Re: Commercials TOO Loud
spacedebris
Master - Level 2

@Justin wrote:

3) The real test of this would seem to be for someone who has FiOS and over the air broadcasts connected to the SAME TV to do an apples to apples comparison. If you hear it over the air and also via FiOS then for sure it is the broadcaster, at least for those instances. If you don't, then it is the broacaster's distribution to Verizon or Verizon itself making the audio louder. Can someone do a "scientific" comparison?

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Justin
Verizon FiOS TV, Internet, and phone
QIP6416-P1, IMG 1.7.1, Build 09.97
Keller, TX 76248


Actually one of the previous posters did this. Had Brighthouse, Verizon, and OTA all together and it happened on all 3. Showing it is a broadcaster (channel provider) issue.  Now I have both Verizon and DTV, unfortunately I have them at different houses so I cannot compare directly side by side. But I notice it on both Verizon and DTV. In fact it has been getting worse lately on DTV.

Verizon advertised up front that they broadcast an unaltered programming. This is sent to the customer in a manner intended by the channel provider. In some cases it is a contractual issue where the TV provider (IE Verizon) is not allowed to modify the broadcast but in many cases the TV provider could modify it if they wanted to, but then this thread would have been with the opposite people. They ones that dont want Verizon to modify the signal. (like me). But like previously said, this is not a "Verizon" issue. It is industry wide. That is why some are trying to get regulations. I dont think it will ever happen but if it was just one company, then regulations would not be required.

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Re: Commercials TOO Loud
JHNYC
Newbie

My wife and I have been struggling with the issue of loud commercials since we changed to FIOS 18 months ago. I understand from reading this thread that it's an industry wide issue. However, we were TIME WARNER customers of over 15  years and never experienced the literally deafening shifts of volume we do with FIOS.

Tonight is typical. Watching MSNBC

NYC

NY

August 2, 2010

MSNBC

FIOS SELF PROMOTIONS - at least 2x as loud as other commercials.

3- 5 FIOS promotions airing between 9 and 11PM

Like other posters, we notice it's especially bad in the evening, which means it not only bothers us ,but also our neighbors.

FIOS Self promotions have been the worst offenders for a few weeks, but the issue arises with all kinds of commercials, local and national

thank you

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Re: Commercials TOO Loud
spacedebris
Master - Level 2

Yeah, just do a search on "loud commercials" and you will find posts all over about it on nearly every provider. Its actually been a complaint for over 30 years. Some channels are bigger offenders than others (SyFy is the one I notice most) but it is a industry issue that the providers have little to no control over. (other than their own commercials that is). There is actually a bill before congress called "calm" (I think I have the name right) that is still being debated that would require the commercials to be at the same level as the program. The question is will it do any good? In some cases, the commercials are not actually louder in volume. When your watching a tv program, there are variations in sound. From the very soft to the very loud. The volume itself doesnt change, just the way it was recorded. So Explosions 'sound' loud and whispers 'sound' quiet. All the time the actual volume has not changed. Many commercials are recorded on the 'loud' side of the range. So the commercial comes in at the explosion level of the spectrum. Making it 'sound' louder than it actually is. And then to top it all off, many channels then broadcast those loud recorded commercials, at the maximum output for the channel, making it sound even louder. I've actually started issuing complaints to the Syfy, TNT, and USA for the loud commercials. I decided to start with the biggest offenders that I actually watch. Now I have to wait and see if it will do any good. I'm not holding my breath however.

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Re: Commercials TOO Loud
vics1
Newbie

There may be some relief coming.  As much as I hate to have any government entity get involved in my life, this may be an exception.  The House just passed "CALM Act of 2009".  It's up to the Senate now.  Contact your Senators and this might finally get through.  Meanwhile, just press mute.  If it really annoys you, email the {please keep your posts courteous} advertisers and tell them you aren't listening, and more importantly, you're not going to buy their junk as long as they scream at you. 

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Re: Commercials TOO Loud
GaryDoug
Specialist - Level 1

woooohooooo!!!!

Elections are coming up soon. Now where is the dang voter registration card...... I'm voting for the big guvmint this time...

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Re: Commercials TOO Loud
socalgal1
Newbie

We have a flat screen tv with external speakers and the commercials are so loud on the cable channels it almost blows you out of your seat.  The problems are with the local advertisers and we are in the southwest Riverside County area.  The advertisers are Paradise Chevrolet, Anasa Spa and Salon, Anchos Restaurant, JK Harris Tax, Carlson's Appliances and a few others.  They occur on MSNBC, TNT, USA, DIY, and several other channels.  It is so bad we are thinking of changing back to Direct TV.   Commercials have always been a little louder, but this is ridiculous.   Wish I had a decibel reader.....

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Re: Commercials TOO Loud
TheCavalcantis1
Enthusiast - Level 2

Who cares if it's too loud?

The problem is:

Commercials are so long and take more time than some shows.

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Re: Commercials TOO Loud
GaryDoug
Specialist - Level 1

The good news is in..... both the US House and Senate have passed their "loud commercials" bills. The Senate vote was unanimous in favor.

The bad news.... once it's law, it will take up to one year to become an FCC regulation and another year to become enforced.

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Re: Commercials TOO Loud
newtocable
Enthusiast - Level 2

It really doesn't matter where.  The TV's have a built in capability to reduce the commercial volume known as smart sound. Since the FIOS box controls sound, we need this feature added to the FIOS boxes. My TV has it but it can't be used with the FIOS box because I run the HD sound through my HD receiver. THe Receiver manufacturers could also add this feature. Either one would solve it.

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Re: Commercials TOO Loud
rein0131
Newbie

Movies sound mono, and the commercials sound 3D!

Commercials bounce off the walls, in crystal clear sound - and yes, at an annoying 3X as loud.

It is done on purpose...

It has always been done on purpose...

They want more sales sold of sham-wow, and this is how they do it.

Makes me want to shoot the tv, with my shotgun...

"What do you mean, I need the remote to access the menu function!"



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