Google TV Streamer audio sync issue

[Skywalker27k]

I use YouTube, Prime, Disney and Crave.

• Audio is never perfectly synced. When it is optimal after a reboot the audio is very very slightly delayed. If I compare on a fire stick or on native apps on my Samsung tv the audio is perfectly synced.
• After some time the delay increases up to 1 or 2 seconds. At least once every day I need to restart the google streamer. Reboot fixes the issues but there is still a very small delay as mentioned in my first bullet point.

EDIt: I have tested the Streamer on a second TV (2017 Panasonic 1080p) and the audio sync issue is there too.

[Scott_Edy]

So, I have now done all the things suggested by Google. Including swapping out the HDMI cables. And reset the device (from bootloader). Zero improvement. 

Google Streamer Audio out of sync. Philips Ambilight TV. HDMI 2.1 (certified) to TV from Google Streamer. Philips Ambilight TV to Sonos Arc (Gen 1) via hdmi 2.1 certified. Sound settings manual output DTS on (rest off).

[Ashepherdson]

Does your TV have optical audio out ? I'm curious if you try that if it works.   Sonos arcs have had latency issues in the past, but I know you mentioned no issue with the CCwGTV setup, just trying to identify where the problem is for the forum. 

[Scott_Edy]

The Sonos Bar had optical. The Arc versions are HDMI only. 

There is audio adjustment for lip sync however, it goes only one way. And the wrong way in this instance.

[Nouwat]

It sounds like you're experiencing persistent audio sync issues with your Google streamer across multiple platforms and TVs. Based on your description, the slight delay that worsens over time could be related to either the device itself or its compatibility with the TVs.

Here are some troubleshooting steps that might help:

1. Update the Software: Ensure your Google streamer, as well as your TV and apps, are running the latest firmware and app versions.

2. Try Different Audio Settings:

Go into your TV or streamer’s settings and try switching the audio output between PCM, Dolby Digital, or Bitstream. Sometimes one of these formats can help with sync issues.

If available, adjust the audio delay or lip sync setting in the audio settings on your TV or sound system.

3. Turn off Dolby Audio: Some users report that turning off Dolby Digital or Dolby Atmos settings reduces audio lag.

4. Clear Cache or Reset the Device: If rebooting temporarily fixes the issue, try clearing the cache on your Google streamer or doing a full factory reset to clear any potential glitches.

5. Disable Bluetooth: If you’re using a Bluetooth speaker or soundbar, try using the TV’s built-in speakers or connecting via optical cable instead. Bluetooth connections can introduce slight delays.

6. Check Network Connection: Audio delays can sometimes be caused by slow or unstable network connections, especially if you’re streaming. Ensure your Google streamer has a strong internet connection (preferably via ethernet).

Since you’ve tested on multiple TVs and still face this issue, it seems more likely related to the streamer itself. If none of these fixes work, it might be worth considering contacting Google support for further assistance or exploring a different streaming device.

Have you noticed any pattern in the delay worsening after particular apps or usage?

[jrlutz29]

If I get a sound bar that has HDMI 2.1 but my TV only supports 2.0, will that make a difference?

[Scott_Edy]

Nope. 

Next. 

[jrlutz29]

Update????

[Cacha21]

I'm facing the same audio lag issues. But it only affects moonlight and geforce now game streaming. Restarting the device doesn't fix the issue.

[WeaslyD]

I have this issue as well. Audio starts out very close to synced, but after playing any video source for a time, sync strays gradually until it's more or less unwatchable. Restart resolves the issue temporarily.

[michalf]

Happens to me as well. Today it was a show on Disney Plus using Denon AVR, yesterday I had this when watching a show via Plex app with headphones connected via Bluetooth.

What helped is stopping the show, exiting the player and resuming the video.

[KDalkarl]

Same issue with Google TV streamer on Sony tv. Audio is always 0,5-2 seconds delayed. Even more when playing something from USB.

