OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

Is there a device or TV that keeps volume level or at least
constrained? My kid is trying to watch a movie on FX and the volume
fluxuation is so severe that we can't even let my kid watch it as we
are trying to have phone conversations with clients in the next room.
One second it needs to be at volume level 45, the next 18-20 is
plenty.. This is rediculous, can't even watch the TV we pay 100 bucks
a month for.. Crap...

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

On Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:32:05 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:

On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:19:50 -0400, "D.Duck" wrote:


"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
. ..
On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:46:44 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

Is there a device or TV that keeps volume level or at least
constrained? My kid is trying to watch a movie on FX and the volume
fluxuation is so severe that we can't even let my kid watch it as we
are trying to have phone conversations with clients in the next room.
One second it needs to be at volume level 45, the next 18-20 is
plenty.. This is rediculous, can't even watch the TV we pay 100 bucks
a month for.. Crap...

It's not the volume actually - the signal input never varies.

What changes is the frequency of the audio.

Very clever.

The frequency of the audio? Wouldn't that make the voices sound unnatural.

I do a lot of radio station time shifting via the Internet. I like to
listen to programs from the old home town at night. I have the same problem
with audio level differences between commercials and the programming.

I took of the files I downloaded and loaded it into Cool Edit Pro. Sure
enough, the audio amplitude level between the commercials and the
programming is significantly different.

Just my observations.

It's true. The shift is to slighty higher, sharper tones and
frequency - you really wouldn't notice it.

The other reason is that in addition to the slight frequency shift,
the audio is leveled such that it's loud all the time.

The FCC regulates how loud a commercial can be and it can be no louder
than the highest audio level reached in the show. The same with
frequency.

However, the FCC doesn't regulate the audio level for commercials - so
with the slight shift in frequency bringing sharper audio, the levels
are at the loudest level produced during the broadcast itself.

Net effect - louder commercials even though they aren't louder than
the broadcast.

Like I said, very clever.

I forgot to mention that the frequency shift is the real reason it
sounds louder because it's different than those used in the programs.

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:35:30 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

On Mar 10, 8:32*pm, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:
On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:19:50 -0400, "D.Duck" wrote:

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
.. .
On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:46:44 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

Is there a device or TV that keeps volume level or at least
constrained? My kid is trying to watch a movie on FX and the volume
fluxuation is so severe that we can't even let my kid watch it as we
are trying to have phone conversations with clients in the next room.
One second it needs to be at volume level 45, the next 18-20 is
plenty.. This is rediculous, can't even watch the TV we pay 100 bucks
a month for.. Crap...

It's not the volume actually - the signal input never varies.

What changes is the frequency of the audio.

Very clever.

The frequency of the audio? *Wouldn't that make the voices sound unnatural.

I do a lot of radio station time shifting via the Internet. *I like to
listen to programs from the old home town at night. *I have the same problem
with audio level differences between commercials and the programming.

I took of the files I downloaded and loaded it into Cool Edit Pro. *Sure
enough, the audio amplitude level between the commercials and the
programming is significantly different.

Just my observations.

It's true. *The shift is to slighty higher, sharper tones and
frequency - you really wouldn't notice it.

The other reason is that in addition to the slight frequency shift,
the audio is leveled such that it's loud all the time.

The FCC regulates how loud a commercial can be and it can be no louder
than the highest audio level reached in the show. *The same with
frequency.

However, the FCC doesn't regulate the audio level for commercials - so
with the slight shift in frequency bringing sharper audio, the levels
are at the loudest level produced during the broadcast itself.

Net effect - louder commercials even though they aren't louder than
the broadcast.

Like I said, very clever.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Several years back there was a Motorola tv that was advertized with a
"fix" for the problem. It dissapperard almost as fast as it came, more
likely someone bought the technology and patent and buried it.. Like
the ad agencies or cable companies..

Never knew that.

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

On Mar 10, 8:43*pm, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:
On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:35:30 -0700 (PDT),





wrote:
On Mar 10, 8:32*pm, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:
On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:19:50 -0400, "D.Duck" wrote:

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
.. .
On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:46:44 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

Is there a device or TV that keeps volume level or at least
constrained? My kid is trying to watch a movie on FX and the volume
fluxuation is so severe that we can't even let my kid watch it as we
are trying to have phone conversations with clients in the next room..
One second it needs to be at volume level 45, the next 18-20 is
plenty.. This is rediculous, can't even watch the TV we pay 100 bucks
a month for.. Crap...

It's not the volume actually - the signal input never varies.

What changes is the frequency of the audio.

Very clever.

The frequency of the audio? *Wouldn't that make the voices sound unnatural.

I do a lot of radio station time shifting via the Internet. *I like to
listen to programs from the old home town at night. *I have the same problem
with audio level differences between commercials and the programming.

I took of the files I downloaded and loaded it into Cool Edit Pro. *Sure
enough, the audio amplitude level between the commercials and the
programming is significantly different.

Just my observations.

It's true. *The shift is to slighty higher, sharper tones and
frequency - you really wouldn't notice it.

The other reason is that in addition to the slight frequency shift,
the audio is leveled such that it's loud all the time.

The FCC regulates how loud a commercial can be and it can be no louder
than the highest audio level reached in the show. *The same with
frequency.

However, the FCC doesn't regulate the audio level for commercials - so
with the slight shift in frequency bringing sharper audio, the levels
are at the loudest level produced during the broadcast itself.

Net effect - louder commercials even though they aren't louder than
the broadcast.

