Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Why can't I get any audio when I use my TV as a monitor?

T

TezaStone

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 30, 2012
2
0
:confused:
I have an old model (2010) Macbook Pro...the kind that only transfers video but not audio through the hdmi cable.

I have this tv:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5247576

With these terminals:

Inputs
Composite
Component In
HDMI
RF Input
Ethernet (LAN)
DVI Audio In
Outputs
Optical Digital Audio
Audio Output
HDMI Ports 2

So I can get video with a mini-dvi to hdmi adaptor and hdmi cable, but I can't get sound.

I didn't know what "in" and "out" meant when it came to terminals ( complete newbie at this!) so I tried an audio cable, an optical digital audio cable and a DVI Audio cable. The audio and optical digital audio didn't work becuse they're output terminals, but neither did the DVI Audio in!

Am I doing something wrong? Is there no way to get sound from my Macbook Pro to this tv???

Any suggestions?

Thank you!
 
You have to use the audio connector for the input you're using. HDMI inputs generally do not have separate audio connections because HDMI carries audio.

I found the manual for your TV but it doesn't have a clear diagram of all the connections on the back. Can you provide a photo? The manual seems to indicate that the only audio input is for the component input despite what you've stated.

TezaStone said:
DVI Audio In
Click to expand...
TezaStone said:
DVI Audio cable
Click to expand...
I've never heard of a DVI audio connector or cable. Can you provide photos?

What I suspect is that the DVI audio input is for use with HDMI input 1 since the manual refers to "HDMI IN 1 (DVI), 2". Note that DVI is in parenthesis after HDMI 1 but not after HDMI 2.

It also states "To connect the TV to a digital device that does not support HDMI output, use an HDMI to DVI cable and separate audio cables" but it never says where to connect the audio cables. A connector named "DVI Audio In" would make sense if that was the case.

TezaStone said:
I have an old model (2010) Macbook Pro...the kind that only transfers video but not audio through the hdmi cable.
Click to expand...
This commonly posted guide
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/792106/

seems to indicate that you can have audio over HDMI with your MBP using a specific adapter from Monoprice.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10428&cs_id=1042802&p_id=5969&seq=1&format=2
 
Last edited:

Btw, it is not Mini DVI what you have, it is Mini DisplayPort.

Mini DisplayPort (MDP) / Thunderbolt
Mini DisplayPort is the current digital standard on all current Macs to transfer video to an external display or TV. It has been introduced in 10/2008 with the release of the Unibody MacBook and MacBook Pros and has gradually been adopted on all other Macs.
MDP is capable of transmitting video, and since 2010, audio too. MDP is a miniaturised version of DisplayPort. It is also license free and can support resolutions of up to 2560 x 1600, which Mini DVI and Micro DVI are not able to do.
Since 2011, all Macs come with a Thunderbolt port, which is meant for fast data transfer and also as means to connect to an external display device to mirror or extend the Mac's screen.
To learn more about Thunderbolt (TB) and its compatibility with Mini DisplayPort (MDP): Introducing Thunderbolt​
MR_video_out_Mac_Mini_DP.png
MDP adapters and cables can be bought online from:


Also of interest: "What is "Mini DisplayPort"? Is it an industry-standard? How is it different from or better than Mini-DVI and Micro-DVI?"
​
Click to expand...
 
takeshi74 said:
What I suspect is that the DVI audio input is for use with HDMI input 1 since the manual refers to "HDMI IN 1 (DVI), 2". Note that DVI is in parenthesis after HDMI 1 but not after HDMI 2.

It also states "To connect the TV to a digital device that does not support HDMI output, use an HDMI to DVI cable and separate audio cables" but it never says where to connect the audio cables. A connector named "DVI Audio In" would make sense if that was the case.
Click to expand...
Yep. There you go:
http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/ap...dio-when-i-use-my-tv-monitor.html#post1485982

Look closer at the HDMI ports on your TV - one of them will have "DVI" marked on it - usually HDMI 1.
You must use the HDMI port that is marked DVI in order to get a separate sound input to work.

You must also use the audio port labeled as "DVI audio in" - that is the only input that will work with the HDMI port you found above.

All of the Samsungs I have seen use a stereo 3.5mm mini-plug for this - the same as the plug on your Mac.
So you would need a stereo 3.5mm mini-plug - at both ends.
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back