If you have trouble hearing dialogue on your TV, you may have a setting for “normalizing” audio. This can equalize music and voices that are quiet, but it can also compromise the audio mix. The best way to fix this problem is to read your TV’s manual and adjust the volume to the proper setting.
Normalization
Normalization of TV voices and music is a technical process that ensures that audio and video levels are consistent. Audio and video professionals struggle with getting sound levels right. Mixing music, voices, and sound effects can result in noticeable volume differences. Fortunately, the European Broadcast Union has issued a standard recommendation for the normalization of TV voices and music. While the process does involve compression, the end result is more even listening.
The first step in normalization is to determine the loudest portion of audio. If a shout is louder than the rest of the audio, then the normalization process will turn up the loudest part of the audio. Then, the normalization process will reduce the rest of the audio by the same amount.
Downmixing
If you want to know why TV voices are quiet and music is loud, you have to understand downmixing. This audio production trick is used by the music industry to make songs louder. It mixes each track at a lower level so that the overall volume can be increased. But it also reduces dynamic range.
Downmixing works by distributing the loudness of one sound source over two separate channels, making them sound equal in volume. When downmixing, the effects and music from each sound source are spread across both channels. The result is a more balanced sound quality.
Preset sound modes
TVs come with several different sound modes that let you adjust the quality of the sound. Different modes add different features to the sound, such as equalization, compression, and special effects. You should choose the sound mode that best suits your preferences. For example, Amplify mode improves the sound quality of movies while Sports mode optimizes the sound quality of sporting events. Samsung TVs are ideal for watching sports events because they offer high-quality images and the right audio settings.
There are also different sound modes for specific content on TVs, such as dialogue. In addition, many TVs have speech-enhancing modes to improve the volume of dialogue. Some of these modes include News, Clear Voice, Dolby surround, virtual surround, and 360 sound.
Wireless headphones
Wireless headphones are a great way to listen to music and TV voices loudly while traveling or at home. These headphones feature a small microphone that picks up your voice, and a built-in micro USB port for charging. There is also a volume control button on the right earcup. The headphones are also equipped with a 3.5mm jack and an ON/OFF switch for adjusting the volume.
The headphones are easy to pair with your phone or tablet, and Bluetooth 4.2 ensures faster data transfer and lower power consumption. The advertised range is 33 feet, and I was able to get a strong Bluetooth connection with no issues. Depending on what you’re using them for, different codecs are activated. When using them for TV, you’ll want to use the aptX low-latency codec. Once paired, the device will show a green and blue LED indicator.
Air conditioner
Your air conditioner may be making music and TV voices muffled or even quiet. It is possible to improve the sound quality by adjusting certain settings. For example, changing the treble and the bass settings may help. Also, adjusting the dynamic range compression feature might help your hearing. This feature aims to balance out the loud and softer sounds so you won’t have to listen to both at the same time.
Another cause of strange air conditioner sounds is a loose fan blade or coil. If this happens, it could be a problem with your AC. You can tighten these parts to reduce the noise.
Flatscreen TVs
Flatscreen TVs don’t have the stereo speakers you need to hear voices and music. If you’re looking for clear sound, you can try using an external soundbar or stereo hi-fi amplifier. You can also use an AV receiver for surround sound.
The first step is to check the sound settings on your television. The TV might have a sound menu, which you can access with the remote control. You may need to experiment with different settings, since TV audio settings can be a little complicated for people who are not audio engineers. Try adjusting the sound mode called Dynamic Range Compression, which is designed to even out the volume of loud and soft noises.
