How to Set AV Sync on LG TV
If the dialogue on your LG TV seems slightly ahead of the video, or if explosions and footsteps lag behind the picture, AV Sync is the setting that can fix it.
This guide explains how to set AV Sync on LG TV, why the delay happens, and how to fine-tune audio across different LG webOS menus and connected devices.
LG includes multiple audio timing controls because the best setting depends on whether you are using the built-in speakers, HDMI ARC/eARC, Bluetooth audio, or a soundbar with its own processing.
What AV Sync Does on an LG TV
AV Sync, also called audio delay or lip sync correction, adjusts the timing between the video signal and the audio output.
In practice, it tells the TV to delay sound slightly so that speech matches the movement of lips on screen.
This matters because digital audio and video paths do not always process at the same speed.
Streaming apps, external receivers, soundbars, and gaming consoles can each introduce a different amount of delay.
When You Need to Adjust AV Sync
You should change AV Sync when the sound feels out of step with the picture.
Common signs include:
- Dialogue arriving before or after the actor’s lip movement
- Sound effects lagging behind action scenes
- Audio timing changing between TV channels and streaming apps
- Lip sync getting worse when you switch to a soundbar or receiver
If the issue only happens on one app or one external device, the problem may be in that source rather than the TV itself.
How to Set AV Sync on LG TV
The exact menu labels vary slightly by LG model and webOS version, but the process is similar on most LG OLED, QNED, NanoCell, and UHD TVs.
- Press the Settings or gear button on the remote.
- Open All Settings.
- Go to Sound.
- Select Sound Out or Additional Settings, depending on your model.
- Find AV Sync Adjustment, AV Sync, or Match Screen and Sound.
- Turn the feature on if needed.
- Increase or decrease the delay until speech matches the picture.
LG usually gives you a slider or numeric delay value in milliseconds.
Move in small increments and test with spoken dialogue before making larger changes.
Which AV Sync Option Should You Use?
LG TVs often offer more than one sync method.
The best one depends on your audio setup.
Internal TV Speakers
If you use the built-in speakers, AV Sync is usually simple to adjust because the TV controls both audio and video timing.
Start with the default setting and only change it if you notice a clear mismatch.
Soundbar or AV Receiver via HDMI ARC or eARC
With HDMI ARC or eARC, the TV sends audio to an external audio system.
This is a common source of lip sync problems because both the TV and the soundbar may process audio differently.
If your soundbar has its own delay setting, adjust one device at a time to avoid conflicting corrections.
Bluetooth Audio
Bluetooth introduces extra latency by design, so audio often arrives later than the picture.
If your LG TV supports Bluetooth delay compensation, use that feature first.
For critical lip sync, HDMI-based connections usually perform better than Bluetooth.
Gaming Consoles and Streaming Devices
Game consoles, Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, and set-top boxes may add their own audio processing.
If you notice lag only from one device, check that device’s audio output settings in addition to the LG TV AV Sync menu.
How to Find the Best Delay Value
There is no single correct AV Sync number because each setup behaves differently.
The goal is to match the sound to the image as closely as possible, not to use the highest or lowest delay available.
- Start at the default value.
- Watch a scene with clear dialogue and visible mouth movement.
- Adjust in small steps, such as 10 to 20 milliseconds at a time.
- Stop when speech looks natural and effects feel anchored to the action.
If the audio is ahead of the video, you need to add delay.
If the TV allows negative adjustment and the audio is behind the video, reduce the delay.
Other LG Audio Settings That Affect Sync
AV Sync is not the only setting that can change timing.
On LG TVs, other audio features may also influence perceived delay.
Sound Mode
Modes such as Standard, Cinema, AI Sound Pro, and Clear Voice can apply different processing paths.
More processing can mean more latency, so test different sound modes if AV Sync alone does not solve the issue.
Digital Sound Output
Settings like PCM, Auto, or Pass Through affect how audio is decoded and sent to external devices.
Pass Through or eARC often gives the most direct path for compatible soundbars and receivers.
LG Sound Share and Bluetooth Features
Wireless audio convenience can come with extra delay.
If you are chasing perfect sync for movies or sports, a wired HDMI or optical connection is usually more reliable.
How to Fix AV Sync Problems on LG TV
If changing the delay does not solve the issue, try the following checks:
- Power cycle the TV, soundbar, and source device
- Update LG TV firmware through the Support menu
- Update soundbar or AV receiver firmware
- Test a different HDMI cable, especially for ARC/eARC setups
- Switch the source from HDMI ARC to optical or vice versa to isolate the issue
- Disable extra processing features such as motion smoothing or heavy audio enhancement
Some apps also have built-in audio delay controls.
If the problem appears only inside a single streaming app, the app’s settings may be the best place to correct it.
LG webOS Menu Paths by Common Setup
LG has changed menu layouts over the years, so you may see slightly different names on your screen.
These are common paths to look for:
- Settings > All Settings > Sound > AV Sync Adjustment
- Settings > Sound > Additional Settings > AV Sync
- Settings > Sound > Sound Out > AV Sync
If you cannot find the option, use the TV’s search feature in Settings or consult the model-specific LG user manual.
Best Practices for Stable Lip Sync
Once you have a good setting, keep the signal path consistent.
Changing from built-in apps to a game console, or from HDMI ARC to Bluetooth, can alter the audio delay and force you to readjust.
- Use the same sound output method for most viewing
- Avoid stacking multiple delay fixes across the TV and soundbar unless necessary
- Retest after firmware updates
- Recheck sync after changing picture modes or external devices
For the most accurate result, test with real speech from a movie, news broadcast, or live sports broadcast rather than relying only on music or sound effects.