Audio dropouts are interruptions in sound that can occur while video continues, pauses or changes separately. They can involve the source, decoding, output connection or receiving equipment, so the accompanying picture and interface behaviour matter. A dropout is different from a constant timing mismatch or a programme that has no sound from its beginning.
A practical example
A soundbar may lose brief pieces of sound while the television picture remains steady. Comparing the television's own supported speakers with the external audio path can help establish whether the interruption follows the connection arrangement or the source itself.
A common misunderstanding
Do not group all sound problems under volume or lip sync. Record whether sound disappears completely, breaks intermittently or remains continuous but out of time with the picture.
Related terms
Stable technical definition. Editorial approach