In home game streaming apps (like steam link) have audio only lag

[warren2345]

There is an audio delay over HDMI when using in-home video game streaming apps like Steam Link. There is no delay in video in such cases, only audio. Users have been able to isolate the issue to HDMI specifically (USB audio is lagless). Multiple different in home streaming apps appear to be affected

It appears that the device may not be using correct audio settings in these types of apps.

[sicsacol]

Hi @warren2345,

Thanks for posting in the community forum. I understand you're experiencing audio delay over HDMI when using in-home game streaming apps like Steam Link, especially since you've noticed there's no video delay. I appreciate the detailed information you've shared, and also it's helpful to know that using a USB connection seems to be lagless. No worries, I'd be more than glad to assist you. To better support you, I have a few questions for you:

• Can you specify what type of Google device you have? 

Any additional details you can provide will be helpful.

Cheers,
Jonathan

[warren2345]

It is Chromecast with Google TV 4k. But users report the same issue with the new device as well.

I am trying to link the steam community page where a bunch of people are having the same issue but the forum software isn't letting me.

[AnnieCarroll]

I've experienced the same audio-only lag when using Steam Link and Chromecast devices—video stays synced, but the audio lags behind. This seems tied to HDMI audio processing, especially with formats like Dolby Digital+ or DTS. Switching the audio output to stereo/PCM often helps, and avoiding surround formats can reduce latency. Directly connecting your streamer to a soundbar or AVR (instead of through the TV) also improves sync.

[sicsacol]

Hi folks,

Thanks for your replies and the detailed information shared; it's really appreciated. To better support you, I have a few questions:

• Is your Chromecast connected directly to the TV?
• Is there a soundbar or AV receiver connected to the TV?
• Are there other devices connected to the soundbar or AV receiver?
• Does the issue only happen when trying to link the Steam app?

Please let me know the answer to these questions.

Regards,
Jonathan

[warren2345]

Direct to TV

Using TV speakers, no sound bar/av

Only in home video game streaming apps. Other apps have no audio lag

[LukeLunn]

I also have the same issue with Moonlight and Google TV Streamer. I will test out Steam later today.

I did not have this issue with my Nvidia Shield 2019 Tube.

[LukeLunn]

Can confirm Steam has the same issue. This definitely seems like a common Google TV Streamer problem

[sicsacol]

Hi all, 

Thanks for your responses and for the information shared. Let's try the following steps:

• Make sure that you use an HDMI-certified 2.1 cable to connect, as the Google TV streamer requires one to work.
• Reboot your streamer device by unplugging it from the power source, leaving it unplugged for a minute, and then plugging it back in.
• If you're currently using Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Digital, or PCM stereo as your output format, I recommend switching to Automatic. Please check if this resolves the audio issue.

Please let me know how it goes after trying these steps.

Cheers,
Jonathan

[warren2345]

It's all been tried, I promise. You guys have an implementation problem on the HDMI interface for these types of apps.

[LukeLunn]

I second that please let them know it needs to be fixed. 

[dravien010]

I noticed the same delay while using how to get jenny mod with HDMI switching to USB audio fixed it for me.

[Doumaster]

Same problem here with Google streamer. No problems using Steam link on smart tv, but when using Google streamer on same tv, audio is stuttering. Video is fine. 

[ramsaybolt10]

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[Jacktomby]

I’ve run into this too, and it does seem to be an HDMI-specific issue rather than something with Steam Link itself. What usually helps is checking the audio output format in your device settings—sometimes it defaults to surround or a high-latency mode when streaming. Switching to plain stereo PCM over HDMI often reduces or removes the lag.

Another workaround is to keep using USB or Bluetooth audio if that’s available, since like you said, those paths don’t seem to have the same delay. Some TVs and receivers also have an “audio delay” or “lip sync” setting you can tweak, so it’s worth checking if that can compensate.