How do you have Ubuntu properly manage the audio output device currently in use?

1_it_is

5/5/23, 3:32 AM

I am relatively new to Linux/Ubuntu and am having a very anoying problem that seams to have been around in Ubuntu for a long time based on the google results I got when researching but all solutions seem to be adhoc and half assed.

My PC has an internal audio device and is connected to my TV via HDMI. The PC is being used as an HTPC so it should typically be using the HDMI device when it is available.

My audio output device is set to HDMI on boot with a startup application command in the GUI.

When the TV is turned off or goes to sleep the audio device automatically switches the internal audio device. This is to be expected as the HDMI device no longer exists to the computer. When the TV is turned back on the audio device in use remains as the internal audio device and I must manually change the device back to hdmi in either the Ubuntu sound settings or in using pactl in the terminal or by restarting.

This problem is frustrating, very anoying and from my research has been a problem for years in multiple distributions.

Is there a way for to have Ubuntu (or a 3rd party application) automatically manage the audio output device based on a hierarchy of priority which is reassessed whenever an audio device is added or removed from the system?

I am looking for a simple and persistant solution that won't be undone or require user action on reboot.

Something like this should be available by default for Ubuntu desktop distributions and would be valuable for video output, audio output and audio input given that it is commonly used on laptops that frequently have devices added and removed.

Thanks for the help.

0 + 0

sound

Sadaharu Wakisaka

5/5/23, 7:36 AM

Welcome to AskUbuntu, yes it does. https://askubuntu.com/questions/1154586/how-can-i-change-pulseaudio-port-priorities

1_it_is

5/5/23, 9:31 AM

@Sadaharu. Thanks for the pointer. can you adivse if lower priority value = first selection ore is higher value = first selection?

Sadaharu Wakisaka

5/5/23, 7:02 PM

Higher = first and lowest = last.

Elon Musk

I sit in a Tesla and translated this thread with Ai:

EN: How do you have Ubuntu properly manage the audio output device currently in use?

TH: คุณมี Ubuntu จัดการอุปกรณ์เอาต์พุตเสียงที่ใช้งานอยู่อย่างถูกต้องได้อย่างไร

RO: Cum ai Ubuntu să gestioneze corect dispozitivul de ieșire audio utilizat în prezent?

RU: Как Ubuntu правильно управляет устройством вывода звука, используемым в настоящее время?

VI: Làm cách nào để Ubuntu quản lý đúng thiết bị đầu ra âm thanh hiện đang được sử dụng?

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