Avid Contributor I

If you're experiencing audio delay issues, read this

551 replies
261746 views

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.

This topic has been closed for further comments. You can use the search bar to find a similar topic, or create a new one by clicking Create Topic at the top of the page.

Show previous replies

E

EugeneO

Lyricist II

The problem isn't in the Sonos software, it's in the LG's processing of the surround signal. If you look through this area of the forum, you'll find a lot of people who have "fixed" the issue by purchasing an HDMI switch with an optical output, and pull the sound out before it reaches the TV.

E

EugeneO

Lyricist II

The problem isn't in the Sonos software, it's in the LG's processing of the surround signal. If you look through this area of the forum, you'll find a lot of people who have "fixed" the issue by purchasing an HDMI switch with an optical output, and pull the sound out before it reaches the TV.

E

EugeneO

Lyricist II

I have a Samsung Q8D TV connected to a Playbase (+Sub+Surrounds) over optical, and SkyQ connected to the TV over HDMI. The audio coming from the Playbase is later than the video, with all audio delays (SkyQ, TV & Playbase) set to zero. I think the issue is that there is a processing delay in the Playbase, even with audio delay set to zero. The reason HDMI breakout boxes work is because they extract the audio prior to the TV processing the video, thereby despite the audio delay in the Playbase, the Video processing takes longer. The workaround I am using is an optical switching box taking inputs from all my devices, then going straight onto the Playbase, with the Playbase audio delay tuned to the video. This isn't ideal as it means audio from TV apps will still be delayed. The only 'fix' I can think of is if Sonos ensures that zero audio delay setting means exactly that. Not sure how feasible this though, as it is processing the audio.

T

Thomau5

Lyricist II

I have this exact issue with my Philips 55OLED803 (which is on Android Oreo). If I use the TV's native apps for Netflix I can get 5.1 sound without any trouble (as shown in the Sonos App). If I try to get my PS4 Pro to use 5.1 Dolby Digital, it is paired with a delay of at least 0.5 sec.
For anyone that circumvented this issue by using a switch to extract the audio and connect straight to the Playbar: Which model is recommended to maintain the same level of video quality? (4k 60fps HDR)

For anyone wondering about this: I was able to solve this by using the switch located here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B076XV1LVS/ref=pe_3187911_185740111_TE_item
While maintaining 4k@60fps HDR quality. The auto switching between channels seems fast and works flawlessly (might also be because of HDMI CEC), and it still allows for 5.1 sound on my Smart TV Apps through HDMI ARC. I wanted a device that was able to switch automatically between inputs as I don't want to fiddle with an extra cheap remote for my setup, I am pleased this was the case. And best of all: No more audio delay!

C

clementza

Lyricist I

If you have unsolved problems with LG, return it and buy a Sony AF9 instead. No issues after as it should be.

N

NeilAngels

Lyricist I

I have this exact issue with my Philips 55OLED803 (which is on Android Oreo). If I use the TV's native apps for Netflix I can get 5.1 sound without any trouble (as shown in the Sonos App). If I try to get my PS4 Pro to use 5.1 Dolby Digital, it is paired with a delay of at least 0.5 sec.
For anyone that circumvented this issue by using a switch to extract the audio and connect straight to the Playbar: Which model is recommended to maintain the same level of video quality? (4k 60fps HDR)

For anyone wondering about this: I was able to solve this by using the switch located here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B076XV1LVS/ref=pe_3187911_185740111_TE_item
While maintaining 4k@60fps HDR quality. The auto switching between channels seems fast and works flawlessly (might also be because of HDMI CEC), and it still allows for 5.1 sound on my Smart TV Apps through HDMI ARC. I wanted a device that was able to switch automatically between inputs as I don't want to fiddle with an extra cheap remote for my setup, I am pleased this was the case. And best of all: No more audio delay!

How exactly do you connect the switch with your tv, playbar and PS4 Pro?

I currently have a Beam connected to my tv (LG B8) through HDMI (ARC), and multiple game consoles going straight into the tv through HDMI, experiencing the same kind of delay when using Dolby Digital. If I add this switch to my setup, what would I have to change?

Airgetlam

All devices would connect to the switch, instead of the TV. There would then be a single HDMI cable from the switch to the TV for the video, and an optical cable from the switch to the Beam to carry the sound. That way, your TV can't delay the audio signal.

Bruce

B

bgeluk

Lyricist I

And just to confirm - by adding a switch like that, you wouldn’t lose the ARC functionality of controlling the sound via the LG remote for example?

In my setup, I only have an Apple TV 4K connected to my C7 - I can fix the issue by forcing DD through the Apple TV and connect the beam through the optical but then I lose the ARC functionality, just adjusting the sound with one remote in my case though so not too big of an issue as I don’t use Alexa with the beam for example. But if a switch fixes the lip sync through optical while keeping the HDMI ARC benefits, I’d go for the solution.

Thanks in advance!

I’m not an expert here so appreciate the advice on the device I’d need as well. Based on earlier posts, I’ve been look on amazon for a switch and wondering if this would do the trick:
https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07F6YPVZJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_tUQZCbW9PAZFN

Airgetlam

Yes, using optical does obviate the use of HDMI-CEC/ARC.

Yes, that looks to me like it would work, given that you only have one device you're ever going to be connecting to your TV that you want to get sound out of. Most people go with the 4 port devices, but it's certainly a preference, not a requirement.

Bruce

B

bgeluk

Lyricist I

Gotcha - thanks for the additional confirmation. If the CEC/ARC option is gone with that - I'll probably stick with the optical option then directly from TV into the Beam with the optical cable that came with it then as I'll lose it in that setup as well. And can then go for the switch when more devices come in for the future.

It's still all super frustrating but I am glad there is a workaround

Show more replies

Sign up

Login to the community