Sony 4K TV audio/visual sync problem

[JimClark49]

Hi All,

I recently brought a Sony Bravia 49" 4K TV. I have connected it up to my Panasonic soundbar (SC-HTB488) and notice a delay in hearing the sound. For example, a newsreaders lips will move way before I hear the sound. If the soundbar is switched off and the sound comes from TV speakers, the audio-visual sync is much better.

What options do I have to resolve this issue when using soundbar?

Note: sales assistant at Richer sounds suggested trying a high-spec HDMI cable.

[MikeyC]

You havn't connected them by BlueTooth by any chance ?
If so, then p24 of the manual says there may be some lag, so use an HDMI cable instead
BlueTooth does like to buffer audio to allow for temporary glitches/poor-reception

If not, then it appears there is no way to adjust the delay since both TV & soundbar don't have the feature

Does it happen more on HD transmissions compared to SD ones ?
If so, then there looks to be buffering somewhere in the system ...

[hornmeister]

Deffo connect via cable (HDMI prefereably from the ARC HDMI socket on the TV) and check that you have no audio delay on by default. There will be a setting on the TV and likely soundbar as well.

..and don't spend a fortune on an HDMI cable. Amazon basics are fine for a fiver or so.

Edited by hornmeister on Wednesday 13th February 14:10

[JimClark49]

Thanks both.

The connection is with a HDMI on the ARC connection. It happens in all types of picture quality (HD and SD) and via the built-in YouTube app. Sometimes the sound will sync in and out in one video (e.g. YouTube music video).

I have tried some different settings on the TV, but feels like I am just attempting things for the sake of it. What does the 'PCM' setting do?

[MikeyC]

JimClark49 said:

What does the 'PCM' setting do?

PCM stands for Pulse Code Modulation - it's typically CD digital audio - stereo rather than surround sound, so useful if you only have a stereo setup

[gizlaroc]

You will have a sync delay on both the TV, Sky Box and your soundbar.

Make sure they are all at 0ms and start from there. I would then adjust the soundbar only if you need to.

[moonigan]

gizlaroc said:

You will have a sync delay on both the TV, Sky Box and your soundbar.

Make sure they are all at 0ms and start from there. I would then adjust the soundbar only if you need to.

Its not a given that you will have sync issues but some manufacturers products cope with it better than others. The problem will more than likely the soundbar. If you take the sound bar out of the equation do you still have the issue?

The Sonos sound bar is notoriously bad with certain TVs which is the one I was going to buy until I read about the issues. I have a Yamaha soundbar and that has been perfect with both a Sony and Samsung TV but that has built in correction. Sometimes I get lip sync issues with my Sony Blue Ray player but that is usually resolve by stopping the moving and starting again from where it left off.

[gizlaroc]

A didn't mean you will get it with all those, I meant you will have sync delay adjustment on all of those.

Make sure they are all set to 0 and take it from there.