‘ll Need:

• 3.5mm audio cable (sometimes called a headphone cable)
• Philips soundbar with AUX input
• Roku TV with headphone/audio out port

Technical Specifications:

• Analog stereo signal (2.0 channels only)
• No support for surround sound formats
• Potential for signal degradation over longer cables
• Variable output based on TV‘s headphone output quality

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Locate the correct ports

   • On your Philips soundbar, find the port labeled "AUX In" or "Audio In"
   • On your Roku TV, find the 3.5mm port labeled "Audio Out" or "Headphone"

2. Make the connection

   • Connect one end of the 3.5mm cable to the Audio Out port on your Roku TV
   • Connect the other end to the AUX In port on your Philips soundbar
   • For better audio quality, use a shielded cable under 6 feet in length

3. Configure your Roku TV settings

   • Press the Home button on your Roku remote
   • Navigate to Settings > Audio
   • Select "Audio output"
   • Choose "Headphones" or "Audio Out"
   • Make sure the TV speakers are set to "Off" to avoid duplicate sound
   • On some Roku models, you‘ll need to set "Audio mode" to "Stereo"

4. Configure your Philips soundbar

   • Press the Source or Input button on your soundbar remote
   • Select "AUX" as the input source
   • Some models may have a dedicated "AUX" button on the remote
   • Adjust the input sensitivity if your soundbar offers this setting

Alternative: RCA to 3.5mm Connection

Some Roku TVs have RCA outputs (red and white) rather than a 3.5mm jack. In this case:

1. Purchase an RCA to 3.5mm adapter cable
2. Connect the red and white RCA plugs to your TV
3. Connect the 3.5mm end to your Philips soundbar
4. Follow the same settings configuration as above

Benefits of 3.5mm AUX Connection:

• Works with virtually any TV and soundbar
• Simple plug-and-play setup
• No configuration challenges
• Affordable option (cables are inexpensive)

Limitations:

• Limited to stereo sound (no surround sound)
• Analog connection may introduce noise
• Audio quality is lower than digital connections
• Requires separate volume control

How to Connect Philips Soundbar to Roku TV Using Bluetooth

If both your Philips soundbar and Roku TV support Bluetooth, you can create a wireless connection between them. This is particularly useful when you want to avoid running cables across your room.

Compatibility Note:

Not all Roku TVs support Bluetooth output. This feature is available on:

• Roku Streambar (SE, Pro)
• Roku Ultra (LT)
• Roku Plus Series TV
• Roku Pro Series TV
• Some TCL Roku TV models (2021 and newer)
• Some Hisense Roku TV models (R6 series and above)

If your Roku TV model isn‘t on this list, you‘ll need to use one of the wired methods above.

Technical Specifications:

• Most Roku TVs with Bluetooth use Bluetooth 4.2 or 5.0
• Standard SBC codec support, with some models supporting AAC
• Typical range of 30 feet (unobstructed)
• May experience latency of 100-300ms depending on the devices

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Put your Philips soundbar in pairing mode

   • Press and hold the Bluetooth or Pairing button on your soundbar or its remote
   • Look for a blinking blue LED indicator showing it‘s in discovery mode
   • Some models require holding the button for 3-5 seconds
   • Check your specific model‘s manual for exact procedure

2. Access Bluetooth settings on your Roku TV

   • Press the Home button on your Roku remote
   • Navigate to Settings > Remote & devices
   • Select "Bluetooth devices" or "Wireless speakers & headphones"
   • Choose "Add new device" or similar option
   • Ensure your TV‘s Bluetooth is set to "Discoverable"

3. Complete the pairing process

   • Your Roku TV will search for nearby Bluetooth devices
   • Select