How to use HDMI display device audio output without extending the desktop to that device?

Question

I have 3 screens connected to my video card. Two of the screens use the DVI connection and the third uses the HDMI connection. The screen on the HDMI connection has integrated speakers, so I want to use its speakers, but without having the desktop expanded to it.

The HDMI display is 1920x1080, the DVI displays are 1920x1200.

When the desktop is expanded to it, I can hear audio, but if I want to display the desktop only on the DVI connection screens, there's no audio any more, which is normal and makes sense.

But I wonder if there is a way on Windows 7 to use the audio output of a HDMI display device without expanding the desktop to it. Consider that the display device doesn't support external audio input, so, is there a way to hear audio on a HDMI display device with integrated speakers without actually expanding the desktop to it?

It doesn't allow me to set HDMI as a copy of one of the DVIs. I also tried disabling the display in the display settings and setting HDMI as default device. Even if the audio output is set to HDMI, the display doesn't play audio.

Solution

Try disabling the display in the display settings, then open sound options and set HDMI as default device.

From our comments, It seems that the GPU is responsible for the signal that is sent to display, therefore it does not seem possible to only get audio from a GPU's output.

Comments

[Canadian Luke]

Quick question: why?

[Fox_Sparky]

Because I want to use the integrated speakers of the HDMI display device without wasting GPU on it.

[ratchet freak]

can't you set the HDMI as a copy of one of the DVIs

[Fox_Sparky]

@ratchetfreak That sounds like a good idea, unfortunately it doesn't allow me to. Also, the HDMI display is 1920x1080, while the DVI displays are 1920x1200.

[Fox_Sparky]

That's what I did first time. Even if the audio output is set to HDMI, the display doesn't play audio.

[LukeStoneHm]

Hmm, I see. Well the issue may be that the gpu is responsible for the signal that is sent to the monitor, therefore if no display is in use the audio may be simply switched off. I don't have a further solution, sorry.

[Fox_Sparky]

Yeah, you're right. Audio to the HDMI device is sent through the GPU. Please add your latest comment to your answer, I'm going to mark it as an answer.

[UtahJarhead]

It is absolutely possible to do, however... assuming your video card's drivers support such a function. Nothing says it HAS to have an active display to also receive audio. From an engineering standpoint "Well, that's pointless. Why would we send audio to something that doesn't have the display?"