Fixing Audio Alignment on Sony HT-CT20

When you first turn on a Sony HT‑CT20 soundbar, the expectation is instant cinematic sound, but the moment you notice a delay between the picture and the audio, frustration can creep in. Audio alignment problems are surprisingly common in modern soundbars, especially when they are part of a larger home‑entertainment system that includes multiple sources and an AV receiver. This guide walks you through a systematic approach to diagnosing and correcting audio‑delay issues on the Sony HT‑CT20, covering everything from simple settings changes to more advanced calibration tools.

What Is Audio Alignment?

Audio alignment refers to the precise timing relationship between the visual and auditory components of a media playback. In an ideal setup, the sound should arrive at the listener’s ears at the exact instant the corresponding action appears on the screen. When the audio lags behind the video, you may feel that the sound is “out of sync,” or that the dialogue sounds delayed relative to on‑screen speech. Conversely, audio that arrives too early can feel unnatural and may break the immersive experience.

The HT‑CT20, like many contemporary soundbars, uses HDMI‑ARC or optical inputs to receive audio from a TV or an external source. The device also contains built‑in processors that handle audio decoding and spatial upscaling. All of these components introduce potential latency that, if not properly calibrated, can cause noticeable desynchronisation.

Common Causes of Audio Delay on the HT‑CT20

1. HDMI‑ARC vs. Optical – HDMI‑ARC introduces a small but measurable latency due to the signal processing that occurs within the TV’s audio‑return channel. Optical connections often have lower latency but require a separate optical cable.
2. Firmware Mismatch – If the soundbar’s firmware is out of date, certain latency‑reduction features may not be active or may conflict with the TV’s own processing.
3. TV Audio Processing – Many modern TVs apply their own audio effects (e.g., Dolby Digital Plus, DTS‑X) that add processing time. When the TV’s processed audio is sent to the soundbar, the lag can accumulate.
4. Input‑to‑Output Delays – When the source device (Blu‑ray player, gaming console, streaming box) itself has built‑in audio delays, those can propagate through the system.
5. HDMI Cables – Low‑quality or outdated HDMI cables can introduce jitter and minor timing errors.
6. Mis‑configured Settings – Automatic audio sync or “auto‑delay” features may be turned off or incorrectly set.

Diagnostic Checklist

Before diving into advanced troubleshooting, confirm that the issue is truly an audio‑delay problem and not a different type of audio glitch. Follow this simple checklist:

• Playback Test – Use a short video clip (e.g., a YouTube video) that contains clearly visible dialogue and a distinct audio cue. Observe whether the dialogue aligns with the video.
• Alternative Source – Try a different source device (e.g., switch from a Blu‑ray player to a streaming stick) to rule out source‑specific latency.
• Direct Connection – Connect the soundbar directly to the TV via HDMI‑ARC or optical. If the delay disappears, the problem may lie elsewhere in the signal chain.
• TV Settings – Verify that the TV’s audio output is set to “PCM” or “Bitstream” as recommended for the HT‑CT20. In some cases, setting it to “Auto” can introduce unwanted processing.

If the delay persists after these checks, proceed with the following steps.

Step 1 – Update Firmware on the HT‑CT20

Out‑of‑date firmware is a common source of latency bugs. Sony periodically releases updates that optimise audio processing and fix known bugs.

1. Connect to Wi‑Fi – The HT‑CT20 must be on a stable network. Use the Sony Audio Control app (available for iOS and Android) to confirm connectivity.
2. Open the App – Launch the Sony Audio Control app, locate your HT‑CT20 in the device list, and tap “Device Info.”
3. Check Firmware Version – Note the current firmware version. Compare it against the latest version listed on Sony’s support site.
4. Download and Install – If an update is available, tap “Update” and follow the onscreen prompts. The soundbar will reboot automatically.

After the update, restart the TV and playback test the video again to see if the delay has reduced.

Step 2 – Adjust HDMI‑ARC Settings on the TV

HDMI‑ARC introduces a small delay that can be mitigated by adjusting the TV’s audio output settings.

1. Enter TV Audio Menu – Navigate to the TV’s sound or audio settings.
2. Select Audio Output – Choose “HDMI‑ARC” as the output method.
3. Turn Off Audio Processing – Disable any built‑in audio effects such as “Dolby Atmos,” “DTS‑X,” or “Enhanced Audio.” These often add latency.
4. Set Format to PCM – Choose PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) or “Auto” if PCM is unavailable. PCM sends raw audio data, which the soundbar can process more quickly.
5. Enable “Reduce Latency” – Some TVs offer a “Reduce Latency” toggle; enable it if present.

