Have you ever been watching your favorite TV show, completely absorbed in the storyline, when suddenly the volume seems to skyrocket during a commercial break? You’re not alone. This phenomenon has been a source of frustration for many TV viewers, leaving them scrambling for the remote control to adjust the volume. But why does this happen? Is it just a coincidence, or is there a more sinister explanation at play?
Understanding the Science Behind TV Audio
To understand why TV commercials seem louder than the rest of the show, we need to delve into the world of audio engineering and the way TV broadcasts are produced. TV audio is a complex beast, with multiple factors at play that can affect the overall volume of a broadcast.
The CALM Act: A Step in the Right Direction
In 2010, the US government passed the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act, which aimed to regulate the volume of TV commercials. The act required broadcasters to ensure that the average volume of commercials was no louder than the average volume of the surrounding programming. While the CALM Act was a step in the right direction, it didn’t completely eliminate the problem.
Measuring TV Audio: The Role of Loudness Meters
TV audio is measured using loudness meters, which calculate the average volume of a broadcast over a given period. There are two main types of loudness meters: peak meters and average meters. Peak meters measure the maximum volume of a broadcast, while average meters measure the overall volume over a longer period.
The Problem with Peak Meters
Peak meters are often used to measure the volume of TV commercials, but they can be misleading. Peak meters only measure the maximum volume of a broadcast, which can be skewed by brief, loud sounds like explosions or music. This means that a commercial with a few brief, loud moments can register as being much louder than it actually is.
The Real Reason Why TV Commercials Seem Louder
So, why do TV commercials seem louder than the rest of the show? There are several reasons:
Compression: The Audio Engineer’s Best Friend
Audio compression is a technique used to reduce the dynamic range of an audio signal. Dynamic range refers to the difference between the loudest and quietest parts of an audio signal. By compressing the audio, engineers can make the overall volume seem louder and more consistent.
The Role of Psychoacoustics
Psychoacoustics is the study of how our brains perceive sound. Research has shown that our brains are more sensitive to certain frequencies, like the sound of a human voice or the rumble of a bass guitar. TV commercials often use these frequencies to grab our attention and make the audio seem louder.
Advertising Strategies: Getting Your Attention
Let’s face it: the primary goal of a TV commercial is to grab your attention and make you remember the product or service being advertised. Advertisers use a range of techniques to achieve this, including loud music, bright colors, and catchy jingles. While these techniques can be effective, they can also make the audio seem louder than it actually is.
What Can You Do to Avoid the Loud Commercial Problem?
While the CALM Act and advances in audio engineering have helped to reduce the problem of loud TV commercials, there are still steps you can take to avoid the issue:
Use Your TV’s Audio Settings
Most modern TVs have a range of audio settings that can help to reduce the volume of loud commercials. Look for settings like “auto volume” or “dynamic range compression” to help even out the audio.
Invest in a Soundbar or Home Theater System
A soundbar or home theater system can provide more control over the audio, allowing you to adjust the volume and tone to your liking.
Watch TV with a DVR or Streaming Service
Watching TV with a DVR or streaming service can provide more control over the viewing experience, including the ability to fast-forward through commercials or adjust the audio settings.
Conclusion
The problem of loud TV commercials is a complex issue, with multiple factors at play. While the CALM Act and advances in audio engineering have helped to reduce the problem, there are still steps you can take to avoid the issue. By understanding the science behind TV audio and taking control of your viewing experience, you can enjoy your favorite TV shows without the frustration of loud commercials.
| Year | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | CALM Act Passed | The US government passes the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act, which aims to regulate the volume of TV commercials. |
| 2012 | CALM Act Enforced | The CALM Act comes into effect, requiring broadcasters to ensure that the average volume of commercials is no louder than the average volume of the surrounding programming. |
In conclusion, the problem of loud TV commercials is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted solution. By understanding the science behind TV audio and taking control of your viewing experience, you can enjoy your favorite TV shows without the frustration of loud commercials.
Why do commercials seem louder than the rest of the show?
Commercials seem louder than the rest of the show due to the way they are mixed and mastered. Advertisers want to grab the viewer’s attention, so they often increase the volume of their commercials to make them stand out. This can be jarring for viewers, especially if they are watching a show with a more subdued audio level.
The main reason for this discrepancy is the difference in audio compression between commercials and regular programming. Commercials are often heavily compressed to make them sound louder and more energetic, while regular programming tends to have a more dynamic range. This means that the volume of commercials can be up to 20 decibels higher than the rest of the show, making them seem much louder.
Is there a law that regulates the volume of commercials?
In the United States, the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act was passed in 2010 to regulate the volume of commercials. The law requires that commercials be broadcast at a volume no louder than the surrounding programming. However, the law does not specify a specific decibel level, and enforcement can be inconsistent.
Despite the CALM Act, many viewers still report that commercials seem louder than the rest of the show. This may be due to the fact that the law only applies to broadcast television and not to cable or satellite TV. Additionally, some advertisers may find ways to circumvent the law by using clever audio editing techniques.
Why don’t TV stations just turn down the volume of commercials?
TV stations do have the ability to adjust the volume of commercials, but they often don’t do so for a few reasons. One reason is that they may not want to risk angering advertisers, who may pull their ads if they feel they are not being broadcast at a sufficient volume. Another reason is that TV stations may not have the technical capability to adjust the volume of commercials in real-time.
Additionally, TV stations may not see it as their responsibility to regulate the volume of commercials. They may argue that it is up to the advertisers to ensure that their commercials are broadcast at a reasonable volume. However, this can lead to a lack of consistency in audio levels, which can be frustrating for viewers.
Can I do anything to reduce the volume of loud commercials?
Yes, there are a few things you can do to reduce the volume of loud commercials. One option is to use the mute button on your remote control. This can be a quick and easy way to silence loud commercials, but it may not be practical if you are watching a live show and don’t want to miss any of the action.
Another option is to use a feature called “auto volume” or “volume leveling” on your TV or soundbar. This feature can help to even out the audio levels of different programs and commercials, reducing the jarring effect of loud commercials. However, the effectiveness of this feature can vary depending on the device and the specific programming.
Are loud commercials a problem on streaming services?
Loud commercials are less of a problem on streaming services, which often have more control over the audio levels of their content. Many streaming services, such as Netflix and Hulu, do not have traditional commercials, so the issue of loud commercials is not as relevant.
However, some streaming services, such as YouTube and Sling TV, do have commercials, and these can sometimes be loud. However, these services often have features that allow users to control the volume of commercials or opt out of them altogether.
Will the problem of loud commercials ever be solved?
It’s possible that the problem of loud commercials could be solved in the future, but it would likely require a concerted effort from advertisers, TV stations, and regulatory bodies. One possible solution would be to establish a universal standard for audio levels, which would ensure that all commercials are broadcast at a consistent volume.
Another possible solution would be to develop new technologies that can automatically adjust the volume of commercials in real-time. However, this would require significant investment and cooperation from the industry, and it’s unclear whether it would be feasible or effective.
What can I do if I’m bothered by loud commercials?
If you’re bothered by loud commercials, there are a few things you can do. One option is to contact your TV station or cable provider and complain about the issue. You can also contact the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which is responsible for enforcing the CALM Act.
Another option is to support organizations that advocate for better audio standards in television. You can also consider using a streaming service that does not have traditional commercials, or using a device that has features to control the volume of commercials.