Audio synchronizing problem with a TCL R613 55"

jimbo1421

I bought this TCL R613 from Costco almost one year ago and have had audio synchronizing problems from the beginning, but I am just now finding time to look for a solution. I was able to synchronize the Oppo player pretty well, but over the air broadcasts are still a problem. Most channels are close enough to not bother me, but channel 4.1, the local NBC affiliate, is noticeably off; it's especially obvious with news readers. Their lips stop moving before their voices stop speaking. The video is delayed slightly. Now that I look around this seems to be a widespread issue with TCL TVs. Has anyone else solved this problem? Would an external tuner help bypass the issue?

Like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Mediasonic-HOMEWORX-HW130STB-Converter-Recording/dp/B01EW098XS/ref=sr_1_3?crid=OEP2930CGK4Y&dchild=1&keywords=tv+tuner+box+with+hdmi+output&qid=1596932206&sprefix=tv+tuner,aps,215&sr=8-3.

I didn't have this sync problem with my old Sharp Aquos so I don't think it's a broadcaster problem.

The TCL is connected to a rooftop antenna with a coaxial cable. The TV audio out is by optical cable to my AV preamp.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

jimbo1421

I should add that the internal speakers show the same problem, although out of phase by a different amount. With both internal speakers and external audio there is quite an echo effect.

CottageChz

I’m guessing you would have found this already, but my Samsung allows me to set an audio delay for optical out. Not sure if I can set that delay for the internal speakers, but I think it’s optical out only.

jimbo1421

No such adjustment on the TCL. Perhaps I should just pretend that Lester Holt is Japanese and that NBC Nightly News has been dubbed into English.

msg

Is the TV connected to WiFi? Have you checked for a firmware update?

Another thing I read was:

Make sure that the “S/PDIF and ARC” is set to PCM-Stereo under TV’s setting -> Audio Setting

Other suggestions were to change the channel or source out to something else then back again to see if it syncs.

jimbo1421

I am finally getting back to this problem, msg. I had done a firmware update earlier without specifically checking this issue, and now the synchronization is almost, but not quite there. Audio still runs slightly behind. Switching the audio setting to PCM stereo made no difference. Nor did changing channels or sources.

So a few things I have observed.
1. It is very strange to spend so much time watching the newsreaders' lips move.
2. Even when their voice and lips are in synch, their lips are still two feet above the center channel so it still doesn't look right.
3. Finally, the solution really is to look at their eyes, not lips.

Thank you for your help. When this TV wears out maybe I'll buy a Sony.

Jim

msg

Have you tried contacting TCL support?
Looks like they have a chat option.

Just did a little poking around. Are these settings available? Maybe something like this would work.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R1U35FS0HB6ZVN

jimbo1421

Back again, thanks msg. The problem is with over the air broadcast on channel 4.1, so these settings aren't there. I came across a number of forums with this topic and responses from TCL tech support. The tech asks for more information, gets it, then ghosts. I haven't tried phone support; my last effort on another issue took two hours with an ESL tech. Perhaps I should look for the chat option when I have some more time to kill.