TV technician helping fix Sony Bravia audio delay and lip sync issues

Steve H.

Expert ★★★★★ 27,853 satisfied customers

Specialities: Sony Bravia & Android TV, HDMI ARC/eARC, soundbars & AV receivers, lip sync & audio delay, PS5 & streaming app issues

Sony Bravia audio delay and lip sync issues — HDMI ARC, eARC, soundbar and app problems

Technician avatar Technician
Hey! We’ll track down why your Sony Bravia has audio delay and get the sound back in sync with the picture. Quick questions so we fix the exact lip sync issue and not just guess:
• Exact Sony Bravia model (e.g. X90J, X80K, A80J, X95L) and whether it’s Android TV or Google TV?
• Are you using TV speakers, a soundbar or AV receiver? Connected by HDMI ARC/eARC, optical, or something else?
• Where is the audio delay worst — built-in apps (Netflix, YouTube), HDMI devices (cable box, PS5, Apple TV, Fire Stick), or live broadcast/antenna?
• Is the sound behind the picture (voices late) or ahead of it (you hear it before lips move)?
• Have you changed any TV options like A/V sync, Digital audio out (PCM/Auto1/Auto2) or Pass through / eARC recently?
The more detail we have, the faster we can fix a Sony Bravia sound delay or lip sync problem with your soundbar or receiver.
Customer
I’ve got a Sony Bravia X90J with a Sony soundbar on the HDMI eARC port. Lately the audio is slightly behind the picture on Netflix and Disney+ and also when I use my PS5. If I switch to the TV speakers it’s fine, but with the soundbar there’s this annoying Sony TV lip sync issue where voices don’t match. I haven’t changed anything major in the settings.
Technician avatar Technician
Got it — classic Sony Bravia audio delay with soundbar over HDMI eARC.
A few things usually cause this kind of sound out of sync problem:
• The TV does heavy video processing (motion smoothing, upscaling, picture modes) while the soundbar has to decode surround formats like Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos or DTS → sound arrives slightly late.
• ARC/eARC “handshake” and audio pass-through settings can add buffering, especially with “Auto2 / Bitstream” or external devices like PS5 and Apple TV.
• The TV and soundbar both have their own A/V sync or “Audio delay” controls — if both are trying to compensate, you get extra lag.

We’ll:
1) Confirm when the audio lag on the Sony Bravia appears (apps vs HDMI).
2) Optimise TV audio settings — Speakers = Audio system, A/V sync, Digital audio out, Pass through, eARC.
3) Check soundbar and PS5 audio output so there’s only one device adding delay.
Once those line up, the lip sync should be tight again for movies and gaming.
Customer
The delay is there on built-in apps and PS5, but I notice it more when gaming. TV speakers = no delay. Soundbar on HDMI eARC = delay. I saw an A/V sync setting on the Sony Bravia and a “Pass through” option. Right now A/V sync is on “Auto” and Digital audio out is on “Auto 1”. Should I change those to fix the Sony Bravia sound delay?
Technician avatar Technician
Good info — because TV speakers are in sync, the delay is almost certainly in the ARC/eARC path or audio format.
Step 1 — Confirm the basic Sony Bravia audio output
On the TV:
1) Go to Settings > Display & Sound > Audio output (wording varies slightly).
2) Set Speakers = Audio system (not TV speakers) so the TV knows you’re using the soundbar.
3) Set A/V sync = Auto (if it’s “Off”, turn it on; if “Auto” gives big delay we’ll try “On” or “Off” as a test later).
4) Temporarily set Digital audio out = PCM instead of Auto1/Auto2 — this reduces processing and often fixes Sony Bravia audio lag immediately.

Step 2 — Tweak eARC / Pass through
Still in audio settings:
• If eARC is set to Auto, try Off just as a test. Some soundbars get extra delay with eARC enabled for every source.
• Set Pass through = Off or “Auto” (not “On” all the time) so the TV can handle sync instead of dumping everything straight to the soundbar.

On the soundbar itself, make sure any “Audio delay”, “Lip sync” or “AV sync” value is at 0 ms to start. Then test Netflix again to see if the Bravia sound delay improves.
Customer
I set Digital audio out to PCM and turned eARC from Auto to Off. That actually helped a bit on Netflix, but I still get noticeable audio lag on the PS5. It’s worst in fast games where gunshots and dialogue feel slightly behind the animation. TV is on “Standard” picture mode with MotionFlow on. The soundbar doesn’t seem to have its own delay slider, just sound modes like Cinema, Music, Game.
Technician avatar Technician
Perfect, that tells us the TV/soundbar path can be made better — now we’ll tune it for PS5 on Sony Bravia so you don’t feel any lag.
Step 3 — Cut video processing on the gaming HDMI input
1) On the HDMI port where the PS5 is connected, set the input to Enhanced format / Game if available.
2) Change the TV’s picture mode for that HDMI to Game or at least turn off MotionFlow, Cinemotion and extra “Reality” processing. These features add video delay, which looks like audio out of sync even if the soundbar is fine.

