Apple TV 4K audio issue?

[FirDerrig33]

I have a 1st Gen Apple TV 4K 32 GB and it has been awesome; well mostly awesome. I'm just wondering if anyone here has noticed a similar issue to what I am about to describe.

Ok, SO I mentioned the Apple TV 4K (32GB) that I have but I also have a 4K Samsung TV(UN50RUXX) and Vizio 5.1 Surround Sound system V51x.J6. Now I know that the TV and the system don't support eARC and what I'm noticing is that quite often I have to wait for the audio to kick in and start but only when I'm using the AppleTV. Using all of my other devices however: PS5, XBOX series X, PS3, Switch (also connected the same HDMI splitter as the AppleTV) does not result in the same delayed sending of audio.

Has anyone else experienced this? If not does anyone have any ideas?

For details:

1. The soundbar is connected to ARC HDMI Port on TV
2. The 4K capable devices (And V2 Nintendo switch) are connected to a 4K HDMI switch and plugged into HDMI port 1
3. The non-4K devices are connected to a different HDMI switch and plugged into HDMI port 2

I have tried resetting the sound settings on my TV
I have tried resetting the settings on the soundbar and sound system
I have tried adjusting the settings for the AppleTV

Everything else sends audio right away and doesn't seem to be affected by lack of eARC

Thanks for your time!

 

[priitv8]

aTV does not do audio passthrough.
It decodes everything into multichannel PCM, sometimes mixing in its own sounds.

 

[FirDerrig33]

aTV does not do audio passthrough.
It decodes everything into multichannel PCM, sometimes mixing in its own sounds.

I know that the AppleTV doesn't do audio passthrough, but what I'm describing I don't think has to do with that. I was commenting on more of a delay in the audio when the AppleTV is my source. Any of my other sources don't have an audio delay. With the AppleTV I am waiting easily between 20-30 seconds for the audio to kick in and sometimes I also have to power off/on the Soundbar or switch the input in order to get the audio.

So it's not a passthrough thing that I'm trying to figure out, more like is there something that is causing an audio delay from my AppleTV.

What I have done since to kind of helped but not completely is changing the audio format on the AppleTV to stereo and that has decreased the delay; but it's still there.

 

[cynics]

I know that the AppleTV doesn't do audio passthrough, but what I'm describing I don't think has to do with that. I was commenting on more of a delay in the audio when the AppleTV is my source. Any of my other sources don't have an audio delay. With the AppleTV I am waiting easily between 20-30 seconds for the audio to kick in and sometimes I also have to power off/on the Soundbar or switch the input in order to get the audio.

So it's not a passthrough thing that I'm trying to figure out, more like is there something that is causing an audio delay from my AppleTV.

What I have done since to kind of helped but not completely is changing the audio format on the AppleTV to stereo and that has decreased the delay; but it's still there.

Unplug the Samsung TV and carefully listen, you'll hear it actually click 10-30 seconds after you unplug it as it powers down. Then plug it back in.

I have a very similar setup in my guest room (Samsung TV with Vizio 5.1 and a 1st gen AppleTV4k). And on very rare occasions the audio delays very badly, or the audio gets a bit garbled through the satellite speakers. Only way to fix it is the power cycle the TV. It's likely something to do with the HDMI ARC handshake.

Worth a shot.

 

[shakopeemn]

You might want to see if the Wireless audio calibration in ATV can clear the issue up. It uses your iPhone to sync video / audio over the speakers. The name almost sounds like it would be for wireless headphones.

 

[-Gonzo-]

You could try changing the audio format to Dolby 5.1 to see if that helps.

 

[Powerbooky]

I hate to say it… Samsung TV’s have many annoying quirks, including audio delay issues.
Better get a good TV and sell the Samsung to someone who doesn’t notice.

 

[QuarterSwede]

Is the audio out of sync when it does kick in?

 

[shakopeemn]

I hate to say it… Samsung TV’s have many annoying quirks, including audio delay issues.
Better get a good TV and sell the Samsung to someone who doesn’t notice.

I kind of disagree, I don’t’ have a perfect audio sync solution with my Apple TV on an LG OLED and Denon receiver.

 

[Powerbooky]

I kind of disagree, I don’t’ have a perfect audio sync solution with my Apple TV on an LG OLED and Denon receiver.

Yeah... it's annoying. Dolby, DTS can have a different delay for each mode on some recievers/amplifiers. Sometimes it's better to let the TV decode the audio and send it PCM to the amplifier via optical or coaxial cable.

 

[priitv8]

Yeah... it's annoying. Dolby, DTS can have a different delay for each mode on some recievers/amplifiers. Sometimes it's better to let the TV decode the audio and send it PCM to the amplifier via optical or coaxial cable.

I’d say it is always better to leave TV out of audio signal processing and connect aTV directly to amp/avr.