If you're experiencing audio delay issues, read this

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551 replies

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Eesh

Have the sony x900f and experiencing noticeable lag with ARC and optical..

Currently have it setup via optical as I didn't want to lose one of the enhanced hdmi ports on the back of the TV.. Inbuilt apps work fine with the exception of Disney plus which only outputs stereo for some reason, but the sky satellite box and xbox (was aware of the xbox problem) have issues with the sound being after the video..

Am I correct in thinking that an optical switch would alleviate these issues, I guess the problem then is that optical won't carry dolby digital plus so you'd have to make sure each of your input devices have an audio setting to output just plain dolby digital correct? 

Still new to all this..

 

Edit : purchased the following from amazon and hoping it solves my issues:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A89OEUY/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_hcbUEbEPYNQCD

P
I have the same audio delay issue! The video on my tv is ahead of the audio on my Sonos Playbar, so frustrating and seemingly can't be fixed because I can't delay the video. The optical out on my tv is connected directly to the Sonos playbar. My tv is a Sony XBR65X850c
E
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.
V
I setup my Xbox One S yesterday with the optical out directly the the Playbar with the hopes of avoiding audio going through the TV altogether. It is definitely and improvement but I still had to turn the TV audio sync on with the bypass mode enabled. It is now close enough to not be distracting, but still not perfect. And if I want to chromecast something or watch something on an app that Xbox doesnt have, I am stuck swapping optical cables which is really annoying. Hoping that someday this gains traction. Sonos stopped responding to my ticket in December.
E
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
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.
C
LG C7 user here. Bypass is better than any of the delay settings for me. Obnoxious. TG for the 45 day return window.
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I have a Verizon Fios 1100 (arris) STB box. The only way I can mostly eliminate lip sync is to change audio to stereo on the STB box. For my other devices Roku, blue ray player bypass appears to minimize issue I also will keep my LG C7. But wish LG, Verizon,Sonos could fix the issue
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If you have unsolved problems with LG, return it and buy a Sony AF9 instead. No issues after as it should be.
T

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.Thanks, I'm almost there. There's just one thing I need clearing up. Let's say I use this device: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B076XV1LVS/ref=pe_3187911_185740111_TE_itemHow would I still get sound through my Beam whenever I play native content on my TV (i.e. from the Spotify or Youtube app on my tv). Would the single HDMI cable running from the switch output have to be connected to the HDMI ARC input on my tv? Or would that then not process the signals of my other connected devices (PS4 Pro etc.) correctly?
Hey Neil,

This would be correct. In a way your set up would be identical to mine and I can confirm I'm still enjoying 5.1 sound from my TV's native apps (due to arc) + 5.1 from any device connected to the switch. I can't guarantee functionality because my set up includes a Playbar instead of a Beam, but I see it having a good chance to work. Else you can always return the switch 😉
N
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?
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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
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Woohoo! Thank you! I will wait with worms on my tongue!
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
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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
F
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Hi everyone,

I've been experiencing these same audio delay issues..but with my Samsung tv...I created a separate thread on this...however, I did some more testing last night with some interesting results...hence why I'm now on this thread (not so Sammy focused).

So..I have an nvidia shield and an Apple Tv 4K. After experiencing these delays, I bought an audio spluitter, hooked up everything via that, optical out (into the sonos audio adapter etc.etc.). Still exact same issue..with no audio going via the tv...wtf?!?!?!?!?!?

So..I thought that perhaps it was some audio setting in both of by boxes (atv and shield)..but i couldn't find anything obvious. I then just 'happened' to change a setting on my apple tv from audio out-hdmi to audio out via airplay....BOOM!! perfect. No delays whatsoever.

For me...this is good news and bad news...I've now seemed to have stumbled across a solution. However, it's only for my ATV 4k...everything else is still shagged. This I now find very irritating...and poses many questions.

Anyone else found the same?

Also...not sure if it's 5.1 or not..haven't tested that yet. I was experiencing delays regardless of whether it was stereo or 5.1..and that is now working. Can Airplay 2 do 5.1 with a Beam and 2 x Play 1's?

thnx
N
Userlevel 2
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If the audio lag is caused by the TV's ability to split the audio signal and send it out, whether via HDMI or optical, shouldn't we be asking the TV manufacturers to introduce a "video lag" setting?
Ken_Griffiths

FWIW, I still see lip sync delay with pass-through enabled. I have an LG C9 and Sonos Beam connected directly to the TV via the HDMI ARC port. 

 

I assume you are using the v04.70.05 firmware with your TV? See also the following...

I have the same TV (55” version) and not a single hint of a lip-sync issue here. I have the Beam connected over HDMI-ARC with two surrounds (no sub)… and I pass-through the following devices ..

  • VirginMedia v6 Cable Box
  • Apple TV 4th gen
  • Sony PS 3

I also use the TV’s in-built Netflix, Amazon Movies, Now TV and Rakuten TV Apps.. and several others.

