Low volume on HD channels

[back2thefuture]

I've had HD now for 6 months and in the past week or so, I notice a HUGE difference in volume when I am on an HD channel. The volume is very soft, so I need to bump it up some. Then when I go the the SAME non-HD channel, or to other non-HD channels, I have to quickly turn down the volume as it is blasting.

As I said....this was not always like this. I called Dish Network and they said, "This is what the channels are putting out." They said it was NOT their problem. I asked for a supervisor and she said the reason for this was that HD has the capability of surround sound (which I do not use), and that's why the HD channels are lower in volume.

I don't buy it. Why would it just happen in the past week or so?

Any thoughts?

I'm in So. Florida, btw.

Dennis

[jim5506]

This has been discussed ad infinitum.

It is because SD channels are stereo and HD channels are Dolby digital 5.1.

DD5.1 has a much wider dynamic range so in order for those channels to NOT destroy your sound system when very loud occurrences happen, the nominal volume must be lower.

Some audio systems have the capability to level the sound somewhat, most TV sets do not.

[back2thefuture]

Thanks for confirming what TDN said.

BTW, I searched here for "low volume" and didn't come up with anything.

Sorry to have bothered you. :-)

[archer5494]

I've noticed a huge difference also. It has not always been this way.

[Loves2Watch]

Originally Posted by archer5494

I've noticed a huge difference also. It has not always been this way.

Actually it has if the soundtrack was 5.1.

[archer5494]

Actually the difference has got a lot worse just recently in the last month. I have watched the military and history international in standard def since I went HD a year ago. I have a 7-1 system and listen in Neural THX 7.1. Believe me the volume differences have changed.

[Loves2Watch]

Originally Posted by archer5494

Actually the difference has got a lot worse just recently in the last month. I have watched the military and history international in standard def since I went HD a year ago. I have a 7-1 system and listen in Neural THX 7.1. Believe me the volume differences have changed.

By using that mode, you are matrixing and the sound would be lower. Try another mode like Neo...

[man00dude]

Originally Posted by Loves2Watch

By using that mode, you are matrixing and the sound would be lower. Try another mode like Neo...

I'm basicall having some what of the same problem. We have a Panasonic Plasma connected to a DISH HD DVR. Sound on HD Channels are weak (on every channel ). Sound peaks when sound level bar reaches 1/3 of the way when volume turned up. You can turn volume up all the way (at max) and it sounds the same as when at half way.

We are using the sound from the TV, no audio upgrades at this time.

We also have a Samsung HD connected to a seperate DISH HD DVR upstairs and the sound in HD is exceptional on all channels.

[Hokoo]

I also had same issues and used my Onkyo 7.1 reciever to compensate for this but my reciever just died and im in process of looking to buy a new one TX-NR807 but waiting till xmas in hope the price will drop a bit

So what Im doing until then to fix the low sound output is I hit menu then setup then dolby digital and changed from line mode to RF mode and then reset my reciever from the button on the 722 box

This might not meet everybodys sound standards but atleast I dont have to overly turn up/down my volume when listening to people talk

[Iain1974]

I have the Onkyo 706 and don't notice much, if any, volume correction. I must not have set it up correctly because some commercials could make your ears bleed (DirectBuy and Proactive)

[lsilvest]

Originally Posted by Iain1974

I have the Onkyo 706 and don't notice much, if any, volume correction. I must not have set it up correctly because some commercials could make your ears bleed (DirectBuy and Proactive)

These commercials seem to have gotten worse in the last few months. I've always recorded most of what I watch and now I record everything and make sure I have some delay so I can ffw through the commercials. These marketing people get more obnoxious every day and then wonder why we don't want commercials. Most of you may not remember, but the big selling point when cable first came out was "no advertising" that's why we had to pay for it. Guess what we have now - higher prices AND irritation.

I haven't really noticed any great sound variations in the regular content, but I only watch HD channels.

[Hokoo]

- update -

Now that I bought my new Onkyo TX-NR807 for $999 (worth every penny) and set it up so my PS3, 722, 300disc cd changer all run through the reciever via 3 HDMI cables, the 1080p and sound are better than before...

7.5 speakers with 350 watt powered sub set to All channel this thing amazes me...I had to set it up like 4 different times to make sure I had it correct but now with the Dynamic Audyssey Equilization and Loudness Plus added, I have no more issues with over-loudness on stations or commercials...It automatically adjusts the DB + or - when it detects something and I never have to raise or lower the volume...

Sure glad my old reciever died and very impressed with this new but also understand most cant afford $999 either

Also on a side note, I never listen to radio stations anymore, this baby has internet radio

[Loves2Watch]

Originally Posted by Hokoo

- update -

Now that I bought my new Onkyo TX-NR807 for $999 (worth every penny) and set it up so my PS3, 722, 300disc cd changer all run through the reciever via 3 HDMI cables, the 1080p and sound are better than before...

7.5 speakers with 350 watt powered sub set to All channel this thing amazes me...I had to set it up like 4 different times to make sure I had it correct but now with the Dynamic Audyssey Equilization and Loudness Plus added, I have no more issues with over-loudness on stations or commercials...It automatically adjusts the DB + or - when it detects something and I never have to raise or lower the volume...

Sure glad my old reciever died and very impressed with this new but also understand most cant afford $999 either

Also on a side note, I never listen to radio stations anymore, this baby has internet radio

Congrats on that nre receiver. You have only scratched the surface with it though, come back and report to us after you have had a moth or 2 of playing with all of the features and settings. An amazing piece of equipment.