Volume differs depending on source

[robert808]

I have a TV set-top box connected via HDMI to my computer. Comfortable sound level for TV is the number 36. But other sounds, such as email arrival notification or streams from the web, will be much too loud at this number. Is there a way to control the volume from each source separately? I see this in the Systray.

 

[fireberd]

When you use HDMI, you are using the sound chip (card) built into the video card. The PC sound, In your case the RealTek, is not being used.

I don't recall anyone else posting about this. Based on the Volume Control Options panel you show, the volume control in the notification area (lower right) should have active applications. Right click on the speaker icon and then select "Open Volume Mixer".

 

[DavidE]

Right click on the Notification Area Speaker icon and click Open Volume Mixer.
Different Applications will be displayed at different times, depending on when they play Sound.
So, when you get an email alert, open the Volume Mixer and you should see your email program.

 

[robert808]

Thank you very much. It seems the mixer only shows applications that have been recently used. I had not seen the Inbox application before. If I open the Volume Mixer again the Inbox is not showing. Oddly, moving the Device/Speakers slider moves any application sliders in sync. Also, moving one of the Application sliders up above the line extending to the right of the Device slider moves the Device slider. Anyway, I seem to have lowered the volume of the Inbox notification.

Big Mahalo!

 

[DavidE]

Thank you very much. It seems the mixer only shows applications that have been recently used. I had not seen the Inbox application before.

You're welcome.

Yes, the mixer only shows an application for a short period of time after that application played "sound".
That's what i tried to explain in my previous post
That's why you have to open the mixer SOON after you hear a sound from a particular app.

If you keep the mixer open, any app that plays sound will be displayed as long as you don't close the mixer.
Unfortunately you can't minimize the mixer but you can have other windows on top of the mixer so you don't always see it.

You can "force" an app to be shown in the mixer by causing that app to play a sound.
i.e.
Send yourself an email to cause an incoming alert, play a video with your preferred program, etc.

That's how i fine-tuned all my programs for individual loudness

 

[robert808]

Thanks again

 

[robert808]

I doubt if it is pertinent but in addition to HDMI connection from set-top box for TV I also have a coax from set-top connected to TV tuner card in PC. This allows TV viewing in an adjustable Windows Media Center window while doing internet with browser at the same time. I change volume using knob on keyboard or remote control device.

Volume number for WMC must be half that of HDMI or it is too loud. Changing level for either of these affects Inbox and IE. Raising (doubling) HDMI level from 20 to 40 will double Inbox from 2 to 4. Same for IE. Apparently not really independent. I think the only solution is to have no sound notification for Inbox.