I have eARC disabled, I have not enabled HDMI Ultra HD Deep Colour, nor instant game response and my TV is setup using the ‘rtings' calibration settings, as mentioned within the LG forum, using the “Expert (Dark Room)” picture mode.

i know of at least two other Sonos users who have the 65” version of this TV and they have not mentioned that they are having lip-sync issues either.

All is working really well here, so I would suspect you either may have a hardware fault with one of your devices in the setup, an incorrect setting, or you perhaps may want to consider replacing one or more of your your HDMI cables.

LG Customer Support and Sonos Customer Care are perhaps also worth speaking to, if you are unable to resolve the matter. If it’s working for us, then it should be working for you.

Hope that assists.👍

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update on my general messing about aka testing...

so as I had a suspicion (and probably most people already know)...audio via airplay 2 is not 5.1..it does remove sync issues though. However, the 5.1 thing is a problem which means i've removed that solution from the equation.

I managed to solve my issue around STILL having a delay after doing the whole audio extraction solution. For me, it was ARC that for some reason messing it up. My Sammy was connected to the hdmi audio extractor box via the HDMI ARC port, with then both my Apple TV and Shield plugged into that, then optical out to Beam (with the adapter in place). I changed over from using the ARC port on the Sammy to one of the other HDMI In's, and that seems to have resolved the problem. I now have no audio sync issues.

It's a workable solution, but obviously not perfect. Too much faffing about and button pressing is required...but it will do for now. I might look for an auto version of the HDMI Audio extractor that i have, so that removes the need for the tacky remote that comes with it.

cheers everyone
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That takes no optical inputs so your hdmi connection from your ps4 would need to connect to it and then optical split from the switch to the beam via an optical cable and the supplied sonos converter cable.  However, as you are using the inbuilt apps on your TV you need to get the audio out from there as well to beam which is where this solution might break.  The switch says arc compatible but I suspect that might only be on the output hdmi of the switch and not the inputs. 

If it were me to be safe I would get a optical/toslink switch without the hdmi, that way you can take optical audio feeds from ps4 and TV to the optical inputs of the switch then to a single optical output going to beam.

As for switch control, that depends on the switch. Most come with remotes which you could consolidate with a harmony device. 

Hi again. I eventually ordered this :

eSynic Spdif Toslink Switcher 3 X 1 Digital Optical Audio Switch with IR Remote Control Support LPCM2.0 PCM2.0 DTS Dolby-AC3 Dolby Digital DTS 5.1 Dolby Digital Plus https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07B8NMPBN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0CenEb0W66VTV

 

... Which does the job fine, and all lip sync problems are gone! It's a bit of a faff to have to manually switch between inputs, but I can deal with it. What I'm now struggling with is the fact that I can no longer control the volume of the system without using the Sonos app (which my wife is obviously not thrilled about!). Is there anything that can be done about this? Should I have got an optical switch with hdmi out to the beam instead? 

U
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: 171023-002526.

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.

Prodan, have you heard anything further regarding your case? I have an LGOLEDB7A and am living with delay on a $2000.00 SONOS surround sound system and am quite frustrated.

Do you still have Patrick Spence’s email? I would like to send him an email as well. Spent over $4000.00 on a TV and Audio experience that is frustrating me on a daily basis. I think we all deserve answers at this point.
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I had a vizio tv and my playbar worked flawlessly. I recently upgraded to a larger Sony and have the same infuriating sync issue everyone is experiencing. And I’ve tried all the suggested settings adjustments. I’m no engineer but if the issue is with the tv then it’s sonos’ responsibility to get them to make a change or come up with a creative workaround.

Instead their response is there is a known issue that we can’t figure out so let’s just have all our loyal customers debate amongst themselves various imperfect solutions.

Not an acceptable customer service response.

I’ve got Sonos all over my house but this issue makes me want to trash my playbar and start over with another product.
Airgetlam
I just purchased a "new" 2018 Vizio, and it works flawlessly. No issues with my PLAYBAR whatsoever. I do feel your pain, however, as I'm very sensitive to lipsync issues. It's one of the reasons that I decided to stay away from Sony, Samsung and LG, all three makers appear to have issues with processing of the audio signal before sending it out of the optical port. I just can't understand how hard it is for the to accept the signal coming in the HDMI port, not touch it, and pass it out the optical port (or HDMI-ARC). Baffling.
Bruce
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That sounds really frustrating, Prodan, thanks for sharing. It looks like that case you mentioned is open with one of our most senior technicians, so you're in good hands. Let me know if I can help with anything else, and hopefully we can get all your questions answered soon. Talk to you soon!

Keith is there any progress on this case AT ALL? I too am living with the delay and am about ready to get rid of my entire Sonos collection for something else as the audio delay is absolutely terrible. The company is obviously VERY aware of the issue but there have been a whole lot of “We are working on it” responses with zero results.
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Wow. My spelling was/is atrocious.
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