Step 4 — Optimise PS5 audio output to reduce Bravia audio delay
On the PS5:
• Under Sound settings, set Audio format (Priority) = Linear PCM. Dolby / bitstream can add a little more processing time through ARC/eARC.
• Match the PS5’s HDMI device type to “AV amplifier” if you’re telling it you have multi-channel speakers.

Then on the TV, keep Digital audio out = PCM and A/V sync = Auto for now. Try a game again — aim for snap-fast effects with no Sony Bravia lip sync issue in cutscenes.
Customer
Game mode plus Linear PCM on the PS5 helped a lot. Gaming feels almost instant now. Streaming apps are also better, but on some movies I can still see slight audio out of sync on Sony Bravia. The soundbar doesn’t offer a negative delay, only positive. Would an optical cable be better than HDMI ARC for this, or should I keep tweaking the Bravia settings?
Technician avatar Technician
Great, we’re close. For small remaining delay, it’s about choosing the most stable audio path and format.
Step 5 — Decide between HDMI ARC/eARC and optical
• HDMI ARC/eARC is required for full features like TV remote volume control, CEC and sometimes Dolby Atmos.
• Optical (Digital audio out) is often simpler and can reduce small sync issues, but it won’t carry advanced formats like eARC Atmos or high-bitrate TrueHD.
If you mostly watch stereo/5.1 and care more about lip sync than Atmos, optical with Digital audio out = PCM can completely remove tiny Sony Bravia audio delay in many setups.

Step 6 — Final Sony Bravia audio sync fine-tuning
Still on the TV:
• With HDMI ARC, try toggling A/V sync between Auto, On and Off while watching a scene with talking faces.
• Make sure any Bluetooth audio outputs are disabled when using the soundbar — Bluetooth adds its own delay on top of the TV’s.
• Keep your soundbar on a neutral mode like Standard or “TV” for testing; some virtual surround modes deliberately add processing that causes soundbar audio delay on Sony TVs.
If you test both ARC and optical, we can lock in whichever gives the tightest sync for you.
Customer
One more thing — I sometimes use Bluetooth headphones with the Bravia and those have huge audio lag, way more than the soundbar. It’s almost like a full second behind. Is that just how Bluetooth works with Sony Bravia audio or can I fix that too?
Technician avatar Technician
Yep, Bluetooth audio delay on Sony Bravia is a different beast.
• Bluetooth (especially SBC/AAC) always has some latency. TVs sometimes buffer even more to keep the link stable, so sound can feel a full beat behind with wireless headphones.
• Some Bravia models have a “Bluetooth A/V sync” or “Playback delay” option — try setting that to “On (for lip sync)” or to the “Low latency” mode if available.
• For truly tight sync, lots of people use a low-latency Bluetooth transmitter or go wired to the soundbar/receiver instead of pairing headphones directly to the TV.

For now, I’d treat Bluetooth headphones as a “nice to have” and focus on making your main Sony Bravia + soundbar lip sync perfect over HDMI or optical, since that’s what you use most.
Customer
Makes sense. For daily use I just want the Bravia and soundbar to stay in sync and not change every time there’s a firmware update or I switch apps. Anything I can do so the Sony TV audio delay doesn’t come back in a month?
Technician avatar Technician
Totally. Let’s “set and forget” as much as possible so you don’t chase audio out of sync on Sony Bravia after every update.
Preventive setup for Sony Bravia audio delay issues
• Keep a consistent connection path (e.g. PS5 & other HDMI devices into the TV, then one HDMI ARC/eARC cable from TV to soundbar). Avoid daisy-chaining devices in different ways.
• Leave Digital audio out = PCM unless you specifically need bitstream/Auto2 for surround or Atmos — PCM is usually the lowest-latency option.
• Only enable eARC and Pass through if your soundbar/receiver fully supports them and you actually use lossless formats; otherwise ARC + PCM is often the most stable.
• Use Game mode on the HDMI input you play on, and minimise heavy motion processing on that input so video delay doesn’t create the illusion of audio lag.
• When you see a firmware update, run a quick test clip with talking faces; if you spot a new lip sync problem, note which setting you changed last so it’s easy to undo.
These habits make Sony Bravia sound sync much less fragile in the long run.
Customer
What if after all of this there’s still an audio delay, even on the TV speakers with nothing else connected? At that point is it a faulty Bravia panel/board or still a settings thing?
Technician avatar Technician
Good question — here’s how we tell if the Sony Bravia audio delay is hardware or just configuration.
Step 7 — Bare-bones test with TV speakers only
1) Unplug the soundbar and all HDMI devices (PS5, cable box, etc.) from the TV.
2) Set Speakers = TV speakers, and under audio settings choose a simple mode like “Standard”.
3) Watch built-in content (YouTube, news app or antenna/terrestrial) and check if speech matches lip movement.

