Audio sync issue? 3 seconds of silence on preview videos and all emulators, then works fine after that.

[Molhoy]

Pi4
Official UK Raspberry Pi 4 Power Supply (5.1V 3A)
RetroPie Version 4.6.8
USB Devices connected: Bluetooth keyboard
Controller used: afterglow xbox 360 gamepad
Error messages received: none
Emulator: All + Emulation Station
How to replicate the problem: N/A

Hi all,

I'm having an audio issue that has been driving me mad. Searched the documentation and forums but can't find any reference to it anywhere.

Symptoms are that I have no navigation sounds in Emulation Station (despite being turned on) and it takes 3 seconds before I hear audio on any of the preview videos, after which audio kicks-in and works fine. Same when I start any emulators - first few seconds no sound, then works fine after that. Each time the audio kicks-in it's like the TV is having to re-sync as I get the TV's info bar at the top of the screen (where it shows HDMI input, resolution etc). Almost as if it's taking a couple of seconds for the TV to recognise the audio signal each time (the menu sounds being too brief for it to work). To be clear, when the audio is working it is perfectly in sync, so it's not that the audio is 'behind', just that it takes 3 seconds to 'appear'. Also, no issues with video. The picture remains constant.

It's not a major issue as once in game, the audio is fine. Just an irritation - especially in Emulation Station as the TV info bar obscures the preview videos every time it appears!

I have spent ages trying to fix it by forcing HDMI output, changing HDMI mode etc. However, it does it in every resolution and mode I've tried - even in HDMI safe mode.

I thought this might just be an issue with my TV, but I tried creating a new basic build from the latest official image and it doesn't have the same issue. Also, all my other HDMI devices have no issues with this kind of audio delay.

Any ideas/suggestions welcome!