Audio Sync problem on broadcast HD programs

Rich G · 02-11-2006, 02:34 PM

I have been reading as many posts as possible on this audio sync issues. Mostly broadcast HD programming a and standard broadcasts that the station/cable company convert to HD seem to have the worst problem.

I watch the news on the the cables analog side and it's audio is perfectly synced. I switch to the digital cable channel and there is a slight varience. When I switch to the HD version of the same news or local program, the audio is off by a second or more.
I have had two HD stb's with the same results. Now I have the SA 8300 with DVR and it to has the delay. Watching a recorded version of the olympic opening ceromonies and sure enough, the recorded version has the same sync problems.

Any idea when the broadcasters will find a solution to the HD audio sync problem?

It is a broadcast/cable company (satelite included) problem and it needs to be fixed and soon.
If not, I fear HD broadcast TV is doomed.

sidemount · 02-12-2006, 12:26 AM

I receive OTA HDTV and my audio sync is off just a tiny bit. So little that my wife hasn't said anything. Seems like everything is like a half of a syllable off.

daneldorado · 05-06-2007, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich G

I have been reading as many posts as possible on this audio sync issues. Mostly broadcast HD programming a and standard broadcasts that the station/cable company convert to HD seem to have the worst problem.

Any idea when the broadcasters will find a solution to the HD audio sync problem?

It is a broadcast/cable company (satelite included) problem and it needs to be fixed and soon.
If not, I fear HD broadcast TV is doomed.

About 12 days ago, I purchased a new 42-inch Toshiba Hi-Def TV and looked forward to viewing improved picture quality.

Well, HDTV really DOES look better than "standard" definition. But on almost every HD channel, the audio is out of sync with the action on screen!

Today, I choked back a tear (well, almost) when the store's installers returned to my house to take away my new HDTV system. After nearly two weeks of looking at pictures that are out of sync with the audio, I had had enough. Repeated calls to DirecTV elicited replies like this:

"Sir, we are aware of the problem. We are working on it and hope to have it resolved as soon as possible."

Tomorrow a.m., my wife and I will return to the electronics stores to try and find a new, LOW-def TV. Surely there must be some still around.

Cheers,
Dan

iserum · 05-06-2007, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daneldorado

About 12 days ago, I purchased a new 42-inch Toshiba Hi-Def TV and looked forward to viewing improved picture quality.

Well, HDTV really DOES look better than "standard" definition. But on almost every HD channel, the audio is out of sync with the action on screen!

Today, I choked back a tear (well, almost) when the store's installers returned to my house to take away my new HDTV system. After nearly two weeks of looking at pictures that are out of sync with the audio, I had had enough. Repeated calls to DirecTV elicited replies like this:

"Sir, we are aware of the problem. We are working on it and hope to have it resolved as soon as possible."

Tomorrow a.m., my wife and I will return to the electronics stores to try and find a new, LOW-def TV. Surely there must be some still around.

Cheers,
Dan

u will waist your money on old technology set, sure store will love to sell them. occasionally DTV will send program with Audio sync issue, u should have fired DTV rather than returning set.

**PFC5** · 05-07-2007, 11:32 AM

I agree that SDTVs are NOT the way to go for the main viewing TV. I could see buying one for the kid's room until the end of this year MAYBE.

It might be better to just change to cable as your source of stations if your source (DirectTV) is having such problems. At least with cable you do not have to BUY the HD STBs and they are included in the monthly fees.

My cable company has better PQ compared to ANY of the sat companies. I tried Voom (until they went under) and the sound was better with my surround system, but the PQ was still lower than what cable offered. Voom fairly consistently had higher ratings for PQ compared to either Dish or DTV.

wsteinhauer · 06-05-2007, 12:46 PM

Audio sync is a known problem. It takes longer to process the video than the audio, so unless it is compensated for, the audio will be ahead. I have seen it on Comcast and OTA. I don't know if it is created in your TV or by the station or cable company, but sometimes mine is fine, sometimes it is off.
Some higher end A/V receivers have a way to sync it up. JVC digital receivers have an adjustable audio delay function to fix it.

My other problem is the wide variation in volume from program to commercial and station to station. I am using a 2.1 audio system, and I think it makes the problem worse when 5.1 is broadcast with the HD. I tried the Terk volume stabilizer but it didn't seem to do anything. I may try another brand.

Lee Stewart · 06-05-2007, 01:47 PM

There are no low def TV's bigger than 32". Anything greater than 37" is now an HDTV. You will have trouble finding anything unless you want a 20" TV.