Like I said, very clever.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Several years back there was a Motorola tv that was advertized with a
"fix" for the problem. It dissapperard almost as fast as it came, more
likely someone bought the technology and patent and buried it.. Like
the ad agencies or cable companies..

Never knew that.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Yup, came and went very quickly. I always figured the developers
probably made it just to cash in on it as they probably did.. Might be
able to find something on it, I think it was Motorola, iirc. Somehow I
am thinking the early 90's..

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:47:08 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

On Mar 10, 8:43*pm, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:
On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:35:30 -0700 (PDT),





wrote:
On Mar 10, 8:32*pm, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:
On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:19:50 -0400, "D.Duck" wrote:

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
.. .
On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:46:44 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

Is there a device or TV that keeps volume level or at least
constrained? My kid is trying to watch a movie on FX and the volume
fluxuation is so severe that we can't even let my kid watch it as we
are trying to have phone conversations with clients in the next room.
One second it needs to be at volume level 45, the next 18-20 is
plenty.. This is rediculous, can't even watch the TV we pay 100 bucks
a month for.. Crap...

It's not the volume actually - the signal input never varies.

What changes is the frequency of the audio.

Very clever.

The frequency of the audio? *Wouldn't that make the voices sound unnatural.

I do a lot of radio station time shifting via the Internet. *I like to
listen to programs from the old home town at night. *I have the same problem
with audio level differences between commercials and the programming.

I took of the files I downloaded and loaded it into Cool Edit Pro. *Sure
enough, the audio amplitude level between the commercials and the
programming is significantly different.

Just my observations.

It's true. *The shift is to slighty higher, sharper tones and
frequency - you really wouldn't notice it.

The other reason is that in addition to the slight frequency shift,
the audio is leveled such that it's loud all the time.

The FCC regulates how loud a commercial can be and it can be no louder
than the highest audio level reached in the show. *The same with
frequency.

However, the FCC doesn't regulate the audio level for commercials - so
with the slight shift in frequency bringing sharper audio, the levels
are at the loudest level produced during the broadcast itself.

Net effect - louder commercials even though they aren't louder than
the broadcast.

Like I said, very clever.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Several years back there was a Motorola tv that was advertized with a
"fix" for the problem. It dissapperard almost as fast as it came, more
likely someone bought the technology and patent and buried it.. Like
the ad agencies or cable companies..

Never knew that.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Yup, came and went very quickly. I always figured the developers
probably made it just to cash in on it as they probably did.. Might be
able to find something on it, I think it was Motorola, iirc. Somehow I
am thinking the early 90's..

Speaking of early '90s.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_bomb

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

On Mar 10, 8:43*pm, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:
On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:35:30 -0700 (PDT),





wrote:
On Mar 10, 8:32*pm, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:
On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:19:50 -0400, "D.Duck" wrote:

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
.. .
On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:46:44 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

Is there a device or TV that keeps volume level or at least
constrained? My kid is trying to watch a movie on FX and the volume
fluxuation is so severe that we can't even let my kid watch it as we
are trying to have phone conversations with clients in the next room..
One second it needs to be at volume level 45, the next 18-20 is
plenty.. This is rediculous, can't even watch the TV we pay 100 bucks
a month for.. Crap...

It's not the volume actually - the signal input never varies.

What changes is the frequency of the audio.

Very clever.

The frequency of the audio? *Wouldn't that make the voices sound unnatural.

I do a lot of radio station time shifting via the Internet. *I like to
listen to programs from the old home town at night. *I have the same problem
with audio level differences between commercials and the programming.

I took of the files I downloaded and loaded it into Cool Edit Pro. *Sure
enough, the audio amplitude level between the commercials and the
programming is significantly different.

Just my observations.

It's true. *The shift is to slighty higher, sharper tones and
frequency - you really wouldn't notice it.

The other reason is that in addition to the slight frequency shift,
the audio is leveled such that it's loud all the time.

The FCC regulates how loud a commercial can be and it can be no louder
than the highest audio level reached in the show. *The same with
frequency.

However, the FCC doesn't regulate the audio level for commercials - so
with the slight shift in frequency bringing sharper audio, the levels
are at the loudest level produced during the broadcast itself.

Net effect - louder commercials even though they aren't louder than
the broadcast.

Like I said, very clever.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Several years back there was a Motorola tv that was advertized with a
"fix" for the problem. It dissapperard almost as fast as it came, more
likely someone bought the technology and patent and buried it.. Like
the ad agencies or cable companies..

Never knew that.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Want another one. Me and dad and the rest of my family pretty much
stopped taking long showers this winter as we were told by our furnace
tech that there was a valve we might need to replace as time went on
that "seemed bad" but it was not covered in our 500 dollar a year
service contract so I was going to wait till spring and do it myself,
we figured after 20 years we might just get a new boiler. Not having
been here that long, I did not realize how drastically it changed that
day. Anyway, as many of you know, I and you did not know, dad both got
pretty sick this year, with lung and sinus problems.. Not having hot
water for showers, sink, anywhere else made things worse. Not to
mention we wen through almost 30% more oil this year than last year.
So anyway, the other day I started feeling better so I did a new
shower in my dad's bathroom, went down stairs to look things over and
found that they had our high low water temp settings at 155 - 175 and
they set that the day they were here, last fall when I was not really
paying attention.. No wonder we used so much oil, trying to heat a
house in winter with 155 degree water, we are all furious right now..
I may have been able to stay healthy and might even be still working
with my horsies if I could have had hot showers every night after
work.. I am calling Blumental tomorrow.. It was a real scam, and now
that I look back it was absolutely intentional in my opinion..

