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Multiple simultaneous audio outputs in windows 7

Anonymous
2009-12-04T01:29:16+00:00

I have seen multiple questions about enabling multiple audio outputs simultaneously in windows vista and 7, like example SPDIF and analog output, everytime answer is that its not supported by windows 7. Why is that? Why isnt it supported it worked fine in XP, could you guys give some details why isnt it supported anymore?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

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Anonymous
2012-01-09T06:15:33+00:00

Actually I have a very simple easy solution. It is very possible to have multiple audio outputs in win7. Well at least for this persons issue. I am the same way, I want to watch movies on my tv through the pc via hdmi but dont want to hear the sound of stuff on the pc through the tv speakers or vice versa.  So here is the simple solution.

If you use windows media player for watching the video its very easy.

  1. open windows media player
  2. right click, click tools, then options
  3. click devices tab
  4. click speakers, then properties
  5. select audio device (select HDMI output)
  6. click ok, then ok again.

All sounds through windows media player will now be played through the hdmi output and all other sounds from vlc media player, youtube, etc. will continue to play through the pc speakers.

It took me about 2 weeks to find that out. But it works.

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  1. Anonymous
    2009-12-11T06:21:03+00:00

    Welcome to the wonderful world of Microsoft.  This is the common form of many of their answers.  "Contact your hardware manufacturer, because it's not software related."  Which really means -- I don't feel like taking the time to give you a meaningful answer, because I don't know.  However in this specific case, you actually got an honest answer.  It isn't supported by Windows 7.  Why?  Because Microsoft is kinda stupid sometimes when it comes to which features they believe are worth-while to include with an operating system.  I'm sure you did some searching on the net before posting here, as I have done the same.  This is a very wide-spread concern.  After almost two hours of sifting through various forums and sites, I have come up with no solution yet.  I have come across multiple suggestions that got close, but not quite...  The answer lies somewhere in the 3rd Party Software scene, and I refuse to give up til I find the answer.  I will post my findings for you and many other disgruntled microsoft users.  It just bothers me that Microsoft ignores their customer base so much due to the fact that once you've purchased the product they get no extra money from trying to fix their mistakes.  While I search around for an answer to this issue, would you please post your sound cards' manufacturers and model numbers?  I may be able to find a fix specific to your devices.

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-02-19T23:13:25+00:00

    No CompproB237 you are wrong. I have just installed the Virtual Audio Cable 4.10 Trial version on my Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit running on my MacBook Pro and just as I'm writing this I'm enjoying the multiple output music running from the built-in speakers and built-in optical output AT THE SAME TIME! It is possible because VAC includes Audio Repeater utility.

    How to do it:

    1. Create one virtual audio cable. Is already created after install, it is called "Virtual Cable 1". You don't have to modify anything.
    2. Run "Audio Repeater (KS)" from Start menu.
    3. In the Wave In combo select "Virtual Cable 1".
    4. In the Wave Out combo select "Audio Speaker" (depends on computer).
    5. Click Start
    6. Run SECOND "Audio Repeater (KS) from Start menu.

    7) In the Wave In combo select "Virtual Cable 1".

    8) In the Wave Out combo select "Audio SPDIF Out" (depends on computer).

    1. Click Start
    2. Run Windows Media Player, go to menu Tools, Options, Devices, double click Speakers, select Virtual Audio Cable, click OK 2x.
    3. Play audio in the player
    4. Enjoy never before possible multiple output audio playback!
    5. And yes I fully agree that Microsoft developers are a bunch of morons!

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-02-05T20:20:57+00:00

    Virtual Audio Cable- Solved my problem 

    http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/Virtual-Audio-Cable-Download-2217.html

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_Audio_Cable

    that combines outputs to one stream, not splits them over multiple output interfaces. This does not answer the original poster's question.

    Here's my answer to the original question: Install Windows XP (or have it installed for you if you do not know how). Windows XP supports Multiple Simultaneous outputs from a single source (windows media player for example can output not only to analog speakers but to digital out COAX/Toslink/Optical).

    Windows Vista/7 both have this functionality limited to one stream due to "laws".

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