Audio Unstable on Roku

It’s not our service and it doesn’t matter to us if you ditch the service because we are customers just like you on a public forum. The issue you are having is a problem with your setup. Many folks use Rokus and report that their service works great. Therefore, I’m unsure where you are making the assumption that it is DIRECTV STREAM’s fault.

A troubleshooting step you can try is running an upload and download speed test online (speedtest.net). Also, if you don’t mind me asking, are there channels specifically that seem to have this issue (example: local channels) or does it randomly occur on every channel?

In addition to @detuch254 's recommendations, check if your Rokus are running v11 of the OS. There were audio issues reported a couple of months ago and they were related to Roku OS v10.5. Make sure the OS is updated with the latest version.

Detuch, nice pointless fanboy reply. 

I have had audio problems using the Roku Express 3930 and the Roku Premier 3920. I replaced those units with the new model Roku Express 4K+ 3941 and there have been no problems since. Before I did the replacements, setting the audio mode to stereo helped a bit. 

I have been having the same issues for a YEAR now.  Only on DirectTV Stream.  Was fine before AT&T bought the company.  I have the latest version 11 software, and High Speed Internet (100mbps).  Speedtest is fine, showing around 96mbps usually.  This happens on three Roku Ultra's, a Roku Express, and my daughter's Roku Express which she is using away at College on a different Internet Provider.  One of the Roku Ultra units are brand new as well.  Constant 'chirps' that make the sound fade down and slowly come back up, or it turns totally distorted with lower volume level.  Direct/AT&T have been telling me for a year now they are going to fix it.  No change.  I've tried different audio settings, or turning off Leveling which greatly lowers the volume (except commercials) but does nothing to end the audio issues.  Note that this happens on both Live TV and Recordings.  For like TV, you have to change channels back and forth to restore the audio.  For recordings, you have to rewind 15 seconds - then it plays FINE!.  This shows it's at the delivery end if you can rewind and replay a recording and it's better.  No other service has this issue, be it Hulu, Netflix, Roku, Peacock - you name it.  They are all fine.  Sounds to me like AT&T is over compressing the audio signal to save bandwidth.  But come on - for a year already?

Contact support and voice your issue to a support rep. No one here can fix your issue. This is just a user forum, and no one here has access to accounts.

Hello @brunellip, thanks for bringing this into our attention.

We understand the importance of having the service working properly on all compatible devices.

Let's meet in a Direct Message to take a closer look. Please check your DIRECTV Message Inbox (It's the chat icon next to the bell icon in the upper right corner of the Forums).

We'll be waiting for you, thanks!

Rafael, DIRECTV Community Specialist

Hello @MrKlatuu, we want to help you getting your DIRECTV STREAM service with proper audio quality.

We're sorry to know that you're having audio issues on your Roku for the DIRECTV STREAM service for about a year now.

If you haven't tried yet, please use the following troubleshooting steps to solve common issues on your Roku devices and let us know how it goes.

We'll be waiting for you, thanks!

Rafael, DIRECTV Community Specialist

I tried something else, and it may have worked.  First off, none of the settings on your Audio Help page exist anymore.  You might want to change your Help page.  What I have tried before is tuning off LEVELING (Asterisk as a show is playing on DirectTV Stream) and setting it to Off.  But the chips and distortion continued.  What I did THIS time was change that setting, immediately log out of DirectTV Stream, and restarted the Roku.  (Like rebooting a PC after certain changes.)  Amazingly, it seems to have worked - SO FAR.  I will let you know how it goes.

Hi @MrKlatuu, we understand the importance of having all your devices working properly.

We're happy to know that you can enjoy your service at its fullest.

Don't hesitate to reach us again in case any further assistance is needed. We'll be more than glad to help you.

Jersson, DIRECTV Community Forums