The Roku Streambar is a revolutionary device that combines the functionality of a soundbar with the power of a Roku streaming device. But can it be used as just a soundbar? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the Roku Streambar and explore its capabilities as a standalone soundbar.
What is the Roku Streambar?
The Roku Streambar is a compact, all-in-one soundbar that streams entertainment and enhances your TV’s audio. It’s designed to provide an immersive audio experience while also giving you access to thousands of streaming channels, including popular services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. The Streambar is a 2-in-1 device that replaces the need for a separate soundbar and streaming device, making it a convenient and space-saving solution for any TV setup.
Soundbar Capabilities
The Roku Streambar is equipped with four 1.9-inch full-range drivers and a dedicated center channel, which provides clear and balanced sound. It also features Dolby Audio and DTS Digital Surround capabilities, allowing you to enjoy an immersive audio experience. The Streambar’s compact design and sleek appearance make it a stylish addition to any living room.
Audio Quality
The Roku Streambar’s audio quality is impressive, with clear and detailed sound that’s perfect for watching movies, TV shows, and sports. The dedicated center channel ensures that dialogue is crisp and easy to understand, while the full-range drivers provide rich and balanced sound. Whether you’re watching a action-packed movie or a sports game, the Streambar’s audio capabilities will transport you to the heart of the action.
Connectivity Options
The Roku Streambar offers a range of connectivity options, including HDMI ARC, HDMI 2.0, and optical audio inputs. This allows you to connect your TV, Blu-ray player, and gaming console to the Streambar, making it a central hub for all your entertainment needs. The Streambar also features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream music from your phone or tablet.
Using the Roku Streambar as Just a Soundbar
So, can you use the Roku Streambar as just a soundbar? The short answer is yes. While the Streambar is designed to be a streaming device and soundbar combo, you can use it as a standalone soundbar. However, there are some limitations to consider.
Limited Soundbar Mode
When you turn off the Roku streaming capabilities, the Streambar enters a limited soundbar mode. In this mode, you can access basic sound settings and adjust the volume, but you won’t have access to advanced features like Dolby Audio or DTS Digital Surround. You’ll also need to connect your TV or other devices directly to the Streambar using the optical audio input or HDMI ARC.
No Access to Roku Features
When you use the Streambar as a standalone soundbar, you won’t have access to Roku features like channel streaming, voice control, or personalized recommendations. You’ll need to use your TV’s built-in speakers or another soundbar to access these features.
Benefits of Using the Roku Streambar as a Soundbar
Despite the limitations, there are some benefits to using the Roku Streambar as just a soundbar.
Compact Design
The Streambar’s compact design makes it a great option for smaller living rooms or apartments. Its sleek and stylish appearance won’t clutter up your entertainment center, and it’s easy to place on a shelf or mount on a wall.
Affordable Price
Compared to other soundbars on the market, the Roku Streambar is an affordable option. You get the benefits of a high-quality soundbar and streaming device in one, making it a great value for the price.
Alternatives to the Roku Streambar
If you’re looking for a standalone soundbar, there are several alternatives to the Roku Streambar.
Sonos Beam
The Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar that’s designed for smaller living rooms. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a high-quality soundbar with advanced features like Dolby Atmos and Alexa built-in.
Yamaha YAS-209
The Yamaha YAS-209 is a budget-friendly soundbar that’s designed for TV and movie enthusiasts. It features advanced audio processing and a wireless subwoofer for enhanced bass response.
Conclusion
The Roku Streambar is a versatile device that can be used as a standalone soundbar, but it’s designed to be a streaming device and soundbar combo. While it has some limitations in soundbar mode, it’s still a great option for those looking for a compact and affordable soundbar. However, if you’re looking for a high-end soundbar with advanced features, you may want to consider alternatives like the Sonos Beam or Yamaha YAS-209.
| Feature | Roku Streambar | Sonos Beam | Yamaha YAS-209 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soundbars Only Mode | Yes (limited features) | No | No |
| Streaming Capabilities | Yes (Roku OS) | No | No |
| Dolby Atmos | No | Yes | No |
| Price | Affordable | Mid-range | Budget-friendly |
In conclusion, the Roku Streambar is a great option for those looking for a compact and affordable soundbar with streaming capabilities. While it has some limitations in soundbar mode, it’s a great value for the price. However, if you’re looking for a high-end soundbar with advanced features, you may want to consider alternatives like the Sonos Beam or Yamaha YAS-209.
