Oct 08 2009
Commercials Are So Loud
If you are like me, you hold the remote while watching television. Why is that? Because, the commercial are so loud that they grate on my nerves. Once I hit that mute button, it is amazing how quickly my blood pressure goes down. I don’t care if you are watching one of the most expensive plasma tvs on the market. It is annoying.
There is an article in AOL’s money and finance site, Daily Finance, that addresses the problem. I read the article a few times and I still don’t know if any legislation will make a difference. The article states that the volume cannot be any louder than the loudest portion of the show it accompanies.
The fight against excessive commercial volume has two fronts, legislative and technological. The first line of defense on the legal side is the Federal Communications Commission, which mandates that commercials can be no louder than the loudest parts of the programming they accompany.
Is there not a decimal accounting for loudness? My radio has a meter that shows me when I am increasing the volume. Why can’t television commercials be set at a certain decimal level?
5 Responses to “Commercials Are So Loud”
Well, the problem is a bit complex. Starting with the fact that perception of sound is very subjective. What is loud for you maybe just right for someone else.
I do believe that Dolby Labs has a recommendation on maximum level of loudness in TV ads. I hear that some European countries are planning to introduce legislation in the area.
But the whole thing is in its infancy. Largely because there’s no consensus on “acceptable levels”.
Thanks: Rob
I actually switch the channel when the commercials start because I don’t want to watch them and then end up forgetting what I was watching to begin with sometimes because another show sucks me in.
.-= blueyes´s last blog ..Missing Schoolmates =-.
I think it’s worse in some areas than others. Not sure why, but I notice that when we travel the tv commercials make us lower the volume. At home it’s not as bad.
.-= ConnieFoggles´s last blog ..Who Can It Be Now =-.
I got a hard disk video recorder and I fast forward through all the commercials. That’s even a lot better. For me, that is, not for the TV stations. Up to them to make their commercials more bearable if they want us to watch them.
.-= Luc J´s last blog ..Secure USB Flash Drive – Personal Pocket Safe =-.
I got rid of my TV over a year ago and just use online services to watch my TV..
Means I am more productive (don’t just sit like s zombie in front of the tv) and selective about what I watch!!
I can always find somehting to watch!