How to Get Television Sound on for Computer Monitor?
My first PC monitor back in the late ’90s was this chunky behemoth that barely fit on my desk. It was fine for text, but for anything with sound? Forget it. I remember trying to watch a movie trailer, and it sounded like a hamster gargling gravel. That was my introduction to the concept of monitor audio, or rather, the complete lack thereof.
Years later, and we’re still dealing with this absurdity. You’ve got these massive, beautiful 4K displays, perfect for gaming or watching, but the built-in sound? Often an afterthought, if it exists at all. I’ve wasted more money than I care to admit on flimsy, tinny-sounding speakers that promised the world but delivered the equivalent of a leaky faucet.
So, how do you actually get decent television sound on for computer monitor setups without breaking the bank or resorting to audiophile jargon? It’s simpler than the tech blogs make it out to be, mostly involving understanding what’s already there and what you actually *need* to add.
Why Most Built-in Monitor Speakers Are a Joke
Seriously, who decided that putting speakers the size of a postage stamp behind a screen was a good idea for anything beyond system beeps? I’ve seen more powerful sound from a child’s toy. They’re usually positioned poorly, they’re underpowered, and the audio quality is so compressed it makes a tin can sound like a concert hall. I once bought a supposedly ‘premium’ monitor that boasted integrated speakers. Plugging it in was a mistake; the audio was so muffled and weak, I’d have gotten better sound holding my phone up to my ear. It was a stark reminder that marketing speak means absolutely nothing when it comes to actual audio output.
This isn’t just about budget monitors, either. Even some higher-end displays with built-in speakers fall flat. The physics just aren’t there. You need space for drivers, for resonance, for decent airflow. Cramming tiny drivers into the bezel of a display designed for visuals is like trying to fit a grand piano into a shoebox – it’s just not going to sound good, no matter how much they polish the marketing. It’s a constant battle for space, and audio always loses. I spent around $150 testing three different monitors last year, all touting their superior sound. Each one was a disappointment, proving my point yet again.
The Simplest Path: External Speakers
Okay, let’s get real. The most straightforward, no-nonsense way to get decent sound is external speakers. Forget the idea that you need a full surround sound system for your desk. For most people, a good pair of 2.0 or 2.1 bookshelf speakers will transform your experience. 2.0 means stereo, left and right channels. 2.1 adds a subwoofer for that low-end punch you get in movies and games. Don’t overthink it.
For years, I stuck with those awful, cheap satellite speakers that came bundled with PCs. They looked okay, but the sound was papery thin. Then, after countless recommendations from actual audio enthusiasts (not just tech reviewers paid to gush), I finally picked up a decent pair of Edifier bookshelf speakers. The difference was night and day. Suddenly, I could hear the subtle rustle of leaves in a game, the distinct *thwack* of a baseball bat, and dialogue in movies wasn’t a muffled mess anymore. It was like someone had finally turned on the lights in a dark room.
Connecting them is usually a breeze. Most computer speakers plug into your PC’s audio jack (that little green port, you know the one) or connect via USB. Some higher-end models might offer optical connections, but honestly, for typical desktop use, the standard audio jack is perfectly fine. The real trick is placement. Don’t just shove them in the corners. Try to get them at ear level, equidistant from you and your monitor, pointing slightly inwards. It’s like tuning a guitar; a small adjustment can make a big difference. (See Also: How To Monitor Glucose With Telemedicine )
What About Soundbars?
Soundbars are another option, especially if you’re tight on desk space. They’re designed to sit neatly below your monitor and offer a wider soundstage than tiny desktop speakers. However, be warned: many budget soundbars are just glorified versions of those terrible monitor speakers. They often lack bass and clarity. If you go the soundbar route, aim for one specifically designed for PC use, or even a compact TV soundbar that has good reviews for its audio quality and a dedicated subwoofer option.
Connecting Other Audio Sources (when Your Pc Isn’t the Star)
This is where things can get slightly more complex, but it’s entirely doable. What if you want to plug your game console directly into your monitor and still hear it? Or maybe hook up a streaming device?
HDMI Audio Extraction: A Lifesaver for Consoles and Streaming Devices
This is a fantastic little gadget. Your console or streaming device plugs into an HDMI audio extractor. This extractor then passes the video signal through to your monitor via another HDMI cable, but it *also* splits off the audio signal. You can then connect your external speakers or soundbar to the audio outputs on the extractor (usually analog 3.5mm or optical). This is how I get my Nintendo Switch’s vibrant sound into my desktop speaker system without needing to route everything through my PC. It bypasses the often-limited audio passthrough on monitors.
I spent a good chunk of last year trying to get my PS5’s audio to play through my PC speakers without relying on the PC itself. After two failed attempts with cheap adapters that made everything sound like it was underwater, I finally caved and bought a reputable HDMI audio extractor from a brand called Ugreen. It cost me about $30, but the clarity and ease of use were astounding. It felt like a professional setup, all thanks to this one small box.
Using Your Monitor’s Audio Output (if It Has One)
Some monitors actually *do* have a headphone jack or an audio-out port. This is rare, but it exists. If yours does, you can plug your external speakers or headphones directly into the monitor. This is convenient because it means the audio is synced with whatever video source you’re sending to the monitor, be it your PC, a console, or a streaming device connected via HDMI. However, as we’ve established, the quality from the monitor’s internal DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) might not be the best.
