How to set AV sync on Sony TV
If the dialogue on your Sony TV sounds slightly ahead of the actors’ lips, you are dealing with AV sync, also called lip sync.
This guide explains how to set AV sync on Sony TV and why the right adjustment depends on your input, sound system, and picture processing.
AV sync problems can come from HDMI devices, soundbars, AV receivers, Bluetooth audio, or internal TV processing.
The good news is that Sony TVs include several ways to correct the timing so speech, music, and effects line up naturally.
What AV sync means on a Sony TV
AV sync is the alignment of video and audio so they reach you at the same time.
When the sound arrives too early or too late, even by a fraction of a second, lip movement and dialogue feel unnatural.
Sony TVs may show this setting under names such as Audio Delay, A/V Sync, or Auto Lip Sync, depending on the model and connected equipment.
Many modern Sony BRAVIA TVs also work with features from HDMI and connected audio devices that automatically manage timing.
Before you adjust anything
Not every audio delay is caused by the TV itself.
Before changing settings, identify where the sound is coming from and whether the issue appears on all content or only certain apps and devices.
- Internal TV speakers: The delay may be caused by the TV’s picture processing or app playback.
- Soundbar or AV receiver: The delay may come from HDMI ARC, eARC, or the external device’s own processing.
- Bluetooth audio: Bluetooth often adds noticeable latency.
- One app only: The app, streaming source, or format may be creating the mismatch.
If possible, test a live TV channel, a streaming app, and a connected device such as a game console.
That comparison helps narrow down the cause quickly.
How to set AV sync on Sony TV using the settings menu
Most Sony TVs provide a direct audio delay control in the Sound menu.
The exact menu path varies by model, but the general process is similar across BRAVIA televisions.
- Press Home on the remote.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Display & Sound or Sound.
- Select Audio output, Sound settings, or Advanced settings.
- Look for AV Sync, Audio Delay, or Lip Sync.
- Turn the feature on if available.
- Adjust the delay in small increments until voices match the video.
If the sound is ahead of the picture, increase the delay.
If the sound appears late, reduce the delay if your model allows it.
Many TVs only offer positive delay adjustments, which means they can slow the audio but not speed it up beyond the source’s natural timing.
How to use Auto Lip Sync on Sony TV
Some Sony TVs support Auto Lip Sync through HDMI and connected devices.
This feature relies on the TV and the audio system exchanging timing information automatically.
To use it effectively, make sure the following are true:
- Your device supports HDMI lip sync or automatic audio delay.
- You are using a direct HDMI connection, often through HDMI ARC or eARC for soundbars and receivers.
- The audio device also has its lip sync or delay feature enabled.
- Any unnecessary sound processing on the TV or receiver is minimized.
Auto sync is useful because it can adapt to different sources without constant manual adjustment.
Still, it is not perfect in every setup, especially with older devices or when a soundbar adds extra processing.
Adjusting AV sync for a soundbar or AV receiver
When a Sony TV is connected to a soundbar or AV receiver, the fix may need to happen on both devices.
HDMI ARC and eARC simplify audio transfer, but they can still introduce delay if one device processes audio more slowly than the other.
Check these settings on the Sony TV:
- HDMI ARC/eARC: Make sure the correct HDMI port is being used.
- Digital audio output: Try switching between Auto, PCM, or Pass Through if sync is unstable.
- Sound mode: Disable heavy processing modes if the audio seems delayed.
Then check the soundbar or receiver:
- Audio delay / lip sync: Adjust in small steps.
- Surround processing: Reduce enhanced modes if they add latency.
- Firmware: Update both the Sony TV and the audio device.
If the issue appears only when using ARC or eARC, try a different HDMI cable and verify the cable supports the bandwidth required by your setup.
Fixing AV sync in streaming apps on Sony BRAVIA TVs
Streaming apps can create AV sync problems because the TV must decode compressed video and audio formats in real time.
On Sony BRAVIA Google TV and Android TV models, the delay may vary by app, format, or subtitle use.
Try the following if only one app has the issue:
- Force close the app and reopen it.
- Clear the app cache if the platform allows it.
- Check the app’s audio format settings, if available.
- Switch the app output from surround sound to stereo as a test.
- Update the app and the TV firmware.
Some services also switch between stereo, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Atmos depending on the title.
That change can affect latency, especially when external speakers are involved.
When internal TV speakers are out of sync
If you hear a delay while using the Sony TV’s internal speakers, the problem is usually inside the TV’s processing pipeline.
Picture enhancements such as motion smoothing, noise reduction, or upscaling can increase video processing time.
To reduce that delay, try these steps:
- Turn off extra picture processing features.
- Use a picture mode designed for lower latency, such as Game or Cinema in some cases.
- Check whether an accessibility or voice enhancement setting is affecting timing.
- Restart the TV after changing multiple settings.
For gaming, a lower-latency picture mode is especially helpful because consoles and PCs need tighter audio-video timing than movies or shows.
How to fine-tune AV sync manually
Manual tuning works best when the delay is subtle and consistent.
Use a scene with clear dialogue, such as a close-up conversation or a news broadcast, and make adjustments in small increments.
- Set the TV and audio system to a standard mode first.
- Play content with obvious lip movement.
- Increase the audio delay slightly if sound comes early.
- Reduce processing on the audio device if sound comes late.
- Recheck with a second source before saving the setting.
A good AV sync setting should make speech feel natural without drawing attention to the speakers or the screen.
In most home setups, small changes are enough.
Common causes of Sony TV AV sync issues
Several technical factors can make AV sync drift or appear inconsistent.
Understanding them helps you fix the issue faster and avoid changing settings blindly.
- HDMI handshake problems: The TV and device may not fully agree on signal timing.
- Wireless audio latency: Bluetooth and some wireless speaker links add delay.
- Source processing: Streaming boxes, game consoles, and set-top boxes may process audio differently.
- Format conversion: Switching between stereo and multi-channel audio can change timing.
- Picture enhancement: Motion interpolation and other video effects can make audio seem early.
When to reset or update the TV
If AV sync settings do not hold or the delay changes randomly, a software issue may be involved.
Sony periodically releases firmware updates that improve HDMI compatibility, audio handling, and app stability.
Consider these actions:
- Restart the TV using the power menu or by unplugging it briefly.
- Check for system software updates.
- Update connected devices such as soundbars, receivers, and streaming boxes.
- Reset picture and sound settings if multiple changes have created confusion.
A factory reset should be a last resort, but it can help if the audio delay started after major settings changes or a failed update.
Quick troubleshooting checklist
- Test the issue with multiple inputs and apps.
- Enable AV Sync or Audio Delay in the Sony TV sound settings.
- Adjust the connected soundbar or receiver delay.
- Disable extra picture processing if using TV speakers.
- Check HDMI ARC/eARC connections and cable quality.
- Update TV and audio device firmware.
- Test Bluetooth audio separately, since it often adds latency.
By matching the setting to your exact setup, you can usually correct lip sync on a Sony TV without replacing any hardware.
The key is to identify whether the delay starts in the TV, the source, or the audio system, then adjust the right device first.