Lip sync on Q90R with 5.1 input

[d00p]

I -- and judging from posts in various fora on the web, a lot of other customers -- experience lip sync issues with 5.1 surround sound input on the Q90R (firmware v1066).

Specifically, I experience this on TV channels that are broadcast with 5.1 sound, but not on TV channels that are broadcast with only stereo sound.

This means that I can watch a show on one TV channel with the (stereo) sound and picture in perfect sync, and then simply change channel to another TV channel to experience a mismatch between the (surround) sound and picture. Switching back to the first TV channel, the (stereo) sound and picture is again in perfect sync. So lame 😕

The lip sync issues are present using the Q90R built-in speakers as well as with a Sonos Amp -- however, again, only with 5.1 TV channels, which also means that I cannot use the options for adding a general delay on the sound/picture as that, while perhaps fixing the 5.1 TV channels, will simply shift the issue to the stereo TV channels.

@Samsung: Needless to say, having such issues on a flagship model is really bad.. What are the plans for fixing this (expectedly, through a firmware update to get the TV to process 5.1 sound input properly)?

[userjYtfoTda0t]

Thanks for reporting. So a more important update (than eARC) would be this 'T'-model possibility for Audio "Pass Through" , if possible in 2019 models, in order to remove the excessive Dolby audio delay for both the excisting ARC and S/PDIF (opto) outputs.

[Ian57]

Hi @userjYtfoTda0t 

Yes  agreed, however, I wonder if the 2020 model OCBs have modified hardware to allow this audio pass through.  If It was a simple software update I would have thought that would have released before now.  I'm not defending Samsung by any means, but this clearly not a straightforward update as I think the 2019 model OCB will not permit certain solutions to be implemented.

[cminer72]

Yes. If they can update the 90R to not process the audio the lip sync problems would be fixed. This is why connecting to the bar directly works and PCM (devices do the decoding) works.

[cminer72]

On the Q90T I had audio dropouts on the tv speakers with Dolby Atmos being bitsreamed to it.  PCM worked for that setup.  Since I'm using the Q70 bar now, I have the tv speakers off, even though I'd like to use the Q Symphony feature on the 90T tv.  Audio decoding seems to be a problem with the Samsung TVs.  Weird since the sound bars are great.  Probably an up sell strategy.

[akz786]

Anyone updated to the new 1361 firmware? I did on my Q90r - firstly there is no eARC so thats a disappointment.
However my issue with the Sky Q 2TB box not coming on from stand-by seems to have been resolved with this update.

[Tucson-Jackson]

What is the brand and model of your 4K HDMI switch? I haven't been able to locate one that has an extra HDMI output.

[isles271]

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_120H4X1SW4/Metra-ethereal-CS-HDM4X1ASW4.html

works quite well.  Solved my lip syncs issues as a break out the audio via toslink cable to my Sonos playbar.  Very frustrating but works. 

[Ben7777]

So. Any updates? It’s the end of 2020 and I just bought 2 (yes two) q90 65” TVs. One for my house, one for my parents. Both have the audio sync issues as described in this thread. Samsung, any solutions? C’mon!! 

[userjYtfoTda0t]

Nothing new. You need to implement a work-around, implying using a lower spec sound and/or buying other external gear.

[Ian57]

I’ve been in regular contact with the UK Presidents Escalation team through this year and the latest answer to your question is that Samsung is committed to providing an eARC update for the Q series TVs but has never provided a timeframe for when it will be done!  I have challenged them on this point several times.  As other reply we’re still stuck with workarounds or PCM sound.