OS X doesn't detect speakers through HDMI?

[ckelly06]

Hi all,

I just set up my new HP 2709m monitor, which has integrated speakers, using an HDMI connection. For some reason, OS X (Snow Leopard) doesn't detect the speakers through HDMI, even though HP's (very limited) documentation says it should. When I use the separate audio connection, OS X will play sound through the speakers, though it incorrectly identifies them as "headphones." The installation CD as well as all the drivers / software on HP's site are for Windows only

Has anyone had this problem before? Any idea how I can get my computer to play sound through my monitor's speakers using HDMI?

HELP IS MUCH APPRECIATED!

Chris

 

[bobtomay]

What Mac do you have and what adapter/cable(s) are your using.

 

[ckelly06]

2010 MacBook Pro, HDMI with Mini DisplayPort adapter (got it on Amazon here: Amazon.com: Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Female Adapter Cable for Apple Macbook, Macbook Pro, iMac, Macbook Air, Mac Mini Laptop: CE Compass: Electronics).

Thanks.

 

[bobtomay]

Please provide the CPU speed in your MBP.

 

[ckelly06]

2.53 GHz Intel Core i5. I also have the high resolution anti-glare screen, if that makes a difference somehow

 

[chas_m]

I believe I read somewhere that most MD-to-HDMI adapters don't carry audio.

This thread may clear up the problem for you.

 

[ckelly06]

Hrm, thanks chas_m. Reading the specs for my particular adapter, I see that it supposedly does support audio, though the user reviews on Amazon seem split, with some saying it works for audio and others saying it doesn't... Makes me suspect the issue is that OS X just can't detect the speakers through HDMI.

I guess it's not the end of the world, the sound works with the audio jack.


Amazon.com: Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Female Adapter Cable for Apple Macbook, Macbook Pro, iMac, Macbook Air, Mac Mini Laptop: CE Compass: Electronics

 

[bobtomay]

Apologise ckelly, just wanted to make sure you did have the current model that does actually support audio out before giving advice.

Have you gone into System Preferences - Sound - Output and selected the TV as the output? I don't have one of the new models, but from what I've read, it does not auto output the audio via the mdp like it does the headphone jack.

If you have done that, then I'd suggest a faulty adapter. The reviews at Amazon from those that have the current model Mac, all indicate the audio is working. All of the reviews saying it doesn't were made prior to these models being released, and those Macs do not support audio thru mdp.


(If you'll click on Profile at the top of the page, then Edit Your Details - scroll to the bottom and put in your Mac specs, it'll help everyone provide proper info for your Mac.

 

[ckelly06]

I really appreciate the help, Bob, and I have added my specs to my profile. I've gone into Sound > Output, but the only device in the list is "Internal Speakers," so it's just not detecting my monitor's speakers, so maybe the adapter's defective. I have to imagine there's a possibility that there's a compatibility issue between my HP monitor and Mac.

Oh well, it's not the end of the world, especially since the monitor speakers kind of suck and I have a work around in the audio jack. Just one more thing to plug in.