Mac to TV - no sound and HDMI is not an output option

[R92024]

I have connected my Mac to my TV screen via an HDMI cable.

For several months, I have been able to watch TV with sound, by starting a video on the Mac, then connecting the HDMI cable to the TV. But for some reason, that won’t work anymore.


I'm having what seems like a common problem - namely, the picture is fine, but there's no sound.

I've researched all over, and none of the suggested remedies work.

System Preferences/Sound/Output just shows ‘headphones’ but does not show any other options.

System Information/Hardware/Audio : shows ‘Built in Output’ with a headphone image. HDMI is not listed as an option.


Display: Optimize for iMac, or 42 TV.

I have tried both these options, sound still doesn’t work.


Is there some kind of switching device I could get to make sure I don’t have this issue?


Any ideas? Many thanks!

(iMac 2013 macOS Catalina Version 10.15.7)

 

[coolajami]

I suppose you're using a Thunderbolt 2 to HDMI cable.
Did you try another cable? You may need to replace it with a new one.

 

[R92024]

I suppose you're using a Thunderbolt 2 to HDMI cable.
Did you try another cable? You may need to replace it with a new one.

Thanks for your reply. It's just a basic cable... and yes, trying another cable is a good idea... I was hoping there would be another fix, in case a new cable is not the answer... and who knows how long that cable would last...

 

[coolajami]

Thanks for your reply. It's just a basic cable... and yes, trying another cable is a good idea... I was hoping there would be another fix, in case a new cable is not the answer... and who knows how long that cable would last...

TB2 cables are fairly unreliable, get a new, good quality one and try.
you may find that this kind of cables don't last for long, especially if you have to take it out/insert multiple times a day.

 

[R92024]

TB2 cables are fairly unreliable, get a new, good quality one and try.
you may find that this kind of cables don't last for long, especially if you have to take it out/insert multiple times a day.

Thanks. The TV is wall-mounted in the adjacent room, so it would need a 30 foot cable. I guess I can get a better quality cable on Amazon, and return it if it's not the answer. Rather than having to unplug it every time, it makes sense to have a switch... do you know if they sell such a thing? Thanks for your help!

 

[coolajami]

Thanks. The TV is wall-mounted in the adjacent room, so it would need a 30 foot cable. I guess I can get a better quality cable on Amazon, and return it if it's not the answer. Rather than having to unplug it every time, it makes sense to have a switch... do you know if they sell such a thing? Thanks for your help!

yes, you should hdmi switches in amazon in various shapes and forms (with/without remote etc).

HDMI Switch 4K HDMI Splitter-Techole Aluminum Bi-Directional HDMI Switcher 2 Input 1 Output, HDMI Switch Splitter 2 x 1/1 x 2. No External Power Required, Support 4K 3D HD 1080P for Xbox PS4 Roku HDTV

HDMI Switch 4K HDMI Splitter-Techole Aluminum Bi-Directional HDMI Switcher 2 Input 1 Output, HDMI Switch Splitter 2 x 1/1 x 2. No External Power Required, Support 4K 3D HD 1080P for Xbox PS4 Roku HDTV

www.amazon.com

Instead of buying a 30Ft cable TB2 or miniDP to HDMI I would suggest get some HDMI cables that most likely are better quality and cheaper and an adapte from miniDP to HDMI to connect to laptop.

 

[Longkeg]

Is there a reason you can’t just get an AppleTV and AirPlay to it? With the time, effort and money you’re putting into this cable solution it seems like an ATV would almost pay for itself.

 

[R92024]

yes, you should hdmi switches in amazon in various shapes and forms (with/without remote etc).

HDMI Switch 4K HDMI Splitter-Techole Aluminum Bi-Directional HDMI Switcher 2 Input 1 Output, HDMI Switch Splitter 2 x 1/1 x 2. No External Power Required, Support 4K 3D HD 1080P for Xbox PS4 Roku HDTV

HDMI Switch 4K HDMI Splitter-Techole Aluminum Bi-Directional HDMI Switcher 2 Input 1 Output, HDMI Switch Splitter 2 x 1/1 x 2. No External Power Required, Support 4K 3D HD 1080P for Xbox PS4 Roku HDTV

www.amazon.com

Instead of buying a 30Ft cable TB2 or miniDP to HDMI I would suggest get some HDMI cables that most likely are better quality and cheaper and an adapte from miniDP to HDMI to connect to laptop.

Thank you, coolajami! That sounds great. I've just purchased the switcher and will report back!

 

[coolajami]

Is there a reason you can’t just get an AppleTV and AirPlay to it? With the time, effort and money you’re putting into this cable solution it seems like an ATV would almost pay for itself.

This is actually a good idea, feel a bit embarrassed I have't thought that. You don't even need a new apple TV, a 3rd generation could do the job and are sold dirty cheap in eBay. The only question is if a 2013 iMac has enough processing power to keep a stable stream over Airplay.

 

[Longkeg]

My mid 2013 21” iMac does just fine. If the file plays on the iMac it will also AirPlay. Download the free VLC app to the iMac to play video codecs not natively supported by the Mac. Bandwidth and LAN limitations are probably more of a concern than processing power.

 

[R92024]

Many thanks for the replies, guys!
I just connected a new HDMI cable, and it seems to work fine again.
But if it goes again, I'll definitely look into the wireless options you've mentioned.
Thanks again