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

On Mar 10, 8:43*pm, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:
On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:35:30 -0700 (PDT),





wrote:
On Mar 10, 8:32*pm, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:
On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:19:50 -0400, "D.Duck" wrote:

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
.. .
On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:46:44 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

Is there a device or TV that keeps volume level or at least
constrained? My kid is trying to watch a movie on FX and the volume
fluxuation is so severe that we can't even let my kid watch it as we
are trying to have phone conversations with clients in the next room..
One second it needs to be at volume level 45, the next 18-20 is
plenty.. This is rediculous, can't even watch the TV we pay 100 bucks
a month for.. Crap...

It's not the volume actually - the signal input never varies.

What changes is the frequency of the audio.

Very clever.

The frequency of the audio? *Wouldn't that make the voices sound unnatural.

I do a lot of radio station time shifting via the Internet. *I like to
listen to programs from the old home town at night. *I have the same problem
with audio level differences between commercials and the programming.

I took of the files I downloaded and loaded it into Cool Edit Pro. *Sure
enough, the audio amplitude level between the commercials and the
programming is significantly different.

Just my observations.

It's true. *The shift is to slighty higher, sharper tones and
frequency - you really wouldn't notice it.

The other reason is that in addition to the slight frequency shift,
the audio is leveled such that it's loud all the time.

The FCC regulates how loud a commercial can be and it can be no louder
than the highest audio level reached in the show. *The same with
frequency.

However, the FCC doesn't regulate the audio level for commercials - so
with the slight shift in frequency bringing sharper audio, the levels
are at the loudest level produced during the broadcast itself.

Net effect - louder commercials even though they aren't louder than
the broadcast.

Like I said, very clever.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Several years back there was a Motorola tv that was advertized with a
"fix" for the problem. It dissapperard almost as fast as it came, more
likely someone bought the technology and patent and buried it.. Like
the ad agencies or cable companies..

Never knew that.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I should add that this week after properly adjusting our temp hi low,
we have plenty of hot water. These folks run a program for old folks,
must be like shooting fish in a barrel for them, never expecting an
old dude to go down and check their work..

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

"Tim" wrote in message
...
On Mar 10, 6:46 pm, wrote:
Is there a device or TV that keeps volume level or at least
constrained? My kid is trying to watch a movie on FX and the volume
fluxuation is so severe that we can't even let my kid watch it as we
are trying to have phone conversations with clients in the next room.
One second it needs to be at volume level 45, the next 18-20 is
plenty.. This is rediculous, can't even watch the TV we pay 100 bucks
a month for.. Crap...

I've noticed that too. When I'm by muself and watching "something" on
TV I have the remote and I'm always flipping the volume between 18 and
23. sometimes the background music over rides the voices to the point
it'[s really frustrating, or a scene is in "wisper mode" for some
reason. Then comes the commercials *argh!*. I know it's been trick to
brodcst the volume of a commercial louder than the programing to get
your attention. That gets old too!

--------------------------------

Look in the audio setup menu for the TV. Some have an option for "auto
volume control" or similar feature.
Turn it on. It won't completely eliminate the difference in volume between
show and commercial, but it helps.

Also, some of the "virtual" surround modes cause a weak dialog volume and
strong background because it's trying to "project" a phase delayed sound to
create the phony surround sound effect. Try turning it off.


Eisboch

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

"Eisboch" wrote in message
...

"Tim" wrote in message
...
On Mar 10, 6:46 pm, wrote:
Is there a device or TV that keeps volume level or at least
constrained? My kid is trying to watch a movie on FX and the volume
fluxuation is so severe that we can't even let my kid watch it as we
are trying to have phone conversations with clients in the next room.
One second it needs to be at volume level 45, the next 18-20 is
plenty.. This is rediculous, can't even watch the TV we pay 100 bucks
a month for.. Crap...

I've noticed that too. When I'm by muself and watching "something" on
TV I have the remote and I'm always flipping the volume between 18 and
23. sometimes the background music over rides the voices to the point
it'[s really frustrating, or a scene is in "wisper mode" for some
reason. Then comes the commercials *argh!*. I know it's been trick to
brodcst the volume of a commercial louder than the programing to get
your attention. That gets old too!

--------------------------------

Look in the audio setup menu for the TV. Some have an option for "auto
volume control" or similar feature.
Turn it on. It won't completely eliminate the difference in volume
between show and commercial, but it helps.

Also, some of the "virtual" surround modes cause a weak dialog volume and
strong background because it's trying to "project" a phase delayed sound
to create the phony surround sound effect. Try turning it off.


Eisboch


I use the 'mute' button all the time for commercials.
On a favourite program that I really want to hear well, I turn on the home
theater system. What a difference...... much easier to hear with superior
lows.

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

"Vic Smith" wrote in message
...


I figure the frequencies slow down and speed up because of clogs in
the fiber optics cable. Maybe fibers falling off and collecting into
fiberballs. Probably rodding out the cables would clear it up.
Tomorrow I'm going to look for a small rodder intended for that.

--Vic


Sorta like the guy with an old fashioned TV antenna on his roof. Now that
the weather is getting warmer and the antenna is thawing, he's starting to
watch shows that were broadcast last September, but got frozen in the
antenna.

Eisboch

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

wrote in message
...
snip..
So anyway, the other day I started feeling better so I did a new
shower in my dad's bathroom, went down stairs to look things over and
found that they had our high low water temp settings at 155 - 175 and
they set that the day they were here, last fall when I was not really
paying attention.. No wonder we used so much oil, trying to heat a
house in winter with 155 degree water, we are all furious right now..
snip...

