Avid Contributor I

If you're experiencing audio delay issues, read this

551 replies
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I've been living with lip sync issues (audio behind the video) since I got my Playbar about a year ago but I finally decided to do something about it. After multiple conversations with Sonos support and the LG's support people (they kept blaming each other for the audio delay), I decided to email Sonos' CEO about the issue.

After a few hours, I got a reply back from him, CCing a team manager who was going to look into the issue. We scheduled a call and he had me send various diagnostics to him. He said that the engineering team was going to investigate and get back to me.

A week later, I got an update. He told that they are still working on the issue. He also said that only one other person had reported the same issue (I assume that means that only one other person with an LG TV). So, if you're having audio delay issues and you've tried all other troubleshooting, reach out to Sonos support and have them look into it. If it helps you might mention my reference number, which has already been escalated:

Keep in mind that my setup is pretty straight forward (LG C6 OLED TV connected directly to the Playbar via Optical, audio playing from the built-in apps) and every single thing LG and Sonos suggested, including going into the TV's service menu and changing things there.

I know there are multiple post on the topic so hopefully we can solve at least some of the issues causing audio delay.

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User846202

Lyricist II

I recently bought an LG 65 B7D TV and can confirm the audio delay issue with a Playbar based 5.1 setup. All devices are directly connected to the LG TV and the optical output is connected to the Playbar.

I can confirm the Apple TV 4K situation. The audio is perfectly in sync here when the Audio output is set fixed to 5.1 (and HDMI is set to Dolby Vision). It even converts DTS Audio (e.g. from the Infuse App) to 5.1 AC3.

However there is a huge delay with my cable set top box (VU+ Uno 4K SE). I have to adjust the Dolby Digital delay in the set top box to -425ms(!!) in order to get the audio in sync. I haven't tried the PS4 and Nintendo Switch yet.

I didn't check the current firmware version of my TV yet, the online update says I'm already on the latest version but maybe I have to update manually. I'll double check tonight.

Hi Marco,

is your problem fixed with an LG firmware update yet?

My setup includes a LG OLED W7V (same panel and probably same firmware like your B7), a Playbase with Sub and two 1s for 5.1 and an external "VU+ Solo2" satellite receiver.
With any VU+ content (satellite or media player) the lip sync problem seems to pop up. Haven't played with any settings yet (in Sonos app or VU lip sync delay).

Thanks,

Timo

K

koppah

Avid Contributor I

I recently bought an LG 65 B7D TV and can confirm the audio delay issue with a Playbar based 5.1 setup. All devices are directly connected to the LG TV and the optical output is connected to the Playbar.

I can confirm the Apple TV 4K situation. The audio is perfectly in sync here when the Audio output is set fixed to 5.1 (and HDMI is set to Dolby Vision). It even converts DTS Audio (e.g. from the Infuse App) to 5.1 AC3.

However there is a huge delay with my cable set top box (VU+ Uno 4K SE). I have to adjust the Dolby Digital delay in the set top box to -425ms(!!) in order to get the audio in sync. I haven't tried the PS4 and Nintendo Switch yet.

I didn't check the current firmware version of my TV yet, the online update says I'm already on the latest version but maybe I have to update manually. I'll double check tonight.

Hi Marco,

is your problem fixed with an LG firmware update yet?

My setup includes a LG OLED W7V (same panel and probably same firmware like your B7), a Playbase with Sub and two 1s for 5.1 and an external "VU+ Solo2" satellite receiver.
With any VU+ content (satellite or media player) the lip sync problem seems to pop up. Haven't played with any settings yet (in Sonos app or VU lip sync delay).

Thanks,

Timo

It hasn't been for me. I have to manually play with the audio sync options to get it close enough.

J

jordieg03

Lyricist I

So I am experiencing the same lip sync symptoms as described here and have been playing around with both Sonos and LG settings to try to resolve this to no avail. Minor improvements but still not perfect

I have an LG OLED55B7T and Playbase connected via Optical Audio directly from the TV as well as following devices connected:
- ATV (3rd gen) via HDMI
- Laptop via HDMI

I have no problems with lip sync from LG inbuilt TV tuner and inbuilt apps (YouTube, Netflix, various Catch Up TV apps here in Aus). However there is typically lip sync issues from ATV content and the extent of that depends on the type of audio and which app, with Dolby 5.1 audio source typically having the worst lip sync and PCM generally being fine. Again this is consistent with what is outlined in this thread.
When I tried a friend's Chromecast HD, same lip sync issues occurred as as with ATV.

