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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteHDMI is not inherently a cause of audio lag. But an HDMI-connected setup can have a sound-and-picture timing mismatch when a TV, source device, soundbar, or AV receiver processes audio and video at different speeds. Replacing the cable is not a general fix; first work out whether sound or picture is late, then check the settings and signal route involved.
What “HDMI audio lag” usually means
People often say HDMI is causing lag when they notice that sound and picture do not arrive together. That describes a problem somewhere in the connected system, not proof that the HDMI cable itself is responsible. HDMI notes that lip-sync mismatch can become more challenging as devices perform more processing and audio and video travel through multiple paths, such as a TV plus a soundbar or AV receiver. HDMI’s Latency Indication Protocol overview discusses synchronization in complex installations.
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The mismatch can go either way: sound may follow the picture, or the picture may follow the sound. The useful first question is which one is late. The answer affects which sync control to try and which part of the signal path to investigate.
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How an HDMI setup can develop a timing mismatch
A TV may process the picture while audio travels to a separate soundbar or receiver, or the source device may handle the two signals differently. When several devices and routes are involved, their processing can create a mismatch. The symptom alone does not identify a faulty component; compare the affected source and route before changing settings.
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- 【HDMI Audio Extractor】The HDMI audio extractor can extract audio from HDMI signal and transmit it to AV receiver through optical or 3.5mm Cable.(Note: Devices do not support ARC and eARC.TV is not supported as the input source,otherwise product doesn't p video.)
- 【3 modes】2.0CH, 5.1CH and PASS mode. Select 3.5mm stereo output, please use 2.0CH mode. Select optical output, please use 5.1CH mode. When you use the first and two modes and find that no audio and video signal is output, use the pass mode.
- 【4K Ultra-HD with HDMI 1.4V】HDMI audio converter up to 10.2G bandwidth, support HDCP1.4,4K@30Hz RGB / YUV4:4:4 Ultra high definition image quality. The optical output supports DTS 5.1. The 3.5mm output supports PCM2.0. The audio splitter does not support 7.1 channels.Note: Fire TV, Apple TV, PS4/5 etc. only support 1080p format signals and do not support 4K
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ARC and eARC are ways for a TV to send audio back over HDMI to an AV receiver or soundbar. eARC also supports advanced audio formats. Their presence describes connectivity and audio capabilities; it does not by itself show that ARC or eARC is causing delay. HDMI explains the return-audio connection in its HDMI Specification 1.4b overview and TV audio explainer.
Diagnose the mismatch before changing settings
- Identify the direction: Is sound behind the picture, or does the picture appear behind the sound?
- Compare sources: Check whether the issue affects TV apps or broadcasts, or only one external device, such as a game console, disc player, or set-top box.
- Trace the route: Note whether the source connects to the TV first and sends audio onward to the sound system, or connects to the soundbar or receiver first.
- Locate available controls: Check the TV, soundbar, receiver, and source manual for sync or audio-output settings. Names and menu paths vary by model.
This comparison helps narrow down which device path to adjust. Sony’s HDMI source-to-home-theater troubleshooting guidance and TV-to-sound-system sync guidance likewise distinguish between sources and connection paths.
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- Supported Resolution: Video Pass-through Up to 4K @ 50/60Hz (YUV4:4:4), DOES NOT SUPPORT 1440@120hz, 4K @ 30Hz, 1080P @ 120Hz and 1080P 3D @ 60Hz. Supported Audio: LPCM 2/5.1/7.1CH, Dolby Digital, DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital+, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X.
- Supports HDMI High Bit Rate(HBR) audio pass through & CEC Bypass| HDMI 2.b (18Gbps), HDCP 2.2 and DVI compliant, NO ARC SUPPORT. The device comes with a dual voltage supply using a US plug, and an adapter/converter is provided for international use
- Dolby Digital & DTS Support – Supports LPCM 2CH, Dolby Digital 5.1, and DTS audio formats via optical output. Enjoy reliable surround sound performance for home theater systems
- 18Gbps Bandwidth with HDR Pass-Through – Maintains full 4K Ultra HD resolution with 10-bit HDR support. Ensures no video degradation while splitting audio from your HDMI source
- Wide Compatibility & Plug-and-Play – Compatible with Blu-ray players, PS5, Xbox, PCs, streaming devices like Apple TV, Fire TV Stick,and Roku.HDMI 2.0b and HDCP 2.2 compliant with a durable metal housing for home or commercial AV setups
Try model-specific sync and audio settings
Use the sync control that matches the route
Look for settings named A/V Sync, AV Sync, Lip Sync, or Audio Delay. Depending on the setup, the useful control may be on the soundbar or receiver, or on the TV. Do not assume that turning a sync feature on—or increasing its value—is always correct: the adjustment must compensate for the signal that is late. Follow the exact product’s instructions.
Check TV audio output options where available
For some TV and sound-system combinations, Sony recommends checking options such as eARC mode set to Auto, pass-through set to Auto, or digital audio output set to prioritize pass-through. PCM is another possible troubleshooting test in some setups, but it can change the output format from the original. These are model-dependent tests, not universal fixes. Confirm the available settings and format trade-offs in the TV manual and manufacturer support page.
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- 【Wide Compatibility】Works with various HDMI players, such as Roku or Chromecast without dedicated audio output, and Blu-ray/DVD/HD players, cable/satellite boxes, PS3/4, PS4 Pro, PS5 Xbox, Fire TV, HD camera, HD DVR, etc.Note: Devices do not support ARC and eARC. TV is not supported as the input source,otherwise product doesn't work.)
