How to make PC dynamically switch playback devices?

[aguy]

This has been bothering me for a while and I can't seem to find any information on it (and yes, I have googled, but end up with people trying to get their HDMI audio working or things along those lines). I'm looking for a way to have my laptop switch which playback device it is using based on what's plugged in. Like how it switches from speakers to headphones once the headphones are in.

I want it to use the HDMI audio if that's plugged in, or the S/PDIF if that's in, or bluetooth headphones if they're connected instead of the speakers; preferably with a hierarchy (e.g. S/PDIF takes precedence over HDMI).

Any information is greatly appreciated.

Edit: Laptop is P-6831FX, Windows 7 Pro, IDT/SigmaTel drivers (not sure what the sound card actually is)

 

[keenan]

What OS? Windows 7 seems (I haven't really tested) to output audio to the most recently connected device. Though like previous versions, it's still not very flexible.

 

[JamesL]

Windows 7 seems (I haven't really tested) to output audio to the most recently connected device. Though like previous versions, it's still not very flexible.

Doesn't seem that way for me. When I plug in a new device, I have to manually switch it in "manage audio devices".

 

[keenan]

Might only be if you plug in a new 'audio device' rather than just plug something into your existing one.

 

[JamesL]

Might only be if you plug in a new 'audio device' rather than just plug something into your existing one.

Thats what I mean. I plug in a wolfson dac with pcm2707 receiver and I have to manually switch the device. Same thing when I plugged in a pcm2702 dac.

On the other hand, my onboard soundcard automatically switches between peripherals. My wolfson dac automatically switches between different inputs (usb & s/pdif optical/coax inputs).

 

[aguy]

Oh right, sorry I forgot the obvious, it is Windows 7 (Pro, fwiw). The laptop itself is a Gateway P-6831FX, the drivers are IDT/SigmaTel. It stays on the speakers until I manually change it with everything except wired headphones/line out.