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Volume difference on HD

OUCaptain

OUCaptain

Golden Member
As soon as I got HD from direct tv, I noticed the volume on all HD channels is slightly lower that the SD channels. I noticed it on a different service as well. So what's the reason?
 
BTW, I noticed it on my folk's system too. They're running 5.1.

Edit: Just found the answer thru google. "they" say it's because the HD audio is sent via a different system than SD> It should go away once all stations broadcast in digital. Funny thing, while searching, the top result on google was this disscusion
 
There is a MAJOR volume disparity between OTA HD sound in Boston and BU's cable (which is actually a 105 channel subset of DirecTV rebroadcast around campus). The HD is dramatically quieter. I wonder though if it's the other way around and the HD is correct and the SD is amplified unnecessarily?
 
for me, SD material I tend to listen at around -25 to -30dB on my receiver (H/K AVR247), but HD material (both broadcasts and movies) I tend to listen to around -10, maybe up to -5dB, depending on the balance of the audio on the disc or broadcast (loud actions scenes I may bump the volume down, soft dialogue sometimes requires louder volume). However, interesting note, all my games, even when they offer Dolby Digital or PCM surround, I tend to play at around -20 to -30dB. (max volume is 0, well, technically max is +10, but that's insane and I don't even wanna test that volume level. I would watch movies a little louder than I do, but dorm environment limits the loudness, but I tend to watch on the weekends to avoid that issue since I do have a paradigm sub that I like to give a workout while watching action movies).
 
I have the same issue here, but I think it's my receiver. Whenever I switch to an SD channel on DirecTV, my HK receiver automatically switches to its own "Logic7 Music" mode which enhances the mids and highs and makes the audio much louder. I usually have to keep it on -35 to -40dB on this mode. Whenever i switch it to an HD channel, the receiver automatically switches to Dolby Digital and audio level drops. I have to listen at around -30 to -20db on this mode. It sucks when i change back to an SD channel though and im not paying attention cause the volume increase sometimes startles me.
 
Originally posted by: destrekor
for me, SD material I tend to listen at around -25 to -30dB on my receiver (H/K AVR247), but HD material (both broadcasts and movies) I tend to listen to around -10, maybe up to -5dB, depending on the balance of the audio on the disc or broadcast (loud actions scenes I may bump the volume down, soft dialogue sometimes requires louder volume). However, interesting note, all my games, even when they offer Dolby Digital or PCM surround, I tend to play at around -20 to -30dB. (max volume is 0, well, technically max is +10, but that's insane and I don't even wanna test that volume level. I would watch movies a little louder than I do, but dorm environment limits the loudness, but I tend to watch on the weekends to avoid that issue since I do have a paradigm sub that I like to give a workout while watching action movies).
Click to expand...

Lol didn't even read your post before posting my reply. HK AVR230 receiver here. :thumbsup:
 
DD has much wider dynamic range (difference between loudest and quietest). As such it will sound quieter. That's a GOOD thing.

Also the crews doing the sound for HD are doing a better job with the sound because they have all that capacity. You really notice this on live sporting events.
 
Lack of RMS normalization most likely. Turn it up! It will sound good. Not weak and wimpy like regular broadcasts that have been squeezed to the wall.
 
Originally posted by: OUCaptain
It's being recieved but I'm only using the stereo outs right now.
Click to expand...
Then you should go to the setup of your Directv HD receiver, and turn off Dolby Digital, until you move to a 5.1 or better setup.

 
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