Problems with intermittent sound.

[malefestra]

Hello,

I did a fresh install of Ubuntu 8.04 recently. Since then, my sound has only worked intermittently, and now I fear it has completely disappeared (haven't had it for a couple days).

I've followed some of the different HOWTOs around, but nothing has fixed my problems. Can anyone provide guidance? I can provide information as needed.

Thank you!

Edit: I have a gazv1.

[glacialfury]

I know there are a couple issues with the sound in Ubuntu, although I can't explain them in a technical way. These are the two I've encountered (I'm on a serval):

1) sound output (the headphone jack) doesn't work unless you plug the speakers/headphones in after Ubuntu has loaded. This is due to the software, not hardware, as it does not occur in Windows.

2) Sound can often not be used by multiple programs at once; for example, if you have your music player open and then attempt to use Skype, Skype will generate errors. Not all the sound-using programs play nicely together yet.

[malefestra]

Yes, I saw some of those problems around as well. Unfortunately, this is not that -- even with one program open, I get no sound.

[thomasaaron]

Double-click your speaker icon and, in the resulting GUI, go to edit > preferences. Make sure that all of the available checkboxes are selected.

Then make sure Front, PC Speakers, Master or PCM is not turned down too far or muted.

Also, go to the 'Switches' tab. If there is a checkbox for "Ext" or "Ext Amp", and it is unchecked, check it. Or if it is checked, uncheck it.

[malefestra]

thomas -

Followed your steps. Still nothing.

Joe

[thomasaaron]

There's a pretty good chance that some of the other things you have tried has hosed a configuration somewhere.

Try with a live CD. Once booted into it, go to System > Preferences > Sound and click the first "Test" button. Do you get sound.

[malefestra]

I will try the LiveCD later today. Looks like my sound isn't gone for good, it's working right now (and I haven't done anything since my last post). I'll get back to you.

[malefestra]

Figured out the problem -- it looks like a hardware thing. When I tilt my screen down, the audio works. Then as I'm tilting it back, there's a point where it cuts out.

I did buy a warranty on my machine when I got it -- it expires in February 09. Is there any e-mail I should contact to see if this is covered?

[thomasaaron]

Good work!

If you are sure you can duplicate that at will, contact me at support(at)system76(dot)com. Please include your name and/or order number.

[malefestra]

Thomas --

Done. I'll look forward to hearing from you next week.

Joe