Are you worried because your projector shows only pictures and no sound? We’ll explain all about it here.
Projection technology has come to include many things. Sound is an important part of these things.
Movie cinemas, home theaters, business signage; all these require audio as well as video.
Many manufacturers are now producing projectors with built-in speakers. This is a handy feature, especially for portable units.
Want to find out if your projector has sound? This article is for you. We also show you how to get sounds from any projector.
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Answered: Do Projectors Have Sound?
Originally, projectors started out as soundless devices for enlarging pictures.
Movies projected in those times were silent.
A separate sound system played the accompanying audio track. However, all that has changed now.
Most modern digital projectors have built-in speakers. This enables them to receive and interpret audio signals.
Many people still believe that one must use a projector with an external speaker. They believe the sound is either absent or mediocre.
However, this is not the case. Projectors these days come with very good sound systems or speakers.
Yes, external speakers are louder and have a broader range. However, built-in speakers can easily cover small spaces with quality sound.
Audio technologies have improved. As a result, projectors have integrated more powerful speakers.
What are we saying? You don’t need an external speaker except you plan to project for a large audience.
A home theater? A classroom? A living room? Quality built-in speakers can serve these locations well.
Also, external sound systems can be quite inconvenient. They constitute extra weight to pull on the move.
These external speakers also require cables for connection. Many cables can constitute clutter and take up space.
Your built-in audio system may not be as upscale, but it is convenient. The projector with sound is an efficient solution.
If your projector is silent, it’s probably due to an error in connection. The next section shows how to get sound from your projector.
How Do You Get Sound From A Projector?
If you’re looking for sound, it is safe to assume that you are streaming a video. The kind of connection you’re using may be the problem.
It is best to stream videos over HDMI. It transmits high-quality digital signals and it can transmit both audio and video.
How to Get Sound With HDMI
The source device may be a cable box, a computer, a console or any other media device. Regardless, the process remains the same.
Step 1: Switch off the projector and source device.
Step 2: Plug both ends of your HDMI cable into the HDMI port on your projector and the media device.
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Last update on 2023-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Step 3: Plug your projector into a switch and turn it on.
Step 4: Turn on your source device.
Step 5: Use the remote to navigate and select the correct input source: HDMI.
How to Get Sound Over Audio Cables
Sometimes, your projector and media devices may not have HDMI ports. Maybe only one of them would.
Anyway, you can still create your HDMI connection by using the right adapters.
Another option is to use a different connector like DVI or VGA. These transmit only video signals.
This means you have to get audio to the projector over another cable. There are a number of available audio ports: AUX audio jack, RCA, etc.
The AUX audio jack is most common on audio-enabled devices. It uses a 3.5mm miniplug cable.
Here’s how to use it:Step 1: Make sure both devices are turned off and unplugged.
Step 2: Create the video connection (i.e. VGA) by plugging one end of a VGA cable into each of the devices.
Step 3: Take your 3.5mm miniplug cable and plug it into the AUX jack on your projector and the other media device.
Step 4: Plug your projector to a power switch and turn it on.
Step 5: Turn the other device on
Step 6: On the projector, select the appropriate input source for both video and audio.
FAQs
1. How do I make my projector louder?
If your projector isn’t loud, it’s probably because you haven’t increased the volume. That’s the only way to make it sound louder.
However, built-in speakers are not always satisfactory. They have to compete with projector fan noises and this reduces sound quality.
If you want higher sound, it is best to connect your projector to an external speaker. Use one that can connect via 3.5 mm jack.
There are small speakers that you can take along with you anywhere. You can also connect to a larger stereo or surround sound system.
2. How do I connect external speakers to my projector?
For a better and more cinematic audio experience, use external speakers or stereos.
Just connect your projector to one using any matching audio ports on both devices. You can also use wireless connections.
Wired Connection
For most digital projectors, you only need one of these:
- 3.5mm miniplug cable
- TOSLINK cable
- Miniplug to RCA audio cable.
Last update on 2023-05-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.
Stereos often come with ports that match these cables.
Simply purchase one and connect both devices. Where there are no matching ports, make use of adapters.
Wireless Bluetooth Connection
This option is open to smart projectors (they have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity) and Bluetooth speakers.
Turn the Bluetooth speaker on. Make sure no other Bluetooth devices are turned on.
Go to settings on your projector and turn on the Bluetooth. It will detect available Bluetooth speakers in the area.
Select the speaker that is yours and press ‘Connect’
Direct connection from the media source
If your projector cannot play audio, you can get audio straight from your computer.
The process is the same as connecting from a projector. You can use a wired or wireless connection.
Conclusion
The era of soundless projectors is long gone. Now, most projectors have built-in speakers and can process audio signals.
Because of noise from the fan, built-in speakers aren’t always reliable. Audio output may be low or have poor quality.
In this case, one can use an external speaker. It is easy to connect your projector to one.
All it takes is the right connection: Bluetooth, 3.5mm jack or otherwise.

Gabriella ‘Diogo is a content writer with a vested interest in tech hardware and equipment. She shares her knowledge and processes in an easy-to-grasp, lighthearted style. When she’s not testing or researching device performance, you’ll find her writing short stories or rewatching episodes of her favorite sitcoms.