Fixing “No Sound” When Starting HDR Videos with LAV Filters

Some users experience a momentary loss of audio when starting HDR videos using LAV Video Filters.
 

This usually happens because switching into HDR mode forces the GPU to change its HDMI output format, causing the audio device to briefly reset.
 

Below is a simple, generic guide you can follow to prevent sound dropouts when HDR playback begins.

For illustration, we’ll use MPC-HC as an example, but the steps apply to most players.
 

How to Prevent Audio Loss When HDR Playback Starts

1. Enable HDR Before Starting Video Playback

Turning on HDR in Windows before launching your video prevents any abrupt mode switching during playback.

 

Windows: Go to Settings → System → Display

Enable HDR → This avoids HDMI re-sync and keeps audio stable.

2. Disable Automatic HDR Passthrough Switching in Your Player

If your media player automatically switches to HDR passthrough mid-playback, it may reset the audio device.

Let's take as an example MPC-HC:

Go to Options → Playback → Output

Disable any “Auto HDR passthrough” options if available.

Choose a stable renderer such as MPC Video Renderer.
 

If your player offers tone-mapping, enabling it also avoids mode switching.

3. Update GPU Drivers and LAV Filters

Outdated drivers or filter versions may cause slow HDMI switches or audio reinitialization delays.

Update NVIDIA / AMD / Intel display drivers.

Update LAV Filters to the latest stable version. This often improves HDR handshake speed and audio stability.

4. Use a Stable Audio Renderer

Some renderers handle HDMI re-sync better than others.

Example - MPC-HC:

Select MPC Audio Renderer or Use System Default for more stable HDMI audio.

Avoid unstable WASAPI Exclusive modes if your receiver or soundbar re-syncs slowly.

5. Check Your HDMI Chain

If using an AVR or soundbar, HDMI re-handshake times can be slow. Try:

• Using a different HDMI port.
• Switching the GPU output format to YCbCr 4:2:2.
• Setting output to 10-bit in GPU control panel.

This reduces the chance of audio device dropouts.

By following these steps, you can prevent audio dropouts when starting HDR videos and ensure smoother, more stable playback with LAV Filters.

If you have questions, comments, or run into any issues, please feel free to post them using the form below.