I convinced my friend to upgrade his TV and he bought a Samsung DLP model HL-S4266W. Now his audio and video aren't matching up and he's looking to me for answers, since it was my idea to upgrade the TV. He has a Dish Network HD-DVR satellite box connected to the TV via HDMI, and from the TV analog audio output, he ran RCA cables into his stereo receiver. The receiver is an older Sony, not sure of the model number, but I don't think the receiver is at fault here.

When he is just using the TV speakers for sound, the audio and video timing is perfect. However, when he turns on the stereo for sound, the stereo sound is played ahead of the TV video and sound, which produces an echo. Of course, with the stereo speakers on, he can mute the TV speakers and eliminate the echo, but there is still an awkard delay between the sound coming out of his stereo and the video being shown on the TV. It would make more sense to me if the stereo audio was delayed because this would indicate some sort of processing delay when converting audio from HDMI to analog, internal to the TV. As it is though, the TV is behind everything else, which makes no sense at all.

Does anyone know how this can be fixed?

If he runs the audio directly out from the Dish box into his receiver with optical or coax cable and turns off the tv sound it should be good.

I have a HL-S4265W (Costco exclusive) which I believe is very similar. I have the same problem, but the research I've done leads me to believe the only "solution" is to either find a receiver that has built-in audio delay capabilities or purchase an external device to do this for you (Google "Felston").

The issue is that the DLP processes the video and it takes a fraction of a second to do that. It compensates by delaying the audio (thus why the internal speakers are timed properly), but if you run the audio to an external source like a receiver — either through the TV or directly — there is no delay added and you'll get that sync issue.

If you read through the DLP FAQ section on Samsung's website, you'll find that this is an acknowledged issue with no real solution. I've hoped there's some sort fix in the service menu, but I've never found anything and don't want to mess around in there too much myself.

I don't know about that. I think if you have a good receiver it works OK without a delay. I have a Pioneer VSX 1016 and run the an optical cable directly from my Moto FIOS HD box to the receiver and I rarely if ever have lip sync. I heard all that about lip sync errors when I got my HLR but in reality I think the receiver quality and type of cable make a difference even without delay features.

The quality of the receiver should have nothing to do with it, except that better receivers sometimes have the ability to delay the audio to sync it up with the video. The problem is that video processing (deinterlacing and scaling) takes time, whereas there's virtually no processing time required for audio.

If you don't have sync issues, it just means your TV is probably processing the video faster.

Well thanks for the responses. I didn't realize that digital TV's were notorious for this, but I guess my receiver helped me overcome the similar problem with my own Samsung DLP. His receiver is older though and doesn't have the delay feature.

I looked up that Felston solution and it was $250 bucks. I'm thinking for that much he would rather just upgrade his receiver, since it's an old model and doesn't even have Dolby Digital.

I'll pass this on though, at least now we know what it is and can quit trying to fix it.

I'm thinking for that much he would rather just upgrade his receiver, since it's an old model and doesn't even have Dolby Digital.Be careful you don't dig another hole for yourself. ;)

Putting the money into a better A/V receiver is a good idea, but you need to find a A/V receiver for your friend that has the ability to delay each input for an amount that will correct the problem. Also don't confuse that function with the ability to delay audio signals to each speaker to compensate for their different distances from the listening position.

I have the Felston and it allows you to store six settings for each of two sources. It's maximum delay is something over 300ms.

I'm selling a H/K AVR 635 which has a maximum delay of 80ms for each input. See the link below. ;)

The Denon AVR 3806 can do up to 200ms per input.

The Felston's biggest advantage is that it can be adjusted on the fly from it's remote control. The receivers require you to go into the setup structure to make changes so you have to do a lot of trial and error.

My HK receiver has a delay function for multiple inputs. Not sure what the max delay is, but I’ve always been able to match it up pretty well with the TV, regardless of source. It also has full control of the delay using the remote, just by pushing 1 button and not entering the service menu.

The problem I see with the Felston, other than price, is that it adds yet another component, more wires, and another remote to your system. I’m not sure what most people’s setup is like, but I hardly have room for my existing stuff.

My HK receiver has a delay function for multiple inputs.Which model do you have? When did it come onto the market?

It also has full control of the delay using the remote, just by pushing 1 button and not entering the service menu.That's the best of all possible worlds. :)

The problem I see with the Felston, other than price, is that it adds yet another component, more wires, and another remote to your system. I’m not sure what most people’s setup is like, but I hardly have room for my existing stuff.I agree.

I have the HK AVR 340, which I think came onto the market in mid-2006. I've been very happy with it's delay function, but maybe this isn't characteristic of all receivers in this price range.

I have the HK AVR 340, which I think came onto the market in mid-2006. I've been very happy with it's delay function, but maybe this isn't characteristic of all receivers in this price range.The AVR-635 that I bought in November of 2005 doesn't have control of audio delay directly from the remote control. It was a recent upgrade from the AVR-630 at that time. After very good service, I have it for sale now. ;)

Are there any inexpensive receivers that have audio delay capabilities?

Are there any inexpensive receivers that have audio delay capabilities?Start with your price range. :)

Start with your price range. :)

Well, a Felston runs $250US, so I was wondering about something in and around that price range. I saw a Harman Kardon AVR 144 advertised locally yesterday for $299CDN and the ad said it had A/V sync capabilities.

Well, a Felston runs $250US, so I was wondering about something in and around that price range. I saw a Harman Kardon AVR 144 advertised locally yesterday for $299CDN and the ad said it had A/V sync capabilities.I would check in the A/V receiver thread for specific information on that receiver.

AMPs, Receivers, and Processors (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=90)

You can also go to the h/k web site, and down load a copy of the User's Guide for that receiver.

What you want is audio delay that's over 80ms. I think somewhere in the 100ms to 200ms range is best. You also want to be able to save a setting for each input, and be able to change the settings using the remote while you are watching problem source material.

There is good information at the web site that sells the Felston in the US. They explain why the ability to delay audio is important.