TV Sound Is Out of Sync: How to Fix Lip-Sync Problems

Television sound that does not match the picture can make even a good program difficult to watch. A person’s mouth may move before their voice is heard, or the voice may arrive before the mouth moves.

This is commonly called a lip-sync problem, audio delay or audio-video sync problem. It does not automatically mean the television or soundbar is faulty. The cause may be a television setting, sound processing, an external audio system, an HDMI connection, Bluetooth, a streaming application, a set-top box or the program itself.

Work through the following checks in order. Begin by identifying exactly where the delay occurs before changing any audio-delay settings.

Before you begin

Do not remove the rear cover from a television, soundbar, receiver or powered speaker. These products can contain dangerous voltages even after they have been disconnected from power.

Disconnect the affected equipment and arrange professional assistance if you notice:

• A burning smell or unusual heat.
• Crackling, popping or electrical noises.
• Smoke or visible scorching.
• Liquid damage.
• A damaged power cable or plug.
• A problem that began immediately after an electrical event or physical impact.

Identify which direction the sound is out

Watch a close-up of someone speaking and determine whether the sound is early or late.

• Sound comes after the mouth moves: the audio is delayed behind the picture.
• Sound comes before the mouth moves: the audio is ahead of the picture, or the picture is being delayed more heavily than the sound.

This distinction matters because a normal audio-delay control can only make the sound arrive later. If the sound is already behind the picture, increasing the audio delay will make the problem worse.

Some televisions also provide an A/V Sync feature that can delay the picture to match audio produced by an external sound system. Always read the description shown on your particular television, soundbar or receiver before changing the setting.

Check whether every program is affected

Change to several different programs, channels or videos.

• If only one program, advertisement or live broadcast is affected, the sync problem may be part of the source material or broadcast.
• If only one channel is affected, test other channels before changing the television’s general settings.
• If only one streaming title is affected, test several other titles within the same application.
• If every source is affected, continue through the television and audio-system checks below.

Live television, internet streams and advertisements can occasionally contain their own audio-video timing errors. A television setting cannot reliably correct one badly synchronised program without potentially affecting everything else.

Check whether the television’s menus respond normally

Open the television’s home screen and move through several menu items while listening to its navigation sounds, if enabled.

This is not a precise lip-sync test, but delayed menu sounds may indicate that the television or external audio system is applying substantial audio processing.

If menu sounds respond normally but one program does not, concentrate on the program, application or connected source.

Test the television’s built-in speakers

If you normally use a soundbar, receiver, wireless speaker or Bluetooth headphones, temporarily change the television’s sound output to its own speakers.

Depending on the television, the option may be found under:

• Sound Output.
• Speakers.
• Audio Output.
• TV Speaker.
• Speaker Select.

Play the same scene again.

• If the built-in speakers are in sync, the problem is more likely to involve the soundbar, receiver, wireless connection, cable or external-audio settings.
• If the built-in speakers are also out of sync, test another application, channel or connected source.
• If every source is out of sync through the television’s own speakers, check the television’s audio settings, restart it and install available software updates.

This is one of the most useful tests because it separates a television-wide problem from an external-audio problem.

Do not use the television and soundbar speakers together accidentally

If the television speakers and soundbar are both producing sound, you may hear an echo or doubled voice rather than a simple delay.

Select only the intended audio output unless your television and compatible sound system specifically support a synchronised combined-speaker feature.

Depending on the equipment, select:

• TV Speaker when testing the television by itself.
• Receiver or HDMI Audio System when using an HDMI-connected soundbar or receiver.
• Optical Audio System when using an optical connection.
• Bluetooth Audio Device when intentionally using Bluetooth.

If the echo disappears when only one speaker system is active, the equipment may not be faulty.

Restart all affected equipment

A temporary HDMI, streaming or audio-processing problem can cause sound to drift out of sync.

1. Turn off the television.
2. Turn off the soundbar, receiver, set-top box, streaming device or game console.
3. Disconnect the affected equipment from power.
4. Wait approximately two minutes.
5. Reconnect the television first.
6. Reconnect the soundbar or receiver.
7. Reconnect and start the source device.
8. Play the same scene again.

Some smart televisions support a soft restart by holding the remote’s power button until the television restarts. Follow the instructions supplied for your model.

If only one streaming application is affected

If the delay occurs in only one built-in streaming application:

• Exit and reopen the application.
• Test several different programs.
• Pause the program briefly and resume playback.
• Move backwards or forwards in the program and test again.
• Restart the television.
• Check for an application update.
• Check for a television software update.
• Sign out and back in only if simpler checks do not work.
• Compare the same program using another device if possible.

If every other application and input remains correctly synchronised, avoid resetting the entire television until the affected application or streaming service has been ruled out.

