Playing Sound via HDMI When Monitor Is Off

cpm

New Member
Messages
2
Very helpful forum so thanks in advance for addressing this -

I have an Asus laptop running Intel Display Audio and I have it connected to an external monitor via HDMI. I also have external logitech speakers, which for whatever reason, sound a lot better when plugged in to the monitor than the headphone jack of the laptop (which has a much muddier sound). I want to be able to play music when the monitor is off/sleep, however when I do that, obviously the sound turns off. The settings on the monitor were pretty basic and didn't see anything to change it. Is there any workaround?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 consumer 64 bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M5 481PT-6644
    CPU
    Intel Core I5
    Memory
    6 GB
    Hard Drives
    Spinning/SSD hybrid 500GB/20GB
    Mouse
    ELAN Trackpad
    Internet Speed
    18mbs/5mbs
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
You could get an hdmi switch that separates out the audio. The one linked below is a example, there are cheaper alternatives too.

Amazon.com: Monoprice 4x1 HDMI Switch w/ TOSlink & Digital Coaxial Audio Output (Audio Return Channel/3D/CEC Support): Electronics

Idea is good, but the linked splitter outputs only digital audio. Unless your speakers accept it (most probably not, if it's not some kind of home entertainment system) you need to feed analog audio signal to it.

This would be better (and way cheaper): HDV-M610 HDMI to AV Video Audio Converter - White - Free Shipping - DealExtreme - but you'd need to unplug the monitor to use it (unless the monitor has HDMI passthrough or the computer has more HDMI outputs).

Or you can buy a splitter with analog audio output (most expensive, but neatest /hassle-free/ option): HDMI Splitter / Digital Audio Converter / Analog Audio Decoder - Black + Yellow (1-In / 2-Out) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme

Easiest, if you have a separate digital audio output (coaxial or optical), would be to buy this: Cheap Digital to Analog Audio Converter

With all these you'd need also a cinches to 3.5 jack adapter if you didn't get it together with the speakers (my old Logitech 2.1 speakers provided it): 3.5mm Audio Jack (Female) to RCA Audio Converter (30cm) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro 64bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo R500 2714-7TG
    CPU
    Intel Core2 Duo T5870
    Memory
    2 * 2GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Mobile Intel(R) 4 Series Express Chipset Family
    Sound Card
    Conexant 20561 SmartAudio HD
Thanks. Yeah, unfortunately, I only have 1 HDMI port on my laptop and as noted, I have no coaxial on the monitor. The only out port I have for audio is for earphones. It sounds to me like the best solution might be the splitter w the 1-In,2-Out since I'd rather not swap in and out the monitor on my HDMI port.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
Back
Top