How do I get rid of delay between TV and soundbar?
Samuel Coleman
Published Feb 26, 2026
How do I get rid of delay between TV and soundbar?
How to fix the annoying audio delay on your soundbar
- How your TV and soundbar get out of sync.
- Adjust the audio delay on your TV or soundbar.
- Turn off audio and video processing.
- Change the audio format on your TV.
- Plug your source into the soundbar instead of the TV.
Is my soundbar too old for my TV?
When your TV and soundbar do not have any of the same connection options, you will probably need an adapter to connect them. Most Modern soundbars usually use HDMI, and old TVs usually only have RCA ports. So what you need is an RCA output to HDMI converter.
Is it better to connect soundbar to TV or cable box?
It’s better to connect your soundbar with an HDMI cable because it provides better quality sound. While HDMI and optical connections both pass digital audio from one device to the other, HDMI is capable of handling higher-resolution audio.
Why do soundbars only have 1 HDMI?
If you TV has an HDMI port marked ARC you plug the soundbar into that HDMI port and any input on the TV will send sound to the sound bar. 1 cable clean and supports Digital Sound quality. That way, there is less cable clutter if you are hanging the sound bar and a more uniform audio signal from the TV. :D.
Why is my TV sound out of sync with the picture?
Sound from TV speakers is not in sync with the picture using an HDMI connection. This issue can occur if the audio format of the HDMI® device connected to the TV is set to bitstream output (Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, etc.). To help resolve this issue, change the audio format of the HDMI device to PCM.
How do I fix my out of sync audio?
- Set Digital audio out to PCM. Open the Settings menu. The options vary depending on the model year of your TV.
- Change the current A/V sync setting. Not all Androids have an A/V sync setting. Open the Settings menu.
- Set Pass through mode to Auto. Not all Android TVs have a Pass through mode setting.
Will a soundbar work with any TV?
Aesthetically speaking, your new sound bar shouldn’t be any wider than your TV — and in a perfect world, both are the same exact same width for an even look. However, you can technically pair a sound bar with just about any size TV. So when it comes to size, use your discretion.
Can a sound bar be connected to an old TV?
Connecting a soundbar to an older TV can be relatively straightforward, as long as both devices have the same connectors. Chances are you’re on this page because you assume your soundbar and TV are not compatible.
Which is the Best Sound bar for a TV?
Our best soundbars, like the Bose Soundbar 700 and Definitive Technology Studio Advance, both recreate a 5 channel audio experience, projecting sound around the room so that you can even hear sounds coming from behind you as if there were speakers there.
Is the sound coming from the front of the TV?
These will still give you great sound and dialog clarity, but the sound will all come from the front. You won’t hear sounds coming from behind you. As a final note, you should also beware of some of the cheaper products on the market. They will make your TV louder, but not clearer.
What does HDMI arc do for a sound bar?
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is the neatest TV feature you’ve probably never heard of. ARC lets certain TVs and soundbars transfer audio back and forth using one HDMI cable. In other words, you can use the HDMI port as both an input and audio output.
Connecting a soundbar to an older TV can be relatively straightforward, as long as both devices have the same connectors. Chances are you’re on this page because you assume your soundbar and TV are not compatible.
Our best soundbars, like the Bose Soundbar 700 and Definitive Technology Studio Advance, both recreate a 5 channel audio experience, projecting sound around the room so that you can even hear sounds coming from behind you as if there were speakers there.
Can you use a soundbar and TV speakers at the same time?
Some TVs do allow you to use both the built-in speakers and a soundbar at the same time. However, if you want quality sound, you should only use the soundbar and disable the TV’s built-in speakers. Using both your TV speakers and your soundbar at once does nothing to improve your listening experience.
These will still give you great sound and dialog clarity, but the sound will all come from the front. You won’t hear sounds coming from behind you. As a final note, you should also beware of some of the cheaper products on the market. They will make your TV louder, but not clearer.