It’s not hard to use a Chromecast device with your projector. You won’t need to run wires or manage multiple cables, instead, you only need to follow a few simple steps before you’re ready to start streaming content from your Fire Stick to the projector screen. So how do you connect a Chromecast to a projector anyways?
With an HDMI port on the projector, you can connect Chromecast and then navigate to the correct input on the projector. This can be done using the remote control or the controls on the unit. If your projector does not have a speaker, connect to one using Bluetooth, AUX, or another compatible output.
Even though the setup steps are pretty simple you might have noticed a slight problem which is related to the fact that the Fire Stick’s HDMI signal carries both video and audio. It's not uncommon for there to be an issue when getting the audio signal to the projector or another component of some kind.
The Main Problem With Connecting a Chromecast to a Projector
A Chromecast is an ideal solution if you want to stream content to your projector. The device is small, discrete, and a breeze to connect. You don’t have to worry about wires, except for the one for the power source adapter. The streaming device also comes with a remote for easy control. All of this sounds great, except for the audio.
How to Get Audio to an External Sound System
Some newer Chromecast devices boast Dolby Atmos sound – which we've already explored before – but not all projectors are designed to support it. If your projector came with onboard speakers, you shouldn’t have any issues with audio quality. However, not all projectors have built-in speakers so getting sound can be a problem.
Other methods such as connecting Chromecast directly into the projector and then connecting wirelessly to the projector via Bluetooth for the speaker can cause a lag in the audio and disruptions in the stream.
How to Get Sound From a Chromecast to External Speakers
You do have a few options for getting sound from a Chromecast if your projector doesn’t come with internal speakers. Some are a little easier than others, and the one that works will depend on your setup, along with the connected components. There are three main ways of going about it which we explore down below:
Use Bluetooth
The simplest and arguably the fastest way to get audio is to use your Bluetooth speakers. You won’t need to purchase any extra cables or wires, and it only takes a few minutes to sync the speakers with the projector. With the Chromecast device, go into the menu and select the Bluetooth pairing option.
Put your speakers into pairing mode, wait a few seconds for them to recognize each other, and then hit sync when it's ready. Start streaming content from your projector and you should be able to hear clear audio right away. You can also use this method to connect a Bluetooth-enabled AV receiver.
Use an HDMI Audio Extractor
Even though this method is a little more complicated, it will solve your audio problem. An HDMI audio extractor is a tool that comes with HDMI in and out ports, along with a SPDIF/Optical port, and a 3.5mm jack. The Chromecast device is plugged into the HDMI input and the output connects to the corresponding port on the projector.
The best solution to troubleshoot audio is to purchase an HDMI audio extractor (on Amazon). By using an audio extractor, you can now plug the Chromecast into the audio extractor's HDMI Input.
You can now run one HDMI cable to the projector from the HDMI Out on the audio extractor. Then, take a second cable such as a digital optical or an AUX run it from the audio output on the audio extractor and connect it to the speaker.
By doing this, you will now have your video and audio streaming seamlessly with no worry of delay.
Use a Wireless HDMI Kit
A wireless HDMI kit like the IOGEAR GWHD11 (on Amazon) is a handy tool to have even if you don’t own a projector. It will resolve several types of problems, including how to get audio from a Chromecast device to your projector. How it works is simple. The wireless HDMI kit takes the HDMI signal and throws it to another device without the need for additional wires. It can even handle audio with 4K content.
How to Setup an HDMI Kit with Your Projector
One difference with using an HDMI kit is the Chromecast device doesn’t need to be connected to the projector. It only needs to be plugged into the HDMI transmitter that comes with the kit. You haven’t completely eliminated the need for a cable with the kit, but you can control where it starts. You still have to use an HDMI extractor to get the audio into a form your components can use.
A wireless HDMI kit comes with a receiver and transmitter. The receiver is connected to the projector, and the transmitter is wherever you want to place it in your entertainment setup. Since the transmitter “throws” the audio signal to the receiver, you don’t need to connect any additional cables. The only cable you need is the one that connects the receiver to the projector, along with the required power adapter.
There is another advantage to using a wireless HDMI kit, other than receiving an audio signal from a Chromecast. If you have the transmitter sending the HDMI signal to the projector, and using the audio extractor off of the same HDMI line that is receiving audio from another source like a receiver, you have the infrastructure to support almost any other HDMI source you decide to connect. Even if you aren’t thinking about expanding your entertainment system, it’s nice to know that you’re already a step ahead if you decide to do so.
Conclusion
A Chromecast device gives you access to an expansive library of streaming content. Everything from sports, movies, shows, documentaries and more is only a press of a button on your remote away. However, as great as this is, you might run into some problems getting audio from the Chromecast to your projector. If your speaker came with built-in speakers, you probably won’t have a problem.
If your projector doesn’t have onboard speakers, hopefully, you’re able to connect the audio via Bluetooth. It is the easiest method but it’s not your only one. We have a whole guide on connecting soundbars to projectors. An HDMI extractor will give you audio, just get ready to manage a few more cables. Your other option is an HDMI kit which not only eliminates the need for additional wires but also makes it easier for you to expand your system when you’re ready.
