HDMI audio issues with your Dell Inspiron 1525 running Windows 7?

Many of us have used our Dell Inspiron 1525 to its fullest capabilities.  And, if you've been reading this blog, some of us are deciding to upgrade certain hardware and software.  But there are always issues that peg our patience... HDMI audio not functioning properly is one of them for me. Until now!

The issue here is that when you connect your Dell Inspiron 1525 running Windows 7 to an HDTV via an HDMI cable, sometimes you will get picture.... If you're lucky you'll even get the audio associated with the file.  More often than not, only the picture will be present.  The issue is the Intel Mobile 965 Chipset and the Sigmatel Audio 92XX HD driver working against each other.  

The fix that I've found is to reinstall the Intel chipset driver AND the Sigmatel HD audio driver.  Now, keep in mind, you'll need correct drivers for your operating system.  

After you've completed the driver installs, restart your laptop as directed.  HERE IS THE KEY!!!

1.  Allow your laptop to boot up completely. 

2.  Login.  

3.  Allow the laptop to finish it's start up procedure. 

4.  While your HDTV is OFF, plug in the HDMI cable coming from your HDTV. (You'll notice your     laptop screen flicker)

5.  Turn ON your HDTV.  (NOTE: You must have the necessary input previously selected to avoid      issues)

6.  Before playing a file, such as a movie, you must select your default sound device.  

*Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound*

You should see all of your capable devices.  Just select the HDMI device and click Set As Default.  Now, you can open and play your file.

I use VLC Player as it isn't as heavy of a software compared to any Windows offering, and has many more user functions...  However, if you're intent on using Windows Media Player, you may have to select an HDMI device from the WMP window, as well.  

Simply open WMP, then: ALT Key > Options > Devices > double-click Speaker and select your HDMI device from the drop-down menu.  You may have to close and reopen Windows Media Player after the selection on some files, but your settings that you previously selected will remain.

Well, that's it.  I really hope you find this post helpful and time saving.

Thanks for reading.