Dolby Atmos sync issue with Apple TV

Whenever I play Dolby Atmos content, there is a delay in audio playback in relation to the video. Dialog is slightly out of sync from lips. Explosions are heard slightly after you seem them. The delay is about 1/6 of a second.

Hardware used: Apple TV 4K, Samsung Series 7 TV, and Vizio Elevate Soundbar.

I tested in both configurations and had the same results:

Apple TV 4K connected to Samsung Series 7 TV's HDMI 2 input. Vizio Elevate Soundbar connected to HDMI eARC.
Apple TV 4K connected to Vizio Elevate's HDMI 2 input. izio Elevate Soundbar connected to HDMI eARC.

The issue only happens when view Dolby Atmos content. If I set the Apple TV to only output in 5.1 surround, the delay disappears.

I play with the AV delay of both the TV and the soundbar and was not able to sync the audio and video. The lowest setting on the AV sync is the closest I can get the audio to the video. Increasing the setting makes it worse.

Below are the list of apps with varying results:

Disney+ Noticeable audio delay with Dolby Atmos content. Disabling Atmos fixes the sync issue.

MAX Same as Disney+

Netflix Same as Disney+

Paramount + Noticeable audio delay with ALL content.

Additionally, I also tested the Samsung TV's native Netflix app since it is the only one that outputs Atmos through the eARC. No sync issues with the TV's native Netflix app when playing Atmos content.

Is there a solution for these syncing issues when playing Atmos content on the Apple TV?

Apple TV 4K, tvOS 17

Posted on Oct 24, 2023 11:10 PM

Top-ranking reply

designything

Level 1

14 points

Posted on Mar 14, 2024 8:57 PM

I might have a solution. Under video and audio settings on my Apple TV I had the Match Content on. Sync problems.

Turned it off. Perfect audio sync through my homepod with Dolby Atmos still on.

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28 replies

venda46

Level 1

14 points

Mar 29, 2024 2:23 AM in response to priyonjoni

I have the same problem with the new ATV 2022. I found that if it doesn't play Dolby Vision, it will play Atmos. If I turn on DV, Atmos plays poorly. It's worst in the Apple TV+ app. The ATV is connected directly to the TV (Philips 65OLED936), which has a built-in soundbar. Everything works fine when streaming from the app on the TV. I bought a new HDMI cable with certification, but it doesn't affect anythin.

hcsitas

Level 6

12,848 points

Oct 25, 2023 4:33 AM in response to priyonjoni

How long is the HDMI cable connected to the Apple TV?

Dec 4, 2023 11:01 PM in response to pitsako

I changed to optical cable which has helped with sync delay with all programming. Except when Dolby Atmos is playing. I had to turn that feature off on Apple TV. Playing that is just not realistic. I am using Samsung 2022 TV with Samsung soundbar Q850

wesmwitt

Level 1

8 points

Jun 24, 2024 11:56 AM in response to priyonjoni

I am also facing audio delay issues specifically on Dolby Atmos. I had no delay when Atmos was disabled in the settings.

My setup is Apple TV -> Sony TV (eARC) -> Denon AVR.

I was able to resolve this problem by changing my setup to Apple TV -> Denon AVR -> Sony TV.

This was a pain to re-set up, but it worked for me. Also consider turning off Match Frame Rate because that causes issues with some apps (Plex comes to mind.)

Sep 22, 2024 3:42 AM in response to Paul Brook

Update. It helps at times, but not always. It’s so variable.

given the issues now with Dolby digital content only playing in stereo I am minded to get rid of the thing and get an Amazon fire TV 4K stick.

Nov 2, 2024 3:57 PM in response to priyonjoni

Same issue for me in the Apple TV app and Paramount+ app. "Match Content" video settings and "Change Format" audio settings don't seem to matter. I can fix it by turning the "Dolby Atmos" audio setting off (not a solution if I want Atmos audio, obviously).