622 Hd channel volume issue

[NABRIL]

Hello all
Seached for issue on past threads, and only found posts from 2006.

I have a 622 connected to HDTV using HDMI cable. I have noticed that hd channels (locals, etc) have a really low broadcast volume. I have to turn the TV to 9, 10, or 11 to hear a show like "My own worst enemy" comfortably. Until recently, most shows could be heard normally on 4, 5 or 6.

I cant pinpoint the exact date of the change, but I will assume it has to do with a software upgrade. Receiver has L614 software.

Any thoughts?

Thanks
N

 

[TNGTony]

The problem is that broadcasters haven't figured out how to level their sound from SD to HD feeds yet. When the volume levels of programs were leveled between HD and SD channels, the commercials would make you re-enact that 70s Maxell tape commercial with the guy sitting in front of the loud speaker. To the point of PAINFULLY loud. This part is out of the satellite and cable companies' hands.

HD channels have much more dynamic range (the loud sounds are louder. The quiet sounds are quieter) than the SD channels by nature. So the base line for the audio on HD channels is much lower by nature.

Everyone (except the broadcaster) is going crazy trying to find a happy medium in the mean time. There was even legislation introduced in congress this year about this issue. That legislation died in committee, but it goes to show just how much of a problem it is!

See ya
Tony

 

[Scott Greczkowski]

Its because of the headroom that Dolby Digital requires. In order to be within the Dolby Digital Specs the general volume needs to be lower so that those loud scenes are loud in their full 5.1 glory.

This has been an issue since 5.1 audio broadcasts have become available.

 

[NABRIL]

Thanks Tony

But I noticed this change recently. Meaning that HD channels sounded "normal" a little while ago. Now I have to crank the TV up to 12 or 13, and distortion is not far away. As a matter of fact, as you get higher in number I notice that the volume doesnt go up that much. Once you hit 15 or so, the higher numbers dont sound much louder.

Frustrating, but what can we do. Apparently nothing.

 

[TNGTony]

I understand what you mean. The HD channels' audio was "normal" during the programs, but some commercials and local SD programs were very loud.

It is a change back to the "real" audio levels to fix the "blowing speakers out" levels.

See ya
Tony

 

[brownover]

I gave up on the 5.1 sound problems and just quit using it. I use my rca a/v cables and installed a terk sound leveler in the circuit. Now I never have change volume even when switching channels and from hd to sd. It still sounds really good, my a/v receiver still does a really good job of sound separation and everything is at the same volume level.

 

[steve4810]

Here's a summary what can or will be done to help with this problem:

1. If you use a home theater amp, several have a mode called "Late Nite". This is a Dolby standard that reduces the loud parts allowing you to turn up the volume without blowing out the windows when the bomb goes or or the rocket explodes or whatever.

2. Terk and Audiovox each sell the same "TV Sound Controller" that levels out everything. It is plugged in between the STB and the audio amp or TV audio in. It has an off/on switch to turn it off if you want the "home theater experience" for a Hollywood blockbuster movie. THIS DEVICE IS THE ONLY WAY I KNOW OF TO MAKE SD AND HD CHANNELS BE THE SAME VOLUME. There are semi-pro and pro "audio compressors" that will do the same thing but the Terk/Audiovox gadget is under fifty bucks and every other compressor I've seen is hundreds of dollars more.

3. Dolby is introducing a new feature in it's consumer chip set called "Dolby Volume" which is supposed to take care of the problem while still allowing 5.1 Dolby Digital sound. Consumer TVs and home theater equipment will feature this in some 2009 models with more in following years if the market makes it profitable for manufacturers to spend the extra buck or two to buy the upgraded chip. Although it's possible that in the future all consumer Dolby chip sets will incorporate this feature.

I really hate to say this since my closest friend works for Dolby but I use the Audiovox and don't miss DD in the master bedroom setup where we do 70+ percent of our evening TV viewing. And it cures the problem 100 percent.

Our main viewing room still is DD5.1. But 99% of the time the volume level changes annoy us and only in 1 in 100 programs are we impressed at the "dynamic range" of the soundtrack.