Think of it like this: A chef has a fantastic set of knives, but if they only have a dull cutting board, the final dish will still suffer. The monitor’s audio-out is the cutting board – it can do the job, but it’s not going to elevate the sound quality significantly on its own. It’s a step up from tinny built-in speakers, but don’t expect miracles. (See Also: How To Overclock Monitor With Afterbuner )
Headphones: The Unsung Hero of Monitor Audio
Sometimes, the easiest solution is the most obvious one: headphones. If your monitor has a headphone jack, you can plug in your favorite cans and get immersive audio without disturbing anyone. This is especially handy for late-night gaming sessions or if you live in a shared space. The sound quality you get from a decent pair of headphones will almost always blow away any built-in monitor speaker or cheap external speaker set.
I’ve got a solid pair of Sennheiser headphones that I use for everything from critical listening to gaming. The detail they reveal in game soundtracks and dialogue is phenomenal. Plugging them into my monitor’s headphone jack (when it worked reliably) was often preferable to the tinny speakers I’d been using. However, if your monitor lacks a headphone jack, you’ll need a USB DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) or use your PC’s audio output.
When Common Advice Is Wrong: Don’t Rely on Monitor Speakers Alone
Everyone and their uncle will tell you that if a monitor has speakers, they’re ‘good enough’. I’m here to tell you that’s usually flat-out wrong. They are rarely good enough for any serious listening, gaming, or movie watching. My advice? Treat any built-in monitor speakers as a bonus feature, like a free pen that comes with a notebook – nice to have, but you wouldn’t buy the notebook just for the pen. It’s like expecting a bicycle to perform like a sports car; it gets you somewhere, but the experience is fundamentally different.
The Table: Quick Speaker Options for Your Monitor
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:
| Option | Pros | Cons | My Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in Monitor Speakers | Convenient, no extra cost. | Poor sound quality, low volume, no bass. | Barely acceptable for system alerts. Avoid for media. |
| Desktop 2.0/2.1 Speakers | Good value, wide range of prices, significant audio improvement. | Takes up desk space, requires separate power. | Best overall balance of cost and performance for most users. |
| Compact Soundbar | Space-saving, cleaner look, can offer wider soundstage. | Budget models are often disappointing, may still lack bass. | Good for minimalist setups if you choose wisely. |
| External Headphones | Immersive audio, privacy, often superior sound quality for price. | Not ideal for sharing, can be uncomfortable for long periods, requires a good headphone jack or DAC. | Excellent for personal listening and gaming. |
| HDMI Audio Extractor + Speakers | Allows consoles/streaming devices to use your good speakers. | Extra box and cables, adds a small cost. | Essential if you connect non-PC devices and want good sound. |
When Is an Audio Upgrade Necessary?
Honestly, if you’re still squinting at your monitor, trying to decipher dialogue because the sound is so bad, it’s time. If game explosions sound like distant firecrackers instead of thunderous booms, it’s time. If watching a movie feels like listening through a wall, you guessed it – it’s time. Consumer Reports has consistently found that integrated audio solutions in displays are the first component manufacturers cut corners on to save costs, often leaving users with a compromised listening experience.
The good news is, you don’t need to be an audio engineer or spend a fortune. A decent pair of bookshelf speakers, a well-chosen soundbar, or even just a good pair of headphones can make a world of difference. It’s about choosing the right tool for the job, and for sound, that tool is rarely built into the monitor itself.
Can I Get TV Sound on My Computer Monitor Without Speakers?
Yes, absolutely. You can connect headphones directly to your monitor if it has a headphone jack, or to your PC. If you’re using a console or streaming device, you might need an HDMI audio extractor to send the sound to external headphones or speakers. (See Also: What Monitor Works With Macbook Pro )
Why Does My Monitor Have Speakers If They Sound So Bad?
Manufacturers include them primarily for basic functionality and to tick a box on a spec sheet. They add minimal cost and allow the monitor to function for basic tasks like system alerts or very casual use without needing separate speakers. They are almost never designed for a quality audio experience.
Do I Need a Separate Sound Card for My Pc Monitor Speakers?
Generally, no. Most modern PCs have a built-in sound card (or integrated audio chipset) that outputs audio through the standard 3.5mm headphone jack. If you’re connecting speakers via USB, the speakers handle the digital-to-analog conversion themselves.
What Is an HDMI Audio Extractor and Why Would I Need One?
An HDMI audio extractor is a small device that takes an HDMI signal (which carries both video and audio) and splits it. It passes the video through to your display while allowing you to pull out the audio separately. You’d need one if you want to connect devices like game consoles or streaming boxes to your monitor and then route that audio to separate speakers or headphones that don’t connect directly to the monitor or PC.
Can I Use My Tv’s Soundbar with My Computer Monitor?
Yes, often you can! If your TV soundbar has a 3.5mm auxiliary input or Bluetooth connectivity, you can usually connect it to your PC’s audio output or your monitor’s headphone jack. If you’re connecting a console directly to the monitor, you might need an HDMI audio extractor to get the sound to the soundbar.
Verdict
So, there you have it. Getting decent sound for your computer monitor setup isn’t some dark art reserved for the technically inclined. It’s mostly about acknowledging the limitations of built-in speakers and understanding the simple external solutions available.
My biggest regret? Not doing this sooner. I spent years putting up with mediocre sound, thinking it was just how things were. The cost of a decent pair of speakers or an audio extractor is minuscule compared to the years of frustration you can avoid.
If you’re still on the fence, think about the last time you watched a movie or played a game and thought, “Wow, this sounds great.” If that moment is a distant memory, or non-existent, it’s time to look beyond the monitor itself for how to get television sound on for computer monitor setups. Start by checking what audio outputs your monitor has, and go from there.
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