What I don't understand is why you sent your HDTV back? You know the problem is with DirecTV. They have admitted it. Again just switch to cable - which cable company covers your area?

Rick-F · 06-05-2007, 09:52 PM

This problem exist with every HD provider I know about-- it is not your equipment . . . it is the broadcaster, cable provider, satellite provider's transmission problem.

I have Insight Communications cable service-- when the problem appears, it is slight to very annoying. I have 3 HD sets and ALL exhibit this problem-- as did my previous cable service, and OTA, and the QAM tuner. The problem just seems a bit worse for the satellite providers -- but their customers have MORE HD channels to see/hear it on . . .

BrianO · 06-05-2007, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Stewart

There are no low def TV's bigger than 32". Anything greater than 37" is now an HDTV. You will have trouble finding anything unless you want a 20" TV.

He should still be able to find the recently discontinued (in March 2007) Sony KD-36FS170 which is a 36" standard def CRT TV with both NTSC and ATSC tuners but no QAM tuner. But 32" does seem to be the upper limit on SD sets still in production...How long they will be available remains to be seen.

If he looks really hard he can still find discontinued analogue sets while inventories last.

02-11-2006, 02:34 PM	#1
Rich G Which is better? Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: So Cal Desert Posts: 10	Audio Sync problem on broadcast HD programs I have been reading as many posts as possible on this audio sync issues. Mostly broadcast HD programming a and standard broadcasts that the station/cable company convert to HD seem to have the worst problem. I watch the news on the the cables analog side and it's audio is perfectly synced. I switch to the digital cable channel and there is a slight varience. When I switch to the HD version of the same news or local program, the audio is off by a second or more. I have had two HD stb's with the same results. Now I have the SA 8300 with DVR and it to has the delay. Watching a recorded version of the olympic opening ceromonies and sure enough, the recorded version has the same sync problems. Any idea when the broadcasters will find a solution to the HD audio sync problem? It is a broadcast/cable company (satelite included) problem and it needs to be fixed and soon. If not, I fear HD broadcast TV is doomed.

05-07-2007, 11:32 AM	#5
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 28,349	I agree that SDTVs are NOT the way to go for the main viewing TV. I could see buying one for the kid's room until the end of this year MAYBE. It might be better to just change to cable as your source of stations if your source (DirectTV) is having such problems. At least with cable you do not have to BUY the HD STBs and they are included in the monthly fees. My cable company has better PQ compared to ANY of the sat companies. I tried Voom (until they went under) and the sound was better with my surround system, but the PQ was still lower than what cable offered. Voom fairly consistently had higher ratings for PQ compared to either Dish or DTV. __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier

06-05-2007, 12:46 PM	#6
wsteinhauer HD is what? Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 40	audio sync Audio sync is a known problem. It takes longer to process the video than the audio, so unless it is compensated for, the audio will be ahead. I have seen it on Comcast and OTA. I don't know if it is created in your TV or by the station or cable company, but sometimes mine is fine, sometimes it is off. Some higher end A/V receivers have a way to sync it up. JVC digital receivers have an adjustable audio delay function to fix it. My other problem is the wide variation in volume from program to commercial and station to station. I am using a 2.1 audio system, and I think it makes the problem worse when 5.1 is broadcast with the HD. I tried the Terk volume stabilizer but it didn't seem to do anything. I may try another brand. __________________ Vizio 47 LCD Tivo 2 Sherwood VR670 Comcast HD DVR

02-12-2006, 12:26 AM	#2
sidemount A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 11	I receive OTA HDTV and my audio sync is off just a tiny bit. So little that my wife hasn't said anything. Seems like everything is like a half of a syllable off.

06-05-2007, 01:47 PM	#7
Lee Stewart Behold - the future! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Albuquerque, NM Age: 58 Posts: 25,188	There are no low def TV's bigger than 32". Anything greater than 37" is now an HDTV. You will have trouble finding anything unless you want a 20" TV. What I don't understand is why you sent your HDTV back? You know the problem is with DirecTV. They have admitted it. Again just switch to cable - which cable company covers your area?

06-05-2007, 09:52 PM	#8
Rick-F 58" & 50" PDP / 2 32" LCD Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 1,560	This problem exist with every HD provider I know about-- it is not your equipment . . . it is the broadcaster, cable provider, satellite provider's transmission problem. I have Insight Communications cable service-- when the problem appears, it is slight to very annoying. I have 3 HD sets and ALL exhibit this problem-- as did my previous cable service, and OTA, and the QAM tuner. The problem just seems a bit worse for the satellite providers -- but their customers have MORE HD channels to see/hear it on . . .