HBO Max (Max) Audio Desync on Samsung TVs and the Frame Rate Matching Setting That Corrected Lip-Sync

Many users have been enjoying content on HBO Max—now rebranded simply as “Max”—but not everyone has had a flawless viewing experience. A common source of frustration has emerged, especially among Samsung TV owners: audio desynchronization, or as it’s more commonly known, lip-sync issues. You might be watching the latest blockbuster or a binge-worthy series, only to find that the audio is happening just a moment too early or too late. This type of desync can pull viewers right out of the immersive experience. Luckily, there is a specific setting related to frame rate matching that appears to resolve this issue for many users.

TL;DR:

The Max app has been causing audio sync problems particularly on Samsung smart TVs, including the high-end Frame series. These lip-sync issues are most noticeable when audio is slightly ahead or behind the video. After some investigation, many users have found that enabling frame rate matching on their Samsung TV settings resolves the issue. If you’ve been struggling with Max’s audio desync, tweaking this setting might be your perfect fix.

What is Audio Desync and Why Does it Happen?

Audio desynchronization, or lip-sync error, occurs when the sound from a program or movie doesn’t match the movement of the characters’ mouths or on-screen actions. This issue can range from a few milliseconds to over a second in delay, making dialogue scenes frustrating and completely breaking immersion.

There are several reasons why this happens, especially on smart TVs:

• Hardware limitations or performance inconsistencies in the TV or streaming device.
• App-specific bugs or coding issues that prevent audio and video from being rendered in sync.
• TV settings such as motion smoothing, audio processing, or frame rate mismatches creating latency or signal delays.

In the case of the Max app on Samsung TVs, it appears the issue is more prominent after certain firmware updates or app revisions introduced changes to how video content is processed. The desync may vary depending on the title, signal input, or connected sound system.

The Problem with HBO Max (Max) and Samsung TVs

Samsung TVs—particularly newer models and the premium Frame series—offer advanced picture settings and integrated smart functions that are generally top-notch. However, many owners using the Max app directly from their Samsung Smart Hub began to report widespread audio problems.

Users on forums, Reddit, and Samsung’s own community platform report variations of the same issue:

• Audio either lags behind or jumps ahead of visual imagery.
• The issue is app-specific—it doesn’t occur on other services like Netflix, Apple TV+, or Disney+.
• The problem happens with built-in speakers and external sound systems alike, including soundbars and AV receivers.

These findings pointed the finger at Max either handling video conversion poorly or interacting badly with the TV’s internal frame synchronization mechanisms.

Understanding Frame Rate and Matching Settings

Frame rate (measured in frames per second or FPS) refers to how many images are displayed per second to create motion on your screen. Most movies are shot at 24fps, most TV shows at 30fps, and some high-frame-rate content at 60fps or more.

When a streaming app outputs video that doesn’t match your TV’s expected frame rate, your device may have to “guess” how to display frames—a process that can result in audio delays or stutter effects. That’s where the frame rate matching feature comes in.

What is Frame Rate Matching?

Frame Rate Matching forces the TV (or streaming device) to output video at the original content’s native frame rate, rather than converting everything to the TV’s default frame rate. This reduces or completely eliminates issues related to syncing video and audio correctly.

Not all devices enable or support frame rate matching by default. In some cases, it must be manually activated or may only work with specific apps or input types.

How Frame Rate Matching Fixes Max Audio Desync

Several users discovered that enabling frame rate matching corrected the audio issue when using the Max app on Samsung TVs. This happens because the TV no longer has to reinterpret the video signal frame timing, reducing any processing confusion that leads to desync.

Here’s a simple summary of how enabling this feature can help:

• Maintains audio-video integrity by keeping timing in sync with real-time processing.
• Removes the need for frame conversion, which often causes latency that affects audio timing.
• Gives a cinema-accurate experience for movie lovers who care about content being shown as it was originally intended.

How to Enable Frame Rate Matching on Your Samsung TV

Unfortunately, the term “frame rate matching” isn’t always clearly labeled on Samsung TVs. Depending on your TV model, you might need to adjust a combination of settings. Here’s a general guide:

1. Press the Home button on your Samsung remote.
2. Navigate to Settings > General > External Device Manager.
3. Look for an option called Match Frame Rate or Auto Motion Plus.
4. If you see Auto Motion Plus, enter that submenu and set it to Off or Custom.
5. Disable judder reduction or motion interpolation features that may interfere with frame timing.
6. If you’re using an HDMI streaming stick (such as Apple TV 4K), go into its settings and enable “Match Content Frame Rate.”

If you’re using external devices with the TV, ensure those devices also support and are set to match frame rates. Apple TV, Nvidia Shield, and Roku Ultra are commonly known to have this feature.

Alternative Solutions If Frame Matching Doesn’t Work

While frame rate matching solves the issue for most users, there are other troubleshooting steps worth trying if the desync persists:

• Clear the app cache: Go to your TV’s app settings and delete the cache for Max.
• Reinstall the Max app: Uninstall and reinstall the Max application to ensure you have the latest version.
• Use another streaming device: Try watching Max through a connected device like a Fire Stick, Apple TV, or PlayStation.
• Update your TV’s firmware: Samsung often releases updates that include performance or compatibility tweaks.
• Test with internal speakers: Temporarily disconnect any soundbars or receivers to see if the issue lies there.

Some users have also reported that enabling Developer Mode on streaming hardware to manually adjust AV sync has been effective, though this is best reserved for tech-savvy users due to its complexity.

A Better Viewing Experience Awaits

Audio desync is one of those seemingly small issues that can greatly impact the overall streaming experience. Thankfully, the frame rate matching solution offers a relatively straightforward fix that restores Max’s rich content offerings to their proper cinematic presentation.

Samsung TVs continue to lead the smart TV space with their display quality and user experience, but as streaming platforms evolve, so do the complications. With a little tweaking, though, users can maintain compatibility and excellence across the board.

Now that your favorite shows line up perfectly with what you hear and see, all that’s left is to make some popcorn and press “Play.”

Happy streaming!