HomePod Stereo Pair Audio Syncing Issue with DirecTV Streaming Box

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Level 1

3 points

HomePod Stereo Pair Audio Syncing Issue with DirecTV Streaming Box

I have a 3rd gen AppleTV 4K, 2nd gen HomePod (stereo paired) and a DirecTV straming box (Osprey). I have my ATV run via ARC to my OLED LG ARC's input. Everything is fine in this HDMI input. I recently switched away from YouTubeTV to DirecTV streaming. Rather than going via the DirecTV app, I purchased an Osprey streaming box and hardwired it. I am running this via a different HDMI input and using my HomePod stereo pair as the default audio for all inputs. Everything there is also working fine.

NOTE - ATV, HomePods and DTV Osprey box are all updated with the latest software.

Here is where the issue is... When using the DirecTV streaming box, there is a very noticeable audio/video sync issue when I have the 5.1 setting enabled within the DTV streaming box. When I turn off the 5.1 settings and go strictly to stereo, the sync issue is better, but still not 100% correct.

If I bypass the HomePods as audio and just go strictly with the TV speakers, then the audio syncs up fine as I would expect. It is only when I introduce the DTV streaming box does the sync issue arise. I am not seeing this issue in other rooms with the same streaming box and a different audio source (soundbar or TV speakers), so that leads me to believe that the issue is with the compatibility between the streaming box and the HomePods.

Has anyone else seen an issue like this? And if so, how were you able to correct it? Not sure what other settings changes I can do in order to get this sync issue correct.

Posted on Dec 1, 2025 12:00 PM

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Answer 1

emily777

Level 1

10 points

Dec 3, 2025 12:49 PM in response to emily777

DirecTv called back today. I reported using TV speakers only resolved the audio sync problem with live tv. Reminded them I can watch live tv on other apps using my HomePods with no issues. They told me this is a known problem they are having with Apple devices and (I am also watching using the app on Apple TV) and the problem is “on their dashboard “ they asked me to be patient and give them some time to resolve the problem and update the app. No known timeline for resolution. They gave me a $20 credit. I hope it is resolved soon or I might need to switch steaming services so I can go back to using my HomePods as stereo paired speakers with the TV. Not really any resolution, yet.

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Answer 2

emily777

Level 1

10 points

Dec 2, 2025 12:28 PM in response to rzybly

Just got off the phone with DirecTv no use their app on my Apple TV with HomePod stereo pair. They had me switch to tv speakers when using the app and they are calling me tomorrow to see if that resolves the problem. The answer is yes. All in synch. But I am not going to switch output to tv speaker stereo audio every time I use this app to watch tv. That doesn’t seem like a great solution. My HomePods are up to date and all other apps work well. Including playback on recordings on DirecTv. The issue is with a live stream

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Answer 3

rzybly Author

Level 1

3 points

Dec 2, 2025 1:23 PM in response to emily777

I have also tested this theory; switching off of my default audio source (HomePod stereo pair) and reverting back to TV speakers. When I do that, the audio sync is fine. Please note, I am NOT accessing the DIRECTV app via AppleTV. I access DIRECTV via an Osprey box (DTV streaming device). So our issues are similar, but not the same. I will try signing in via the app in my ATV just to see how that acts. I would assume I'd have the same delay as I do now when accessing DTV via the Osprey box, but at this point, who knows..

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Answer 4

emily777

Level 1

10 points

Dec 2, 2025 2:47 PM in response to rzybly

Thank you for that information and thanks for testing on Apple TV. So far tv speakers in stereo work with perfect sync. Apple HomePod speakers with Dolby atmos auto (only option) badly out of sync. Remedies if I change channels and then go back to original channel. I’ve restarted Apple TV, deleted and reinstalled the DirecTv app, restarted and repaired HomePods and all software is up to date. Tv speakers alone sound bad in this room. Annoying for problem for anything live. I can watch live programming on peacock via prime with no issues on the same set up.

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Answer 5

rzybly Author

Level 1

3 points

Dec 3, 2025 1:05 PM in response to emily777

That is interesting because when I called them last week their response on this issue was "your device must not be compatible.." I took that with a grain of salt due to the person I was talking with didn't know what a HomePod was or who the manufacturer was. They didn't offer me any credit. I guess I need to call back and see if I can get one.

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