[Skywalker27k]

It's been a month and a half since I opened this ticket. Still not resolved.
@maedacortez @Ashepherdson 

[Ashepherdson]

Just fyi product experts like myself are not Google employees, we are just very familiar with these products ,use them, and help others.  I can't force Google to go faster on this sadly.  

This issue is difficult because it can't be nailed down for specific apps, devices, etc.  I have zero latency on my TV streamer.  I have experienced the same type of lag you have while using my Nvidia shield ,but in turned out to be my soundbar (Vizio) and it's wifi , disabling wifi fixed it, until Vizio released an update.   Not saying that's the case here, just I know Google is trying to nail down exactly what's causing this only on some devices. 

[thejeffbeck]

You must have more influence with the Google employees than we do. Those of us who are experiencing the problem feel like Google isn’t helping us. If the are trying to solve this issue, and it seems isolated, how come they aren’t asking us for information? We’re left feeling like we paid for a $100+ device that’s unusable and there’s no resolve in sight. 

[opznhaarlems]

Same here on a Sony KD49XE9005. Gets more out-of-sync overtime.

Rebooting or toggling surround sound in the settings reset it, until it gets out-of-sync again after a bit

[HepatitisJ]

Same issue. Bought 3 of them. All are garbage and unusable with the audio delay. Have to reboot every half hr or so.

[Ashepherdson]

What is your exact setup , tv, external audio, etc.  

[HepatitisJ]

Hi, thanks for replying. I just applied the update but I don't have a pcm stereo option. I only have 3 different dolby options and 3 dts. My setup is a sony bravia tv. Yamaha htr- 6250 receiver.

The issue happens whether I am going through the receiver or just the tv's speakers.

I have another one hooked up to a samsung tv with no sound system and it has the same issue.

Thanks.

[Scott_Edy]

Have you tried the new setting that came in the update? Switching to "PCM stereo" under "Output Format".

[HepatitisJ]

Hi, thanks for replying. I just applied the update but I don't have a pcm stereo option. I only have 3 different dolby options and 3 dts. My setup is a sony bravia tv. Yamaha htr- 6250 receiver.

The issue happens whether I am going through the receiver or just the tv's speakers.

I have another one hooked up to a samsung tv with no sound system and it has the same issue.

Thanks.

[Ashepherdson]

What apps have the delay?  Is it system wide?  How is the streamer plugged into the tv, is it plugged into the receiver?  Have you tried plugging it directly into the tv ?  I'm using mine with a Samsung OLED and there is zero latency, so it's not a system wide thing, it's got to be hardware or a specific setting. 

[Scott_Edy]

You're right in both counts I feel. It's a Dolby encoding issue. Mine is system wide i.e. no matter the app, it's the same (audio delay).  This PCS option sorted it. But it's an obvious sound quality difference when watching immersive features (John Wick for example). The sound just isn't as good at throwing, if you know what I mean 

[Scott_Edy]

You might be looking in the wrong place. Maybe 

 

[michalf]

The new update might have solved the issue for me. I am not sure yet, but I have not seen any sync issues for the last few days. I have not touched any audio output options.

[Cacha21]

I'm still getting the audio delay while game streaming from GeForce Now, Moonlight or Steam Link. The only thing that makes it a little bit better is selecting the "Never use surround" option, but there is still a bit of delay even with that option enabled. All other apps are running fine. 

[Andy__]

Streamer audio works fine through my TV. It is out of sync (video ahead of audio) when connected to my Google Nest Audio speakers. It did not do this on Chromecast. Please advise.

[Andy__]

After an hour on support chat with Google, I'm refunding the product. The support team didn't understand what the product was at first due to it's vague name. They knew even less about how to fix it. When they asked me to uninstall my Google Home app I knew it was time to call it a day.

[Scott_Edy]

I've had similar levels of "support". They've given up. Not heard from them several days. 

[Ashepherdson]

Have you seen the latest post from the Google team about this ? https://www.googlenestcommunity.com/t5/Streaming/Regarding-audio-and-video-not-synced-with-Google-TV...

[Scott_Edy]

Laughable, really. "Feature"

[jrlutz29]

Literally the only thing that fixed this for me was buying a brand new sound bar.