Good Lord... I have my hot water set around 130 on my electric hot water
heater.
Plenty for a family of four. (no teenagers)

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

wrote in message
...
Is there a device or TV that keeps volume level or at least
constrained? My kid is trying to watch a movie on FX and the volume
fluxuation is so severe that we can't even let my kid watch it as we
are trying to have phone conversations with clients in the next room.
One second it needs to be at volume level 45, the next 18-20 is
plenty.. This is rediculous, can't even watch the TV we pay 100 bucks
a month for.. Crap...

The show goes bang...

The ADS GO BANG BANG BANK SCREAM!!!

Yep, I would pay for one of those devices.

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

"Vic Smith" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:46:44 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

Is there a device or TV that keeps volume level or at least
constrained? My kid is trying to watch a movie on FX and the volume
fluxuation is so severe that we can't even let my kid watch it as we
are trying to have phone conversations with clients in the next room.
One second it needs to be at volume level 45, the next 18-20 is
plenty.. This is rediculous, can't even watch the TV we pay 100 bucks
a month for.. Crap...

Hey, one of my kids mentioned the same problem while watching History
Channel yesterday.
Besides the sound going up and down. it sometimes cuts out, and
sometimes both sound and picture freeze for a few seconds.
This is Comcast cable.
I blame it on digital. And Canada. Just like Tom.

--Vic

Hey... the worse offender for sound cutting out on my cable is the Fox HD
channel from Rochester NY.
I figured it was Doug up there harassing the station employees. ;-)

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:32:05 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:

On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:19:50 -0400, "D.Duck" wrote:


"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:46:44 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

Is there a device or TV that keeps volume level or at least
constrained? My kid is trying to watch a movie on FX and the volume
fluxuation is so severe that we can't even let my kid watch it as we
are trying to have phone conversations with clients in the next room.
One second it needs to be at volume level 45, the next 18-20 is
plenty.. This is rediculous, can't even watch the TV we pay 100 bucks
a month for.. Crap...

It's not the volume actually - the signal input never varies.

What changes is the frequency of the audio.

Very clever.

The frequency of the audio? Wouldn't that make the voices sound
unnatural.

I do a lot of radio station time shifting via the Internet. I like to
listen to programs from the old home town at night. I have the same
problem
with audio level differences between commercials and the programming.

I took of the files I downloaded and loaded it into Cool Edit Pro. Sure
enough, the audio amplitude level between the commercials and the
programming is significantly different.

Just my observations.

It's true. The shift is to slighty higher, sharper tones and
frequency - you really wouldn't notice it.

The other reason is that in addition to the slight frequency shift,
the audio is leveled such that it's loud all the time.

The FCC regulates how loud a commercial can be and it can be no louder
than the highest audio level reached in the show. The same with
frequency.

However, the FCC doesn't regulate the audio level for commercials - so
with the slight shift in frequency bringing sharper audio, the levels
are at the loudest level produced during the broadcast itself.

Net effect - louder commercials even though they aren't louder than
the broadcast.

Like I said, very clever.

I forgot to mention that the frequency shift is the real reason it
sounds louder because it's different than those used in the programs.

Here's a basic description of the process. Pretty much along the lines you
described.

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/INFO_SHT/G3.HTM

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 21:13:18 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote:


"Vic Smith" wrote in message
.. .


I figure the frequencies slow down and speed up because of clogs in
the fiber optics cable. Maybe fibers falling off and collecting into
fiberballs. Probably rodding out the cables would clear it up.
Tomorrow I'm going to look for a small rodder intended for that.

Sorta like the guy with an old fashioned TV antenna on his roof. Now that
the weather is getting warmer and the antenna is thawing, he's starting to
watch shows that were broadcast last September, but got frozen in the
antenna.

ROTFL!!!

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

"D.Duck" wrote in message
...



Here's a basic description of the process. Pretty much along the lines
you described.

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/INFO_SHT/G3.HTM


That ShortWave guy isn't so dumb after all. Never knew that.

I have a new complaint. It seems like lately there are a bunch of different
commercials that include a cell phone ringing.
Half the time I have a TV on, sorta half listening to it, as I do other
stuff. When the stupid cell phone in the commercial rings, it catches my
attention .... at least for a moment. I don't know if it's coincidental or
if some marketing research group figured out how to get you to pay attention
to the commercials.

Eisboch

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

Vic Smith wrote:
On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:46:44 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

Is there a device or TV that keeps volume level or at least
constrained? My kid is trying to watch a movie on FX and the volume
fluxuation is so severe that we can't even let my kid watch it as we
are trying to have phone conversations with clients in the next room.
One second it needs to be at volume level 45, the next 18-20 is
plenty.. This is rediculous, can't even watch the TV we pay 100 bucks
a month for.. Crap...

Hey, one of my kids mentioned the same problem while watching History
Channel yesterday.
Besides the sound going up and down. it sometimes cuts out, and
sometimes both sound and picture freeze for a few seconds.
This is Comcast cable.
I blame it on digital. And Canada. Just like Tom.

Comcast is too blame for the cutting in and out of the sound and the
picture freezes and losses. It is the nature of digital information
transmission.

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 21:36:25 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote:


"D.Duck" wrote in message
m...



Here's a basic description of the process. Pretty much along the lines
you described.

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/INFO_SHT/G3.HTM


That ShortWave guy isn't so dumb after all. Never knew that.

OH gee - now you're embarrassing me.

