BT TV HUGE variation in volume between channels

jimbo6977

We have BT TV and generally it works well for us, but I cannot get over the enormous variation in sound volume (and clarity / quality) between channels. 

The stock BT response is that they broadcast what each channel tells them to, some are quieter than others etc, and I get that. 

But I can't believe this would account for the fact that while some channels are comfortable at +/- 20% volume on my TV, others (worst offender being Cartoonito) are practically inaudible below 55% or even 60%. 

I have tried all the various audio settings on my TV, which changes the nature of the sound to some degree, as you'd expect, but does nothing about the massive disparity in volume. 

I'm willing to try any constructive suggestions that don't involve wielding a screwdriver, so thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

jb66

This happens with virgin media boxes too.  Try and disable dolby digital on the BT box

JJ_Egan

Is this BT TV through a BT box ??

jimbo6977

JJ_Egan said:

Is this BT TV through a BT box ??

It is.

JJ_Egan

Not sure but on my TV i have in settings an equal sound setting to balance output from all channels .

Dont see it on BT box .

jimbo6977

Thanks for the replies. I've tried all the sound settings on the BT Box as well (surround etc) to no avail. 
Never mind.

Rodders53

Complain to the broadcaster - assuming you can replicate the problem via your TV's own tuner rather than via the BT box alone.

BT Humax boxes should be set to output stereo/PCM over hdmi and optical rather than Dolby Digital/surround when only connected to a TV. Or, check that the BT Humax box volume control is set so that the box-variable level MPEG SD TV channels are roughly the same as the fixed level HD Dolby Digital channels, and then use the TV volume control only, perhaps?

MPEG sound on SD broadcasts and HE-AAC/Dolby Digital on HD channels are the same volume on my TV set and via my PVR.  If I watch the PVR via my AV Receiver then the Dolby level is fixed and I need to set the MPEG to match (but I only tend to watch via the AVR some specific HD programmes with 5.1 surround so rarely bother to do that. 

NB  Some programmes are made with different (wider) dynamic range(s) than others and then may need a volume increase (even on the same TV station) to hear the speech (but the explosions then rock the room).

Internet stream-delivered programmes may well have been produced to very differing standards.

Throw into the mix audio compression / loudness which is semi-regulated in broadcast by Ofcom but not necessarily on streamed stuff... 

mac.d

I get something similar with my Humax Freeview box. The huge variation in sound is generally between HD channels and SD channels with the latter being incredibly quiet. Whereas if I view them via the TV tuner, the sound is fairly constant. 

Cardew

I find this particularly applies to 'background' music that makes spoken commentary inaudible at times.

Rodders53

mac.d said:

I get something similar with my Humax Freeview box. The huge variation in sound is generally between HD channels and SD channels with the latter being incredibly quiet. Whereas if I view them via the TV tuner, the sound is fairly constant. 

Use the Humax volume control to increase the 'able to be varied by the box' SD MPEG to match the fixed Dolby HD - simples!

Cardew said:

I find this particularly applies to 'background' music that makes spoken commentary inaudible at times.

That's a different matter - but one to complain to the broadcaster about, also.   That mix is in the direct control of the programme maker(s).
  

Brewer20

I have this problem too with Virgin Media and throw in a sound bar into the mix. With just sound out of the TV it makes no difference, sound bar connected I get the same problem. Set the sound anyway you want and different channels vary in volume.
Who else too gets this? Set the volume to something comfortable, at an advert break go off make a cuppa, come back and the sound has jumped up. On purpose I reckon so you take notice of certain ads, who knows?