Get PC sound on your HDMI TV, equalise unpredictable volume levels and fix choppy audio
No sound when playing media from your laptop through TV
Connected your laptop to your TV via an HDMI cable and getting pictures but no sound? It’s a common problem that's easily fixed. Press Windows key+R to open the Run box, type mmsys.cpl and press Enter. Select the Playback tab to view a list of available devices, which should include an entry for your TV. Right-click this entry and choose ‘Set as Default Device’. Click OK to close the box and then, if necessary, close and restart whatever media application you’re using to output audio/video to your TV.
Volume levels are inconsistent
If you find that some sounds are louder than others, it’s likely that Windows’ volume levels are unequal. To equalise them, launch the master Volume Mixer window by pressing Windows key+R, typing sndvol.exe -f and pressing Enter. Now click and drag to move the various sliders up. You can use this method to reduce volume levels in any program where the output is louder than it is in others.
Sound from only one speaker
Lop-sided sound is usually a symptom of a poor connection, meaning either the speaker or headphone plug is not fully inserted, or the cable or socket is faulty. Make sure the jack plug is pushed all the way in. If that doesn’t work, check Windows’ volume balance. Press Windows key+R. type mmsys.cpl then press Enter. Select the Levels tab, click Balance, then check that the numbers for both L(eft) and R(right) are the same. If they are, then try your speakers with a different source - by connecting them to the 3.5mm headphones socket on your TV, for example. If both channels work - and the sound doesn’t break up when you twiddle the cable then there’s a fault with your PC’s jack socket.
On a desktop PC you might be able to get the connection repaired or replaced, or you may have to fit a new sound card. Laptop repairs are generally trickier or even impossible, but you could try an external sound card that connects via USB.
Front-panel audio socket doesn't work
When sound works from your PC’s rear socket but not from the connector at the front the cause is usually incorrect drivers or a disconnected (or absent) cable. If you’re using the motherboard’s integrated audio jack then check the motherboard manufacturer's website for the latest drivers. If you’re using a slot-in sound card, then get the drivers from the sound card’s manufacturer.
If this doesn’t work, open up your PC and check to see If there's a cable between the front panel socket and the motherboard. Note that front sockets are often part of a DVD drive, so check the connections here also. It’s possible that your PC’s manufacturer cut costs by not including the requisite cable. 'Ihese can be bought cheaply online - but check the connections on both your motherboard and front panel so you know what to buy.
Audio stutters during playback
When music or video audio breaks up, it typically means that Windows is struggling to process things. Closing unused programs usually helps but for a permanent fix you’ll need to dig deeper. First, turn off all audio enhancements. Press Windows key + R. type mmsys.cpl and press Fnter. On the Playback tab, click to select your output device and then click Properties. Now choose the Enhancements tab. tick ‘Disable all sound effects’ and then click OK twice.
If this doesn’t help, use Microsoft’s free Process Explorer (www.snipca.com/19261) to figure out what processes might be contributing to the audio stutter. Click the CPU heading to sort the column, putting the biggest resource hogs at the top. Now play your audio while watching the topmost Description columns. Select a suspect process then press Control (Ctrl)+M to search the web for more information.