Sound Problems with FW21L

[Steve160]

I recently brought a new VGN-FW21L with a Blu-ray drive and HDMI connection but when I connect to my Philips 32PFL776D HD Ready TV via the HDMI link I get a brillant picture but no sound, I've followed all the instructions in the user guide but still can't get any sound. I would be greatfull for any help on this subject. Many Thanks

[rastrus]

You might need to check the Playback Device settings, either by right-clicking on the Volume/speaker icon in the taskbar (notification area) near the clock or via Control Panel / Hardware and Sound / Sound.

Make sure Digital Output Device (HDMI) has a green tick next to it (by highlighting it and then press Set Default), then select OK to save the settings.

In the screenshot attached from my VAIO, it shows Speaker/HP set as default and working whilst HDMI is showing as Not plugged in. In theory, Vista should change the settings automatically when you connect a HDMI cable, but it doesn't seem to happen all the time.

See if that works for you.

[heraldicone]

Hello Sandgrounder(or anyone else!!)

I have a similar problem and wonder if I can throw my issue into the mix to see if you or anyone else can help please?

I have the FW 21E and am trying to output the Blu Ray discs that I have to my external (Philips as well!) TV destination.

The picture is great-but I can't get any sound. However, strangely, when I go the extras part of the discs, the vision AND sound on them play perfectly on the TV. But every time I go back to the main feature I get the vision but no sound. I have two separate discs that are both doing exactly the same thing! This seems strange but at least seems to prove that there's no obvious problem with the sound on the TV or the discs and that a proper connection is being made.

Make sure Digital Output Device (HDMI) has a green tick next to it (by highlighting it and then press Set Default), then select OK to save the settings

I've tried this but no matter what I do I can't seem to get it to accept the HDMI device as the default setting. The set as default option is greyed out and I can't get it to accept this device whatever I do. It does say that the device is NOT plugged in currently. I've had a poke about properties but, as an amateur computerist, I'm not getting anywhere. Any suggestions? Also do you think that might help given that the extras DO work and give sound through the HDMI cable anyway?

Many thanks if you can give any help with this most frustrating problem!

Cheers

[heraldicone]

Just to say that I have now managed to get the HDMI Digital Output Device enabled(don't ask!) BUT I'm still getting vision only and no sound

Anyone got any bright ideas? They'd certainly be welcomed

Thanks

[rastrus]

Hello heraldicone,

Sorry I couldn't reply earlier as I was at work.

I have just connected my VAIO to my Sony Bravia HD TV and I've attached the screenshot from the Playback Device on my VAIO showing that the Digital Output Device (HDMI) is working.

I'll see if I can help with your problem, although it could be a Sony conspiracy to make you buy one of their HD televisions and not one of their rivals!

A colleague at work has the same laptop as you and he couldn't watch Blu-Ray movies on his Panasonic HD TV connected to his laptop via HDMI because of an HDCP copyright message on the screen. I advised him to turn off his VAIO laptop screen by using the Function Key and F7 and then selecting MONITOR(HDMI). This cured the problem and he could watch and listen to his movies on the Panasonic TV.

Just out of curiosity, if your VAIO has the ATI Catalyst Control Center, make sure your television has been recognised (see attached screenshot from my VAIO). This probably won't affect the sound output problems you're experiencing though.

Let me know how you get on.

[Steve160]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all the information, I've already tried most of it, but I've not got DTV on my ATI screen.

Any ideas?

Cheers.

[heraldicone]

Hi Sandgrounder

Thank you very much for your interest, I really appreciate it as this is driving me nuts!

The screenshot of the HDMI DOD is identical to yours-it has the green tick beside the TV in the HDMI DOD icon and says working.
Also, the ATI Catalyst CC sgreenshot is identical-except fo r the fact that it DOES pick it up as being a Philips.

I had exactly the same problem as your friend where I couldn't play the DVD on both screens for copyright reasons and had to shut down the laptop-then I got the vision and the disc seems to play fine-I just can't get any sound now!!

I've also had something strange just happen. When I click on the TV screen HDMI DOD option(with the green tick and saying working), one of the options is "levels" when clicking on that tab there is a small speaker icon. When you click on that a little "no entry" sign comes up to show that it is muted. On ONE of the discs when you click on it again to remove the muting the sound plays!! I've tried it three times now and the same thing happens each time. On the other disc, however, it stubbornly refuses to play sound even when I try this trick. How crazy is that? Please bear in mind that all the extras in both discs seem to play.

Any further thoughts or suggestions would be gratefully received. I have to admit I'm a computer clutz so PLEASE don't be afraid to point out anything obvious. as it may be just the thing I have missed! Also if you need any further information please don't hesitate to ask.

Cheers

[rastrus]

Hello again heraldicone,

Just to state the obvious, have you increased the volume on the TV? I find I have to double the volume on the TV from 20 to 40 when watching Blu-Ray movies. In addition, I also max out the volume on the VAIO.

I have just had a look at the settings in InterVideo WinDVD BD for VAIO by right-clicking on the WinDVD BD window and selecting Audio Center. Another window appears on the screen and you need to click the Setup icon (highlighted on the first screenshot). If you are still connected to the TV by HDMI, your settings should be the same as screenshot 2. Otherwise, it will be as screenshot 3 for the VAIO.

Are you able to listen to music on the TV using Windows Media Player when it is connected by HDMI?

[heraldicone]

Thanks for replying. It's great to get someone else to bounce ideas off, or come up with new suggestions.

Yes, the sound volume is up high enough on the TV, the laptop and the soundcards as far as I can see. The proof of that particular pudding was when I got one of the discs to play just fine using the trick I suggested in the other post-the volume on the TV was just fine. As is the sound from the extras on both discs. Further, I tried WMP as you suggested, good idea, and the sound from that works just fine too.....

The screen shots of 1 and 2 are exactly the way I have them and I had already guddled about with them and tried to change them every which way but nothing seems to make any dfference, unfortunately.

Any other brain waves please don't keep 'em to yourself as I hate to be beaten by these sort of things!!

Cheers

[heraldicone]

One last thing for the night from me 🙂

In figure 2(or 3) there is an option, under audio output configuration, for Digital(S/PDIF) out to External Processor but this is greyed out on mine and there seems to be no way to switch it on. Is that something that would help if it was switched it on? If so, how do you go about switching to it?

Cheers