(As a note I had no lip sync issues using a previous 10 yr old Sony LCD TV with Optical audio out connected to the Playbase with the same setup)

So if the problem is the Optical Audio Out from the LG TV, rather than going the full HDMI 4-1 Switcher Option outlined above would it be simpler to connect the Playbase to the LG TV via an HDMI Audio Extractor as such:

LG OLED --> via HDMI ARC --> HDMI Audio Extractor --> via Optical Audio Cable --> Playbase

Eg. HDMI Audio Extractor
https://www.lindy.com.au/4k-hdmi-audio-extractor-with-hdmi-pass-through?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2P3Qj_zZ3AIVyqmWCh1EBwObEAQYASABEgLMLvD_BwE

Would this setup essentially solve the lip sync problem, while maintaining the LG TV to carry out as being the HDMI source switch since the Audio coming out of LG TV would be coming out through HDMI ARC not Optical Audio Out?

Or is the issue to completely bypass Audio Processing by the LG TV for any external HDMI sources?

This sounds like a great solution if it works. I ended up going for an optical switch which works flawlessly and switches remotely from my Harmony remote but something like this would be even better

If you do happen to try this, please let us know how you get on!

J

Jamie_T

Lyricist I

I’m having the same lip synch problems with the Beam and LG OLED.
My setup is pretty straightforward:

PS4 Pro to LG OLED E7 to Sonos Beam.

Built in apps on the LG TV are fine (Netflix etc), freeview is fine, playing Dolby content from USB connected to the TV is fine.
PS4, when set to PCM output is fine (games, and apps like Sky go)
However, when the PS4 is set the PS4 to Bitstream Dolby, ithe audio is a good second behind the video.
PCM sounds far inferior to Dolby when I switch the PS4 back to it, and the Sonos app reports the Beam is receiving stereo when PCM is selected, as opposed to 5.1 when switched to Dolby.

I’ve tried changing every setting possible, both on the PS4, the TV and the app. All to no avail.

I’m concerned that other external sources (I’m getting Virgin Media in Nov) are also going to be problematic with the Beam, so I’m thinking of just returning the thing while I can.

Can anyone confirm that PCM is inferior to Dolby when it comes to the Beam? Or is it just me imagining it?!

E

earlsj

Contributor III

Just bought a LG65C8PLA and have joined the lip-sync club - highly frustrating.
I have just spent some time with LG "Helpdesk" on this as I am seeing the same issue on a BT UHD box as well as SkyQ. Strangely my Apple TV 4 (non 4k version) works absolutely fine??? Weird. LG are very unhelpful to say the least.

My setup is using HDMI direct to the LG and then optical out into a Sonos Playbar. SkyQ & BT UHD work 100% fine if using optical out from the PVR's direct to the Playbar, so I assume it must be something to do with the HDMI signal in from those PVRs and how the LG processes those signals to outputs. It all works fine if using the LG on board speakers as well (not that you would want to use them!) The issue is only present when the SkyQ and BT UHD PVRs are set to Dolby or Dolby + and using HDMI for audio. No delays with stereo settings.

J

Jamie_T

Lyricist I

Dumb question I know, but if I want to try connecting my PS4 Pro directly to the Beam, what kind of cable do I need? Normal Toslink optical cables are male/male, and I suspect won’t work.

Airgetlam

That should work, I believe the adaptor to HDMI is a female receptor....but I don't own a beam, so I could be wrong. I've never seen a Toslink cable that wasn't male to male.

Bruce

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jimmy_g

Contributor I

In response to SONOS work order 171023-002526, I have an LG TV, SONOS surround system, soundbar, sub-woofer. I also have the exact experience as described above. SONOS should get this figured out. Neither BOSE or ORB have this problem. This is really unsatisfactory.

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nbgr

Contributor I

Another frustrated Beam + LG C7 here. Luckily my main streaming device is an Apple TV 4K which is not affected by this for some reason. My main problematic device is the PS4 Pro and I was able to bypass the TV using the optical to hdmi dongle but it’s not ideal as you always have to switch cables when you want to use the PS4 and you have to rely on the Sonos App to control volume as HDMI CEC is lost.
Anyone with a Beam using a better workaround? Not familiar with HDMI switches and optical splitters, how would that setup work with the Beam?

A

Azurik777

Lyricist III

I had the same severe sound delay/ lip sync issues. No firmware and no settings fixed it. Just had an LG engineer out who replaced the whole motherboard. All my picture settings were gone but also no more sound delays issues when passing through DD 5.1! Not with my Sonos Beam via arc or other devices via optical and PS4 pro!!

Appears LG has an up to date motherboard and I suggest to contact customer services who were quite good in arranging a swift replacement.

Please don’t bother with firmware etc if you have issues as it will most likely be the motherboard. I purchased my C7 55 in October 2017 if someone needs it.

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