sound in Ubuntu 9.10

[Frans Ketelaars]

On Sat, 20 Mar 2010 13:58:39 +0000, zongo saiba wrote:

> Hi all,
> 
> Sound is actually giving huge grief in ubuntu 9.10. Main issue with
> Toshiba Satellite T110: When I connect my external headset to jack, the
> internal speakers are not muted. I  know this has been already discussed
> and obviously their seems to be no fix at all. As far as I have noted on
> Google, this bug has been around for quite a while. May I add that I
> have no issue with sound whatsoever. As much as it is not a system
> threatening bug, It is one of the most annoying one. Especially when I
> take my netbook with me in the train and want to listen to some music or
> even watch a movie..

Have you tried
http://newyork.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=8282852#post8282852 ?

> uname -r --> 2.6.31-20-generic
> Unit: Toshiba Satellite T110
> 
> Troubleshooting:
> 
> - blacklist pcspkr
> # headset connected to jack
> options snd-hda-intel model=auto
> # mute internal speakers when jack connected options snd-hda-intel
> position_fix=1 model=auto (lenovo) # options snd-hda-intel model=laptotp
> 
> Internal speakers still do not mute when headphones are plugged in
> though.
> options snd-hda-intel model=3stack does the same at "model=auto", as
> does
> options snd-hda-intel position_fix=1 model=auto
> 
> cat /proc/asound/card0/codec#* | grep Codec Codec: Conexant CX20582
> (Pebble)
> Codec: Intel G45 DEVCTG
> 
> I have the latest in alsa drivers and pulse. I have added "asoundconf"
> to have the opportunity to chose between my internal audio card or pulse
> audio. All this to no avail.
> 
> Unfortunately I cannot go further than what I have done. The reason is,
> my knowledge of linux is very much limited. I am merely a newbie trying
> to make his way through.
> 
> Would it be that hard to fix that annoying bug ?
> 
> To end this discussion, if technically, someone can explain to me that
> it is not possible to fix that bug, then I am ok with that; but I have a
> feeling that it is just a matter of putting some hours into developing
> good drivers (Am I wrong ??). With all the infrastructure Ubuntu has, it
> should not be an issue. I mean, that is exactly what's wrong with linux.
> They started with OSS drivers (from what i gather they are still
> maintained), then drifted to alsa and pulse audio.; Why not stick with
> something and try to bring it to perfection so people will actually
> enjoy using Linux and not banging their head with such small matter but
> hugely annoying.
> 
> Could anyone tell if this issue has been fix in the latest release of
> Ubuntu ?
> 
> PS: I know that plugging a usb headset would sort my issue here. I have
> a plantronics headset but they are huge. I have a netbook and I want
> mobility most of all. I just bought these new headsets for mobility..If
> I only knew.. I shelled out 80 £ for them..Very frustrating..

There are inexpensive and well supported and small USB sound "cards" with 
normal analogue outputs. Maybe that is a solution for you?

> Thank you guys for your help.
> 
> Zongo

See https://help.ubuntu.com/community/HdaIntelSoundHowto esp. this link:
http://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/people/tiwai/docs/HD-Audio.html .

So, unfortunately  it's not as easy "as putting some hours into developing
good drivers". Also, remember it's hard to debug a problem if you don't 
have the hardware. And there are many many different laptops and 
notebooks, with subtle differences in sound hardware (and related BIOS 
isues).

About OSS: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Sound_System .

Good luck!

    -Frans