How do I switch audio from my computer to my TV?
All modern digital technology is designed to be synchronized. The equipment is connected to each other to use new functions and capabilities. By pairing a computer and a TV receiver, you can significantly improve the picture and sound quality, making watching movies and listening to music more comfortable.
Connection methods via cable
Several methods have been developed to enable you to switch the sound from your computer to your TV. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of the synchronization option depends on the models of the equipment used and the availability of the necessary cables (for a wired connection). Before starting the pairing process, you should study the technique for the presence of different ports.
HDMI
HDMI is the most widely used data transfer method. Experts recommend choosing this option due to the high sound quality. This method minimizes problems and various synchronization problems. Minus - only modern TV models are equipped with HDMI interface. They are absent on older models.
This cable may be bundled with selected digital devices. It is also not difficult to find it in any computer store or order online.
Note: The quality of the transmitted signal depends on the cable. It is not necessary to purchase the most expensive option, but using a cheap cord is still not recommended. It can not only transmit sound and image poorly, but also quickly deteriorate.
To connect a TV receiver to a PC, you need to de-energize the equipment and use a cable to connect it through the appropriate port. After that, the sound will be automatically redirected to the new hardware. No additional user settings are required. The connection process takes a few minutes.
DVI
If your TV does not have an HDMI connector, you can use another method to transfer sound from one type of equipment to another. The use of this pairing option is also relevant for modern users.
All existing DVI connectors can be divided into 3 categories:
- digital;
- analog;
- combined.
Some difficulties can be encountered when transmitting audio through the DVI port. Successful pairing is affected by the graphics card model used by the PC. Only a few are equipped with DVI outputs. But if such a connector is still available, it will not be difficult to output the sound.
If you need to transfer not only sound but also image, you should use a special cable of the DVI-HDMI format. Alternatively, you can connect using a DVI-D to HDMI adapter and a standard HDMI to HDMI cable. This complicates synchronization, but it is still accessible and understandable for beginners.
This option has the advantage of maintaining optimal sound quality. As a disadvantage, the need for customization is noted, which completely disappears when using the above-described option. To redirect audio, you need to open the TV receiver menu, select a new audio source (in our case, this is the DVI port) and save the changes. During the synchronization process, the equipment must be physically connected.
VGA
The following method is considered outdated, but still remains relevant. It is inferior to the previous two options in quality, but it is great for connecting a computer with an old TV.
Typically, the required port on a home computer is occupied by the cable from the monitor. To connect the equipment without disconnecting any components of the PC, you need to use an adapter and a separate cable designed specifically for the audio signal.
The VGA port is not designed for audio transmission. It will be possible to withdraw it only when using special devices, including the presence of a cable. The price of a cord, without which connection is impossible, is higher compared to other types of cables. Moreover, this synchronization option is inferior in quality to all the above methods.
RCA
Many owners of old TVs equipped with RCA connectors are interested in the possibility of pairing such a TV receiver model with a computer. This can be done using the tulips cable, which is familiar to many users.
The plugs and connectors required for pairing are colored to enable correct connection. The yellow channel is needed to transmit the image, and in our case it is not used. To redirect audio, you need red and white connectors. The manufacturer decided to split the audio signal into 2 channels (right and left), providing 2 separate plugs for them.
Before starting pairing, the equipment must be disconnected from the mains.
Next, the equipment is physically connected using an RCA cable. Connection is made by colors. The next step is to configure the hardware. You need to turn on the PC and change the screen resolution, taking into account the size of the TV. The TV receiver is switched to Video mode.
If everything is done correctly, the sound will come through the connected equipment. Despite the fact that this option is outdated, it will not be difficult to find and purchase a tulip cable. There are two or three plug options available on the market.
Wireless options
Modern users, who have been familiar with the device and the operation of digital equipment for several years, make a choice in favor of wireless synchronization. This option is more convenient than the wired one, but there are some peculiarities that must be taken into account.
When choosing to pair technology with a PC via a Wi-Fi signal, you need to evaluate the capabilities of the TV receiver. The TV must be equipped with DLNA technology support. You will also need a player for various multimedia files.
Almost all modern TV models have everything you need to perform pairing, in this regard, the method of connecting via Wi-Fi is considered an alternative to pairing via an HDMI cable.
There are several settings to be made.
- First you need to check the presence of a wireless module in the TV device. You can find the information you need in the operating instructions.
- After that, you should configure the router for it to work in DHCP mode. It is recommended that you set a password during this step. It will protect the connection.
- After turning on the TV and opening the menu, you should go to the section "Wireless connection".
- We find the desired network and connect, using the set password.
- To output the audio signal you need to install a media server on your PC. With the help of this program, the user is given access to the files that are stored on the computer.
- To transfer audio to new equipment (computer to TV), open the media server on the PC, and select Ethernet as the source on the TV receiver.
Despite the convenience of this method due to the lack of cables, it has disadvantages. The process of playing sound significantly loads the local network, as a result of which the data transfer rate decreases.
The most convenient methods while maintaining the quality of the transmitted signal are considered connections via the HDMI port and using a Wi-Fi signal. The rest of the options are recommended to be used only when the two options above are not available.
Possible problems
Pairing between your computer and your TV is pretty straightforward, especially if you use modern connection methods. However, even experienced users can face various problems. Knowing the right approach, you can quickly fix the problem yourself or find the source of the problem.
If the sound does not come through the new device when using the HDMI cable, you need to designate the TV receiver as the new sound source. This is done using a PC.
- Find the speaker-shaped icon (located on the taskbar).
- Click on it once with the right mouse button (RMB).
- Go to the section "Playback devices". In the window that opens, find the name of the TV and select it using the RMB. It is necessary to mark it with the item "Use by default".
- Check the hardware again
Note: when performing the above steps, the equipment must be connected with a cable. If the computer does not see the TV, restart it and try the procedure again.
It will be useful to check the model of the video card and the presence of an HDMI output on it. It will definitely be on new devices.
We provide a list of common common problems and their solutions.
- Check the integrity of the cable used when connecting. It must be free from defects and other severe damage, but even visual integrity cannot be guaranteed. A wire breakage under the braid may occur and the cord will not function as a result.
- When using a wired connection, remember that the cables must not be under tension. In this case, they may fall out of the connectors or be loose inside, causing interference.
- Do not forget to periodically check and update the driver on the computer, namely: on the video card... This essential software is required for the device to function. Without it, the PC may not see the connected equipment. You can download the driver for free from the official website of the video card manufacturer. You can also check and update the software using standard operating system tools (for advanced users).
- Another reason that prevents synchronization is the presence of viruses on the computer. If the system fails, check with an antivirus program. Perform a full scan if necessary (the process may take a long time). Experts recommend regularly checking your PC.
- Over time, connectors become clogged with dust, debris, and oxidize. It can also cause a crash. Examine them carefully and assess the condition. You can use a regular cotton swab or soft cloth to clean the dust from the ports. For a gentle removal of oxidation, it is better to contact a service center.
- With prolonged and frequent use, the ports begin to play. In this case, repairs are indispensable.
In the absence of the necessary skills and tools, it is better to entrust the work to professionals.
Next, watch a video on how to set up sound from a computer on a TV.
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