Ross Herbert wrote:
On Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:35:11 GMT, "Chuck" !
wrote:

It's nearly too late now since the new TV's have AVL built-in to
adjust
volume increases during commercials, but I am very surprised nobody
ever
built a "good" add-on aftermarket volume-leveler all these years. Why
would
it be so hard to build a good yet inexpensive one?

Chuck


I don't think it is very easy to design what you are looking for - at
least not so it is affordable.

As to why do the ads seem louder? - read this
http://www.abc.net.au/canberra/stories/s1264909.htm

In fact the maximum level of the ads is not greater than the normal
program material, its just that the ad level is more constant per unit
time, thus the average level is greater than that of the program
material. Advertisers are aware of this trick so they ensure that the
dialogue is constant throughout the ads.

That's probably true of national network shows broadcast over the air.
I was referring to 'local option' commercials dubbed in by a cable
company. As I said earlier in the thread, often the difference in level
is *downward*, not louder.

I've been a sound engineer for over 30 years. I know what loud is, and
I know what compression sounds like.

jak