Um...er...

HEY!!!

I have a new complaint. It seems like lately there are a bunch of different
commercials that include a cell phone ringing.
Half the time I have a TV on, sorta half listening to it, as I do other
stuff. When the stupid cell phone in the commercial rings, it catches my
attention .... at least for a moment. I don't know if it's coincidental or
if some marketing research group figured out how to get you to pay attention
to the commercials.

Ah yes - the "hook". If you watch commercials carefully, you will
always find the "hook" - which is basically the thing that forces you
to pay attention. Kind of like popups.

However, as long as we are on pet TV peeves, mine is the upcoming show
banners they put on.

They put these huge banners that cover the bottom left corner of the
screen and take out about 20% of the viewing surface and they last for
like ten seconds.

Annoys the crap out of me. History Channel is the worst offender with
Discovery close behind - my two favorite channels. I don't mind the
bug in the right hand corner, but those upcoming show banners really
**** me off. Recently, History changed their bug from a unobstrusive
semi-transparent logo to this really ugly red and yellow huge freakin'
H. Took a while to get used to it.

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 21:49:09 -0400, BAR wrote:

Vic Smith wrote:
On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:46:44 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

Is there a device or TV that keeps volume level or at least
constrained? My kid is trying to watch a movie on FX and the volume
fluxuation is so severe that we can't even let my kid watch it as we
are trying to have phone conversations with clients in the next room.
One second it needs to be at volume level 45, the next 18-20 is
plenty.. This is rediculous, can't even watch the TV we pay 100 bucks
a month for.. Crap...

Hey, one of my kids mentioned the same problem while watching History
Channel yesterday.
Besides the sound going up and down. it sometimes cuts out, and
sometimes both sound and picture freeze for a few seconds.
This is Comcast cable.
I blame it on digital. And Canada. Just like Tom.

Comcast is too blame for the cutting in and out of the sound and the
picture freezes and losses. It is the nature of digital information
transmission.

You heard it here first.

This digital TV deal is going to be a diaster.

It's only a matter of time.

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

Short Wave Sportfishing wrote:
On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 21:49:09 -0400, BAR wrote:

Vic Smith wrote:
On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:46:44 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

Is there a device or TV that keeps volume level or at least
constrained? My kid is trying to watch a movie on FX and the volume
fluxuation is so severe that we can't even let my kid watch it as we
are trying to have phone conversations with clients in the next room.
One second it needs to be at volume level 45, the next 18-20 is
plenty.. This is rediculous, can't even watch the TV we pay 100 bucks
a month for.. Crap...
Hey, one of my kids mentioned the same problem while watching History
Channel yesterday.
Besides the sound going up and down. it sometimes cuts out, and
sometimes both sound and picture freeze for a few seconds.
This is Comcast cable.
I blame it on digital. And Canada. Just like Tom.
Comcast is too blame for the cutting in and out of the sound and the
picture freezes and losses. It is the nature of digital information
transmission.

You heard it here first.

This digital TV deal is going to be a diaster.

It's only a matter of time.


We're all going back to 7" round screens in black and white.

It's Howdy Doody Time.

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

Eisboch wrote:
"D.Duck" wrote in message
...

Here's a basic description of the process. Pretty much along the lines
you described.

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/INFO_SHT/G3.HTM


That ShortWave guy isn't so dumb after all. Never knew that.

I have a new complaint. It seems like lately there are a bunch of different
commercials that include a cell phone ringing.
Half the time I have a TV on, sorta half listening to it, as I do other
stuff. When the stupid cell phone in the commercial rings, it catches my
attention .... at least for a moment. I don't know if it's coincidental or
if some marketing research group figured out how to get you to pay attention
to the commercials.

Eisboch



I hate the radio commercials that have a loud police or ambulance siren.

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

On Mar 10, 9:36*pm, "Eisboch" wrote:
"D.Duck" wrote in message

...



Here's a basic description of the process. *Pretty much along the lines
you described.

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/INFO_SHT/G3.HTM

That ShortWave guy isn't so dumb after all. *Never knew that.

I have a new complaint. *It seems like lately there are a bunch of different
commercials that include a cell phone ringing.
Half the time I have a TV on, sorta half listening to it, as I do other
stuff. *When the stupid cell phone in the commercial rings, it catches my
attention .... at least for a moment. * I don't know if it's coincidental or
if some marketing research group figured out how to get you to pay attention
to the commercials.

Eisboch

Hah.. .see guys, I can start serious threads too... ;) Anyway, that
phone thing really got me till I found a ringer on mine, only heard on
the history channel;) It sounds like a real ringer from a regular old
phone, yes, a ringer, a bell. It was funny the first time my kid and
friends heard it, they are young... they said, "that's a weird
ring"... I told them if they though that was weird, I should show them
a record album.. ;)

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

On Mar 10, 8:06*pm, "Eisboch" wrote:
"Tim" wrote in message

...
On Mar 10, 6:46 pm, wrote:

Is there a device or TV that keeps volume level or at least
constrained? My kid is trying to watch a movie on FX and the volume
fluxuation is so severe that we can't even let my kid watch it as we
are trying to have phone conversations with clients in the next room.
One second it needs to be at volume level 45, the next 18-20 is
plenty.. This is rediculous, can't even watch the TV we pay 100 bucks
a month for.. Crap...

I've noticed that too. When I'm by muself and watching "something" on
TV I have the remote and I'm always flipping the volume between 18 and
23. sometimes the background music over rides the voices to the point
it'[s really frustrating, or a scene is in "wisper mode" for some
reason. Then comes the commercials *argh!*. I know it's been *trick to
brodcst the volume of a commercial louder than the programing to get
your attention. That gets old too!

