M1330 HDMI Video and Audio output problems

Hi all.

I've tried a few different ways of getting 5.1 audio output over HDMI. I used to watch all my movies with VLC and after enabling the S/PDIF option and switching to the Win32Wave output module it almost works. My receiver (Yamaha V1600) detects the DD signal but it's chopping, constantly. Disabling the S/PDIF (and then the 5.1 sound as well) makes the audio smooth again) Did anyone here get 5.1 with VLC to work?

With PowerDVD the DD/DTS streams are decoded properly and no audio issues at all. Unfortunately, when I try to display the movie on my LCD the program lets me know that its not possible to do that due to HDCP reasons (it complains about the fact that I use a repeater) It really should work since my receiver is HDCP compatible.

Mplayer classic works fine with DVDs, .mkv, .avi and other stuff (including HD in at least 720p) and after installing AC3Filter with 5.1 audio as well. So that is what I use at the moment.

Vista's own DD/DTS-surround tests work fine.

Then, finally, I've got some problems with the sound over HDMI that seems to be connected to the HDMI-circuits - when outputing video to my LCD the audio, once every few minutes (sometimes longer), stops working for maybe half a second. When outputing video to the laptops own screen there is no problem like this at all. Doesn't matter if it's stereo or 5.1. Anyone???

/JP

 

Maybe you can help...I tried to watch a movie via HDMI from my M1330 to tv today. The picture was excellent but the sound wouldnt carry to the tv. Am I doing something wrong?

 

You're a regular here so my first reaction was that you are joking. But maybe you are not. This has been discussed in several threads here.

When you plug in earphones, the laptop knows you have done so and switches the audio. When you plug in HDMI, it knows you have done so and switches to your chosen 2-monitor setup (one only, duplicate, independent). But IT DOES NOT SWITCH THE AUDIO, for reasons unknown.

You have to do it manually. Right click the sound icon, select "output devices" or "speakers" or whatever (I can't remember), , select HDMI and make it the default.

When you disconnect the hdmi cable, you have to manually undo the above change or your laptop speakers or earphones won't work.

 

Thank you for the help. Im a bit miffed now as I watched Hog Wild earlier with my headphones going to my Receiver.

I have to try it again as my receiver allows for HDMI thoroughput and I want to make sure this works.

As for my oversite; Ive taken on a bit too many jobs here I think and miss the stuff I need. If you would believe, 10-15 pm's a day is common most relating to my "How-To" on getting a computer deal or my "Getting Money Back" after the purchase.

My having to draw on others for simple 'already covered' things now is becoming commonplace. Trebuin is also helping me with overclocking of my system as well as my transition to 64bit soon enough.

Then I will have to tackle whether HDMI will still work there.

Thanx again and repped you. Your well on your way to the Pink Spatula/Toaster Oven Combo!!!

 

Drjp,

I am happy to hear you have made 5.1 output work over HDMI. I had almost given up hope. My HDMI is connected to a 7.1 HDMI capable receiver, but it only outputs 2 channels. Needless to say, this is disappointing. Do you have any suggestions on how to get full 5.1 or 7.1 output over HDMI?

In the image below, you can see that Vista thinks the HDMI output is only capable of stereo. Perhaps this is part of the problem?


In the image below, you can see the error message I get when I try to run a test tone with Dolby Digital or DTS Audo. This also seems like it could be a problem, but I cannot find any way to fix it.


I would greatly appreciate any suggestions you could offer.

 

Drjp says his Dell came configured to run 5.1 audio. Anyone else have a theory why mine isn't working?

 

Well I have no HDMI capable devices to test with. But anyways I can't even get to where you select how may speakers you have. And although I can play the test tones when testing teh shared mode capability, teh Test button for testing the diffrent audio codecs is greyed out :s

 

Well, I thnk that some of my problems are due to the fact that my system is connected to a non-grounded power supply.

I think that there is a windows or possibly hw problem if the vista sound tests for DD/DTS doesn't work.

Otherwise I have no problems at the moment outputing 720p .mkv's containing x.264 w/ 5.1 or 6.1 sound in DD/DTS. No problems with DVD's & 5.1 or 6.1.

 

I think the way Dell sets up the HDMI to only output video unless you tell it to output audio over HDMI as well, makes much sense.

A typical user will likely connect the laptop to a DVI display via the HDMI port on the M1330. Therefore, that user will still want the audio to come out of the speakers, whether internal or headphones, etc.

If you happen to be connecting to a TV which does have better speakers, you do, of course, have the option to switch the audio. But I believe Dell chose correctly in leaving the audio alone, by default.

 

I fixed the problem I was having by upgrading to the newest Intel Graphics drivers (which includes an update to the HDMI audio output), available from intel.com.

To install the Intel drivers, I had to uninstall the Dell drivers first (otherwise I got an error message).

Now I can output 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS over HDMI!

Also, the new driver automatically switches audio to HDMI, which is cool.

 

Old thread, but my audio is also acting up.
HDMI out to my plasma monitor. Video works great, but audio is choppy.
I just got the new dell sigma tel audio driver, and I think that just made it worse.

This intel fix that was posted before mine. What happens if i have the 8400gs card and not the intel video?

 

I don't really know, are your current HDMI audio drivers made by intel or Nvidia?

 

I tried this:

right-click speaker icon > playback devices > set hdmi as default

Still couldn't get HDMI audio out to my Panasonic plasma. Any ideas?

 

Just read your sig, what ISP do you use?

 

I sometimes have to put my computer to sleep and wake it back up again after switching the audio source to HDMI. Sounds weird but it worked for me.

 

I found this on page 65 of the manual:

Unfortunately, doing this makes no difference and audio over HDMI still doesn't work

How many are able to get audio over HDMI to work? I'm wondering if my notebook might be defective.

 

see here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=2848671#post2848671

 

I am having the same issue. I pluged mine in a Pioneer reciever, it does detected a 5.1 digital sound from the HDMI but the sound will not stay ON consistantly.

The sound would be On for a few sec then off for a few seconds.

What cound of caused this ??

How did you guys Fix this issue???

 

Thanks! I tried every check box combo, applied the setting and then clicked the PLAY icon and still no audio.

The HDMI volume meter did bounce green like there was audio, but nothing audible on the Panasonic.

Are you able to get it to work on your system? What's your setup like?

 

i have this problem. when i upgraded the hdmi driver, i now have NO hdmi playback device. however it's showing in system device manager!

geez this should be a simple thing!!

 

ok so i got audio from hdmi. but it's only stereo pcm.

the windows DD and DTS test dont work as i get an error "windows was unable to play back the test tone". any attempt to play dvds with ac3 passthrough creates static.

 

I think I saw somewhere that the HDMI port can only output stereo, no digital surround stuff. Don't quote me on that though...