Wierd question: Is there a streaming device (roku, apple tv, etc) that compensates for bluetooth headphone lag?

[sfalexi]

So as most people on this forum will know, bluetooth headphones introduce latency. I am using bose QC35s. Very good all around headphones for my life, but the latency is strong with a bluetooth transmitter from my TV.

I then remembered someone saying that apple ipads will actually add some slight delay to the video streams of things like netflix to compensate for bluetooth headphones and I got to wondering if some streaming device would do it too.

FWIW, chromecast does not. I tried using chromecast on my TV with a bluetooth transmitter attached to the out audio ports of my TV, and there's DEFINITELY the normal latency (probably about 180ish ms).

So I wonder if Apple TV would delay the video displayed if it recognizes bluetooth headphones, or maybe some other streaming device.

Thanks folks!

Alexi

 

[msing539]

On the Roku, there is a hidden menu that might help with sync. Another option is a home theater receiver... some have the ability to adjust audio delay.

 

[Alcophone]

In the vast majority of cases, only delaying the audio is possible instead of delaying the video, the latter requires more memory to buffer (I'm assuming that's why).
Subscribing out of curiosity, also this is not necessarily just an issue with Bluetooth, but anything that delays audio. I once tried an all in one solution with TOSLINK in and USB out that also had way too much delay for TV use (to drive a USB DAC, say).

 

[Radio81]

To my knowledge, no. Your best bet is to use a BT transmitter and receiver that both support AptX-LL. This is the lowest latency you will be able to achieve via BT. Latency at that codec should be around 40ms, which will minimize any detectable lipsync issues.

I use a cheap amazon transmitter with toslink input from my TV's ouput, sent to a Fiio BTR3K headphone amp. I would link it the transmitter I use, but it's no longer available. There are plenty of other brands though if you search amazon. This combo allows me to use a variety of headphones, rather than being stuck with one. I've been using this combo for 2+ years without issue. I get 8-10 hours from the BTR3K before needing to charge, and the range is very good.

Another option is an Nvidia Shield TV Pro. It has USB ports, and audio can be sent to wireless PC headphones (using the headphone USB dongle plugged into the Shield). This is a much more plug and play solution, with less latency than BT. I use a Creative SXFI Theater headset. I like this option because I can enable SXFI processing on the headphone. The mic is also detachable. I get 30+ hours from this headset before needing to charge. Also, slightly less latency than BT.

There is also the option of an Apple TV + airpods (regular, pro, and max latest versions) that pair together. I'm told this works well, but I'm not invested in the Apple ecosystem, and I think you also need an iphone or ipad to configure this solution.

One thing about Chromecast that annoys me is not being able to stream video to the chromecast, while using audio from the source device (phone, tablet, PC, etc.)

For local playback, Kodi does have an audio delay option, however I've found it to be very inconsistent between files.

 

[Alcophone]

To my knowledge, no. Your best bet is to use a BT transmitter and receiver that both support AptX-LL. This is the lowest latency you will be able to achieve via BT. Latency at that codec should be around 40ms, which will minimize any detectable lipsync issues.

Definitely an option. I use one from Avantree (Amazon link), combined with a Bose neck speaker the latency is acceptably low. I wish I could turn it on via remote, instead you have to use a small selector switch on the side.

Another thing I discovered is that my TV's audio processing has its own latency, so the TV's TOSLINK out lags behind what an HDMI audio extractor can do, to the point where the audio could lead the video, which of course is a good starting point. I.e. streaming stick > HDMI audio extractor > TV (via HDMI) + Bluetooth LL transmitter (via TOSLINK).
I tested that with an avedio HDMI switch (with TOSLINK out) that appears to no longer be available as I got it. I mention that one specifically because one thing I particularly appreciate about it is that it extracts the audio as sent by the source while my TV converts everything to 48 kHz before sending it to the TOSLINK out. Not all HDMI audio extractors will do that.

Another option is an Nvidia Shield TV Pro. It has USB ports, and audio can be sent to wireless PC headphones (using the headphone USB dongle plugged into the Shield). This is a much more plug and play solution, with less latency than BT.

Good thinking, avoiding Bluetooth can help.

 

[sfalexi]

So a couple things for clarity, things I've tried, and actually one potential solution someone reminded of above.....

Things I've tried and why I'm being so picky

And while I'm TRYING not to be a diva when it comes to sound (a headphone-zilla might be more appropriate), I'm really after the one holy grail for MY needs, and I'm willing to sacrifice some things, but not others. Also, this is head-fi.org. I think being a crazy about what I want in a headphone is accepted here...!!!

My Nova Pro Wireless gaming headset is very good. The issues I have are I can't quite get the sound dialed in to my preference. I (here comes the controversy!) really have grown to love my bose qc35s. Great ANC (so I use them on trips and public transportation all the time), and I really like the sound signature. I can't get the nova pro wireless to sound that way or close enough, and so every time I wear them it's more like, "Yes. They work for lag free. They block SOME of the traffic outside my house, but it's just not fun to listen to." The QC35 for me is a lot more fun to listen to, blocks almost ALL of the traffic outside my house, but has that lag.

While having phone audio and 2.4ghz audio play simultaneously is nice, I'm not a console gamer so I use discord on my computer anyway.

Potential Solution

This reminded me.

...
One thing about Chromecast that annoys me is not being able to stream video to the chromecast, while using audio from the source device (phone, tablet, PC, etc.)
...

I forgot that ROKU has the option to play something on the tv and have the audio come out of your controller or phone app! For private listening with roku!

My girlfriend has a roku, so I can swipe it from her TV and see how it works at my place. I have to use a VPN living overseas, but tmy VPN works with chromecast, so it should work with roku woo. That could be a quick fix to my 1st world problems.

In the meantime, I'll keep messing with EQs and maybe I can dial in the gaming headset I have to sound more like what I want.

Alexi

PS - Still keeping my QC35s. Got 'em for a great price, and they're too good to NOT use for traveling. I also like that on an ipad I can just tell it to share audio with my girfriend and the bose app will stream the movie we're watching on the train to both our headsets simultaneously!

PPS - I currently have two separate aptx-ll transmitters and one receiver and can use my headsets with it... the problem is I was listening to some music on youtube, and realized that the sax solo was VERY shrill and crackly. Not sparkly, CRACKLY. I tested it with regular bluetooth (aac) on my headphones, and it didn't crackle. Tested it wired, and no crackle. Back to aptx-ll with two different transmitters, crackles. At least with what I have, the aptx-ll was noticeable worse. Lower latency, for sure, but the sound was NOT good, especially loud, or especially with higher frequencies.