--------------------------------

Look in the audio setup menu for the TV. *Some have an option for "auto
volume control" or similar feature.
Turn it on. * It won't completely eliminate the difference in volume between
show and commercial, but it helps.

Also, some of the "virtual" surround modes cause a weak dialog volume and
strong background because it's trying to "project" a phase delayed sound to
create the phony surround sound effect. * Try turning it off.

Eisboch

I was wodering after I made myfirst post if the digital udio wsn't
being set up for Surround Sound systems. I'll check into it Rich.

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

"Don White" wrote in message
...

"Eisboch" wrote in message
...

"Tim" wrote in message
...
On Mar 10, 6:46 pm, wrote:
Is there a device or TV that keeps volume level or at least
constrained? My kid is trying to watch a movie on FX and the volume
fluxuation is so severe that we can't even let my kid watch it as we
are trying to have phone conversations with clients in the next room.
One second it needs to be at volume level 45, the next 18-20 is
plenty.. This is rediculous, can't even watch the TV we pay 100 bucks
a month for.. Crap...

I've noticed that too. When I'm by muself and watching "something" on
TV I have the remote and I'm always flipping the volume between 18 and
23. sometimes the background music over rides the voices to the point
it'[s really frustrating, or a scene is in "wisper mode" for some
reason. Then comes the commercials *argh!*. I know it's been trick to
brodcst the volume of a commercial louder than the programing to get
your attention. That gets old too!

--------------------------------

Look in the audio setup menu for the TV. Some have an option for "auto
volume control" or similar feature.
Turn it on. It won't completely eliminate the difference in volume
between show and commercial, but it helps.

Also, some of the "virtual" surround modes cause a weak dialog volume and
strong background because it's trying to "project" a phase delayed sound
to create the phony surround sound effect. Try turning it off.


Eisboch


I use the 'mute' button all the time for commercials.
On a favourite program that I really want to hear well, I turn on the home
theater system. What a difference...... much easier to hear with superior
lows.

Yep, "Mute", the most valuable button of them all. While it might be
illegal to do it, ads SCREAM. I wish someone would put some TV exec in jail
for this. But the mute button saves my sanity.

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

On Mar 10, 8:52*pm, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:
On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 21:36:25 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote:

"D.Duck" wrote in message
m...

Here's a basic description of the process. *Pretty much along the lines
you described.

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/INFO_SHT/G3.HTM

That ShortWave guy isn't so dumb after all. *Never knew that.

OH gee - now you're embarrassing me.

Um...er...

HEY!!!

I have a new complaint. *It seems like lately there are a bunch of different
commercials that include a cell phone ringing.
Half the time I have a TV on, sorta half listening to it, as I do other
stuff. *When the stupid cell phone in the commercial rings, it catches my
attention .... at least for a moment. * I don't know if it's coincidental or
if some marketing research group figured out how to get you to pay attention
to the commercials.

Ah yes - the "hook". *If you watch commercials carefully, *you will
always find the "hook" - which is basically the thing that forces you
to pay attention. *Kind of like popups.

However, as long as we are on pet TV peeves, mine is the upcoming show
banners they put on.

They put these huge banners that cover the bottom left corner of the
screen and take out about 20% of the viewing surface and they last for
like ten seconds.

Annoys the crap out of me. *History Channel is the worst offender with
Discovery close behind - my two favorite channels. *I don't mind the
bug in the right hand corner, but those upcoming show banners really
**** me off. *Recently, History changed their bug from a unobstrusive
semi-transparent logo to this really ugly red and yellow huge freakin'
H. *Took a while to get used to it.

hmmm, does somebody have a
Banner blocker" for TV like "pop-up blockers" for computer?

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

On Mar 10, 7:47*pm, wrote:

Yup, came and went very quickly. I always figured the developers
probably made it just to cash in on it as they probably did..

While on a rant, I can't confirm, nor deny...that the guy that
invented, produced and marketed the Telemarketing "Zapper"... the
device that would catch the telemarketer calls ans supposedly back
fire on them and take your phone number and various info out of their
system?

I have "heard" that the same guy that brings you the "Zapper" is the
same guy that devised, produced and marketed the computer op. systems
for the telemarketers anyhow.

So, He creates a problem, then creates a solution, and laughs his way
tot he bank both ways.

Ah! Never a problem, only oppertunity!

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

On Mar 10, 9:52*pm, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:


Ah yes - the "hook". *If you watch commercials carefully, *you will
always find the "hook" - which is basically the thing that forces you
to pay attention. *Kind of like popups.


Yes, the hook.. I will not have Vonage in my home or business because
of "the hook". Seriously, Mrs. JW would like to try it, but they spent
to many nights scaring me out of sleep and waking everyone in the
house with that Doo, doo......doo, doo, doo, song (I know it's on the
net, please don't bother posting a link for me, please). Anyway, they
ruined a lot of late night movies for me, I will not use them, period.
Would never use the poor quality for business anyway, but I won't even
use it for personal long distance, not gonna' happen.
Anyway, it's called the "Madge". Remember Madge the manicurist.
Although not really annoying by most or our standards, it was indeed
intended to be annoying, this was the first commercial admittedly
designed to use an annoying personality as a hook.. But it worked, and
we do see the results.. Guess I am somewhat of a hypocrite, I use
Palmolive on in my kitchen.. ;)
However, as long as we are on pet TV peeves, mine is the upcoming show
banners they put on.

