Macbook Pro connected to TV but no sound output?

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Level 1

8 points

Macbook Pro connected to TV but no sound output?

Have an MPB (09' full aluminum build) with mini to hdmi connected, and mini to rca. Mirror'd display and video etc works fine on the tv, but I can't get any sound. Sound menu in os/x only says "internal speakers" when unplugged, and "headphones" with the mini to rca plugged in. Seems people are saying you should be able to choose output for tv but I don't see that anywhere. Checked tv audio settings and adjusted settings, changed hdmi ports etc and nothing?????

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7)

Posted on Aug 13, 2011 9:13 AM

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Answer 1

Aug 13, 2011 9:34 AM in response to chrisc1

When you have the 3.5mm stereo jack plugged into the headphone jack the Sound Pane will only show Headphones in the Output window. The MacBook has no idea what you've got connected to the jack.

The Mini Display Port did not carry audio to HDMI until the Mid 2010 MacBook Pro. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4241

If you connect the MacBook using a Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter you will probably need to use external speakers or a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack to RCA sound plugs connected to a stereo sound system if your TV doesn't have separate RCA input plugs for audio with the HDMI plug. The MiniDisplayPort to HDMI doesn't carry audio unless you have the Mid 2010 model 7,1 and there're no audio plugs on most TVs to work with HDMI since it's expecting audio with the HDMI.

Although there are these adapters which claim to marry the audio to the HDMI

http://www.amazon.com/Kanex-iAdapt-DisplayPort-Channel-Digital/dp/B0031QH1BG/ref =sr_1_39?ie=UTF8&qid=1312492728&sr=8-39

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer%20Technology/CBLMDPHDMID/?utm_source=amazon &utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_campaign=productads

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Answer 2

chrisc1 Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 13, 2011 12:11 PM in response to chrisc1

TV has multiple RCA inputs for audio, I asked this on a Mac forum to make sure before I ordered and they said you only need a RCA cable with mini jack to connect to tv's on the pre 10's (mines a late 09' MBP). I guess I'm still confused, wished these Mac's connected to tv's as easily and simply as a pc does, thank you apple for making things complicated as usual lol.

For examample evetythings on the back of the tv, but I also have an HDMI slot (hdmi 4) on the side that has rca inputs, usb etc.

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Answer 3

Aug 13, 2011 2:51 PM in response to chrisc1

But are any of those RCA audio inputs assigned to the HDMI port? As I said earlier most TVs don't have RCA audio plugs assigned to the HDMI inputs because they expect audio to come through the HDMI plug. Which model of TV are you trying to connect to?

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Answer 4

chrisc1 Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 13, 2011 3:40 PM in response to chrisc1

How do I tell if the RCA inputs can be assigned to an HDMI port? Checked through settings and online with the tv itself and didn't see anything. It's a Toshiba model# 46G300U, on Amazon it shows a diagram pic of the inputs for RCA, HDMI etc if that's any help http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-46G300U-46-Inch-1080p-Black/dp/B0038JED8K

It's actually a really nice TV, really underrated for the money, pic quality is insane in HD for the price (I saw no difference against a much more expensive LED I was looking at). Seems like a lot of people love this tv online. But may have to get a new tv eventually as this was for a condo, and now in a house 46" is a bit small lol.

thank you for you help

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Answer 5

Aug 13, 2011 3:56 PM in response to chrisc1

OK it looks like all the RCA plugs are associated with the Composite and Component inputs. But there's the 3.5mm audio jack Marked PC/HDMI 1 (Audio). I'd try using a 3.5mm to 3.5mm stereo plug cable from the headphone jack to the PC/HDMI 1 and the HDMI cable to HDMI 1.

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Answer 6

chrisc1 Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 13, 2011 4:19 PM in response to frederic1943

Hmm don't have a 3.5mm to 3.5mm laying around, I'll have to see, or order another one from Amazon if they'll take back the other RCA cable. That Amazon RCA seems like junk though, the jack barely stays in the port on the Mac, vs plugging in the regular headphones where it feels secured and tight.

Thank you for the help, I'll be out later so I'll see if I can grab a 3.5 - 3.5

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Answer 7

Csound1

Level 9

59,973 points

Aug 13, 2011 4:26 PM in response to chrisc1

frederic is correct, you will need a 3.5 to 3.5 trs (tip ring sleeve) which is a commonly available cable used in conjunction with HDMI 1

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Answer 8

chrisc1 Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 14, 2011 7:51 AM in response to chrisc1

Got it too work, plugged a 3.5/3.5 into the PC audio port with HDMI 1, and then set the settings for audio on the tv for auto. Thank You!

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Answer 9

CurtyBo

Level 1

0 points

Oct 16, 2011 4:24 PM in response to chrisc1

I am having the same issues. My macbook pro is connected with a dvi-hdmi cable which is plugged into hdmi 1. I also have a 3.5 to 3.5 hooked up in the headphone port of my mac to the pc port on my tv. a sony bravia. My question is, what settings should my mac have for the sound, and the settings for my tv as well?

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