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iMac audio through HDMI cable?
I have my iMac connected to my plasma via HDMI which only does the video. The audio still comes out my iMac speakers. I don't want to just hook something into the headphone jack. Does anyone know if there is a usb audio connection that will combine the video and audio signals down one HDMI cable?
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A converter is the way to go, as robbrown mentioned, but I don't see why you want to make it go through a HDMI cable.
If I were you, I would just like up the 3.5mm audio jack. This will be the best way of doing it. Going through a converter might lose some quality.
If you're already using the audio jack, then you can get a splitter for less than $2 at your local consumer electronics shop.
If you really want a HD experience, want to invest in it and linking abilities to your iMac I would recommend you to invest in a Playstation 3 or a Xbox 360. Make you get a HDMI cable to use with it. Like the PS3 or 360 to your local network with a CAT6 Cable ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category_6_cable ). There are really good applications for the Mac that are created by Nullriver Software ( http://www.nullriver.com/ ) that do a really good job of streaming media to your console.
This is streaming as-is of your media. It also integrates your iPhoto and iTunes libraries and other folders on your Mac. You also have the ability to copy files from the Mac to the console (although you won't need to if you're wired).
MediaLink is the program for the PS3 ( http://www.nullriver.com/products/medialink ) and runs at $20.00 USD.
Connect360 is the 360 version of MediaLink that also runs at $20.00 USD. ( http://www.nullriver.com/products/connect360 ).
Most media file are playable and if not, the program might do some transcoding. Check out their website for more details.
I know I didn't really answer your question but if you really want to link your TV and your iMac, I think this is the way to go. Otherwise, you're stuck with a 3.5mm audio cable and the good old DVI with the option DVI to HDMI converter.
If I were you, I would just like up the 3.5mm audio jack. This will be the best way of doing it. Going through a converter might lose some quality.
If you're already using the audio jack, then you can get a splitter for less than $2 at your local consumer electronics shop.
If you really want a HD experience, want to invest in it and linking abilities to your iMac I would recommend you to invest in a Playstation 3 or a Xbox 360. Make you get a HDMI cable to use with it. Like the PS3 or 360 to your local network with a CAT6 Cable ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category_6_cable ). There are really good applications for the Mac that are created by Nullriver Software ( http://www.nullriver.com/ ) that do a really good job of streaming media to your console.
This is streaming as-is of your media. It also integrates your iPhoto and iTunes libraries and other folders on your Mac. You also have the ability to copy files from the Mac to the console (although you won't need to if you're wired).
MediaLink is the program for the PS3 ( http://www.nullriver.com/products/medialink ) and runs at $20.00 USD.
Connect360 is the 360 version of MediaLink that also runs at $20.00 USD. ( http://www.nullriver.com/products/connect360 ).
Most media file are playable and if not, the program might do some transcoding. Check out their website for more details.
I know I didn't really answer your question but if you really want to link your TV and your iMac, I think this is the way to go. Otherwise, you're stuck with a 3.5mm audio cable and the good old DVI with the option DVI to HDMI converter.
| Asker's rating: |
Thanks for the help!
Nope, sadly there isn't.
Your iMac isn't HDMI version 1.3 (the hdmi with audio) capable.
There isn't a multiplexer that I know of that will take the audio from a headphone (or other source) and combine it over a single HDMI cable.
But this converter will do (sort of) what you're hoping:
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/dproduct.jsp?prod_id=3570
http://www.gefen.com/images/dviaudhdmitop.jpg
Apple Stores carry Gefen products if you don't want to order online.
But, you'll also need to buy a HDMI -> DVI converter along with a Headphone -> SPDIF converter. Then, you can run a single HDMI cable to your TV.
Monoprice is the best place in the world (seriously) to buy cables. In addition to the Gefen adapter, here is a quick shopping list of things you'll need to make this work:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10401&cs_id=1040107&p_id=684&seq=1&format=2
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10401&cs_id=1040109&p_id=680&seq=1&format=2
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10419&cs_id=1041912&p_id=4851&seq=1&format=2
The shopping list isn't too bad. For about $10, you'll have all of the little bits and pieces to make this work. Add the Gefena adapter and of course your HDMI cable then you should be good to go.
This isn't a perfect solution. But it's the only one that exists.
I don't know what your Home Theater setup looks like, but if it was me, I might consider just purchasing a very long headphone audio cable and HDMI cable. If I wanted to get fancy, I'd run them through the wall so they wouldn't be seen. This would cost about as much as the adapter + bits and pieces but wouldn't be nearly as complicated.
I'm sorry that this wasn't the answer you were hoping for but I sure hope that it helps.
Your iMac isn't HDMI version 1.3 (the hdmi with audio) capable.
There isn't a multiplexer that I know of that will take the audio from a headphone (or other source) and combine it over a single HDMI cable.
But this converter will do (sort of) what you're hoping:
http://www.gefen.com/kvm/dproduct.jsp?prod_id=3570
Apple Stores carry Gefen products if you don't want to order online.
But, you'll also need to buy a HDMI -> DVI converter along with a Headphone -> SPDIF converter. Then, you can run a single HDMI cable to your TV.
Monoprice is the best place in the world (seriously) to buy cables. In addition to the Gefen adapter, here is a quick shopping list of things you'll need to make this work:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10401&cs_id=1040107&p_id=684&seq=1&format=2
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10401&cs_id=1040109&p_id=680&seq=1&format=2
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10419&cs_id=1041912&p_id=4851&seq=1&format=2
The shopping list isn't too bad. For about $10, you'll have all of the little bits and pieces to make this work. Add the Gefena adapter and of course your HDMI cable then you should be good to go.
This isn't a perfect solution. But it's the only one that exists.
I don't know what your Home Theater setup looks like, but if it was me, I might consider just purchasing a very long headphone audio cable and HDMI cable. If I wanted to get fancy, I'd run them through the wall so they wouldn't be seen. This would cost about as much as the adapter + bits and pieces but wouldn't be nearly as complicated.
I'm sorry that this wasn't the answer you were hoping for but I sure hope that it helps.
No, HDMI is video only in this case. If you had a full tower computer, you may find a HDMI card with audio as well, but it is still going to be separate, and I doubt you will find a solid solution on the Mac.
On the low end, you have
http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/imic
Which at least gives you line level.
Slightly higher end are optical USB interfaces
http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Transit.html
On the low end, you have
http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/imic
Which at least gives you line level.
Slightly higher end are optical USB interfaces
http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Transit.html
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