This is driving me nuts - SKY HD

[admin_exported]

OK I have finally taken the plunge and got SKY HD. It is set-up and connected to my Sony Amp (2400ES) via HDMI, I have selected optical inpput on the amp for sound and have set SKY to output Dolby Digital.

Now the annoying part, the sound levels are extremely low (amp turned up to -20/25 whereas before it was at -37.5) and a few programs are completely out of sync with the sound and video (i.e. appearing to talk before hearing them talk)

Has anyone else had these issues? Can anyone suggest any remedies.

Thanks Kev

 

[bretty]

Hi Kev,

Ok, I'm not sure why your sound is so low, but I can help you with the lip synch issue.

Go to 'settings' on the sky box, then 'sound', and you'll see the 'digital output delay' option. This will sort it.

BBC HD have a test card that they broadcast during the early hours, which includes a 'clapping' card for synching the sound, it's great, cos trying to do it by eye/ear during a normal programme is a bloody nightmare.

Good luck, buddy.

 

[digigriffin]

I presume that you are using the optical cable for the sound?

Dolby Digital programs because they have a greater dynamic range do appear to be quieter.
As long as the lip sync is constantly out you can fix it.
If this is varying as I have seen reported (but do not see my self) then its more of an issue.

I have been told by sevenoaks hifi that it takes sync to be out by 100ms for us to spot it.
What this is saying that if the sound was out by 150ms and you set the delay to 50ms then it may appear to be fixed.
However setting to 100ms or 150ms would also make it appear to be fixed.
So if this is true then you have a 100ms window in which to fit all of your sync issues.
So i think this says don't just stick with the first one that works you might be able to find a value that suits all.

I have gone from no delay required to 50ms delay just be changing my plasma.

 

[mjs]

Why comnnect SKY HD to the amp via HDMI,it means you always have to have the amp on to watch sky,why not direct to the TV, unless you are short on inputs.
Have you checked the volume settings on the Sky output-in the seetings menu?
Also various chamnels seem to have differing volume of sound, and can even be programme dependent.

 

[digigriffin]

You must use the optical connection to get Dolby Digital as this is not supported via the hdmi on Sky+HD.

 

[nads]

digigriffin:You must use the optical connection to get Dolby Digital as this is not supported via the hdmi on Sky+HD.
I guess what mjs is saying if you have the HDMI to the TV then you can watch and listen without the amp on. if you want the surrong sound then turn that amp on and mute the TV speakers. who needs the news in 5.1?

 

[digigriffin]

Well with my onkyo 606, and the amp off, it will still pass the hdmi through to the tv from my Sky+HD.
So not a problem for me.

 

[Tom Moreno]

I adjust the delay on my amp, but even more frustrating is that on 2 of the Thompson SKYHD boxes I've had (I'm on the 4th now) the synch actually drifts and can differ between channels. My current box has this and I have to vary the delay I need to add by between 8-13 ms.

 

[d4v3pum4]

When I first got Sky +HD I had terrible lip sync issues (Samsung) but Sky appear to have rectified it and now I'm applying the audio delay on the amp only. I've just checked and mine is set to 22ms. I did have to contact them though. Some channels are noticably worse than others. I seem to recall the Paramount Comedy Channel (Comedy Central now?) was bad.

 

[mjs]

digigriffin:Well with my onkyo 606, and the amp off, it will still pass the hdmi through to the tv from my Sky+HD.
So not a problem for me.

Not when it`s OFF only when it`s in Standby, and therefore ON.

 

[Anonymous]

I had lipsync problems with my Amstrad Sky HD box. I refreshed the firmware and the problem went away. My box has a sticker on it telling the installation engineer to ensure that the firmware is updated - clearly he forgot!