- 【4k 3D HDMI Audio Extractor】High performance and multifunction high definition audio extractor, can extract audio signals from HDMI high definition signals into power amplifier system to achieve audio effects that difficult to achieve with TV speakers. This HDMI audio extractor supports 3D stereo imaging technology, giving you an immersive and breathtaking visual experience(Requires your input and output devices to support 3D).
- 【Light Weight】Easy installation and smaller size. Normally no external power adapter is required. Plug and play. For some devices with a low power HDMI port (like PS4, PS4 Slim and other Sony devices), please use a USB adapter or other device's USB port to charge it (free USB cable included in the package).
- 【High Resolution】HDMI audio converter, convert HDMI input to HDMI output and R/L analog audio output, audio output supports R/L analog audio output, input resolution up to 4Kx2K@30Hz, can realize audio signal synchronous separation. The picture is more vivid and the visual effect is better.
- 【Package】Each product accessories include 1 x HDMI Audio Splitter,1 x USB Power Supply Cable,1xAudio cable,1x 4K HDMI cable,1 x Manual. Reminder: If you have any questions that need to be consulted, you can contact us at any time.
Test a different signal route
If the soundbar or home theater has an HDMI input, try connecting the affected source directly to that device rather than routing it through the TV. Sony recommends this route in applicable cases. It can help some setups, but results depend on the equipment and source.
For gaming, consider low-latency display mode
Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) lets a compatible source signal a display to enter a low-latency mode. That is intended for gaming and other interactive use, where display response matters; it is not a general lip-sync correction. Some picture-processing features may be reduced or stopped in that mode. HDMI describes ALLM separately from synchronization protocols.
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- 4K@30Hz HDMI to HDMI audio extractor converter box in durable metal housing
- Supports HDMI source devices without dedicated audio output
- Supports two channel left-right or SPDIF stereo output and uncompressed and compressed audio
- Supports up to 4k video resolution; 8-bit 4K (30 Hz), 12-bit 1080p (60 Hz), or 12-bit 720p/1080i (60 Hz), plus 3D formats
- Compatible with devices such as Blue-ray, DVD/HD/DVR players, cable/satellite, PS3/4, Xbox, PC/laptop, HD cameras and more
What HDMI lip-sync features can—and cannot—do
LipSync capability
HDMI says LipSync functionality was introduced with HDMI 1.3. Supported devices can track and correct processor delays to help keep audio and video synchronized. That capability does not mean every device or connection supports the same behavior. See HDMI’s feature archive and specification overview.
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HDMI 2.2 introduces the Latency Indication Protocol (LIP), which HDMI describes as helping source devices determine latency adjustments and mitigate audio/video timing differences in complex, multi-device systems. It is a specification feature, not evidence that existing equipment supports it: compatible implementations are required. HDMI’s LIP feature page describes the protocol.
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- 8K HDMI Audio Extractor: Designed to extract audio from any HDMI-compliant source and convert it to Optical (S/PDIF) or high-quality stereo 3.5mm audio output. Input: 1× HDMI | Output: 1× HDMI ARC, 1× L/R Audio Out, 1× Optical Out (S/PDIF).
- DOES NOT SUPPORT eARC: Supports video pass-through up to 8K @ 50/60Hz, 4K @ 120Hz (YUV 4:4:4), 4K @ 30Hz, 1080P @ 120Hz, and 1080P 3D @ 60Hz. HDMI 2.1 protocols supported — ALLM, QMS, QFT, SBTM, HLG Pass-through, Dolby Vision, HDR, HDR+. Supported Audio: LPCM 2/5.1/7.1CH, Dolby Digital, DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital+, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X.
- High Bandwidth & ARC Support: Supports 48 Gbps FRL and 18 Gbps TMDS video bandwidth. Features HDMI High Bit Rate (HBR) audio pass-through and CEC bypass. HDMI 2.1 | HDCP 2.3 | DVI Compliant | Supports ARC. NOTE: Volume cannot be controlled using the TV’s remote. The device comes with a dual voltage supply using a US plug, and an adapter/converter is provided for international use.
- HDMI 2.1 Cable Required: HDMI Input supports Computer, Laptop, PS5, PS4, PS3, Xbox, Blu-ray DVD Player, and STB devices. HDMI Video Output supports Projectors, HDTVs, Monitors, and Screens. Heavy-duty metal enclosure ensures efficient heat dissipation and durability; compact size allows easy plug-and-play installation.
- Package Includes: 100-240V 50/60 Hz auto-switching power supply (worldwide use), HDA-913 Audio Extractor, User Manual, Lifetime OREI Tech Support, and 12-Month Manufacturer’s Warranty.
ALLM is for interactive latency, not lip-sync measurement
ALLM and LIP address different needs. ALLM signals a display to use a low-latency mode; LIP concerns adjustments for audio/video timing differences. Enabling a gaming-oriented mode should not be treated as a fix for every mismatch.
When to consult the manufacturer
If the mismatch persists after checking the relevant sync control, output options, and a possible alternative route, consult the manuals and support pages for the exact TV, source, and audio-system models. Available controls, supported formats, and menu names differ between products. Sony’s support articles provide examples of model-specific troubleshooting, not settings that apply to every HDMI setup.
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