Once the TV is configured, play the same test clip and check for alignment improvements.

Step 3 – Configure the HT‑CT20 Audio Settings

The soundbar itself contains several settings that influence audio latency.

3.1 – Turn On “Auto‑Sync”

Within the Sony Audio Control app:

• Navigate to Settings > Audio Settings > Auto‑Sync.
• Enable the switch. This feature automatically detects and compensates for any delay introduced by the TV or source device.

3.2 – Disable “Spatial Enhancement”

If the HT‑CT20’s spatial upscaling feature is enabled:

• Open Settings > Audio Settings > Spatial Enhancement.
• Toggle it off. Spatial enhancement can add processing time that may not be necessary for all content.

3.3 – Enable “Low‑Latency Mode”

Some Sony soundbars allow a low‑latency mode that reduces processing overhead:

• Find Settings > Performance > Low‑Latency Mode.
• Activate the mode, then restart the soundbar.

Step 4 – Use an External Audio Delay Compensation Device (Optional)

If internal adjustments do not fully resolve the issue, an external audio delay box can provide precise timing control.

1. Select a Delay Box – Choose a device that accepts optical input and provides adjustable delay in milliseconds (e.g., 5–50 ms increments).
2. Connect the TV to the Delay Box – Use an optical cable from the TV’s optical output to the delay box’s input.
3. Connect the Delay Box to the Soundbar – Use another optical cable from the delay box’s output to the HT‑CT20’s optical input.
4. Adjust Delay – Start with a 10 ms setting, play the test clip, and incrementally adjust until the audio and video align perfectly.

This approach adds an extra cable but offers fine‑grained control that software settings alone may not achieve.

Step 5 – Calibrate with the Sony Audio Calibration Tool

Sony provides an in‑app calibration tool that measures room acoustics and adjusts the soundbar’s output. Although primarily aimed at frequency equalisation, the calibration process can also help align audio timing by ensuring the soundbar’s processors are working optimally.

1. Open Sony Audio Control – Tap the calibration icon (usually a microphone).
2. Follow On‑Screen Instructions – The app will play a series of tones and ask you to confirm their quality.
3. Complete the Process – Once finished, the soundbar will apply the recommended settings.

Re‑run the test clip to confirm any latency reduction.

Step 6 – Verify HDMI Cable Quality

Low‑quality HDMI cables can introduce subtle timing errors. Replace the existing cable with an HDMI 2.0 or higher cable that is rated for high bandwidth. Keep the cable length under 5 metres (16 ft) if possible, as longer cables can sometimes increase latency.

Step 7 – Check the Source Device Settings

Many streaming devices and game consoles allow you to adjust audio delay.

• Blu‑ray Players – Look for “Audio Sync” or “Delay” settings in the audio menu.
• Gaming Consoles – On Xbox or PlayStation, navigate to Settings > Audio and set “Audio Output” to PCM or “Bitstream (Dolby)” with latency reduction options.
• Streaming Boxes – Some devices (e.g., Amazon Fire TV, Roku) have a “Reduce Audio Delay” toggle in the accessibility or audio menu.

Adjusting these settings can eliminate upstream delay before it even reaches the soundbar.

Step 8 – Test with a Dedicated Audio‑Sync App

If you still notice minor misalignment, use a free audio‑sync app on a tablet or phone. These apps generate a sine wave that you can play on the soundbar while visually monitoring the sync with a video. This method allows you to fine‑tune the delay in real time.

When All Else Fails – Contact Sony Support

If the HT‑CT20 continues to lag after trying every troubleshooting step:

1. Gather Diagnostics – Note the firmware version, TV model, cable types, and all settings you have changed.
2. Contact Sony – Use the official Sony support portal or call the local customer service number. Provide them with the diagnostics you’ve collected.
3. Escalate – If a software issue is confirmed, Sony may release a firmware patch. If a hardware fault is suspected, you may be eligible for repair or replacement under warranty.

Summary

Audio alignment on the Sony HT‑CT20 is largely a matter of careful configuration across the entire signal chain—from the source device to the TV to the soundbar itself. By following a structured diagnostic process—updating firmware, adjusting HDMI‑ARC and TV audio settings, enabling the soundbar’s Auto‑Sync, optionally using an external delay box, and ensuring high‑quality cables—you can eliminate most latency issues.

Remember that perfect sync is a moving target; the TV’s firmware may update, the TV’s audio processing may change, or new content formats may introduce new delays. Periodically revisit your settings, especially after any system updates.

With a methodical approach and the right tools, you’ll bring the HT‑CT20’s audio back into harmony with your video, restoring the immersive experience that a good soundbar is designed to provide.