With our simple and easy-to-read guide, you’ll learn all about the different ways to get sound from a projector setup!
We’ll tell you everything you need to know, as well as some troubleshooting tips!
The Basics
A projector’s main function is to display videos, but some models also come equipped with speakers, soundbars, and other accessories.
Connectivity options include HDMI, component, composite, S-video, RCA, and others.
We need to consider all the different audio connections a projector might have and then consider what kind of speakers we have, and what connection types they have.
Then we should be able to understand how we can connect them together to get sound out of a projector.
How Will A Projector Receive And Send Audio?
Older projectors may not have been designed to receive audio, but they still could be used to connect to an external sound system.
Some projectors still use component video or composite video connections such as S-Video, an old type of analog signal.
You need to connect your speakers in other ways if your projector only supports connections for video.
If buying new, you should buy a projector that has HDMI, VGA, Component Video, Composite Video, S-Video, RCA Audio Input, Optical Audio Output, USB Audio Input, and/or Ethernet Port.
Jack Inputs And Outputs
Most likely, even an entry-level projector will support this type.
Some projectors might only have one jack, so you need to check what type it is (either Input or Output).
Some projectors have two 3-pin connectors, and one will support receiving audio, and one will be used for sending audio.
RCA
Jacks and RCAs both transmit an analog signal, but they do so in different ways.
A jack sends two separate signals, while an RCA transmits a single signal. Projectors can only take either RCA inputs or outputs.
You should check if your projector has RCA inputs before buying it. If it does, then you can use it to connect your computer to the projector.
SPDIF
Coaxial cables are used to connect two devices together. Digital audio signals are sent using these cables.
Analog audio signals are converted into digital audio signals.
Speakers are not often built with SPDIF connections because speakers are designed using analog sound principles.
Bluetooth
You can use Bluetooth speakers to play music on your projector. To pair them, you would simply press the button on each speaker once.
Your projector should automatically detect the pairing and start playing the selected song.
Built-In Speakers Or Soundbars
Projector speakers are great if you already have them. You won’t need to buy extra speakers anymore.
But, if you don’t have speaker systems yet, you’ll want to get them before buying this projector.
How To Set Up Speakers
A projector must have an audio input connected to it in order to use this method.
Audio needs to be sent to the projector in order for the projector to play the audio file.
Now we need to connect our speaker to a projector, but it can be tricky because depending on what speakers you have, there might be different AV devices, adapters, and cables.
Active Speaker Setups
Active speakers usually have different connection types than normal passive speakers.
You should check what connection types your speakers support before buying a new projector; otherwise, you’ll need to buy additional adapters.
Active speakers usually come with XLR connections, ¾ inch jacks, and RCA connectors.
Most projectors will also come with AV (Audio/Visual – meaning they handle both audio and video) receivers and externally powered amplifiers.
You may need to buy an adapter or cable if your projector doesn’t have the same connection type.
Adapters are easy enough to install. You just plug them into an outlet and connect the cables to the appropriate speaker/projector.
There are many different types of adapters available so you should always be able to find some way of connecting things up.
Passive Speaker Setups
Passive speakers require an AV device or amplifier between them and the projector.
An AV receiver or powered stereo amplifier could help connect the projector to the speakers.
An AV receiver is different from an amplifier in that it allows audio/video pass-through. A traditional amplifier is just for speakers.
You’d need to connect your passive loudspeakers to your AV receiver first, or to your powered stereo amp, and then connect the amp or receiver to your projector (or TV).
Wireless Setup
A speaker system using Bluetooth technology allows users to connect two or more devices wirelessly.
Projectors with Bluetooth capabilities allow users to use Bluetooth speakers to play music from their projectors.
Bluetooth Audio Receiver
If you don’t have Bluetooth speakers or want your home theater system to be connected wirelessly, you should consider buying a Bluetooth audio adapter that converts wireless signals into analog audio signals.
