Windows Vista: Intermittent HDMI sound problems
- I purchased an ASUS desktop last month with the intention of using it with a new flat panel TV via HDMI.
The problem is that the HDMI output is unreliable. Sometimes I can hear the startup sound when logging into the computer, but it often cuts off in the middle.
When I check audio output devices, I do see the HDMI device, but it is grayed out and noted as "Disconnected". If I unplug and replug the cable, it miraculously "reconnects", but I have to restart the application to hear sound again, even when it recognized as connected. I can then get sound until the next time I log in or restart the computer.
- The HDMI device is set as the default device.
- The TV is the only video or audio output connected to the computer, and none of the other audio ports are in use at all. The computer is connected only to the TV and only via an HDMI cable.
- The problem has existed since I set up the computer the first time, and I have not installed any additional software on the computer--I'm happy with the standard Windows Media Center options for both video and audio, so no iTunes or other media player has been installed.
- There are no error messages for the HDMI device in the Device Manager, which reports that the device is working correctly--even when it obviously isn't.
- I have tried updating the HDMI drivers but I apparently already have the most current drivers for the hardware.
- I have tried uninstalling the device in Device Manager and letting it reload the drivers automatically.
- The TV has two HDMI ports, and I have the same problem on the computer regardless of which port I am using. I have not experienced audio issues with the DVR that uses the other HDMI port.
- I have tried at least three different cables with the same results.
- I know the cable is not loose at either end.
It would be good to have a real FIX that simply leaves the HDMI audio output available all the time.
Kiminy1 person needs an answerI do too
All Replies
Hi Kiminy,
Welcome to Microsoft Answers Forums.
We would like to get a little more information from you to help troubleshoot your issue. Please answer the following questions as best you can.
· What is the version of Windows installed on the laptop?
This may happen if the sound card driver present on the computer might be corrupted would suggest that you update the sound card driver on computer and check if it works.
First would suggest that you run the Fixit tool available in the below link and check if it works fine.
Tips for fixing common sound problems
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Tips-for-fixing-common-sound-problems
If the above step does not fix the issue would suggest that you uninstall the sound card driver present on the computer and later download the latest driver for the sound card from the manufacturer website, install it and check if it works.
1. Click Start type Device Manager in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.
In the Device Manager dialog box, expand Sound, video, and game controllers.
Locate the audio device that was included with the computer.
2. Right-click the device, and then click Properties
Click the Driver tab, and then click Uninstall.
Once the sound driver is uninstall, reinstall the sound drivers that you had downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.Halima S - Microsoft Support.
Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.
- Marked As Answer byJason H. - Support EngineerMSFT, ModeratorThursday, October 29, 2009 3:11 PM
- Unmarked As Answer byKiminy Sunday, November 29, 2009 2:54 PM
- Have you had any luck sorting this as I have got exactly the same problem with my Asus and Windows Vista Ultimate. My sound pops and cracks for 30 seconds every 10 minutes, other than that, perfect sound! I've uninstalled and re-installing the sound driver but still no luck.
Rose - I have the same issue and have thus far been unable to resolve it. I've tried everything with no success.
- New development;
I watched a dvd last night via the pc. No problems with the sound at all. Someone mentioned it could be the internet connection. I'm using an ethernet cable and have check all the connections. Does that ring a bell to anyone??
Please help me someone, it's driving me mad!
Rose - Still no solution here.
Note that my problem is a complete LACK of sound, not poor sound quality. The computer simply stops acknowledging that it can send sound through the HDMI cable, even though the video signal is very good. My best guess is that it is some kind of driver or port interference that Windows can't resolve, but I can't determine what driver might be causing the conflict.
A bad Internet connection would not explain a complete loss of sound for local files--like the start-up sound for WMC, or playing a CD or DVD that is physically in the computer. The computer in question here uses a wireless Internet connection that works very well--I can even stream Netflix movies or watch Web-based TV episodes without lag or interruptions, with as good quality as watching a DVD in the computer's DVD drive.
At this point, I'm simply unplugging/plugging the cable in as necessary, and waiting for the Windows 7 upgrade to arrive. I don't know if that will fix it. It is good to know that others have experienced the same problems, though, since it means I'm not imagining it.
Kim
- As an update to this issue....
I upgraded the computer in question to Windows 7 Home Premium, and the problem seems to be resolved completely.
Kiminy - I have the same issue Kimminy had, but I'm already on Windows 7 Home Premium... All drivers have been updated. Frustrating!
