Apple TV audio/video sync issues

I just updated my Apple TV 4K and this same thing started happening to me today. Watched two Netfix movies last night with no issues, but tonight the sound streams to my airplay Bose speakers ahead of the video. Also, my picture is slightly glitchy. When I change to TV speaker (which runs through HDMI cable) sound is perfectly synced with video and no more glitch. Again, this was NOT an issue until my Apple TV updated. This doesn't look like a fluke. It looks like a BAD UPGRADE. PLEASE FIX ASAP!

I am having the same issues with the NEW Apple TV. lagging after watching for a few minutes, however, may lagging occurs on YouTube TV and other apps. I have been a big supporter of Apple TV but if this lagging is not corrected I will have to change hardware, which is a lot since I have two homes. What is Apple doing to try and fix this problem?

Same here and started just recently like a lot of people are reporting. I have Paramount+ via Apple subscription and the movie I’m trying to watch has a soundtrack that’s way out of sync with the video, and restarting the device or force quitting TV app doesn’t help.

What was your solution? If any, other than good support????

Hello, Ccastle84.

Thank you for posting in Apple Support Communities. We understand that you’re experiencing an audio sync issue with your Apple TV, and you’ve already tried some excellent troubleshooting. 

First, make sure you’re running the latest tvOS version on your Apple TV.

Update your Apple TV - Apple Support

Then we suggest checking the audio settings on your Apple TV. For example, your Apple TV should automatically select the highest quality audio compatible with your television, but it may not be compatible with all the content you’re watching. 

Check Settings > Video and Audio > Audio Format > Change Format and test with both Stereo and Dolby Digital 5.1. Does one sound better than the other?

Play audio in Dolby Atmos or surround sound on your Apple TV - Apple Support

Warmest Regards.

Never an issue with my Apple TV until Fall of this year after the update. It doesn’t matter the 3rd party app. My audio quickly stutters and then starts to lose sync with the video. I’ve tried numerous apps, 3 different HDMI inputs and different cables…I’ve connected directly to Ethernet on 1Gig Internet and I’ve done everything Apple has recommended with ZERO resolve.

You can tell that it is an Apple issue because the audio is even out of sync within the platform of their own Apple TV app. When I scroll through their menu and click on different options for settings, the normal click sounds are delayed. They are passing the buck and lying that it’s 3rd party apps. My Apple TV is pretty much useless at this point and I’m learning to do without it by using my TV’s App Store apps that provide most all of what I need. It’s not as streamlined as Apple, but when Apple can’t get it right and points the finger elsewhere…maybe it’s time to just go elsewhere and stop being loyal to Apple.

This is happening across all of the live streaming apps. Please investigate the root cause. This is absolutely repeatable. This makes it difficult to recommend Apple TV as a streaming device for anything but prerecorded material. I am available to assist in any troubleshooting.

Thank you.

Ccastle84,

We aren't really able to speculate about upcoming tvOS releases. We learn about Apple software updates as they're released, too. 

Apps are engineered for the devices where they're downloaded, so you may have different settings or performance for each. For example, the Netflix app may work differently when downloaded directly on your Smart TV than it does when downloaded on your Apple TV, or it may require various settings to be customized to optimize performance through that device. 

Have you had a chance to try and calibrate the audio using the Apple TV app on your iPhone? These articles explain:

Use Apple TV to play audio throughout your home - Apple Support

Adjust video and audio settings on Apple TV - Apple Support

Still experiencing audio latency? You might try to reach out to Netflix or HBO to see if there are settings within the app that need to be adjusted.

Cheers!

A few weeks ago, I reset my audio settings on AppleTV and it has worked perfectly under all conditions since.

Watching ESPN last night during the baseball game the sync was so off the on camera was unwatchable. I have a high speed cable and running sound via hdmi . Watching Amazon prime or Netflix no problem but streaming ESPN was horrible.

I have the same issue but only if I use airplay to direct the audio to my speakers. However, if the audio is transmitted through bluetooth, then I get perfect synchrony. This problem only happened after my Apple tv HD had it last update on September 20, 2021.

I have the same issues on almost all my streaming apps recently. Hasn’t been a problem in the past. I’d say the issue started about 2 months ago. Restarting Apple TV fixes the issue temporarily. This thread leaves me to believe it’s not just my tv. I have an LG CX model and work in the AV industry. I’m hesitating recommending this to my clients as I will be dealing with service calls all the time.

My other LG Cox TV does not have this issue but I use a sonos sound at rather than the tv speakers. Maybe that makes a difference also but it shouldn’t matter. I will keep you all posted on what I discover through tech support.