They put these huge banners that cover the bottom left corner of the
screen and take out about 20% of the viewing surface and they last for
like ten seconds.


The thing I hate about that is they won't put one up to tell you what
you are watching now! That ****es me off. but they got to get you to
go to the ad channel, oh, I mean, channel channel (listings channel)
to watch washed up American Idol has been's

Annoys the crap out of me. *History Channel is the worst offender with
Discovery close behind - my two favorite channels. *I don't mind the
bug in the right hand corner, but those upcoming show banners really
**** me off. *Recently, History changed their bug from a unobstrusive
semi-transparent logo to this really ugly red and yellow huge freakin'
H. *Took a while to get used to it.

grrrrrr.

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 21:13:18 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote:


"Vic Smith" wrote in message
.. .


I figure the frequencies slow down and speed up because of clogs in
the fiber optics cable. Maybe fibers falling off and collecting into
fiberballs. Probably rodding out the cables would clear it up.
Tomorrow I'm going to look for a small rodder intended for that.

--Vic


Sorta like the guy with an old fashioned TV antenna on his roof. Now that
the weather is getting warmer and the antenna is thawing, he's starting to
watch shows that were broadcast last September, but got frozen in the
antenna.

Never heard that one. My favorite on that line was said by one of the
guys outdoing each other on how cold it was in the Klondike.

"Well, when you talked your words would freeze in mid-air.
Had to put them in the frying pan to hear what you were saying."

Don't know if you remember "Exit Laughing" - Field and Stream I
think. I miss that. Might have read it there.

--Vic

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

On Mar 10, 9:20*pm, wrote:




Yes, the hook.. I will not have Vonage in my home or business because
of "the hook". Seriously, Mrs. JW would like to try it, but they spent
to many nights scaring me out of sleep and waking everyone in the
house with that Doo, doo......doo, doo, doo, song *(I know it's on the
net, please don't bother posting a link for me, please).

Speaking of. I was at dad's and the pphone rang, and the caller ID
said "Out of area Unknown Caller.

OK I thought, this will be a typical boiler room scam.

The guy says "Hello, this is Don from Verison, We're offering your own
website for $30.00 a month. (ak. Integretel/Mercury Internet Services
"Cram Scam" that rips people out of millions.)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3078500/

I said, "If you're from Verison, then why does you voice sound like
your talking from inside a paper bag?"

I hung up.

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

On Mar 10, 10:40*pm, Tim wrote:
On Mar 10, 9:20*pm, wrote:



Yes, the hook.. I will not have Vonage in my home or business because
of "the hook". Seriously, Mrs. JW would like to try it, but they spent
to many nights scaring me out of sleep and waking everyone in the
house with that Doo, doo......doo, doo, doo, song *(I know it's on the
net, please don't bother posting a link for me, please).

Speaking of. I was at dad's and the pphone rang, and the caller ID
said "Out of area Unknown Caller.

OK I thought, this will be a typical boiler room scam.

The guy says "Hello, this is Don from Verison, We're offering your own
website for $30.00 a month. (ak. *Integretel/Mercury Internet Services
"Cram Scam" *that rips people out of millions.)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3078500/

I said, "If you're from Verison, then why does you voice sound like
your talking from inside a paper bag?"

I hung up.

If his voice sounded like he was talking in a bag, he was probably
legit;)

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

On Mar 10, 9:45*pm, wrote:
On Mar 10, 10:40*pm, Tim wrote:





On Mar 10, 9:20*pm, wrote:

Yes, the hook.. I will not have Vonage in my home or business because
of "the hook". Seriously, Mrs. JW would like to try it, but they spent
to many nights scaring me out of sleep and waking everyone in the
house with that Doo, doo......doo, doo, doo, song *(I know it's on the
net, please don't bother posting a link for me, please).

Speaking of. I was at dad's and the pphone rang, and the caller ID
said "Out of area Unknown Caller.

OK I thought, this will be a typical boiler room scam.

The guy says "Hello, this is Don from Verison, We're offering your own
website for $30.00 a month. (ak. *Integretel/Mercury Internet Services
"Cram Scam" *that rips people out of millions.)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3078500/

I said, "If you're from Verison, then why does you voice sound like
your talking from inside a paper bag?"

I hung up.

If his voice sounded like he was talking in a bag, he was probably
legit;)- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

We're on verizon,though. If Verizon calls, it shows up on the Caller
ID. And usually clear as a bell.

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

On Mar 10, 9:45*pm, wrote:
On Mar 10, 10:40*pm, Tim wrote:





On Mar 10, 9:20*pm, wrote:

Yes, the hook.. I will not have Vonage in my home or business because
of "the hook". Seriously, Mrs. JW would like to try it, but they spent
to many nights scaring me out of sleep and waking everyone in the
house with that Doo, doo......doo, doo, doo, song *(I know it's on the
net, please don't bother posting a link for me, please).

Speaking of. I was at dad's and the pphone rang, and the caller ID
said "Out of area Unknown Caller.

OK I thought, this will be a typical boiler room scam.

The guy says "Hello, this is Don from Verison, We're offering your own
website for $30.00 a month. (ak. *Integretel/Mercury Internet Services
"Cram Scam" *that rips people out of millions.)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3078500/

I said, "If you're from Verison, then why does you voice sound like
your talking from inside a paper bag?"

I hung up.