Check the internet connection when streaming

An unstable internet connection may cause a stream to pause, skip or recover incorrectly. This can sometimes leave the audio and video temporarily out of sync.

Try the following:

• Pause playback for several seconds and resume it.
• Exit and restart the program.
• Restart the streaming application.
• Restart the television or streaming device.
• Test another streaming service.
• Check whether other devices are heavily using the internet connection.

A permanent delay that affects every source is unlikely to be caused only by internet speed.

If only one television channel is affected

Change to several other free-to-air channels.

If the other channels are correctly synchronised, the affected broadcaster or program may be responsible. Avoid changing a television-wide audio delay to compensate for one channel unless the issue occurs regularly and you understand how to restore the original setting.

If every free-to-air channel is affected but applications are not, restart the television and consider retuning the channels after checking for software updates.

If only one external device is affected

If the problem occurs only with a set-top box, streaming device, Blu-ray player, game console or computer:

• Restart the external device.
• Test a different program or application on that device.
• Pause and resume playback.
• Check the device’s audio-output settings.
• Check for a device software update.
• Try another HDMI input.
• Test with a known-working HDMI cable if available.
• Connect the device directly to the television for comparison.

If every other television source is correctly synchronised, concentrate on the affected device rather than resetting the television.

Check the HDMI connection

A soundbar or receiver commonly connects to a television through an HDMI port labelled ARC or eARC.

If the delay occurs through an HDMI-connected audio system:

1. Turn off the television, soundbar or receiver and source device.
2. Make sure the audio system is connected to the television’s ARC or eARC HDMI port.
3. Firmly reconnect the HDMI cable at both ends.
4. Check the cable and plugs for visible damage.
5. Restart the equipment.
6. Test with a known-working HDMI cable if one is available.

A cable problem more commonly causes dropouts, lost sound or connection failures than a constant delay, but reconnecting or replacing the cable can eliminate an unstable HDMI link.

Check ARC and eARC settings

Depending on the television and sound system, look for settings such as:

• HDMI ARC.
• HDMI eARC.
• eARC Mode.
• HDMI-CEC.
• Anynet+.
• BRAVIA Sync.
• Simplink.
• VIERA Link.
• Control for HDMI.

HDMI-CEC allows compatible equipment to exchange control information, while ARC or eARC carries television audio back to the audio system.

Confirm that the settings required by your television and soundbar are enabled. Menu names and requirements vary, so check the instructions for both products.

If eARC is enabled but the connected sound system only supports ARC, test the television’s automatic eARC setting or turn eARC off temporarily. If both products support eARC, the automatic setting is usually the appropriate starting point.

Understand the audio-delay setting before changing it

The setting may be called:

• Audio Delay.
• Digital Output Audio Delay.
• Audio Sync.
• A/V Sync.
• AV Synchronisation.
• Match Screen and Sound.
• Lip Sync.
• Synchronisation.

Before adjusting it, determine what the control delays.

• An audio-delay control normally holds the sound back so it plays later.
• An A/V Sync feature on some televisions may delay the picture to match sound from an external audio system.
• A Bypass or Pass Through option may reduce processing and send audio onwards with less delay.

Read the on-screen description or product manual. Do not assume that a higher number always moves the sound in the direction you need.

Adjust the delay in small steps

Use a close-up conversation or a reliable lip-sync test pattern.

1. Record the original delay value before changing it.
2. Adjust the value by one small step.
3. Replay the same short section.
4. Continue only if the synchronisation improves.
5. Restore the original value if it becomes worse.

Avoid making large random changes across the television, soundbar and source device at the same time. If multiple devices apply separate delays, it becomes difficult to identify which setting is responsible.

Use one main sync adjustment wherever possible.

If the sound is behind the picture

When the mouth moves before the voice is heard, the audio is arriving late.

Try the following:

• Reduce an existing audio-delay value.
• Test a Bypass, Pass Through or automatic digital-audio option if supported.
• Temporarily turn off sound-enhancement processing.
• Test the television’s built-in speakers.
• Use HDMI ARC or eARC instead of Bluetooth.
• Connect the source directly to the soundbar or receiver if the manufacturer recommends that arrangement.

Do not increase an ordinary audio-delay setting when the sound is already late.

If the sound is ahead of the picture

When the voice is heard before the person’s mouth moves, the picture is arriving later than the audio.

Try the following:

• Increase the television or soundbar’s audio-delay value gradually.
• Test the television’s automatic A/V Sync option.
• Turn off unnecessary picture processing temporarily.
• Check whether a game console or source device is using an unusual output mode.
• Test another picture mode.

Picture processing can add video delay. Features involving heavy motion processing, noise reduction or image enhancement may contribute on some equipment.

