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    HDMI+SPDIF outputs

    Discussion in 'HP' started by ____, Feb 23, 2007.

  1. ____

    ____ Notebook Enthusiast

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    How can I use both at the same time? My DVD player in entertainment center died, and rather than buy a new one I wanted to just hook up my hp 9235nr as a HTPC while at home. I have the notebook connected to my HDTV using HDMI, and a mini RCA to RCA digital connection on the SPDIF output going to my 7.1 onkyo system.
    My problem is, the notebook will only send sound out from the HDMI port when it is in use, and considers that to be a SPDIF out as well, giving me no options on the front side port. Is there a way to disable sound output on HDMI cable? Also, can Dolby Digital/DTS be sent via SPDIF? Windows Media Center and Quickplay are kind of lacking on connectivity.
     
    ____, Feb 23, 2007
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  2. cnjvh

    cnjvh Notebook Enthusiast

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    What is your laptop model? Double check that SPDIF cable. On many HP laptops, the SPDIF out looks like a mini RCA connector but it is in fact optical output and needs an optical cable with a mini RCA style connector. Bring your laptop where there's lots of light and look inside the spdif connector. I bet you see a little LED in there, not analog connectors.
     
    cnjvh, Feb 23, 2007
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  3. cnjvh

    cnjvh Notebook Enthusiast

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    cnjvh, Feb 23, 2007
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  4. ____

    ____ Notebook Enthusiast

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    i have a HP dv9235nr, question is also how do i stop sound output via HDMI. My TV has no optical/digital outs and my reciever doesnt have hdmi input DX, hence why i want to use spdif over hdmi @_@. can't find settings anywhere
     
    ____, Feb 23, 2007
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  5. JaySmuv

    JaySmuv Notebook Guru

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    I am able to use the HDMI cable and SPDIF output at the same time.

    The SPDIF output on my 9035nr (I think the same as your minus Vista) is a regular headphone jack that doubles as a SPDIF output. At least I think that's how it works. I've used headphones and a Y cable to go from that jack to RCA outs.

    I use an HDMI>DVI cable to hook up to my plasma and at the same time hook up a Y cable to that SPDIF jack and I get sound (albeit only stereo). I guess the fact that I am switching HDMI to DVI or that I'm only outputting stereo audio could be explaining the difference.

    Have you tried to go to a non-surround source from your SPDIF jack (with HDMI plugged in)? Does your SPDIF output fine without the HDMI plugged in?

    When I get home, I could test mine to see if using an HDMI from my laptop to my LCD (which has HDMI inputs) still allows for the SPDIF jack to work.

    Unfortunately, I don't have a way to go from that SPDIF jack to a 5.1 sound source, what kind of cord are you using for this?
     
    JaySmuv, Feb 23, 2007
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