Problem with audio delay when using outside digital sources

R

RobMonge

Audiophyte
I recently purchased a TV from Best Buy and it came with a free Koss KS5190 DVD player/home theater system. Now I know that I shouldn't expect this system to do anything great, but it should at least function properly. Apparently there is a problem when an outside (not from the built-in DVD player) digital source is sent to the receiver that causes a pretty severe delay in the audio (1-2 seconds). I have my HD set top box connected via digital coax cable and it makes the digital channels almost unwatchable due to the delay. The problem is fixed when connected via analog cables, or when viewing a station with analog audio, but I would appreciate a solution that would allow my digital audio to function. Any suggestions/ideas/comments on what I could possibly do to remedy this would be greatly appreciated.
 
M

MDS

Audioholic Spartan
OK, can't tell you exactly why, but here are some of the possiblities.

You didn't say what kind of tv. Usually it is the video that lags the audio and not the other way around when using DLP/LCD/Plasma or any other digital tv that has to process the signal to convert it to the tv's native resolution. Other processing like 'noise reduction' or similar gadgets can cause it as well. That processing takes time whereas the audio arrives immediately.

If it is indeed the audio that is lagging behind the video, then it could be either the receiver or the set top box or a combination of both.

Being a low priced receiver/dvd combo perhaps the thing just does not have the horsepower (MIPS) in the processing chip to effectively decode DD/DTS signals quickly enough. It may also depend on the settings of the set top box. Is the box set to output digital audio or is it set to decode the signal itself and use the analog outs? If digital, I suspect the receiver is just too slow. If you use the analog audio outs and don't notice the lag, that is a good sign that the box does the decoding rather quickly and the receiver is the culprit (because now the receiver no longer does any decoding).

What can you do about it? Not much short of buying a better receiver, preferably one that has a lip-sync (audio delay) feature to mitigate these problems. I have seen some external devices that have a delay feature that can be connected between the set top box and receiver and that may help. I'll try to dig up a link if you want.
 
C

Cuteman

Audioholic Intern
Koss? Hooked up to an HD tv?

Bro ...

I work at best buy...

koss isnt something id buy for my worst enemy, we get so many of those back - they SUCK!

the one above me is more than likely a correct answer.

In your home audio, there are always bottlenecks. HD tvs have advanced processors, considering they have to decode 5.1 surround sound from HD in some instinces, the koss is a 99 (maybe you were a big spender and got the 199.99 1000watt one?) paper weight.

I hope you got it free as a promotion.
Otherwise, i'd take it back (if its in the first 30 days)
Say you want to upgrade, spend another 300-400 bucks for seperates, and actually enjoy your audio/HD (probably expensive, no?) experience.
 
Z

zumbo

Audioholic Spartan
Bro

Do they give out reading lessons at Best Buy? :rolleyes:
 
C

Cuteman

Audioholic Intern
What the hell is wrong with "Bro"?

Whatever, say whatever the hell you want, but im not the moron who cant get a koss to work.
 

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