Recommended Free Tools
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
HDMI is not inherently a cause of audio lag. But an HDMI-connected system can still have sound and picture out of sync when a TV, source, soundbar, or AV receiver processes or routes them at different times. The cable is not the default suspect: first determine whether sound or picture leads, then check the settings and signal path involved.
What “HDMI audio lag” usually means
People often say HDMI is causing lag when they mean that audio and video are out of sync somewhere in an HDMI-connected setup. HDMI documentation describes lip-sync mismatch as a challenge made harder by complex processing and installations with multiple audio and video paths. A TV may process the picture while sound travels separately through a soundbar or receiver, for example; that makes a system-level timing mismatch plausible, but it does not identify which device is responsible.
HDMI ARC sends audio from a TV back to an AV receiver or soundbar over HDMI. eARC is a newer return-audio option that HDMI describes as simplifying connections and supporting advanced audio formats. ARC or eARC indicates how audio is connected, not that the connection itself is causing delay. HDMI Specification 1.4b overview and HDMI’s TV sound explainer describe these capabilities.
Start by identifying which signal is late
Watch and listen to a clear speaking moment: does the sound follow the person’s mouth movement, or does it happen first? Also note whether the problem occurs with TV apps or broadcasts, with one external device, or with every source. A delay limited to one source points you toward that source’s route through the TV or audio system; a problem across sources calls for checking shared TV and audio-device settings. Sony’s guidance notes that the symptom and remedy can vary with the source and connection path.
#1 Best Overall
- 【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
- 【Low energy consumption】HDMI audio splitter has a low energy consumption,only requires the USB port to be connected to the 5V-USB port of another device to work. Or use your other 5V-USB power adapter
- 【Wide Compatibility & Plug and Play】Suitable for various HDMI source devices without dedicated audio output as well as Blu-ray/ DVD/ HD player, cable/satellite box, Amazon Fire TV, PS4,PS5, Xbox, PC/laptop etc
How to troubleshoot HDMI-connected audio delay
- Check the sync control on the device handling audio. Look for A/V Sync, AV Sync, Lip Sync, or Audio Delay in the TV, soundbar, or receiver menus. If the source is connected to the soundbar or home theater, Sony recommends checking that system’s SYNC control. If the TV is supplying audio, check the TV’s A/V Sync control. Menu names and adjustment direction vary, so follow the exact model manual.
- Review the TV’s audio-output options. On applicable BRAVIA setups, Sony suggests testing eARC mode set to Auto, pass-through set to Auto, or a digital audio output option that prioritizes pass-through. PCM is another possible troubleshooting setting in Sony’s guidance, but it can change the output format from the original. These are model-dependent tests, not universal settings or guaranteed fixes.
- Try routing the affected source directly to the audio system. If the soundbar or receiver has an HDMI input, connect the delayed source to it rather than routing it through the TV. Sony recommends this in applicable cases; whether it helps depends on the equipment and signal path.
- For gaming, enable a low-latency display mode if supported. HDMI’s Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) lets a compatible source signal a display to switch automatically to a low-latency mode. It targets display latency in gaming and interactive use, not every lip-sync mismatch. Some picture-processing features may stop in that mode. See HDMI’s ALLM feature page.
- Check the exact product documentation. Available controls, supported sync behavior, menu paths, and audio formats differ by model. Sony’s guides for a source connected to a home theater system or soundbar and sound out of sync with the TV picture show why the connection path matters.
Do not automatically turn sync on or move its slider in one direction: the right correction depends on whether audio or picture leads. Likewise, pass-through, PCM, eARC Auto, and direct routing are diagnostic options for supported equipment, not settings that fix every installation.
What HDMI’s sync features do—and do not do
HDMI says LipSync functionality was introduced in HDMI 1.3. It allows compatible devices to account for processor delays so audio and video can stay synchronized. HDMI 2.2 adds the Latency Indication Protocol (LIP), which lets source devices determine latency adjustments and mitigate timing differences. HDMI presents LIP as useful in complex multi-device systems, but a specification feature does not mean every existing device implements it. Details appear on HDMI’s LIP page and in its HDMI 1.4 feature archive.
Rank #2
- 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
LIP and ALLM address different things: LIP concerns audio/video timing adjustments, while ALLM signals a display to use a low-latency mode for interactive content. Neither should be treated as a blanket cure for an out-of-sync system.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesQuick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
Rank #4
- 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
Rank #3
- 【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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
