Is it just me, or has TV volume gone up considerably in the last few years? (UK)?

Question

Not just during the adverts, though at least it's not as bad as cable or Sky. When I play video games or a video the volume is quieter than the normal TV signal, it used to be almost the same. Also some programmes seem louder than others, particularly those pointless fly on the wall documentaries, usually about some wannabe loudmouth girl.

Answer 1

on my tv whenever there's just music the volume goes up. I mean really loud! its so irritating. i dont know if its the shows or just my tv

Answer 2

TV programs are all mixed to the same "peak level" and they are Quality Checked prior to transmission. This level (PPM 6) has not changed though the BBC did changed the way they measure it two years ago. All programs have a reference tone which enables the broadcaster to ensure that no program is louder than any other. Adverts use audio compression to give an increase in percieved loudness, though they are mixed to the same set of rules as programs. Programs tend to have more "dynamic range", or loud and soft bits than adverts as it is can be very tyring on the ear to listen to long periods of heavly compressed audio, however some programs are mixed using more compression, possibly not using a sound engineer but relying on the compressor/ limiter to ensure the program is within the tech spec.

Answer 3

ok wanna hear loud, go into a young family's home that have toddlers. ever hear the volume of the little electronic toys? this happened from like 92-current, theyve gotten so loud, they'll drown out a 100 watt marshall. It was to the point that i had my kids convinced it didnt hurt to bath with the loudest offenders. gotta hand it to sesame street products, they still worked. it took 3 baths just to quieten the worst offender, although it played for another 1 1/2 yrs before i found a sucker to give it to that the kids wouldnt see it and say thats mine. its original cost was $45 in about 94-6 and was a childs cd player, i thought it was real, the box said it really plays c/d's unfortunately they were plastic toys that just triggered a microswitch. but man are those toys good. anyway yes life is loud. ive found i like the tv volume at around 14 mono, 19 stereo, and around 35-45 surround(just love bass). my kids like it 29-37 mono, half stereo, and the same or less for surround, but love the videos at a full roar.

also i forgot, new t.v.'s have a sound buffer that is supposed to like level the volume for those louds, but how much thinking does it take to just manipulate the vol buffer to do the exact opposite?

Answer 4

It is really annoying. When we watch a film, especially an action film, I have to turn the volume right up to hear what they're saying. Then we get blasted out of our seats when the music comes on or there's a car chase or explosions etc. And the adverts seem to be twice as loud as the film!
Annoyingly, the TV people won't admit there's any problem - they say it's all within regulations or something. Which leads me to think that nobody who works in television actually watches it...

Answer 5

I think the last 10 years has seen the rise of a new 'cadre' (for want of a better word) of people who hold extremely offensive opinions, not because they particularly believe what they say, but because it gets them publicity. The Westboro Baptist Church and the Phelps family know that no one would give them a second thought if they kept to their compound and discuss their opinions amongst themselves (though I do think this is dangerous too). However when they picket the funerals of soldiers their sick and nasty opinions are heard throughout the world. Same with the shock jocks, the more extreme their opinion the more famous they become. In the end they become offensive to build their celebrity, not because they have anything positive to contribute. Banning them only makes them more famous and feeds their celebrity, the very worse you can do to people like that is ignore them.

Answer 6

Short answer: YES! I'm a Yank; and we suffer from loud volume during adverts, whenever the "anchor" on a news show is on, and much of the remainder of the time, because we use overhead microphones to record dialogue, since most of our so-called actors can't "project" and are not even stage trained--which is why so many of the Brits are better trained and expected to talk louder so they can be understood. Your actors are probably being poisoned by U.S. methods and ideas--not all U.S. ideas are bad, but LOUDNESS is one the Brits can surely do without! Cheers...

Answer 7

Yeah, and Channel 4's adverts are still louder than the programme!

Answer 8

Yes, Yes,Yes. I am so glad you asked that question. I have been having a running debate with my partner about this. I claim that during the adverts the volume goes really high, he claims it does not. Yes, I believe it does. I always grab the remote and mute it. He grabs the remote and turns the volume back up. It is sooooooooooooooooo F*****g irritating. Thank you for asking this question. Debate over!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 9

I think you are right....especially annoyingly for adverts...

There again....as we get older and deafer, maybe some of us turn up the TV as a consequence of that....and others not yet affected by reduced hearing notice this?

I am sure there are some guidelines within TV companies about broadcasting volumes........

Answer 10

Yes it has, If there is anything worth watching on tv I seem to spend most of the time turning the volume up then down. As soon as I turn it down they either whisper or the background music drowns out what they are saying!

Answer 11

Or you are a freak of nature my friend and your hearing is actually improving as you age.

In 10 years you will be able to hear a fly farting from two miles away.