Temporarily reduce sound processing

Soundbars, receivers and televisions may apply processing that takes additional time.

Temporarily turn off or simplify features such as:

• Virtual surround sound.
• 3D audio.
• AI Sound.
• Adaptive Sound.
• Voice enhancement.
• Dialogue enhancement.
• Automatic volume control.
• Sound-field effects.
• Wireless speaker enhancements.

Select a basic Standard or Stereo sound mode and test the same scene again.

If the synchronisation improves, turn the features back on one at a time to identify the setting that introduces the delay.

Temporarily reduce picture processing

If the sound is heard before the picture, the television may be taking longer to process the image.

Temporarily test the picture with features such as the following turned off:

• Motion smoothing.
• Motion interpolation.
• Noise reduction.
• MPEG noise reduction.
• AI picture processing.
• Picture clarity enhancement.

Another quick test is to select Game Mode, which normally reduces video processing. Game Mode is not necessarily the best permanent setting for movies, but it can help establish whether picture processing is contributing to the delay.

Test the digital audio format

The television or external device may offer digital-audio formats such as:

• Auto.
• PCM.
• Pass Through.
• Bitstream.
• Dolby Digital.
• Dolby Digital Plus.

As a diagnostic test, select PCM and play the affected content again.

If PCM restores correct synchronisation, the delay may involve the decoding or processing of a compressed surround format. PCM can reduce available surround-sound options on some connections, so treat this as a test rather than assuming it is the best permanent setting.

If the television and audio system support the required format, a Pass Through setting may allow the soundbar or receiver to handle decoding with less processing by the television. Results vary between equipment combinations.

Record the original setting before changing it and confirm that surround sound still works as expected afterwards.

Check the soundbar or receiver separately

Many soundbars and receivers have their own Audio Sync, A/V Sync or Lip Sync control.

If the television’s built-in speakers are correctly synchronised but the external system is not:

• Check the audio system’s sync setting.
• Select a basic sound mode.
• Turn off optional audio enhancements temporarily.
• Check for a soundbar or receiver firmware update.
• Test another connection method if supported.
• Consult the audio system’s manual for model-specific instructions.

Do not apply large delay corrections on both the television and soundbar. Return one device to its default value and make controlled adjustments on the other.

Compare HDMI and optical audio

If both products support HDMI ARC or eARC, HDMI is generally the most capable connection for television audio and modern surround formats.

However, temporarily testing an optical cable can help determine whether the delay is connected to the HDMI audio path.

• If optical audio is correctly synchronised but HDMI is not, check ARC, eARC, HDMI-CEC and digital-output settings.
• If both connections have the same delay, check the soundbar’s processing and the source device.
• If only one particular program is affected through both connections, the program or broadcast may be responsible.

Optical connections do not support every modern high-bandwidth audio format, so changing permanently to optical may reduce available features.

Check how the source device is connected

A source device can often be connected in either of these ways:

• Source device to television, with audio sent from the television to the soundbar.
• Source device directly to the soundbar or receiver, with video passed onwards to the television.

Each route can create different processing delays.

If one external device remains out of sync, check the soundbar or receiver manufacturer’s recommended connection arrangement. Sony advises that connecting an affected source directly to a compatible soundbar or home-theatre system can resolve certain HDMI-related sync problems.

Change one connection at a time and photograph the original cable arrangement before disconnecting equipment.

Bluetooth audio can introduce delay

Bluetooth headphones and speakers must encode, transmit, receive and decode the audio signal. This can introduce noticeable delay, depending on the television, Bluetooth device and audio format.

If the problem occurs only with Bluetooth:

• Disconnect and reconnect the Bluetooth device.
• Restart both devices.
• Move the Bluetooth device closer to the television.
• Remove unnecessary obstacles between the devices.
• Check for television and Bluetooth-device updates.
• Check whether the television provides a Bluetooth audio-delay adjustment.
• Test the television speakers or a wired audio connection.

If a wired connection remains in sync but Bluetooth does not, the television panel is unlikely to be faulty.

Some Bluetooth combinations may retain a small amount of delay even after adjustment. For critical viewing or gaming, HDMI eARC, ARC, optical or another suitable wired connection may provide more consistent synchronisation.

Check game-console settings

Games are particularly sensitive to delay because the viewer can see and feel the timing difference immediately.

If only a game console is affected:

• Enable the television’s Game Mode.
• Connect the console directly to the television for comparison.
• Test PCM or another console-supported audio output.
• Temporarily disable virtual surround or spatial-audio processing.
• Check the console, television and audio system for updates.
• Test another game.

Changing from a surround format to PCM may alter the number of audio channels available. Confirm the final sound configuration after troubleshooting.

