Why is the volume of TV commercials so much greater than the program? I get this question all the time. Would you be surprised if I said there is no difference, they are the same volume. With audio there is a difference between loudness and volume. Although the volume is the same, the apparent loudness is not the same. How and why?
Broadcasters have specifications that set the volume limit to a value below digital zero, below the digital maximum (-10db below 0). Volume is measurable and it is the same because broadcasters and cable channels require the peak audio volume of both commercials and programs not to exceed this level. In a commercials the volume is near the limit more often than during the program material. Commercials stay close to the maximum volume from beginning to end. This is done with audio processors that maintain a higher average volume level – so it sounds louder than the movie or TV show. So what can you do about it?
Here is a device that regulates the apparent loudness – a TV volume regulator to the rescue. The problem is caused by technology – so why not defeat it with technology! I have not tried the device, but I am willing to try it if they send me one. Personally I’m not buying one. I make commercials and marketers want consumers to pay attention when the commercials come on. Besides the intermission reminds me to stretch.
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I agree with the above post. Personally I cannot see why you would not want to make an effort in this regard anyway. Only the other day, at work we had exactly the same conversation and came to a similar closing