• If TV speakers are also out of sync with nothing connected, a full factory reset of the TV is next. If that still doesn’t fix lip sync, it can point to a deeper main board problem and you’d talk to Sony support or a local repair shop.
• If TV speakers are fine but Sony Bravia audio delay returns only with the soundbar, then we know it’s in the ARC/eARC path or soundbar. In that case, we’d update soundbar firmware, try a new HDMI cable, or change to optical for a while.
We can walk through that “bare TV” test and reset step by step live in chat if you ever need to.
Customer
After switching Digital audio out to PCM, turning eARC off, using Game mode on the PS5 input and leaving A/V sync on Auto, everything looks and sounds in sync now. No more obvious Sony Bravia audio lag on movies or games. Really appreciate the detailed walkthrough.
Technician avatar Technician
Summary: when you have Sony Bravia audio delay or lip sync issues, first test with TV speakers only, then stabilise the ARC/eARC or optical path to your soundbar. Use Speakers = Audio system, Digital audio out = PCM, A/V sync = Auto and turn off heavy video processing on gaming inputs. If Bluetooth adds too much delay, treat it as secondary. If sync is off even on the bare TV, a reset or hardware check may be needed. Not sure which audio or HDMI setting to change on your specific Bravia model? Open the chat and an expert will walk through it step by step.

Quick answer: the accepted fix

Accepted fix when a Sony Bravia has audio delay: test first with TV speakers only to confirm lip sync, then connect your soundbar or receiver with a single HDMI ARC/eARC or optical cable. On the Bravia set Speakers = Audio system, Digital audio out = PCM, A/V sync = Auto and, if needed, turn eARC or Pass through off. Use Game mode on HDMI inputs you play on and minimise motion processing. This stabilises Sony Bravia sound sync for apps, PS5 and other HDMI devices.

Why Sony Bravia TVs get audio delay or lip sync issues

Most Sony Bravia audio delay problems come down to timing: the TV is processing the video (upscaling to 4K, motion smoothing, HDR tone mapping) while the audio chain — soundbar, AV receiver, Bluetooth — is decoding and sometimes re-processing the sound. ARC/eARC and “Pass through” modes add extra buffering, especially when sending bitstream Dolby or DTS to a sound system. If TV and audio system don’t agree on how much delay to add, you see the classic Sony TV lip sync issue where mouths move before or after you hear the dialogue. Switching to PCM, adjusting A/V sync and simplifying the HDMI path usually removes this sound out of sync feeling.

How to test if your Sony Bravia audio delay is really fixed

After changing settings, use a few simple checks to confirm Sony Bravia sound delay is gone. Play a clip with a close-up of a person speaking (news, YouTube, lip-sync test videos) and watch whether mouth movement lines up with the words. Test both built-in apps and HDMI sources like PS5, cable box or streaming sticks. For gaming, fire a weapon or jump in place and see if the sound feels instant. If sync is good on TV speakers but not on the soundbar, the issue is still in the ARC/eARC or optical chain; if everything stays aligned across apps and inputs for a while, your Sony Bravia audio lag fix is stable.

Sony Bravia audio delay — quick troubleshooting tips

Most cases are fixed by simplifying the audio path and adjusting a few key Bravia settings.

Quick path: start with TV speakers only to confirm the panel itself has no lip sync problem. Then connect your soundbar or receiver via a single HDMI ARC/eARC or optical cable. On the TV set Speakers = Audio system, Digital audio out = PCM, A/V sync = Auto and turn off heavy video processing on gaming inputs. If Sony Bravia audio delay still appears, experiment with eARC and Pass through, and try optical if you don’t need Atmos. When Bluetooth headphones are too far behind, use wired or low-latency alternatives instead of pairing them directly to the TV.

Disclaimer: This information is AI-generated and intended for general guidance only. For advice specific to your Sony Bravia model, soundbar, receiver and firmware version, please consult a verified expert on Whizz-Tech before making decisions.

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FAQ

Why is there audio delay on my Sony Bravia TV?

Sony Bravia audio delay usually comes from a mix of TV video processing and audio processing in your soundbar or receiver. Features like motion smoothing, advanced picture modes, Dolby/bitstream output, ARC/eARC pass-through and Bluetooth can all add a few frames of delay. If TV speakers are in sync but your soundbar isn’t, the issue is almost always in the HDMI/optical or audio format settings rather than a faulty panel.

How do I fix Sony Bravia lip sync issues with a soundbar or AV receiver?

Use a simple connection path (TV to soundbar via HDMI ARC/eARC or optical), then on the Bravia set Speakers = Audio system, Digital audio out = PCM and A/V sync = Auto. Turn off heavy motion processing on gaming inputs and avoid stacking extra delay in the soundbar’s own “Audio delay” or “Lip sync” controls. If needed, test turning eARC and Pass through off, or try optical if you don’t need Atmos.

Which audio setting reduces Sony Bravia audio lag the most: PCM or bitstream?

For most setups, PCM on the TV’s Digital audio out gives the lowest latency and helps fix Sony Bravia sound delay, especially with gaming. Bitstream/Auto modes send compressed formats like Dolby Digital to the soundbar or receiver, which can add a little extra processing time. If you notice lip sync issues, try PCM first; if you later want surround/Atmos, you can experiment with Auto1/Auto2 once sync is stable.

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