When I first start content on a newly built HTPC with theater audio equipment, there is about a 2-4 second delay from start to hearing the audio, thus the first few seconds of audio is missed. I am running Windows 7 with a minimal set of driver suite additions or other software. It is pretty much just Windows and MC with the included Microsoft drivers. Ultra clean installation. My best guess is the stereo is acquainting itself with the audio stream and that takes some time. Is there a way to decrease this?
All the data goes over one HDMI cable (audio and video).