Volume stabilizer or regulator?

R2D2
R2D2 Posts: 14
edited October 2006 in Electronics
I'm having a problem lately with volume consistency especially when watching dvd's. It seems like there's always a scene with two people whispering followed immediately by a nuclear explosion. :) In the old days, I would just leave the volume loud so I could hear everything, but ever since the arrival of our new son, I find myself constantly turning the volume up and down.

Is there anyone else who has run into this who might have a good solution? (Aside from a matching pair of surround sound headphones for me and my wife) ;)

Thanks in advance,
R2
Post edited by R2D2 on
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Comments

  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,986
    edited September 2006
    Has your system been calibrated with an HT setup DVD such as Avia? It can make a HUGE difference. I believe you can still buy it in the Polk Store.

    Even with calibration, for me, some films I run the center a couple db hot - if it's late I'm not wanting to disturb others.

    Cheers,
    Russ
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • jm1
    jm1 Posts: 618
    edited September 2006
    I believe you are referring to the dynamic range of the source material; the difference between the quietest and loudest passages.

    Look for a dynamic compression feature on your SSP. Mine is called ‘Dynamic Range’ and I have the option of setting it to a value from 1 (minimum compression) to 9 (more compression) or MAX (compression). It may be called ‘Night Mode’ or some other variation of the general function on your SSP.

    What this feature does is to reduce the dynamic range of the material by making the quieter parts louder and the louder passages quieter. You will then get a more ‘consistent’ range while listening.
    All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed, second it is violently opposed and third, it is accepted as self evident.
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  • scottvamp
    scottvamp Posts: 3,277
    edited September 2006
    Ya, many of your recievers have "nighttime" DSP settings just for your purpose. All three of my recievers have it.
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  • R2D2
    R2D2 Posts: 14
    edited September 2006
    Thanks for all the input. Yes, I have calibrated my setup with the Avia disc, but I haven't tried running my center channel a bit hot. I'll have to check and see if my DVD player or receiver have any dynamic range adjustments.

    Thanks,
    R2
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  • R2D2
    R2D2 Posts: 14
    edited October 2006
    Just as an update, it turns out that both my DVD Player and Receiver have Dynamic Range adjustments that I had forgotten about. A few years ago, I wouldn't have considered doing something to alter the director's intended sound, but now I just want to watch a movie without waking up the baby. :)

    Thanks again for everyone's help!

    R2
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