CCwGTV Surround Sound Sync Issues

[michaelbelt]

Hi there! I've had my Chromecast With Google TV since it's release date and I love it's functionality. A little over a month ago, I bought a 4K TV (Samsung UN55AU8000FXZA) and a soundbar (Vizio M51ax-J6). While I've been enjoying both, I've had pretty unfortunate surround sound sync issues.

When playing content with 5.1 surround sound audio, the audio is slightly behind the video. I've noticed this with multiple streaming apps built directly into the stick (Netflix, Paramount+, HBO Max, Hulu, and maybe other digital movie library apps - haven't tried it with Disney+ yet, but I'd imagine I'd have the same problem), and it's absolutely terrible on Peacock (which is probably a combination of the problem and some app-specific issues).

I've read that this seems to be a problem with other users with CCwGTV as well (both here and other sites like Reddit), so part of me thinks the issue is software-specific (unless it is a hardware thing).

Setup-wise, the CCwGTV is plugged into a standard HDMI port on the TV. The soundbar is connected to the TV via HDMI-eARC. I've seen others also say the problem doesn't change when plugging the CCwGTV directly into the soundbar, so I don't know if that'll be worth trying. Is this still a problem others are currently facing? If so, what steps can be taken to solve the problem?

[JenniferV]

Hello michaelbelt,

Thanks for reaching out and for providing detailed information about your issue. Please try the steps below:

1. Close and relaunch the app, then try to cast the same content again.
2. Clear the cache and data of the affected apps.
3. Reinstall the affected apps.
4. Reboot your Chromecast.
5. Try to plug it in on a different HDMI port on your TV.
6. Try to plug it in directly on the soundbar's HDMI port.
7. Try to plug in on a different TV screen, if possible.
8. Factory reset your Chromecast.

Let me know how it goes.

Thanks,

Jennifer

[JenniferV]

Hey there,

It's me again. I want to make sure you're all good — how did the steps go?

Regards,

Jennifer

[michaelbelt]

Hi, Jennifer.

I should clarify that this takes place directly within the device's OS itself, as I'm not casting anything from my phone. All content comes from built-in apps. To that end, steps 1-4 have either already been executed to no luck, or aren't relevant be aude my phone is not being used for casting.

I have not tried steps 5-8 yet. I don't have another TV I can easily test the problem on for step 7. I could try plugging it into another HDMi port or the soundbar (steps 5 and 6), but given the fact that others on this forum and other sites like Reddit have reported similar issues after following the same steps, I'm doubtful it would do much more. Regardless, I can try these and report back.

I definitely don't want to factory reset my device (as seen in step 8 😎 unless absolutely necessary, especially if it's a software fix (which is so desperately needed, because software updates for this device are incredibly rare).

Would it be helpful if I sent logs (similar to what was done here? It seems as though some users may have been able to fix the problem  by plugging the device directly into their soundbar, or turning 5.1 audio off (which is counterintuitive to having a surround sound setup). Again, I can test it by plugging it directly into a soundbar, but it's a hassle to have to use a physical workaround for a problem that should genuinely be a software fix. I should have the same audio output functionality regardless of which HDMI port I use. I'm hoping logs might assist in issuing a fix.

Michael

[michaelbelt]

I should also clarify that this is not a problem with standard stereo audio. There's no delay whatsoever when outputting a stereo mix. And from what I can tell, these issues also aren't a problem with Dolby Atmos audio either. It's just 5.1 audio mixes.

[JenniferV]

Hi michaelbelt,

Thanks for the additional information. You may try to plug it in on the soundbar so we can isolate the issue. If the same issue persists, please fill out this form so we can further look into this.

Thanks,

Jennifer

[JenniferV]

Hello there,

How's it going? Did the step help? If not, have you had a chance to fill out the form?

Thanks,

Jennifer

[michaelbelt]

Hi, Jennifer.

My apologies for the delayed reply. I had to go out of town this weekend for a conference, but I can try it when I get back to my apartment.

[JenniferV]

Hey michaelbelt,

No problem at all — take your time. I'll wait for your update here.

Best,

Jennifer

[michaelbelt]

Hi, Jennifer.

I think I may have solved the issue. I did go ahead and move the Chromecast to the soundbar's input, and that seemed to solve the problem. However, there would be an occasional stuttering of the picture, and fast-forwarding would result in a loud glitch-like sound before the audio kicked back in. Plus I previously had a 4K Blu-Ray player plugged into the soundbar, so I didn't want to mess up anything involving HDR passthrough. I swapped the inputs back to where they were, but looked at my TV settings. With Sound, I had the Digital Output Audio Format set to Auto. I set the Format to Pass-Through and it seems to have worked! I still don't think the sync is 100% phenomenal (particularly on apps like Peacock), but it's definitely much better than what it was.

[JenniferV]

Hi there,

Thanks for keeping me in the loop and glad to hear that your device is working now. I would suggest you monitor the behavior of your device. Also, you may send feedback about this using the Google Home app. Here's how. Let me know if you have other questions and concerns. 

Thanks,

Jennifer

[JenniferV]

Hello michaelbelt,

I haven't heard from you in a while so I’ll  be locking this thread if there’s no update within 24 hours. If you need help in the future, please feel free to start a new thread and we'll be happy to help.

Thanks,

Jennifer