Check for software and firmware updates

Check all equipment involved in the audio path:

• The television.
• The soundbar or receiver.
• The set-top box.
• The streaming device.
• The game console.
• The affected application.

Keep each product connected to power while its update is being installed. Do not turn it off unless the manufacturer’s instructions tell you to do so.

Restart the equipment and test several sources after updating.

Run the television’s built-in sound test

Some televisions include a sound test or audio self-diagnosis function under menus such as:

• Support.
• Device Care.
• Self Diagnosis.
• Sound Test.
• Audio Test.

A sound test can help identify distortion, missing audio or speaker problems, but it may not reproduce a lip-sync problem because it does not always display matching speech video.

• If the test sound is clear, the television’s speakers are capable of producing normal audio.
• If the test sound is distorted, intermittent or missing, follow the manufacturer’s speaker-troubleshooting instructions.
• Continue testing real video through both the built-in speakers and external audio system to assess synchronisation.

Reset the sound settings

If the delay affects every source and you are unsure which audio settings have been changed, reset the television’s sound settings.

This is different from a complete factory reset. A sound reset normally restores settings involving:

• Sound mode.
• Audio delay.
• Equaliser adjustments.
• Sound enhancements.
• Digital audio output.
• Speaker selection.

After the reset, select the intended speaker output and test the television before adding further processing or delay adjustments.

A soundbar or receiver may also have a separate audio-settings reset. Check its manual before using it.

Do not factory-reset the television too early

A complete factory reset can remove:

• Application sign-ins.
• Wi-Fi settings.
• Tuned television channels.
• Accessibility settings.
• Picture and sound adjustments.
• Connected-device settings.

Use a factory reset only after testing other programs and sources, comparing the built-in speakers with the external audio system, restarting the equipment, checking cables, installing updates and resetting the sound settings.

Make sure you know your Wi-Fi password and application login details before performing a full reset.

When the equipment may require professional assistance

Lip-sync problems are more commonly caused by settings, processing, connections or source material than a failed television speaker.

Contact the manufacturer, retailer or a qualified technician when:

• Every source remains severely out of sync through the television’s built-in speakers.
• The delay remains after the sound settings have been reset.
• The audio repeatedly drifts further out of sync during normal playback.
• The problem is accompanied by distorted, intermittent or missing sound.
• HDMI ARC or eARC repeatedly disconnects.
• Settings will not remain saved.
• The television or audio system restarts unexpectedly.
• There is unusual heat, an electrical smell or abnormal noise.
• The equipment may still be covered by a manufacturer, retailer or extended warranty.

Do not pay for a repair before checking the product’s purchase date and available warranty or Australian consumer-guarantee information.

What to tell the manufacturer or repairer

Before contacting support, record:

• The television’s brand and exact model number.
• The soundbar or receiver’s brand and model number.
• Which device is connected to each HDMI input.
• Whether the sound is ahead of or behind the picture.
• Whether every channel, application and input is affected.
• Whether the built-in television speakers are correctly synchronised.
• Whether Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, eARC or optical audio is being used.
• The selected digital-audio format.
• Any audio-delay or A/V Sync values that were tested.
• Whether PCM or Pass Through changed the result.
• Whether the equipment was restarted and updated.

A short video showing a close-up conversation and the delayed sound may help demonstrate the problem. Do not record or share private account details or personal information visible on the television.

The bottom line

A television lip-sync problem is often caused by one program, an application, an external device, audio processing, an HDMI setting or a soundbar rather than a failed screen or speaker.

First determine whether the sound is ahead of or behind the picture. Test several programs, switch temporarily to the television’s built-in speakers and restart all affected equipment.

If the built-in speakers are correctly synchronised, concentrate on the soundbar, receiver, Bluetooth connection, HDMI ARC or eARC settings and digital-audio format. Adjust delay controls only after checking what the control actually delays.

If every source remains severely out of sync through the television’s own speakers after restarting, updating and resetting the sound settings, contact the manufacturer or a qualified technician.

Useful official resources

• Samsung Australia — adjust television audio delay
• Samsung Australia — resolve a soundbar that is out of sync
• Samsung Australia — connect Bluetooth audio devices and understand possible lip-sync errors
• LG Australia — match television picture and sound
• LG Australia — fix echoing or out-of-sync television sound
• Sony Australia — troubleshoot delayed or out-of-sync television audio
• Sony Australia — troubleshoot soundbar audio that is out of sync
• Sony Australia — troubleshoot HDMI-source audio sync problems

Information and Australian manufacturer support references checked 12 August 2026. Audio-setting names, available formats and menu locations vary between television, soundbar and receiver models. Follow the instructions supplied for your exact equipment.