AppleTV tvOS Audio sync issues

Channels Apple TV
#1

I've been experiencing the most annoying problems with some channels being out of sync. The audio is out of sync with the picture on major networks ABC, CBS, NBC etc. Channels such as MeTV, Antenna TV etc that broadcast older shows are all in perfect sync.

I also have a (cough) Firestick 4k Max and when I switch to that streamer (begrudgingly) the audio is perfectly in sync.

I can't for the life of me figure out why this is happening. It's been an issue for months. I am on the latest beta on Test Flight, I'm also on tvOS 15.2 and using the EXPERIMENTAL audio and video decoders. However it doesn't seem to matter what decoders I choose because the issue persists. Have the developers given a higher priority to Firestick? I've paid for this app on AppleTV long before it went free and I paid AGAIN for Firestick and AGAIN for my Sony Bravia with Google TV and yet AGAIN for iPad and iPhone versions. I feel I paid enough and should be getting flawless audio on all channels in the tvOS platform.

#2

I do agree with the audio out of sync issue. It seems to be getting better with the last few beta updates. But you gotta remember this is beta. Beta doesn't always mean better :wink: Have you tried going back to the non-beta. Also version tvOS 15 has been plagued with bugs and I now Channels has put in workarounds to try to limit the issues. It seems Channels is working hard trying to get the experimental drivers out the door. I think they still need time to cook.

#3

Which model Apple TV?

Is this with OTA?

Can you submit diagnostics from the app after playing for 30s

#4

How is the audio playback in the official HDHR app on the same Apple TV?

1 Like
#5

AppleTV 4k model A2169

Yes, OTA

diagnostics uploaded

#6

The official HDHR app doesn't seem to produce audio at all

#7

Actually after a reboot I now have audio on the HDHR app and it's the same situation. Audio sync issue as well

#8

Are you using ATSC3 perhaps? Which OTA market?

#9

No. I don’t have a tuner for ATSC3. I’m in Winston Salem, NC. I don’t think that my market even broadcasting any channels in ATSC3. That would be available in Raleigh Durham or Charlotte but not here

#10

How about on iPhone or iPad with channels app and HDHR app are they both also out of sync?

#12

I’m having the same issue. I’ve tried using both the regular and experimental audio and video drivers, but the audio is still way out of sync on both recordings and live TV. As it is, Channels is basically unusable on the Apple TV. Is there any workaround identified for this?

#13

Is it working in the official HDHR app on the same Apple TV?

#14

It seems like I may have stumbled onto a workaround for this after all. I saw someone mention that they had the issue when the Apple TV “wireless audio sync” function was enabled, so I tried resetting the sync (which disabled it). After that, Channels went back to being in sync. I wanted to try the native HDHomeRun app, so I re-ran the sync calibration, and now I have it enabled, but Channels is back to being in sync. I guess at least for the moment, problem solved.

3 Likes
#15

I had lip sync issues after a calibrated my Apple TV with my home speakers.. Once I disabled that feature lip sync was fine.. Seems apples speaker sync isn't bug free.

#16

Apple’s audio synchronization feature is intended for Bluetooth speakers such as HomePod Mini. In my experience the feature has no effect on lip sync issues when using HDMI or Optical connections.

In my case the issue seems to only happen in Hi Definition broadcasts. Content such as The Andy Griffith show are in perfect sync. The issue is not limited to Channels. It also happens in the native HDHOMERUN App.

I have yet to try the new HDHOMERUN Flex tuners due to the cost. I’m running 3 Quattro tuners each with its own antenna pointed at different towers so that I don’t have to rotate an antenna like the old days.

I suspect the issue stems from broadcasters shifting channels making way for the new ATSC 3 format.

#17