TV sound and picture are out of sync

“Out of sync” can mean audio leads the picture or trails behind it. Write down which direction you see, because a control that delays sound can worsen an issue where sound is already late. Also check whether the mismatch affects every channel/app or only one source, and whether you use TV speakers, HDMI ARC/eARC, optical, Bluetooth, or a receiver. Bluetooth and video can have different transmission delays from a wired TV-speaker path.

1. Use the TV speakers for a brief comparison if practical, then compare one built-in app and one external source.

   If TV speakers are synced but a soundbar is not, focus on the external audio path and its sync controls.

   If that does not help: If all sources and TV speakers show the same offset, follow the TV maker’s audio-output guidance and check whether the broadcast itself is affected.

2. Test a second program or channel and note whether the mismatch starts at the same time or only with one title.

   One channel/title suggests a source or program-specific issue; a repeatable mismatch across unrelated material suggests a shared device or setting.

   If that does not help: If the symptom is intermittent, record a short clip and the source path; a single moment may not reproduce the delay.

1. Restart the affected app or external device using its normal controls, then replay the same scene.

   If the timing returns to normal, record the source and whether the problem recurs rather than changing several audio settings.

   If that does not help: If the mismatch persists only in one app/device, check that provider’s current support notes and software version.

2. For HDMI audio, make sure the cable is connected to the ports labeled ARC/eARC when that is the documented route for the TV and soundbar; check both manuals.

   A correct connection path lets the TV and audio device use their supported return-audio features.

   If that does not help: Port labels and supported formats vary; do not assume every HDMI port supports ARC/eARC.

3. Check the source device’s audio output mode against its manual, especially if the issue began after changing surround or passthrough options.

   A documented compatible output setting can reveal whether format processing is adding delay.

   If that does not help: Do not switch codecs or formats randomly. Record the current setting and ask the source/device maker if the manual does not explain it.

An external audio system may process sound after the TV has already processed the picture. Sony’s support guidance lists soundbar/home-theater processing as a possible source of delay and directs users to the audio device’s A/V Sync or Audio Delay controls where available. Samsung documents model-dependent Audio Sync controls on its soundbars and notes that its sync feature is unavailable for some connection types, including Bluetooth or USB on the documented products. These limits are why the exact audio-device manual matters.

1. Check whether the soundbar/receiver has its own A/V Sync or Audio Delay control and consult its model manual for the direction of adjustment.

   Make a small change, replay the same dialogue scene, and keep it only if lip movement improves.

   If that does not help: Return to the original value if the result gets worse. Do not assume that increasing a number always fixes audio that leads the image.

2. If the TV offers an A/V Sync option, check the TV manual to learn whether it delays audio, video, or automatically coordinates the output for your model.

   An Auto/On/Off option may behave differently depending on the connected device and TV generation.

   If that does not help: If the control has no clear model-specific description, leave it unchanged and ask the manufacturer before further calibration.

3. Compare ARC/eARC with another supported connection only if both manuals describe it and you can restore the original setup.

   A change in sync with a connection change points toward the audio-return path or processing mode.

   If that does not help: If the mismatch persists across supported paths, record the devices, ports, and settings for both manufacturers.

First determine whether the mismatch is tied to one channel, one streaming service, downloaded media, or every source. Sony notes that broadcast signals can arrive with sync problems and that some HDMI audio formats or post-processing settings may affect timing on certain models. Those instructions are model-scoped; they should not be generalized to every television. Consult the TV and source manuals before changing digital output format or processing modes.

1. Compare a broadcast or second app with the affected source and note whether the timing is consistently early or late.

   A single source-specific mismatch is best reported to its broadcaster/service or connected device maker.

   If that does not help: If it happens across sources, check for a TV software update using the manufacturer’s normal process.

2. If the TV manual documents a digital audio format or post-processing setting for sync, change one setting at a time and test the same scene.

   If the mismatch improves, write down the prior and new value so it can be reversed.

   If that does not help: Restore the original format if there is no improvement or other audio disappears; passthrough and advanced formats can affect features.

Do not keep stacking TV delay, soundbar delay, and source-device delay. Multiple compensations can create a larger offset on another input. If the issue cannot be narrowed, return experimental settings to their original values and give support a clear connection diagram: TV model, source, sound system, cable path, audio format, sync values, and whether TV speakers are affected.

• The audio and video on my TV are out of sync or there is an audio delay — checked 2026-10-24
• HDMI source audio out of sync with a home theater system or soundbar — checked 2026-10-24
• Samsung soundbar is out of sync with the TV — checked 2026-10-24

How do I fix TV audio that is ahead of the picture?

First determine whether the TV speakers or an external sound system are involved and check another source. Use only the model’s documented A/V sync control; some settings delay the picture to match audio, while others delay audio.

Why is my soundbar out of sync but the TV speakers are fine?

The soundbar or its connection may be adding processing delay. Check the soundbar manual for its sync control and verify the documented ARC/eARC or optical connection path. Do not assume TV speaker settings apply to the soundbar.

Should I set digital audio to PCM?

Only if the TV or source manufacturer recommends that setting for your model and symptom. Changing output format can affect surround or passthrough behavior, so note the original setting and test one change at a time.