Then you would plug the adapter into your active speakers, AV receivers, or amplifiers using an RCA cable.
This device allows you to listen to the sound from your media with ease while watching it on your projector.
You can also connect and stream audio from your other mobile devices.
How To Set Up Audio For A Projector With No Audio Connections?
External AV Receiver
An AV receiver allows you to play your DVD or Blu-ray disc speakers.
Depending on what you want to use (Xbox, PlayStation, Apple TV, Amazon fire stick, etc.) you would route that data stream (consisting of audio/video) into your AV Receiver.
The most likely scenario would be that you would use an HDMI connection to do this.
Then you would send the video signal from the AV receiver to your projector, and the audio signal from the AV receiver would go to your speakers.
The process is pretty simple; You just have to remember the order in which you have routed all your devices.
How To Get Sound From A Computer To A Projector?
Connecting computers to projectors is very easy. You may encounter some trouble with sound though.
Movies and games come with sounds, but if you want them to be heard, you need to get audio from your computer to the projector.
A projector needs an audio cable to get sound from your computer. You need to plug the audio cable into both the projector and the computer.
This allows you to send audio signals from your computer to the projector.
HDMI
HDMI ports are used to connect devices such as TVs, DVD players, Blu-ray players, game consoles, etc.
They transmit digital signals, so the quality is very high.
Here’s how to turn on your projector and connect it to your computer using an HDMI cable: Turn off your projector first by unplugging it from the wall outlet.
Then plug the HDMI cable into the projector and into your computer. You should see a picture appear on your computer screen.
Turn on the projector by pressing the power button. Select the HDMI input you want to use. You can choose HDMI 1 or HDMI 2.
You should turn on your computer or PC, then press Windows+P, then navigate through and choose the option to display only on the projector.
Set HDMI as the default audio playback device. Then click on the HDMI option. This should open up the HDMI settings.
Check the options. The HDMI device will appear on the playback window. Make sure that the HDMI cable is connected correctly.
Also, select HDMI input on the television before turning on the PC if possible.
If you do things incorrectly, you might not get sound. You’ll need to restart your computer.
Audio Cables
A lot of people use this kind of connection because it doesn’t require extra cables or adapters.
You just plug into the audio sockets on your computer.
However, if your projector doesn’t support this type of connection, then you should get a different model.
Cables work both ways, but you should buy longer ones if your projector is far away from your screen.
You should also make sure to buy a longer cable than what you need.
Troubleshooting
It should be pretty straightforward to get the audio set up and working. but it’s always possible that things aren’t as easy as we’d hoped.
There’s always potential for something to go wrong – but don’t worry, as it’s often very easy to solve the problem!
Be patient, and check everything. A number of factors may be causing the problem.
It could be a bad cable, faulty connections, or settings on any device.
There are many ways to connect audio from a computer to a projector’s – so, of course, there are many ways for you to fix any issues with the sound.
You Have Not Enabled HDMI Audio
Selecting HDMI as the main audio output device should fix the problem.
Faulty HDMI Connection Or Cable
Connecting HDMI cables is always a pain. We recommend you disconnect and reconnect them to check.
Also, try using a different HDMI cable or switch to another HDMI port on your projector if possible.
Device Audio Settings
If your sound doesn’t seem to be working properly. You may need to adjust some settings on your projector.
Adjust the volume on your media player. This will mute, unmute, raise, or lower the volume if you need to adjust it.
Conclusion
We conclude that there are many different ways to connect your projector to the speakers.
You can connect them using an HDMI cable, a VGA cable, or a DVI cable. Also, you can connect them wirelessly.
However, we also know that most projectors do not support wireless connections.
Connecting passive speakers to your projector requires using an AV receiver or powered amp.
You need to use an adapter or cable to send the audio to the speaker.
Finally, if your projector doesn’t have audio out ports, you can use an active speaker, powered amp, or AV receiver to send the audio to your projector.
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