Delay

Delay, in its simplest definition, is delay. It is generally seen in online conversations made over Zoom and similar services, and in live broadcasts over Twitch-like platforms.

It is basically used in the sense of sound delay. The main reason for the delay issue is the time it takes the sound card to convert analog audio to digital. The sound card introduces a delay, even for a short time. On top of that, if you use a bluetooth-connected speaker and microphone, the delay time will increase even more.

Delay can sometimes appear as a visual delay, but in general, many people encounter this delay in audio transmission. Even if it seems like a simple problem, it can actually create big problems in broadcasts where music and sound need to be transferred at the same time.

Audio engineers may also encounter the problem of audio latency frequently. Because when the user touches a sound button on the computer, that sound can be heard, again by passing through the sound card. This development can be really frustrating.

How to solve the delay problem?

1. Increase the RAM Power;

The computer's RAM power will inevitably affect the performance of all operations you perform on the computer. Even a 1 GB RAM upgrade will be an effective solution for delay and similar problems. You can even increase the other equipment if you can.
If you are experiencing a performance loss due to physical problems, you can remove the computer and clean the hardware. You should also make sure that all hardware drivers are up to date. It goes without saying that the software and operating system you are already using should be at the most up-to-date version.

2. Don't Run More Than Two Software At the Same Time;

If you cannot increase your hardware power, you should use the power you have in the most effective way. The more software or applications running on your computer or other devices at the same time, the more likely you are to experience delays and similar problems.

It may not seem like much, but as the number of software and applications running at the same time increases, you will never achieve the effective performance you are looking for as the hardware power will be distributed between that software and applications.

3. Don't Use Bluetooth Devices;

Sometimes all bluetooth speakers and microphones will create audio delay, even for less than 1 second. Instead, you can use the built-in speaker and microphone of the device you are using, or you should choose speakers and microphones that you can use by connecting them to your computer wired. You will see that the audio delay has been reduced to a minimum.

Another point you should pay attention to at this point is the connection cables and connection ports. Even wired, the connection cables must be strong enough and the connection ports must be clean to reflect the full performance of the speaker and microphone. If this is the source of the problem, you should get new cables and new connection ports.

4. Try to Use the Bandwidth at Full Capacity;

Even if you do your best, there will be audio delay if your internet speed is not enough. Even if the internet speed is sufficient, how you use the available bandwidth is just as important.

During the online live broadcast, make sure that no other devices are connected to the Internet and do not run software that uses more than one Internet at the same time. The fact that other people you meet during online calls do not connect to the broadcast by voice or video will allow you to use the bandwidth at full performance.

For example, when presenting on Zoom, let other people just be the audience and turn off their cameras and microphones. During a live broadcast, you can pre-download the audio and video files you want to share, so that the entire bandwidth is used for broadcasting.

For more information and to become professional about livestreaming you can check our blogand the related article;

https://cinema8.com/blog/how-to-live-stream-successfully