Fix Apple TV lip-sync delay
Lip-sync problems come from timing differences between video processing in the TV and audio processing in the receiver or soundbar. The Apple TV can compensate, but only if the HDMI path is stable and devices agree on frame rate. Follow these steps in order to align picture and sound.
Lock down the base Apple TV settings
- Set default to 4K SDR with Match enabled
In Settings > Video and Audio, choose 4K SDR 60Hz. Turn on Match Dynamic Range and Match Frame Rate so the TV processes video in the native format of each app, reducing unexpected delays. - Turn on Wireless Audio Sync calibration
Use an iPhone to run Audio Sync in the same menu. It measures the TV processing delay and applies a correction to the Apple TV output. - Check Chroma
Use 4:2:0 for maximum compatibility. 4:2:2 can add processing overhead on some TVs.
Soundbar/eARC specific fixes
- Enable eARC and passthrough on the TV
In TV sound settings, set eARC to On and Digital Audio to Pass-through/Auto. Avoid PCM-only options that add delay. - Simplify CEC while testing
Turn off TV and soundbar power sync to prevent them from changing modes mid-playback. - Use the best HDMI ports
Apple TV into the TV’s 4K/120 or eARC port, soundbar on the eARC jack only. Avoid switches.
- Check soundbar audio delay setting
If the bar lets you add delay, set it to 0 for testing. Add small increments only if audio leads.
Receiver/AVR specific fixes
- Enhanced video mode on the AVR
Set HDMI Out to Enhanced/8K/4K120 and put Apple TV on the AVR’s highest-bandwidth input. - Disable video processing in the AVR
Turn off scaling, noise reduction, or motion settings in the receiver so it passes video untouched. - Use the AVR audio delay control
Start at 0 ms. If lips trail the sound, add 20–40 ms. If sound trails the lips, enable Auto Lip Sync if available.
- Check speaker distance/phase
Incorrect distances can make dialog feel late. Run the receiver’s auto-calibration after HDMI is stable.
TV processing tweaks
- Turn off heavy motion smoothing
TruMotion/MotionFlow can add significant video delay. Use low or off for streaming content. - Disable local dimming experiments for testing
Some TVs add a frame of delay when changing local dimming intensity. Use a consistent setting while calibrating. - Check game mode
For sports and games, use the TV’s Game mode to reduce latency, but confirm eARC stays enabled.
Network considerations
- Prefer Ethernet or strong Wi-Fi
Buffering pauses can look like lip-sync drift. Stabilize the connection first.
- Disable VPN/ad blockers
These can cause uneven buffer fill and desync audio after re-syncs.
Scenario example: delay only in Dolby Vision
In Dolby Vision movies, voices lag behind lips by half a second, but SDR shows are fine. You set Apple TV to 4K SDR with Match Dynamic Range/Frame Rate on, connect it to the TV’s HDMI 1 (4K120) with a certified cable, and run Wireless Audio Sync. You then disable motion smoothing and set AVR HDMI Out to 8K/Enhanced. Dolby Vision now plays in sync.
Advanced options
- Test stereo vs Atmos
If Atmos introduces lag, switch to Dolby Digital 5.1 temporarily. If sync improves, your eARC path may be buffering; focus on cabling and TV passthrough. - Use fixed frame rate for problem apps
If a single app drifts, temporarily disable Match Frame Rate and test at 60Hz; some apps encode at odd frame rates that trigger TV processing quirks. - Factory reset last
Only after cable swaps and sync calibration fails. Document settings before resetting.
Recommended gear for this fix
When to suspect hardware
- Persistent delay that ignores Audio Sync calibration can mean the TV's eARC implementation is unstable. Firmware may help, but sometimes the only fix is routing audio through a receiver instead of eARC.
- Soundbar models without eARC can buffer Atmos, causing delay. If a firmware update doesn't fix it, consider an eARC bar.