HDMI for Video, mini-jack for Audio?


Recommended Posts

I'm considering getting an X360, and there's only one thing stopping me at the moment.

I have a monitor with a HDMI port on which I'd like to plug it into, but I want to use some external speakers. Obviously, the HDMI cable carries the audio and the video. Am I able to just plug a mini-jack/mini-jack into the Stereo Out on the monitor and into the speakers 'In', and have the sound work like that? Or is there a better way of doing it?

Thanks :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm pretty sure you can use that method, or you can also connect the composite cables which came with the 360 for audio using a 3.5mm rca adapter, plug it into any external speaker set with a 3.5mm input.

ux_a08043000ux0037_ux_n.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm pretty sure you can use that method, or you can also connect the composite cables which came with the 360 for audio using a 3.5mm rca adapter, plug it into any external speaker set with a 3.5mm input.

-snip-

Yeah I'd suggest that too, why use HDMI if you're going to be using external speakers anyway?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm pretty sure you can use that method, or you can also connect the composite cables which came with the 360 for audio using a 3.5mm rca adapter, plug it into any external speaker set with a 3.5mm input.

ux_a08043000ux0037_ux_n.jpg

I used one of those when I had some of my stuff hooked up to my monitor.

Since I got my sound system though, I've moved everything back under the TV. It's crowded though :( lol

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mmkay, thanks for that. Brad, you mentioned not using HDMI - for a 24" monitor (1920x1200 / 1080i/p) would I benefit from using HDMI over the RGB connectors for video with Red/White for audio?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It works, but you've got to keep both connectors in the xbox. For me that involved breaking the plastic open on the original cable.

HDMI doesn't have separate audio on its own and the way MS designed the xbox both cables don't fit together(unless you have an elite of course, which they changed the regular cable to fix this)

i hope that made sense :blush:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

To elaborate, because MS use propietary cables, the casing restricts you from using both the HDMI cable and component/composite cable at the same time. To get around it you just need to remove the casing from the HDMI/Compos/Compon cable. Its hollow so don't worry about breaking anything.

Like so..

1473305444_e9a000bf7e_o.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mmkay, thanks for that. Brad, you mentioned not using HDMI - for a 24" monitor (1920x1200 / 1080i/p) would I benefit from using HDMI over the RGB connectors for video with Red/White for audio?

I'm not sure if 1920x1200 is now support by VGA on the 360 now or not. I use a VGA cable @ 1440x900 on my 19" widescreen Samsung and get a much clearer image.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If the monitor has a headphone socket on it (Every HDMI monitor I've seen does), then just use that, it's the easiest way to get the sound from an HDMI cable to your speakers (or computer's line in) as the adapters (pictured above) aren't hard to find or expensive.

By plugging in the HDMI cable and 360 Video Cable at the same time, you're going to end up having to dismantle the 360 cable for no real benefit - you're still only going to get stereo sound and at the cost of a perfectly good cable.

If you planned on having surround via Optical or something, then yeah it makes sense to do this, but if you just want stereo via the 3.5mm jacks, then use the monitor.

Plus, when you use both the HDMI and 360 Video cable at the same time, you CANNOT change video inputs on your monitor or the 360 will reset! Most people don't realise this and get upset when it happens, as they feel they've destroyed their 360 cable for nothing. There IS a way to fix this, though, but as I said unless you need the optical audio, it's not worth doing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Err, unless I'm being stupid the Elite model comes with an audio out adapter for use when using HDMI and you require a separate audio source. I use HDMI for my video to my monitor and the adapter to get audio to my headphones.

BTW - thanks for the tip on removing the casing from the video connector - that may be useful!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

To elaborate, because MS use propietary cables, the casing restricts you from using both the HDMI cable and component/composite cable at the same time. To get around it you just need to remove the casing from the HDMI/Compos/Compon cable. Its hollow so don't worry about breaking anything.

Like so..

1473305444_e9a000bf7e_o.gif

Yup I done that back in the day.

The only annoying thing though IIRC, is if you carry through with this method and you change the output selection on your TV, say to Digital TV to check a football score, then go back to your 360 which you've left running, I think it resets your 360.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yup I done that back in the day.

The only annoying thing though IIRC, is if you carry through with this method and you change the output selection on your TV, say to Digital TV to check a football score, then go back to your 360 which you've left running, I think it resets your 360.

I just stated that >_>

There's also a relatively easy way to fix it, but you need to dismantle your cable even more.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just stated that >_>

Good news that is.

I didn't read every single reply piece by piece, just seen that image and it reminded me of my experience with using that method.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.