im running windows 8 on a desktop that i have plugged into my t.v. i have the video working fine however my sound isnt coming through and i dont have the start option normally with windows 7 and below so i dont know where to find the control panel. Does anyone know how I can get it set up to run it. I have it going to a Panasonic surround system hooked up to my t.v. all through hdmi cables.

From your issue description, I understand that you are not getting sound when you connect your desktop to TV using HDMI cables.
1.What is the make and model of the computer?
2• Did you try connecting different HDMI port and check if it works?
3• Which application are you using to stream movies on the computer?

HDMI cables do support audio signals, but not all HDMI-enabled video cards support audio. If your HDTV has an audio input, you might be able to connect a separate audio cable from your computer's sound card directly to the TV. Otherwise, you'll need to connect the audio signal to a different output device, such as external computer speakers or your home stereo system. Follow these methods and check if it helps:

Method 1:
By default Windows does not route sound over the HDMI output. To change this we need to change the settings in control panel.
Note: This will turn off sound from the speakers or normal audio output on the laptop. To get that back you will have to reverse this process.
a) Press Windows key + X
b) Click on "Control Panel"
c) With the Control Panel in "Control Panel Home" view please click on "Hardware and Sound"
d) Where it says "Sound" in green letters there are three options below that are in blue click on "Manage Audio Devices"
e) This will bring up a window labeled "Sound"
f) On the "Playback" tab there is listed the sound options available to you. One should read "Digital Output Device (HDMI)" Click on that.
g) There should now be a check mark on that option, make HDMI sound output as default .
h) The Sound should then play through your HDMI hookups to the TV.

Method 2 :
Update the Sound driver.
Please follow the steps given here.
a) Press Windows key + X key when you are at desktop.
b) Select Device Manager.
c) Double-click Sound driver from the left panel to Update.
d) Right-click the device, and click Update driver Software
e) Windows will prompt you to confirm the device’s removal. Click OK to remove the driver.

Please reboot your computer