Knowledgeable user seeks expert audio help with frequent sound loss

[Thenin]

Here's my issue: Most of the time, I'm getting no sound from one particular audio path on my 64-bit Windows 7 Pro system. It's a fairly complex setup, but I've been an computer audio guy since the 80's, yet every attempt at a solution has failed anyway.

Here's the setup for the path in question: Nvidia GeForce GTX 750 HDMI inside Win 7 box => HDMI Splitter that definitely ignores HDCP (1)=> Yamaha receiver HDMI In // (2)=> Direct to HDTV HDMI In.

(FYI: On another path there's an external USB sound "box", which takes S/PDIF input from an HDMI Audio Extractor which takes input from a Gen 2 Fire TV. The USB audio box outputs the RiffTrax audio from a JtJ track which is output from a MEmu emulator running the RiffTrax app).

Problem: Video shows up fine on HDTV, but no audio is heard from receiver. -- UNLESS: Roughly 25% of the time, if I remove everything else from the path in question and connect the nVidia HDMI output directly to the receiver (i.e., no splitter) and reboot, the audio will work correctly, even once I re-insert the splitter and return to the original config. It will remain working for another couple of reboots. but then it will stop working again.

I've tried changing every single cable in the path, and replacing the HDMI splitter with one that also ignores HDCP. I also tried disconnecting the USB sound box. The only thing that works -- and that only 25% of the time -- is to remove the splitter. I realize that sounds like an intermittent or otherwise bad splitter or cable, but recall that changing them doesn't solve the problem.

Here's the only kind of thing I can imagine that would be useful: Identify the Windows-internal audio settings, wherever they may be, save the data to disk, and then be able to restore it on demand. I realize that's absurdly difficult, but you never know. Also, you may see alternative workarounds that I haven't seen.

Thank for thinking about it!

 

[file3456]

Perhaps it's due to the absence of HDCP?

Your second paragraph makes sense, but your third I have no idea what any of that is.

Another factor could be the drivers with the GPU its self. I can't remember now but I think Nvidia Experience, etc might pose an issue. In fact, it sends analytics to Nvidia. When I install the GPU driver I omit all that fluff and just install the driver. I even block Nvidia in the hosts file.

 

[Thenin]

Hey, thanks for your reply, F22 Simpilot!

Regarding the HDCP factor, if the splitter doesn't ignore HDCP, depending on the source, the data would not get through. The recording industry has succeeded in pretty much forcing most manufacturers to mandate HDCP in splitters because, without this, they can be technically used to bypass that (silly) protection method. It's hard these days to find splitters without this "feature", but mine do.

I added the third paragraph because I suspect that second path is a factor in the problem. When the sound box (LogiLink USB 2.0 7.1 Channel Sound Box) is connected via USB 2, not only do the input and output items appear among the sound settings in the task bar, but it seems to affect the items already there in some subtle way. To simplify the description of the function of this second path, the primary purpose is to accept optical source input to the computer in order to feed a special application. This very inexpensive box replaces an expensive standard (but now dysfunctional) sound card, and I've discovered it's even better and more widely useful than I ever expected.

Bottom line regarding that path: without it, the sound on path one works fine all the time, but then I can't do something I greatly enjoy viewing/hearing several times a day; I must have it.

To re-state my issue, it seems that one or more essential settings in the sound control panel & sound control popup in the task bar gets corrupted over the course of a few boots (and manual control settings changes?) to the point where path one stops working. If I could find a way to save and restore those settings when needed, my problem would be solved.

It's very likely I'll need to write a program to save and restore those settings, which I'll probably be able to do, ONCE I know where those settings are stored. So if I can't find a ready-made solution from the wise users here (this is a GREAT forum!), maybe someone could tell me where to find sound settings, in RAM or in the registry.

As for the nVidia driver, I agree with you completely and I've always installed just the driver.

Sorry for all the verbiage, but this is such a complex problem that a clear description is mandatory.

Thanks again for responding!




(Just a personal aside related to your handle, I was working with NASA Dryden back in the early 80's while they were just really getting started with remote piloting, which was mandatory for their HiMat (Highly maneuverable technology), which were 8+ Gs scaled-down fighters. Routine travel at 8G is obviously too much for humans, so they were all remotely piloted. But since these prototypes were so hideously expensive, the NASA and AF pilots spent enormous amounts of time in their simulators (of course). All that preamble is just to let you know how impressed I am with your skills!)

 

[file3456]

Well, I looked on a website I often use for software and I found this, but I don't think it will help you. The sound settings may in fact be stored in the registry. AppAudioConfig - view and edit volume settings for any application

I also did a search at Sourceforge and didn't find anything relating to the keywords: "sound & settings"

One sheer fire way of knowing what the computer is doing behind the scenes is a system/hard drive monitoring program. There are many. I use WhatChnaged and Diskpulse Diskpulse is a great tool for a Windows server. Perhaps there's a Linux alternative.

I see you also have a Cooler Master Storm Scout case. Is that the advanced version? That's the one I have, though I wanted gunmetal grey and I couldn't find that one to save my soul. So I'm stuck with common black. Nice case though, I like the top handle.

(Just a personal aside related to your handle, I was working with NASA Dryden back in the early 80's while they were just really getting started with remote piloting, which was mandatory for their HiMat (Highly maneuverable technology), which were 8+ Gs scaled-down fighters. Routine travel at 8G is obviously too much for humans, so they were all remotely piloted. But since these prototypes were so hideously expensive, the NASA and AF pilots spent enormous amounts of time in their simulators (of course). All that preamble is just to let you know how impressed I am with your skills!)

I used to live in Riverside, California and my dad took me to KEDW a few times to watch the shuttle land. Was pretty cool when you heard those two successive sonic booms bounce of the dry lake bed. I always thought Edwards would be like "Area-51", and in fact I guess Edwards is a part of Area 51 in flight testing and what not. So I've read. It doesn't surprise me that NASA et al were working on autonomous high speed areal vehicles back in the day. Because today I'm sure we've master that fine art out at Area 51. And I have always envisioned that they would be piloted from a Sim-like platform via a Sat link. One day I think they may make the F-22 pilotless and thus pull the code from the computer that prevents the pilot from killing himself with extreme G and allow the jet to do even more awesome things.

As to flight simulator, I have at least 3,000 hours thus far, maybe more. Right now I mostly fly a customized F-22 at an unrealistic cruise speed of mach 2.35 at FL500. Been around the world five times and touched all seven continents. I know where a lot of countries are as well. I also know my fair share about the 737 NG and its FMC thanks to PMDG.

Here's a few videos. My FS2004 Area 51 project and me messing around in my F-22 over Manhattan. Video is jerky in replays for some reason. And no, my name isn't Bryan. LOL I wasn't giving Google my real name. In fact, I don't give any website my real name. ESPECIALLY social media. Only have Twitter, got rid of FaceMoron about three years ago. Best decision I ever made. LOL There's another platform I've been meaning to check out called MeWe. See my website at https://cyberpcforum.com I allow profanity so don't be taken aback HAHAHA

 

[file3456]

Anyway, I wish I could be of more assistance. Those two hard drive monitoring programs may provide useful. Audio stuff, the hardware and drivers that are evolved can be quite complicated. I do enjoy my brand new Creative Soundblaster Z though. It's hooked up to my Logitech Z-5300e 5.1 speakers. I actually blew the left front speaker and had to buy a replacement on eBay. Last time I crank the volume to max while listening to Van Halen. LOL

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