Roku Owners That Have Unit With Separate Audio Output - Will Sound Work With TV Off?

[h-hawk]

We are trying to switch from Directv satellite where I could listen to the audio from the channels without having the TV on to their streaming service. I am trying the Osprey that has a separate audio output but the sound shuts off soon after the TV is turned off. This isn't a problem with the HDMI sync setting, the audio goes to a DAC so I assume the Osprey senses the inactivity and shuts down the video and audio. I would like to buy a ROKU with audio out that would allow me to tune in the channel I want, say CNN and just listen over the audio system. Thanks.
(My trick of feeding the HDMI into a splitter not connected to anything doesn't seem to keep this Directv device awake.)

 

[billanole]

We are trying to switch from Directv satellite where I could listen to the audio from the channels without having the TV on to their streaming service. I am trying the Osprey that has a separate audio output but the sound shuts off soon after the TV is turned off. This isn't a problem with the HDMI sync setting, the audio goes to a DAC so I assume the Osprey senses the inactivity and shuts down the video and audio. I would like to buy a ROKU with audio out that would allow me to tune in the channel I want, say CNN and just listen over the audio system. Thanks.
(My trick of feeding the HDMI into a splitter not connected to anything doesn't seem to keep this Directv device awake.)

CSB.
Can’t help, but hope others can.

 

[binsfeldcyhawk2]

I have Roku but have no idea.

Good luck

 

[Moral]

I have their sound bar device. I'll test it now.

*It will turn off if you are on HDMI Arc. My TV that has a Roku pro going into my receiver will stay on if I turn off the TV, it's not on HDMI Arc.

 

[Moral]

@h-hawk edited my above post to update.

I think the options would be to have a stereo receiver or to have a sound bar with a HDMI in and out to work around the HDMI Arc issue.

 

[bagdropper]

If you're using a Roku device, I don't believe you'll be able to do what you want to do here. Years ago I tried to figure out a solution on how to record HD output of a Roku using HDMI and even if I down-res'd the output to 480p, the recording device input was blacked out.

The only way I could get the device to work at all was to use its composite output into my recording device - which of course meant I could only record in 480i. However, even if I left the HDMI plugged into the TV all output was shut down (outputting to either the HDMI or composite).

Unplugged the HDMI, voila - I could record the composite output. This is how I record Iowa football now if they aren't on OTA local - and yes I can listen to Roku composite audio without the TV (composite video) being on. Note that this is using a device that is probably at least 5 years old now and I seriously doubt they sell it any more.

Hell, this was back in the late 2010's...Roku wasn't messing around with DRM - THEY were locking down all output as opposed to DTV STB's only locking down what the individual content provider (such as say HBO) was sending them.


My bet is something similar is happening here. Once the HDMI "talk back" is broken by the TV being off, nothing is output from all output jacks.

 

[ericram]

I have had many roku devices over the years. Actually wish I had invested in them.

I have connected my Yamaha receiver to it for digital surround sound. I have a sound bar connected to one and works great. Sorry what is your question again?

 

[h-hawk]

Thanks for the responses, I appreciate them. I have a desktop computer near the living room. Maybe I will have to stream my shows whenever possible and use my computer speakers.

To be honest, though the streaming picture is pretty good I don't think it compares to the dish. Is $60 a month savings worth me being sad? (We are now both retired and trying to save money.)

 

[millah_22]

My sound bar works with the tv off but I don't have a roku

 

[RileyHawk]

Thanks for the responses, I appreciate them. I have a desktop computer near the living room. Maybe I will have to stream my shows whenever possible and use my computer speakers.

To be honest, though the streaming picture is pretty good I don't think it compares to the dish. Is $60 a month savings worth me being sad? (We are now both retired and trying to save money.)

You can take your Roku into a A/V receiver and then out to the TV. That will allow you to turn the TV off while the Roku streams a TV show or music from one of the apps through your stereo speakers.

If your picture is not as good as it was with satellite that's likely due to a weak wifi signal to the Roku or a lack of bandwidth from your internet provider.

 

[ZachJump]

Worse come to worse you can put the Roku into a splitter, then have an output with an HDMI to audio splitter and you should be good.

Everyone’s situation is different…but I would be curious as to why it matter if a TV is on if you are getting the audio you want?

 

[millah_22]

My sound bar works with the tv off but I don't have a roku

After re-reading OPs post. My sound bar only works with TV channels if the TV is on. I can use it as a blue tooth receiver with the TV off, but I can't turn it to a channel, turn the tv off and continue to listen to the channel.