What Causes Sound to Not Get From a Projector to Speakers?
Due to the massive variation in audio and video sources, projector configurations, and speaker configurations, the potential issues that could cause a problem with sound getting from a projector to speakers are nearly endless.
Here are the most common problems you might be dealing with:
Bad cablesBad connectionsLoose connectionsProjector sound settingsAudio input device settingsSoftware issues
How to Get Sound From a Projector to Speakers
To fix your problem and successfully get sound from your projector to your speakers, you’ll need to attempt several fixes until you find the one that works. If one doesn’t apply to you because of your specific hardware setup, skip it and go to the next one.
Check your connections. Unplug the cable that connects your audio/video source to your projector, and plug it back in, making sure to seat each one securely. Then repeat the same process with the cable or cables that connect to your speakers. If any of the connections are loose or not fully seated, you won’t get sound. Check your connection type. If you’re using a VGA connection between your projector and an audio/video source like a laptop, you won’t get any sound (VGA doesn’t support audio, just video). The same is true if you’ve used a single video RCA cable or three RGB RCA cables to connect your projector to an audio/video source. When using VGA or RCA cables for video, you need to use an additional cable, like an optical audio cable, RCA audio cables, or 3. 5mm audio cable, to transmit sound. When using RCA cables, you need to use left and right channel RCA cables to send sound. Try new cables. If the wires you use to connect your audio/video source to your projector, or your projector to your speakers, are damaged, you won’t get sound. In some cases, moving or jiggling a broken cable will cause sound to cut in and out. Check your audio input device. If you have connected a computer or laptop to your projector, make sure you have selected the correct audio output and haven’t muted the computer or laptop. If you’re using another device to output audio and video to your projector, make sure you haven’t muted the device or turned down the volume. Check the projector’s volume. If the projector volume is on low, you may not be able to hear the speakers. If it’s muted, you definitely won’t. Check the sound output source settings of the projector. If your projector has a source button, try pressing it. If it doesn’t, use the procedure specific to your projector to ensure you’re outputting the correct audio source to the speakers. Check the speaker’s volume. If you’re using a soundbar, home theater receiver, or amplifier, check its volume. Also, make sure everything is on. If you have any other audio sources, connect one and make sure the speakers are working. Check the input settings at the speakers. If you’re using a soundbar or receiver that can switch between multiple audio inputs, make sure you’ve selected the one associated with your projector. If possible, try plugging your projector into a different one, and switch to that. Check for software updates. If you’re using an app on your projector or connecting a device like a Fire Stick or Roku, check to make sure there are no app updates available. If the app is out of date, that may cause issues. Check for wireless interference. If you’re connected to the speakers wirelessly, like via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, remove any potential sources of interference. Try moving the speakers and projector closer together, if possible, and verify they are connected.
When using VGA or RCA cables for video, you need to use an additional cable, like an optical audio cable, RCA audio cables, or 3.5mm audio cable, to transmit sound. When using RCA cables, you need to use left and right channel RCA cables to send sound.
