Swap between audio outputs in vista

Golden Ape · 25 Sep 2009 at 15:15

Just wondering if there's any easy way that I can switch between two audio outputs on my media pc (running vista home premium). The two sound outputs are 1) to the TV over HDMI and 2) to the stereo over a line out from the audio card.

Basically when I watch tv I want the sound to be routed to the TV but when I want to listen to music I want to send it to the stereo. Is there anyway I can do this easily in software without messing around with cables. And for a bonus point is there anyway to use a hotkey to trigger the switch!

Simian · 25 Sep 2009 at 15:54

I just have my Laptop going:

Laptop HDMI ---> TV HDMI/TV RCA L&R ---> Stereo RCA L&R

No Faffing around swapping cables or looking for Hotkeys!..

asim18 · 25 Sep 2009 at 15:55

Right click on volume icon and select "playback devices". This will let you choose the output.

Golden Ape · 25 Sep 2009 at 15:56

Mmm interesting. I don't quite understand what the TC RCA L&R and stereo RCA L&R are? I'm guessing it's some sort of audio out from the TV -am I right? If so what form - is it digital or analogue?

Golden Ape · 25 Sep 2009 at 15:58

@asim18. Perfect! How is it I had never noticed that before? I'll have a play to see how it works.

Simian · 25 Sep 2009 at 16:11

Golden Ape said:
Mmm interesting. I don't quite understand what the TC RCA L&R and stereo RCA L&R are? I'm guessing it's some sort of audio out from the TV -am I right? If so what form - is it digital or analogue?

Yep its the Left and Right Analogue Audio outputs on my TV, either RCA: Red and White, like this:

or 3.5mm Jack like on the PC Soundcard on some!.

Golden Ape · 25 Sep 2009 at 16:22

@Simian. Very interesting, I didn't know you could do that. Doesn't that mean that you have to have your TV on (presumably actually on and not just in stand-by) in order to use the stereo? Also I guess you have to set the TV to mute while you're listing to the stereo?

edit: Actually I guess I might have totally misunderstood. I think that you probably play the TV through your stereo?

AbsenceJam · 25 Sep 2009 at 17:10

You can easily set the output device in most software.

Golden Ape · 25 Sep 2009 at 18:23

AbsenceJam - How would I do that then? I'm using windows media centre to play tv (so want the sound to go to the TV) and itunes (or whatever) to play music and want that played via the stereo.

Simian · 26 Sep 2009 at 10:19

Golden Ape said:
@Simian. Very interesting, I didn't know you could do that. Doesn't that mean that you have to have your TV on (presumably actually on and not just in stand-by) in order to use the stereo? Also I guess you have to set the TV to mute while you're listing to the stereo?

edit: Actually I guess I might have totally misunderstood. I think that you probably play the TV through your stereo?

Yep... I have a copy of Ultramon on my Laptop so my TV is my Second monitor with winamp sat on it playing away whilst I work on the Main screen...

currently listening to Muse's latest album this way!... sounds Fantastic!!..

Like this:

Golden Ape · 26 Sep 2009 at 17:14

Cool. I love that wall paper. Thanks for your help.