There is nothing more annoying and frustrating than returning from an exhausting day at work and wanting to catch up on the latest news, watch some sport, or one of your favorite programs, and noticing that the announcer’s lips don’t match the sound on your TV.
We look at how to fix audio and video out of sync on TV. The first step is to reset. If that does not work, do not panic. We have a few other tricks you can try.
There are many factors that can cause the audio and video to be out of sync on a TV. These are normally related to, software, the hardware itself, streaming issues, and loose or incorrect cable connections.
Troubleshooting Steps:
It is advisable to follow the steps listed below, checking whether the audio and video sync problem has been resolved after each step.
1. Perform a power reset on your TV
- Turn off your TV and wait for 5 minutes
- Unplug the TV power cord from your electrical outlet.
- Wait for at least 60 seconds then plug your power cord back in. If your TV was plugged into a surge protector, rather use the wall power outlet. This will indicate if the surge protector was causing the problem.
- Turn on your TV.
2. Check if the latest software is installed
Make sure your TV is running the latest version of its software:
If you have a smart TV, go to the software update section in the TV settings menu to check and install updates.
Not all TVs have software that can be updated. To see if your TV can be updated check your TV specifications. Manuals are posted on your TV’s model support page.
3. Check your hardware
To check if the problem lies with the TV, choose a source that has no audio problems such as a Bluray disc that you are confident has no issues. Disconnect all external speakers and play only on the TV’S built-in speakers and see if the audio and video are out of sync.
Some TVs have a “reset” or “reset sound” option under the sound settings menu, where you can reset the sound to get the sync working again.
4. Check if it is the broadcast
If the audio and video out-of-sync problem occurs while watching a specific program, try changing the channel to see if the problem occurs on other channels. If it only happens on one channel the issue is with the broadcast. Contact broadcast network provider to report it.
5. Check if it’s a bad connection between cables and source device
Make sure that all your sound, HDMI, and other audio devices attached to TV and source devices, (cable set-up box, Blue-ray, Home-theater, etc.) are securely and correctly connected.
6. Check if your DVD or Bluray device is connected to your TV
Make sure all cables from your TV to your DVD or Blu-ray are securely connected. If your TV has a Game Mode Setting, set the Game Mode to Off when watching TV or playing a DVD or Blu-ray disc.
Replace the disc you were watching with another disc. A damaged disc could be the cause.
Play a different audio source such as a YouTube Video to check if the problem occurs with other devices.
Disconnect all cables from the DVD OR Blu-ray and the TV and then reconnect again.
7. Check TV settings for audio delay
Some TV remote controls have an option for “size of the room” or “audio delay”. Pressing one of these buttons will fix the audio delay problem. If your TV does not have these settings, then complete the following steps.
- Go to the TV menu and select Audio Settings.
- In Audio Settings, find “audio delay” and set to either a higher or lower setting.
- Once done return to watching TV and see if it is now in sync.
- Repeat these steps as often as required until the audio is synced.
8. Check CAB/SAT box settings for audio delay
As with the TV, some CAB/SAT BOXES have “size of the room” or, “audio delay” settings. If the CAB/SAT BOX does not have these settings then go to the CAB/SAT BOX, select, AUDIO SETTINGS, and follow the same steps followed for “TV settings for Audio Delay”.
9. Check home theater or soundbar audio connection
When using a Home Theater System or a Sound Bar make sure that the TV speakers are completely turned off.
If you are having a syncing or echo problem, it could be that the TV is playing sound from two different sources at the same time. Sound is coming from the TV speakers and the soundbar or home theater system at the same time. This will cause an echo sound issue.
If you are looking for a good soundbar, consider some of the options here: The Best Soundbars Under $300.
Do not play audio through your TV if you have a separate sound system connected to your TV. Use only the home theater system or the soundbar. The sound will be of a higher, clearer quality.
It is advisable to switch your TV speakers off completely. Most TVs have an option in the menu to turn the TV speakers off. Using only the home theater or soundbar will eliminate any sync issues and remove the echo that you had been hearing.
10. Check home theater or soundbar settings for audio delay.
If your home theater system or soundbar is connected to your TV with an optical cable or HDMI cable the sound may be delayed due to audio processing delays in the home theater or soundbar systems. it may be necessary to change the A/V sync or Audio Delay setting on your home theater system or soundbar.
- In your home theater or sound bar, go to the menu and select Audio Settings.
- In Audio Settings find “audio delay” and set to a different setting. Audio delay adjustments can range from 0 milliseconds to 250 milliseconds.
- Once you have changed the “audio delay” settings check your TV if it is now in sync.
- Continue resetting until the sound is synced.
Here is How to Reset a Vizio Sound Bar in more detail. If you use the Bose 700 Sound Bar, you can learn more here.
11. Check if smart TV is connected to HDMI ARC
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is designed to reduce the number of cables between your TV, soundbar, and external home theater system. The audio signal can travel both ways to and from the speakers thus improving the sound quality.
The HDMI function is only available through the specific port on the TV and the external speakers need to be compatible. It may be necessary to adjust the settings of the speakers to turn on the HDMI ARC controls.
How to connect an HDMI cable:
- Connect the cable to the TV’s HDMI IN (ARC).
- Connect to the HDMI OUT (TV- ARC) port of the speaker you want to connect.
- Turn on the speakers connected to the TV.
- The TV sound will now be played through your external speakers.
Conclusion
If you follow the troubleshooting steps listed above, you should be able to correct the frustrating problem of the audio and video being out of sync. If the issue still occurs, repairs may be required.