Secondary Audio Program (SAP)
I'm watching your TV station but hearing something entirely different...the sound doesn't match the picture!
It happens to lots of viewers with Stereo TV Sets. Read on for a full explanation and how easy it is to fix:
Many modern stereo television sets have a feature in their audio equipment that allows the reception of sound other than the main audio for the program. This feature is called Multi-channel Television Sound (MTS). A TV set with MTS can receive mono sound, stereo sound, or Secondary Audio Programs (SAP).
The SAP feature allows a TV station to broadcast other information to the viewer through the audio receive system. That other information could be the same program audio in another language, or something completely different, such as weather information or Descriptive Video Services (DVS) for the visually impaired.
As an example, the four major TV Networks regularly provides Spanish audio commentary during Prime Time Shows, Newscast and Sporting Events as well as other selected specials. They do this using the Secondary Audio Program (SAP). Viewers who had the SAP feature turned on could hear the broadcast in Spanish.
WHKY-TV regularly provides audio from our co-owned Radio Station WHKY (AM 1290) on our TV Secondary Audio Program (SAP) channel. This allows listeners the opportunity to hear many of our Radio Station's local programs, sporting events and newscast.
Now here is how to fix the audio problem or better yet learn how to quickly switch back and forth between these audio services should you wish to utilize them:
Activating or deactivating the SAP is done on most television sets through a menu using the remote control. Every TV set is different, so the best way to do that is to follow the instructions in your owner's manual. But if you don't have the owner's manual that came with your TV anymore, you can still change the settings for the SAP if you have your remote control. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
* The SAP feature is only on television sets that are stereo. Even if you have a newer model TV, SAP will not be available if your set has mono sound.
* Before trying to change the SAP, be sure you're controlling your TV set with the remote and not the VCR.
* Older tube TVs will likely have audio selections: Stereo, Mono (TV sound), SAP (Radio station sound).
* Newer digital flat-screen TVs will likely have audio selections: English 1(TV sound) and English 2 (Radio station sound).
* Some remote controllers have a button on them labeled "MTS", "SAP", or "Audio Select". Try pressing this button in succession to cycle through the various audio modes.
* If there is no button on the remote control, press the "MENU" button to bring up your television's on-screen menu and look for options like "Setup", "Audio Setup", or "Audio" to find the selections available for MTS, or SAP.
If you don't have your remote control or your owner's manual, contact the store where you purchased your television. Many times they can help with obtaining another operation manual or finding a universal remote control that will work with your television.
