The sound delay issue has become prevalent with so many different TVs, set-top boxes, and soundbars on the market these days. While it’s inconvenient, there are a few tried-and-true solutions you can attempt on your own.
Many factors can cause sound delay on your TV. Most of the time, the issue is with your audio format, or if you have a soundbar, it is most likely out of sync with your TV.
Dealing with this during your watch sessions can be pretty aggravating; therefore, in this piece, we’ll go over and explain some of the best solutions for sound delay issues.
Although, the source of your sound delay could be that your TV or Soundbar’s options aren’t set correctly.
We will troubleshoot all known causes, regardless of the cause.
Follow these instructions and tips to use the approaches correctly and without issues:
Step-by-step Guide On How to Fix Sound Delay On Your TV
As previously stated, audio delay can be caused by various factors. The challenge is knowing how to correctly carry out the solution process and which strategy will most effectively resolve your problem.
In this case, we propose following our techniques in numerical sequence and checking if the problem persists after each step.
The methods outlined here apply to all TV brands and models:
1. Firmware Update
If you’re trying to figure out how to fix a sound delay on TV, the first step is to make sure your TV is running the most recent version of its software.
You should be able to update your TV via the TV menu if connected to the internet. Keep in mind that not all TVs have software that can be updated.
If you cannot update via the menu, you may always contact their dedicated customer care to see if an update is available.
2. Check if there are errors on other Channels
Whenever you notice a sound delay on your TV, try switching to a different TV channel to see if the problem persists.
If the problem exists on all other channels, it’s safe to assume it’s a local problem.
On the other hand, if the problem appears on only one channel, there is no need to be concerned because this particular broadcast is highly likely to have audio problems.
If you’ve determined that the problem stems from your end, you can move on to the next step.
3. Power Reset Your TV
It is sometimes necessary to do a power reset on your TV.
Follow the steps below to power reset your TV:
• Turn off your TV and wait 5 minutes before dealing with it.
• Unplug the TV power cord from your electrical socket.
• Wait 60 seconds before plugging the power cord back in.
• Turn on your TV.
Note:
Avoid plugging your TV back in if you previously plugged it into a surge protector or a power strip.
Instead, utilize a wall outlet to see if the surge protector or power strip is the source of the problem.
4. Check Internet Connection
Sometimes the sound delay on your TV isn’t caused by any technical problems; your internet connection could be weak, causing audio delays.
This is especially true if you’re streaming content on your TV. To fix this, you might want to restart your router and check if the problem is still there.
5. Check Your Optical Cables (Especially if you own a Samsung TV)
Many Smart TV users have issues with receivers or Soundbars with audio delay from using the TV’s optical output. If you’re sure you fixed your cables correctly, you might want to try this fix.
If you own a Samsung TV model (Q90T) and experience sound issues during gaming, try this:
- Activate Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC) in your TV settings to allow the ARC channel to work for HDMI 3.
- You will need an HDMI audio extractor w/ARC to send audio from the TV.
Next, you’ll need to set up the Surround Sound on your PS5:
- Sound >> Audio Output >> HDMI Device Type >> AV Amplifier
- Number of channels (2, 5.1, or 7.1)
- Audio Format > Dolby or DTS
To set up the HDMI ARC audio extractor:
- Use the TV USB power and plug it straight into the TV.
- Switch the Audio channel (2, 5.1, or 7.1 to match your system).
- Switch the ARC option on the adapter.
- Plug the HDMI into the 3rd port of your Samsung TV.
- Plug the other end of the HDMI to HDMI out.
- Run an optical cable to your receiver or Soundbar.
The TV should automatically switch to the receiver. If it doesn’t, go to Sound Output and choose receiver. Next, choose the expert settings from the sound menu and ensure the HDMI-eARC option is on Auto. Now, change Digital Output audio Format to Pass-Through. Ensure that the Digital Audio delay is also set to 0.
6. Check the A/V Sync Settings
If a home theater or audio system is connected to your TV with an optical cable, you would have to change the A/V Sync or Audio Delay setting on your home theater system. Note that this might not be available on your device.
Audio delay adjustments usually range from 0 milliseconds to approximately 250 milliseconds. If you think that the audio on your TV isn’t in sync with the picture, then adjust it. Otherwise, leave it at 0.
You should check your manual to see if A/V Sync or Audio Delay setting is available on your home theater system. Your manual should also show the best way to adjust the A/V sync setting.
7. Check The TV Game Mode Settings
Not all TVs have a Game Mode setting, but if yours does, you want to make sure it’s appropriately set. Set the Game Mode to Off while watching TV or playing a DVD or Blu-ray Disc, and you can turn it back on when playing a video game.
Sound Delay On TV Still There?
If none of the solutions above seem to work for you, you might want to contact your TV manufacturer.
When you contact your TV’s Support Service, quickly describe the problem and specify what is causing the sound delay.
Once you’ve contacted customer care, make sure you compile and give them as much information as possible regarding the problem and the TV.
Hopefully, they should tell you how to fix the sound delay using their troubleshooting techniques.
Why is my Smart TV audio delayed?
The most common reason for audio or sound delay on televisions is the content or source of the audio and visual. If you’ve downloaded a movie and are trying to watch it on your TV, some of the audio delays could be due to the movie file’s audio being out of sync.
Can HDMI cause a sound delay?
A sound delay is bound to happen when you connect Soundbar to TV using HDMI. Sound delay in HDMI is quite common. However, the most common causes are either visual processing delay (which causes the video to lag, not the audio) or a sync problem in the case of video broadcasts.
How do I fix the HDMI audio delay?
Ascertain that the cable end is securely linked. Finally, you can resolve the HDMI audio delay problem by increasing the volume.
It’s almost certain that if you continue with this guidance and work your way through each answer one by one, you’ll solve your problem. Don’t skip a step because you think it’s apparent or won’t work. It has worked for others, and now it’s going to work for you!
We hope you know how to solve the sound delay on TV that disrupts your viewing sessions and execute the troubleshooting methods properly.
