Audio solution needed for three inputs to PC monitor
Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2018 8:35 pm
I have a PC, Nintendo Switch and PS4 that I want to plug in to the same PC monitor. Until now I've been using an HDMI switch for the PC and Switch, with my external speakers connected to the Switch's headphone jack (I use headphones with my PC).
This has been working fine, but I'll be hooking my PS4 back up soon and I want the audio to come through the aforementioned speakers (I'd rather not be limited to headphones through the jack on the controller).
Potential solutions that I am aware of:
I could buy a new monitor with a headphone jack (or good enough built in speakers). Not fond of this because it's probably going to be the most expensive. Also aware the built in speakers probably won't be good enough.
I could get an HDMI audio extractor. This is probably the simplest and cheapest solution.
I had an audio extractor some months ago though, and it wouldn't work if it was connected inbetween the HDMI switch and the monitor (so it only solved the audio for one device, while I would ideally want all three devices to have their audio come through the speakers). The HDMI switch may have been at fault there...
Also the audio extractor I had died one time the power went out.
I could buy a soundbar with HDMI in and HDMI out.
This solution appeals the most, but I am worried that it will add latency either to the video (should just pass it straight through to the monitor, but I'm not sure) or the audio (more likely, could be some processing going on).
Also space could be an issue. It has to fit on my desk along with my PC, monitor, keyboard and mouse.
Any tech and/or home theater experts who could advice me on this?
This has been working fine, but I'll be hooking my PS4 back up soon and I want the audio to come through the aforementioned speakers (I'd rather not be limited to headphones through the jack on the controller).
Potential solutions that I am aware of:
I could buy a new monitor with a headphone jack (or good enough built in speakers). Not fond of this because it's probably going to be the most expensive. Also aware the built in speakers probably won't be good enough.
I could get an HDMI audio extractor. This is probably the simplest and cheapest solution.
I had an audio extractor some months ago though, and it wouldn't work if it was connected inbetween the HDMI switch and the monitor (so it only solved the audio for one device, while I would ideally want all three devices to have their audio come through the speakers). The HDMI switch may have been at fault there...
Also the audio extractor I had died one time the power went out.
I could buy a soundbar with HDMI in and HDMI out.
This solution appeals the most, but I am worried that it will add latency either to the video (should just pass it straight through to the monitor, but I'm not sure) or the audio (more likely, could be some processing going on).
Also space could be an issue. It has to fit on my desk along with my PC, monitor, keyboard and mouse.
Any tech and/or home theater experts who could advice me on this?