pikvm/docs/audio.md

# PiKVM V3+ Audio

This feature allows you to receive audio over an HDMI cable and transmit it to the browser in WebRTC mode.

!!! warning
    * This is only supported by PiKVM V3+ devices right now. This may or may not work on other CSI devices as most have a hw defect.
    * Please note the feature is experimental. Nothing will explode for you, but something may not work. Please report about problems [here](https://discord.gg/bpmXfz5) (preferred) or [here](https://github.com/pikvm/pikvm/issues/97).
    * KVM switches may or may not work, we currently do not have a list of what works due to the feature being new/experimental.
    * MIC support is not supported at this time, it may be supported in the future.
    * USB Dongles do NOT support sound, there is no plans to make this work in the future.

!!! info
    PiKVM V4 has enabled this feature by default.


## Preparing

1. Make sure that you have not removed the [jumpers related to audio (4)](v3.md#atx-connection) on the V3 board and have not deleted or commented out the `dtoverlay=tc358743-audio` line in `/boot/config.txt`. Return everything as it was, if you changed it. For V4 you can skip this step.

2. Update the OS:
   ```
   # rw
   # pacman -Syu
   ```

3. Edit `/etc/kvmd/janus/janus.plugin.ustreamer.jcfg` and add the following lines at the end:
   ```
   audio: {
       device = "hw:0,0"
       tc358743 = "/dev/kvmd-video"
   }
   ```

4. Enable the basic audio in the [EDID](https://docs.pikvm.org/edid/) in the file `/etc/kvmd/tc358743-edid.hex`:
   ```
   # kvmd-edidconf --set-audio=yes
   ```

5. Reboot the device:
   ```
   # reboot
   ```

6. Your host will detect the possibility of audio output via HDMI. Mac OS usually connects automatically, Windows requires manual indication, Linux will require a ritual shamanic dance. In any case, make sure that the audio is output via HDMI on your host. PiKVM supports stereo mode with any standard bits and frequencies like 32/44.1/48 kHz with 16/24 bit.

7. Open the PiKVM Web UI. Click the **System** menu and switch the video mode to **H.264 / WebRTC**. After that, the volume slider will appear under the switch. Increase it to the maximum and have fun.

!!! warning
    * After the page is reloaded, the audio slider will be reset. This is a technical limitation in all browsers to avoid annoying audio ads.
    * If something doesn't work, check the log: `journalctl -u kvmd-janus`.
    * Try a different browser, try and clear browser cache before reporting issues.
    * Unplug the hdmi cable and plug back in, either from the PiKVM end and or the target end.
    * Please report about problems [here](https://discord.gg/bpmXfz5) (preferred) or [here](https://github.com/pikvm/pikvm/issues).