Volume levels on HD channels

[Tek-warrior]

Hello there, could anybody tell me why the volume level on the HD channels is a lot lower than on the SD channels?

[joglynne]

I've noticed that as well and would be interested in hearing the explanation.

It's annoying having to grab for the remote to turn down the sound on the adverts which seem to be broadcast at the normal level of the SD channels and when increasing the HD channels audio level the adverts end up very loud.

[clayts]

My guess is because Dolby Digital is lossy (compressed) whereas other channels are generally lossless (PCM) - I may be completely wrong.

[Digital Fanatic]

Originally Posted by Tek-warrior

Hello there, could anybody tell me why the volume level on the HD channels is a lot lower than on the SD channels?

The HD channels are broadcast in Dolby Digital and sometimes in 5.1, there is a greater sound range and therefore the sound is broadcast lower (just like on DVD and blu-ray players)

It is less noticeable if you have a 5.1 amp set-up.

[joglynne]

Cheers DF and good shout clayts.

So it is down to DD, but is there a reason VM can't at least balance the levels so that the adverts don't make me wake up.

[Digital Fanatic]

Originally Posted by joglynne

I've noticed that as well and would be interested in hearing the explanation.

It's annoying having to grab for the remote to turn down the sound on the adverts which seem to be broadcast at the normal level of the SD channels and when increasing the HD channels audio level the adverts end up very loud.

I know Sky have re-balanced their volume levels on HD channels... I'm not aware of any plans for VM to do this... maybe Spiderplant would know this one?

---------- Post added at 12:26 ---------- Previous post was at 12:25 ----------

Originally Posted by joglynne

Cheers DF and good shout clayts.

So it is down to DD, but is there a reason VM can't at least balance the levels so that the adverts don't make me wake up.

see above

[joglynne]

@ DF

LOL I already deleted one post because we posted at the same time. I thought deleting two posts was a tad over the top.

[Digital Fanatic]

Originally Posted by joglynne

@ DF

LOL I already deleted one post because we posted at the same time. I thought deleting two posts was a tad over the top.

I'm too fast today too

[Lunker]

What Virgin have to say about it.

It’s annoying, isn’t it? Unfortunately, we have no control over the volume variations. They’re set by the broadcasters. Have the Volume button at the ready!

[techguyone]

I actually thought I'd read something about one of the regularity bodies making it a condition that advert sound levels were not significantly different to the programs.

[Digital Fanatic]

Originally Posted by techguyone

I actually thought I'd read something about one of the regularity bodies making it a condition that advert sound levels were not significantly different to the programs.

That is true, but this is about the channels themselves being of a lower volume compared to SD channels

[Paranoimia]

I often find the volume varies wildly, even on different episodes of the same programme.

The numerous variations of hi-def Channel 4 seem to be the worst. One day a programme is fine with my TV volume at 25, while another day I need to turn it up to 30 or 35. Sometimes even 40.

[buzz66]

Used to find this really annoying but a few weeks ago I had my faulty SA box replaced with a Samsung and the volumes seem to be a lot better.

[Paranoimia]

At about 12:30 this morning, my SA V+ box rebooted itself. Since then, the volume on HD channels seems to be much louder than it was... roughly on par with the normal channels, I'd say. Perhaps even a little louder.

Anyone else experience this, or notice an increase in HD volume?

[Stephen]

I have my 5.1 sound system outputting the sound and don't find that much of a difference.

It must be more noticeable when the sound is coming from the TV?