Audio

The Studio 1745/1747/1749 system comes with an audio solution that is a major upgrade from the existing AC '97 standard. The Intel® High Definition (HD) Audio technology is also known by the code name Azalia. The actual audio chipset on the system is the IDT® 92HD73C. (SigmaTel was purchased by IDT in July 2006.)

JBL 2.1

The Studio 1745/1747/1749 system comes with a JBL Branded 2.1 Speaker system. The two speakers are externally visible on the parmrest and has an output power of 1.5 watt. The sub-woofer is accessible internally below the keyboard with 3.0 watt power output. Total Speaker output is 6.0 watt.

Intel HD audio not only provides an enriched playback experience but is intended to deliver a better quality input for voice and communication applications. The higher-quality audio is possible in part to an upgraded architecture and increased bandwidth that allows for 192 kHz, 32-bit, multichannel audio and support for evolving high-quality audio formats. Other improvements include increased support for multichannel array microphones for higher-quality input, dynamically allocated bandwidth, and flexible audio device configuration.

NOTE: The audio solution is integrated into the system board. If it is damaged or nonfunctional, you must replace the system board.

SigmaTel Audio Control Panel simulation

After installing the audio driver, the system will automatically launch the SigmaTel Audio Control Panel once the system boots to the desktop. It is asking the user to select a function for the third audio connector with the mic icon.

Given below is a simulation of the IDT control panel.

If the user selects one of the first three options, the selected function will be applied to that connector and the SigmaTel Audio Control Panel will not be displayed again. If any other option is selected or the utility is closed without making a selection, this utility will launch again the next time the system is rebooted. Any unassigned connector is listed with a yellow question mark. Any assigned connector is listed with a green check mark.

It is possible to launch the application manually from Control Panel. After choosing Classic View option for the Control Panel interface, double-click the SigmaTel Audio icon to launch the SigmaTel Audio Control Panel.

Enabling Surround Sound

The primary function of the SigmaTel Audio Control Panel is to allow the system to be connected to external speakers for surround sound. By clicking on any of the large icons on the Jack Setup tab, a pop-up menu is displayed. One of the options on the menu will be to configure the connector for one of the surround speaker settings. This still requires the user to connect the correct speakers to the correct connector, as each connector only has one surround sound option.

The surround sound speaker designations are as follows:

• Left connector — Front speakers
• Middle connector — Center / LFE speaker
• Right connector — Rear Speakers

Troubleshooting

Audio problems are easy to troubleshoot because most problems involve one of three things: no sound, poor sound quality, or sound from only one channel. Here are some steps to follow when troubleshooting audio issues:

No Audio

1. Determine if the problem is only on the internal or external speakers or both.
   • If the problem is external only, try reseating the speakers or headphones. Also try another set of speakers or headphones if available. Check the speaker connector for damage. If the problem does not happen with different speakers, then the problem is related to the external device. If it persists, then there is a problem with either the audio connector or the audio controller. Confirm this by running Dell™ Diagnostics.
   • If the problem is internal only, try shaking the unit and see if the sound returns or plays intermittently. If it does, then a connection for the speakers is loose and the unit needs service. If there is still no sound at all, then try deleting the hardware profile (if possible) and recreating it. Test the speakers using Dell Diagnostics both internally and externally. If the problem only happens on the internal speakers, then the speakers and possibly the system board need to be replaced.
2. If there is no audio from either internal or external speakers, then check the following:
   • Adjust the volume controls. Some systems also have an external volume control in addition to the one in the Windows® operating system.
   • Check Device Manager and ensure the audio driver is installed correctly. Any problems indicated here can normally be resolved by reinstalling the audio driver from the Resource CD or from support.dell.com.
   • If the audio is installed correctly in Windows but there still is no sound, run Dell Diagnostics on the audio controller. If these fail or no sound is heard, then replace the system board. If audio does play during this test, then the problem is most likely software related.

Poor Sound Quality

1. Determine if the problem is related to a specific application or program. If so, the software may not be fully compatible with the audio controller on the system. Check the software manufacturer's web site for any updates.
2. Update to the latest BIOS and driver from support.dell.com.
3. Some problems can be caused by issues with the DirectX® API. Try downloading the latest version from Microsoft.
4. See if the problem occurs on both internal and external speakers. If isolated to only one of the two, follow the troubleshooting mentioned above. Otherwise, run Dell Diagnostics to test the audio.
5. If the problem fails during the audio test, this is a hardware problem and the system needs service. If it does not, then a software problem exists.

Sound From Only One Channel

1. The majority of the time, this problem happens only on external speakers. Reseating the speaker connection usually corrects the problem.
2. Check the volume control in Windows and make sure the balance slider is not set all the way to one side.
3. If this problem is happening only on internal speakers, try shaking the unit to see if sound comes back or if it comes and goes intermittently. If either of these occurs, a loose speaker connection most likely is the problem and the system needs service.
4. If this issue is happening only on external speakers and the previous steps did not help, then examine the audio connector for damage. Test the system with Dell Diagnostics. If the problem persists there, then the audio connector needs to be replaced.