Can I use Roku Streambar as a standalone soundbar without connecting it to a TV?
You can use the Roku Streambar as a standalone soundbar, but it will have limited functionality. You can still connect it to a device like a Blu-ray player or a gaming console, but you won’t be able to access the Roku streaming services or control it with the Roku remote. However, you can still use the Roku Streambar to play audio from your connected devices.
Keep in mind that the Roku Streambar is designed to work seamlessly with a TV, so some features might not work as intended without one. For example, you won’t be able to use the Roku Streambar’s built-in voice control or access the Roku Channel without a TV connected. But if you just want a simple soundbar for your devices, the Roku Streambar can still provide decent sound quality.
Do I need a Roku account to use the Streambar as a soundbar?
You don’t necessarily need a Roku account to use the Streambar as a soundbar. You can still connect it to your devices and play audio without signing in or creating an account. However, if you want to access Roku’s streaming services or use features like voice control or mobile app control, you’ll need to create a Roku account.
Without a Roku account, you’ll be limited to using the Streambar as a basic soundbar, but you can still enjoy decent sound quality and connect it to your devices via HDMI or Bluetooth. If you decide to create a Roku account later, you can always sign in and access the full range of features and services.
Can I use the Roku Streambar with other devices besides a TV?
Yes, you can use the Roku Streambar with other devices besides a TV. The Streambar has multiple HDMI inputs, so you can connect it to devices like Blu-ray players, gaming consoles, or even a computer. You can also connect devices wirelessly using Bluetooth.
The Roku Streambar is a versatile soundbar that can work with a variety of devices, making it a great option if you have a multi-device setup. Just be sure to check the compatibility of your devices with the Streambar before making a purchase.
Will the Roku Streambar work with my older TV that doesn’t have HDMI-ARC?
The Roku Streambar does support older TVs without HDMI-ARC, but you might need to use an optical audio cable instead. You’ll need to connect the Streambar to your TV using an optical audio cable, and then connect your devices to the Streambar using HDMI.
Keep in mind that using an optical audio cable might limit some of the Streambar’s features, such as automatically switching inputs or using HDMI-CEC control. But you can still enjoy good sound quality and connect your devices to the Streambar.
Can I use the Roku Streambar as a center channel speaker only?
Yes, you can use the Roku Streambar as a center channel speaker only. The Streambar is designed to work as a standalone soundbar, but you can also use it as a center channel speaker in a home theater setup.
To use the Streambar as a center channel speaker, you’ll need to connect it to your home theater receiver or processor using an HDMI cable. You can then connect your other speakers to the receiver or processor to create a full home theater setup.
Will the Roku Streambar work with my dolby atmos system?
The Roku Streambar does support Dolby Atmos, but it’s limited to streaming services that support Atmos. If you have a Dolby Atmos system, you can connect the Streambar to your system using an HDMI cable, and then enjoy Atmos audio from supported streaming services.
However, keep in mind that the Streambar itself is not a Dolby Atmos decoder, so you’ll need a separate Atmos decoder or receiver to process the audio. If you have a full Dolby Atmos system, you might want to consider a soundbar that’s specifically designed for Atmos systems.
Can I use the Roku Streambar with a soundbase or subwoofer?
Yes, you can use the Roku Streambar with a soundbase or subwoofer. The Streambar has a subwoofer output, so you can connect an external subwoofer to enhance the bass response. You can also connect the Streambar to a soundbase, which can provide additional bass and improved sound quality.
When connecting an external subwoofer or soundbase, you’ll need to adjust the settings on the Streambar to optimize the sound. You might need to enable the subwoofer output or adjust the bass settings to get the best possible sound quality.