Fixing noisy HDMI audio output

Problem

I connected a Dell Inspiron 1320 notebook with HDMI output to a Toshiba REGZA LCD TV using a HDMI cable. The notebook is running Windows 7 Home Premium. When I play a video file on the notebook, both the audio and video from the TV seems to be fine. However, when you actually sit down to watch for a longer time you notice that the audio sounds kind of muffled or noisy and the spoken words are hard to distinguish.

Solution

First, I suspected the TV, since it has so many audio settings in its menus. After testing all possible audio combinations on the TV, there was no improvement in the audio.

Then, I decided to turn to the Dell Inspiron 1320. The HDMI video and audio from this notebook is generated by its Intel GM 45 chipset. I used the Support section of the Intel webpage to check if any of the notebook’s Intel hardware had newer drivers. And yes, there was a much newer graphics driver available. I downloaded, installed it and rebooted the notebook. When I connected the TV, the new driver could now detect that it was a Toshiba TV that was connected through HDMI and needless to say that the audio output was perfect! 😊

Tried with: Dell Inspiron 1320 and Toshiba REGZA LCD TV