I have searched around a bit and see that sync issues can originate from several sources and is somewhat common with digital TV, but in my case I have a very simple setup. I have a Hitachi 42HDT52 (w/ internal ATSC tuner) connected directly to an outdoor antenna only. I have noticed several times on HD channels that the sync is off. I could have sworn the audio is actually delayed rather than the video, but it is hard to tell. I understand the main problem is usually the video processing cannot keep up with the audio processing.

In such a simple direct connection like this - is it most likely the broadcast that is the problem (ie nothing I can do about it), or is it possible my TV is to blame. It isn't always there and some channels are worse than others when they are doing it - its definitely not a consistant delay throughout the channels. Would I be correct in assuming its likely a broadcast issue?

Ok, I am now SURE that the video is ahead of the audio on the digital channels. I have yet to see this happen on any of the channels I get through cable or analog OTA...

I have seen sync issues on HDTV broadcasts, but I wouldn't expect every network to exhibit them at the same time.

No, they don't all do it at the same time. It does happen quite often on several channels though. The cableTV fed channels never do it, niether do my OTA analog channels.

So is this a very common broadcast issue? It's pretty annoying, but if there is nothing I can do, then I will have to live with it.

Also, is it possible for the video to be ahead of the the audio? It seems that its usually the other way around?

I had a simliar problem, but it was on hd cable. I bought a new reciever, and the problem went away. Not to say that this will cure your problem, but it might help. I have a Yahmaha receiver, and it has a built in sync delay, but I never had to use it because it decodes much better than my previous reciever. Other than trying a new receiver, there is not much you can do. There is a device out there of which I forget the name that is supposed to sync your audio and video, but who want to have to adjust something every time you change the channel. I think in time the networks will get it right. It's still pretty new technology.

That's just it - my HK receiver has a built in audio delay as well, but I need an audio advance for my problem (video is ahead of audio). That, and I don't really want to have to watch regular TV with the sound through my receiver.

It's not a cable/satellite box issue either as I am connected directly from my OTA antenna to my Hitachi's built in ATSC tuner. Unless the built in tuner is the problem, but its not consistant either. I am pretty sure its just the networks and as you say its just a matter of time.