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Sound Quality Problems
Making sure you can see and hear the difference.
DIRECTV delivers a clear digital signal for exceptional picture and sound. Our state-of-the-art reception is extremely reliable, day and night. On very rare occasions, severe weather conditions may interrupt a signal for a moment, but the clear and crisp picture and audio you're used to always return very quickly.
Some DIRECTV Receivers are Dolby Digital capable; others are not. See your system manual to find out about yours. Also, your non-DIRECTV equipment must be surround sound compatible. If you want to upgrade your home theater system for surround sound, see the Dolby website.
Your screen is black.
When you change channels, you may get the information bar with program title and description.
Check the TV volume and make sure MUTE is turned off. Check the cables between your receiver, TV, and stereo system for cracks, wear, or fraying. Make sure that your surround sound system is working by testing audio from alternate sources. Some programs are broadcast in Dolby Digital sound, and your system may not support this format. Refer to your surround sound system's user guide for cable diagrams.
If the issue persists, reset your receiver using the red button behind the access card door, or by unplugging
Audio with no video.
SolutionsMake sure your TV is on. If you have a surround sound system, the audio may remain without video. Change the channel on your DIRECTV receiver. The station may have temporarily lost video. XM music channels may not have video.
Check the cables between your DIRECTV receiver, TV, and stereo system. Replace cables if worn, damaged, or frayed. Refer to your surround sound system's user guide for cable diagrams. Check to see if you can get audio and video from another source (DVD, VCR, etc.)
Reset your receiver using the red button behind the access card door, or by unplugging the receiver from the power source for 15 seconds.
If the issue persists, renew your programming package by clicking here.
Check the cables between your receiver, TV, and stereo system for cracks, wear, or fraying. Make sure that your surround sound system is working by testing audio from alternate sources. Radio Frequency (RF) devices (cell phones, microwaves, baby monitors, cordless phones, etc.) may interfere with audio quality. Move these items away from the TV. Refer to your surround sound system's user guide for cable diagrams. If the issue persists, reset your receiver using the red button behind the access card door, or by unplugging the receiver from the power source for 15 seconds.
In Standard Definition (SD) programming, lip sync issues are a result of how the program was produced or how it was sent to DIRECTV for broadcast. In High Def (HD) programming, lip sync can be seen on programming from satellite, cable or over the air programs.
Change the channel on your DIRECTV receiver. This may help synchronize the audio and video. If you have a DVR, rewind the program for about 5 seconds, then fast forward to live broadcast. You can also try to change cables from your DIRECTV receiver to your audio receiver. Refer to your surround sound system manuals for assistance.