Apple TV lip-sync delay: quick fixes
Lip-sync drift comes from video processing delay in the TV or audio buffering in the receiver/soundbar. Stabilize HDMI/eARC first, then apply Audio Sync.
Quick answer
- Apple TV: 4K SDR base, Match Dynamic Range/Frame Rate On, Chroma 4:2:0; run Wireless Audio Sync with an iPhone.
- Use certified HDMI 2.1 cables and the TVΓÇÖs 4K/eARC port; enable Enhanced/Deep Color.
- TV: eARC On, Pass-through audio, disable heavy motion smoothing while testing.
- Receiver/soundbar: HDMI Out Enhanced/8K, input Auto/Direct, video processing off; set audio delay to 0 while calibrating.
Symptoms
- Speech trails/leans picture by ~200ΓÇô500 ms.
- Sync worse in Dolby Vision than SDR.
- Sync changes after waking devices or switching inputs.
Step-by-step fix
- Stabilize HDMI path – Apple TV → TV 4K/eARC port with a certified cable. Recommended: Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cable (paid link).
- Set Apple TV baseline ΓÇô 4K SDR 60 Hz, Match Dynamic Range/Frame Rate On, Chroma 4:2:0. Run Wireless Audio Sync with an iPhone.
- Configure TV for pass-through ΓÇô eARC On; Digital Audio Pass-through/Auto; disable PCM-only modes and heavy motion smoothing while testing.
- Configure receiver/soundbar ΓÇô HDMI Out Enhanced/8K; input Auto/Direct; video processing off; audio delay at 0 ms to start. For soundbars, use the eARC port only.
- Reintroduce enhancements ΓÇô After sync is solid, re-enable modest motion settings if desired and add small audio delay only if voices lead.
If sync still drifts
- Turn off quick-start/instant-on on TV and soundbar; power-cycle in order (TV → receiver/soundbar → Apple TV).
- Try fixed 60 Hz (temporarily disable Match Frame Rate) if a single app keeps drifting.
- If Atmos causes lag, test Dolby Digital 5.1; if that fixes it, improve eARC cabling/ports.
- Route video direct to TV and audio via eARC; if that fixes it, the receiverΓÇÖs video board adds delay.
FAQ
Does Wireless Audio Sync work with receivers? Yes, as long as Apple TV sees the TV/soundbar/receiver chain. Run it after changing cabling or picture modes.
Why is Dolby Vision worse? DV can add processing latency. Use the brighter DV preset or HDR10 for problematic apps.
Should I add delay on the receiver? Add only after the HDMI path is stable and Audio Sync is run. Start at 0 ms and increase slowly if voices lead.
Can WiΓÇæFi cause lip-sync issues? Buffering pauses can mimic drift. Ensure stable Ethernet or strong WiΓÇæFi when testing.