Solved All new equipment and same old problem

[ewpope]

Many weeks ago I started having sound problems on my desktop system. All sound ( including DVD's) would occasionally stop completely, or sound like there was a short in the wires (off/on, off/on in a rapid-fire, staccato-like manner). Time passed, and the problem worsened. My desktop was getting a lot of age on it, and had several "issues," so I bought a shiny new HP desktop. After connecting everything, the problem was unchanged. So I thought "Aha! I must have a bad speaker and/or bad wires." So I bought a set of shiny new speakers from Radio Shack. Now I have all new equipment and the SAME old problem, except it's getting worse.
Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Hello ewpope mate are you using the machine near any wifi equipment ie cordless phone or unlikely as it might sound a microwave oven?

What is the model of the new HP as well?

 

[ewpope]

No equipment other than desktop and printer. The HP is a Pavilion 500-281.

 

[strollin]

I would start to suspect you have some sort of incompatible software installed. That might be difficult to track down. Was there ever a point where the new machine worked well? If so, I would suspect any software that was installed after that point.

 

[ewpope]

The desktop is three weeks old. I immediately noticed that the problem was still with me.

 

[fireberd]

Do you have a headset you can try, in the front headphone jack? And, if it works OK there, plug the headset into the rear GREEN speaker jack and see what happens.

 

[ewpope]

The headset works in the front jack. It does not work in the rear speaker jack.

 

[fireberd]

Do you happen to have an HDMI cable attached to the PC?

Post a screen shot of the Sound Panel, Playback section. Mine is shown below.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html

 

[ICIT2LOL]

ewpope mate here are the drivers for that machine I would at least try the audio and perhaps the chipset but I would not be holding my breath.

It sounds like there might be something wrong with the board rear connection (jack) but in honesty again I wouldn't hold my breath.

Now going back to software have HP got any bloatware on that machine that involves audio?

Plus have you any add on software for audio?

An alternative might be to ask HP if there can be a dedicated sound card installed I use Asus Xonar DG's in my machines - cheap and a reasonably good user GUI for it when after effects and mixing.

 

[fireberd]

A three week old PC does not "need" a different sound card. According to the user they had the same problem with an old PC and bought the new one and same problem, even with new speakers. Not being there to see what is actually happening is hard to troubleshoot. The user reported the problem does not exist with the front headphone jack. As it is only 3 weeks old, I would suggest contacting the PC vendor, if there is a hardware problem only the PC vendor can get it fixed under warranty.

 

[strollin]

I suppose it's in the realm of possibility that it is a problem with the new computer but since the problem existed with the old PC as well it makes sense that it is something common between the 2 PCs. The OP replaced the old speaker system so that should eliminate that as the problem. What's left? It could be any software that was used on both old & new PC, or it could be an environmental issue such as interference or a problem with the power from the wall.

I would try moving the pc to another room in the house to see if that made a difference.

 

[fireberd]

I hear what you are saying. I had considered posting more or less the same thing but for some reason didn't.

I've also considered its "self inflicted" too.

Or it could be Murphy's Law has struck.

 

[ewpope]

Yesterday Fireberd suggested I try a headset on the front headphone jack. I got sound through the headphone. After removing the jack (I was listening to Pandora), I noticed that the sound was continuous with no breaks at all. I listened till almost midnight. It played perfectly, even while listening to a DVD. This morning I tried to get Pandora, and got nothing.
so I put the headphone jack in and out, and the music started instantly. Could it be that putting the jack in and taking it out (metal on metal) created or negated some type of electrical charge that was interfering with the sound? Whatever, it has continued to work fine all day.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Was only making a suggestion as I di ask re interference in post #2 and thought maybe it was something to do with the HP stuff:sarc:

 

[fireberd]

The new symptom now appears to be an issue with the headphone jack on the new PC and the headphone sensing.

With a new PC, and the new problem, it goes back to warranty with HP (or possibly its within the replacement period where it was purchased). If the jack is flakey, only HP has the parts to fix the front panel assembly on their proprietary case.

 

[ewpope]

Although my sound system may not be completely fixed, my problem has been solved. I can listen to whatever I want, whenever I want. Many thanks to everyone for your help.