audio - Sound fluctuation on Windows 8.1 while dual screening + Windows Apps

07
2014-04
  • Caltosy

    I want to keep this as detailed as possible because I am unable to resolve this really annoying issue. Before I get into the issue, let me run down what my setup is:

    • Alienware 14 with Microsoft Windows 8.1 6.3.9600 Build 9600 x64
    • Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4700MQ CPU @ 2.40GHz
    • 8GB RAM
    • Bios: Alienware A04, 8/12/2013
    • Sound: NVIDIA Virtual Audio Device (Wave Extensible) (WDM)
    • Realtek High Definition Audio
    • Dolby Surround Sound Home Theatre V4

    Whenever I am doing anything, I am usually connected to a second monitor so I can watch movies and whatnot on one screen while playing my games or surfing the web on the primary screen. I use an HDMI to DVI-I cable, so the audio comes out of the laptop speakers. Let's say I'm watching a movie on Netflix, and I pull up a game such as Minecraft (in Windowed Mode), the volume in Netflix drops down about 80%. Now this makes sense to me, since anything you do on the primary screen should take priority; however, I have the PC option of changing the volume in the communications tab off and it still does this. I also have the feature disabled that allows PC apps to take control of the audio, yet it still turns down the audio. Now the audio does not drop when I'm running netflix first then minecraft; however, when I do it the other way around the audio is decreased in Netflix.

    Now, another annoying issue that related to this is when playing PC games where there are CGI trailers and actual gameplay audio. Let's take, for instance, Metal Gear Rising Revengeance. Whenever I play that game, when it hits a CGI Cutscene, the audio is at full capacity; however, whenever I play the actual game the audio is decreased. To me these issues sound related so that is why I threw these together. (I did not have a dual monitor connected while playing MGR:R)

    Now I have looked for a solution for this for quite some time. I haven't been able to find one, though there is a possibility I could just miss something so I do apologize ahead of time if this has been posted before.

    Following did not solve my issue: Sound > Communication > Do Nothing *Speaker Properties > Advanced > Exclusive Mode > Unchecked* Allow Applications To Take Exclusive Controls of This Device

    Those are the only two steps I could find that would mess around with the audio.

    • Answers
  • vasili111

    Windows has a "feature" that in some cases(like phone call) it lovers sound volume to 80 %. Go to Control Panel-->Sound and after "Communications" tab. Change there setting to "Do nothing".

    Also there is link with images: http://www.aura-clan.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=314.0

    I hope it helps.


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    video - Three monitors, 3D support, HDMI w/sound
  • gregmac

    I'm setting up a new general purpose PC, and trying to figure out what I need in the way of graphics card and/or motherboard. (I don't have any restrictions on what CPU/GPU/manufacturer/etc - that will follow from this).

    Two monitors are regular computer monitors (DVI, at least 1680x1050 - note I don't have these yet), and one is a 1080p TV (HDMI, 1920x1080).

    I'd like to be able to play some games (but I do so little that I am probably satisfied with 1-2 year old games, so new lower-end hardware), with that ability on both the TV and one of the LCD monitors. Although I do have a separate PVR system for regular media playback, it would be nice to have 1080p video playback on this one as well (and eventually BluRay, when I get around to that).

    It may be nice to have 3 separate displays, but I'd be happy with 2 and having the TV and a monitor show the same thing (I'd be sure to get 1920x1080 LCD monitors if I go this way). Note, if it's 3 separate displays, I need the ability to pick which one does 3D full screen gaming.

    I'd also like to be able to output sound over HDMI; and ideally it is the same audio as gets output from the motherboard audio (which should have analog, and coax or optical outputs). The audio will go into both computer speakers/headphones (via analog/spdif), and a Pioneer receiver (via HDMI, or coax if there's no way to do HDMI audio).

    What I'm confused about is if this needs to be all on one video card, or split between one card and on-board video on a motherboard, or two cards. Do the monitors go in one, and the TV on another card/motherboard, or does the secondary LCD go on the other card/motherboard?


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  • phresus

    Really tough to beat the Radeon 5xxx series for this.