Background
Whether or not something is “too loud” is a
judgment that varies with each listener. The decision is
influenced by many factors like content and style, the speaker’s
voice and tone, background sounds, and music.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
does not currently regulate the volume of programs or
commercials. Broadcasters and program producers, however, have
considerable latitude to vary the “loudness” of the program
material.
Equipment That Helps
More television receivers are now equipped
with circuits that are designed to stabilize loudness differences
between programs and commercials. These functions usually need to
be “enabled” or turned on through the television receiver’s “Set
up/Audio” menu. The “Mute” button on TV remote controls is also
useful to “blank” excessively loud audio. Manually controlling
volume levels with the remote control remains the simplest
approach to reducing excessive volume levels. In “high-end”
equipment, such as home theater systems, some automatic devices
may also help. They include:
-
Automatic Gain Control (AGC) Circuits
raise the audio level if it is too low, and lower it if it is
too high.
-
Audio Compressors can tone down loud
sounds. Compressors can be adjusted to eliminate many of the
negative effects of loudness.
-
Limiters can keep the audio level
from exceeding a pre-determined level.
-
Audio Expanders increase the range
of sound. An expander can restore sound to its normal range and
also reduce noticeable background noise.
-
Audio Filters can “screen out”
specific audio frequencies.
If You Have a Complaint
Under most circumstances, it is in the
interest of broadcasters to use equipment and procedures to
avoid “loud” commercials and background noise. If you have a
complaint about “loud” commercials and background noise, first
try reducing the volume by checking your television and remote
control. You may also contact the station(s) involved and
explain your concerns. You should identify each message of
concern by the sponsor or product’s name and by the date and
time of the broadcast.
For More Information
For information about other
telecommunications issues, visit the FCC’s Consumer &
Governmental Affairs Bureau Web site at
www.fcc.gov/cgb, or contact the FCC’s Consumer Center
by e-mailing
fccinfo@fcc.gov; calling 1-888-CALL-FCC
(1-888-225-5322) voice 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322)
TTY; faxing 1-866-418-0232; or writing to:
Federal Communications
Commission
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau
Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554. |
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