If his voice sounded like he was talking in a bag, he was probably
legit;)- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Scott, I'm honoring your request w/ no Vonage. this is about Verizon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrPjGouSKKQ

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

Short Wave Sportfishing wrote:
On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 21:36:25 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote:

"D.Duck" wrote in message
...
Here's a basic description of the process. Pretty much along the lines
you described.

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/INFO_SHT/G3.HTM

That ShortWave guy isn't so dumb after all. Never knew that.

OH gee - now you're embarrassing me.

Um...er...

HEY!!!

I have a new complaint. It seems like lately there are a bunch of different
commercials that include a cell phone ringing.
Half the time I have a TV on, sorta half listening to it, as I do other
stuff. When the stupid cell phone in the commercial rings, it catches my
attention .... at least for a moment. I don't know if it's coincidental or
if some marketing research group figured out how to get you to pay attention
to the commercials.

Ah yes - the "hook". If you watch commercials carefully, you will
always find the "hook" - which is basically the thing that forces you
to pay attention. Kind of like popups.

However, as long as we are on pet TV peeves, mine is the upcoming show
banners they put on.

They put these huge banners that cover the bottom left corner of the
screen and take out about 20% of the viewing surface and they last for
like ten seconds.

Annoys the crap out of me. History Channel is the worst offender with
Discovery close behind - my two favorite channels. I don't mind the
bug in the right hand corner, but those upcoming show banners really
**** me off. Recently, History changed their bug from a unobstrusive
semi-transparent logo to this really ugly red and yellow huge freakin'
H. Took a while to get used to it.

All they need to do to hook most of the male audience is to put a hot
woman on the screen with a sexy voice.

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

On Mar 10, 10:49*pm, Tim wrote:
On Mar 10, 9:45*pm, wrote:





On Mar 10, 10:40*pm, Tim wrote:

On Mar 10, 9:20*pm, wrote:

Yes, the hook.. I will not have Vonage in my home or business because
of "the hook". Seriously, Mrs. JW would like to try it, but they spent
to many nights scaring me out of sleep and waking everyone in the
house with that Doo, doo......doo, doo, doo, song *(I know it's on the
net, please don't bother posting a link for me, please).

Speaking of. I was at dad's and the pphone rang, and the caller ID
said "Out of area Unknown Caller.

OK I thought, this will be a typical boiler room scam.

The guy says "Hello, this is Don from Verison, We're offering your own
website for $30.00 a month. (ak. *Integretel/Mercury Internet Services
"Cram Scam" *that rips people out of millions.)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3078500/

I said, "If you're from Verison, then why does you voice sound like
your talking from inside a paper bag?"

I hung up.

If his voice sounded like he was talking in a bag, he was probably
legit;)- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Scott, I'm honoring your request w/ no Vonage. this is about Verizon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrPjGouSKKQ- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Oh, I won't do Verison either, first off, the service when we had them
sucked, second, that guy in all the commercials, well, um,, he's, um..
Let's just say I find him offensive and embarrassing as a man...;)

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

On Mar 10, 10:03*pm, "Reginald P. Smithers III" "Reggie is Here
wrote:
wrote:
On Mar 10, 9:52 pm, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:

Ah yes - the "hook". *If you watch commercials carefully, *you will
always find the "hook" - which is basically the thing that forces you
to pay attention. *Kind of like popups.

Yes, the hook.. I will not have Vonage in my home or business because
of "the hook". Seriously, Mrs. JW would like to try it, but they spent
to many nights scaring me out of sleep and waking everyone in the
house with that Doo, doo......doo, doo, doo, song *(I know it's on the
net, please don't bother posting a link for me, please). Anyway, they
ruined a lot of late night movies for me, I will not use them, period.
Would never use the poor quality for business anyway, but I won't even
use it for personal long distance, not gonna' happen.
Anyway, it's called the "Madge". Remember Madge the manicurist.
Although not really annoying by most or our standards, it was indeed
intended to be annoying, this was the first commercial admittedly
designed to use an annoying personality as a hook.. But it worked, and
we do see the results.. Guess I am somewhat of a hypocrite, I use
Palmolive on in my kitchen.. ;)
However, as long as we are on pet TV peeves, mine is the upcoming show
banners they put on.

They put these huge banners that cover the bottom left corner of the
screen and take out about 20% of the viewing surface and they last for
like ten seconds.

The thing I hate about that is they won't put one up to tell you what
you are watching now! That ****es me off. but they got to get you to
go to the ad channel, oh, I mean, channel channel (listings channel)
to watch washed up American Idol has been's

Annoys the crap out of me. *History Channel is the worst offender with
Discovery close behind - my two favorite channels. *I don't mind the
bug in the right hand corner, but those upcoming show banners really
**** me off. *Recently, History changed their bug from a unobstrusive
semi-transparent logo to this really ugly red and yellow huge freakin'
H. *Took a while to get used to it.

grrrrrr.

I have had vonage for a few years now, I can actually get VOIP from AT&T
for $5 / month less, but since I figure that is their attempt to get rid
of competition, I have not changed. *I just hope they can stay in
business.

By the way, it is not Doo Doo, but Woo Woo performed by Rock*a*Teens in
1959.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Reggie, wether Doo, Doo? or Woo, Woo, it still sucks.

that is untill the guy in the lobster suit gets his tail caught int he
revolving door.

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:46:44 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

Is there a device or TV that keeps volume level or at least
constrained? My kid is trying to watch a movie on FX and the volume
fluxuation is so severe that we can't even let my kid watch it as we
are trying to have phone conversations with clients in the next room.
One second it needs to be at volume level 45, the next 18-20 is
plenty.. This is rediculous, can't even watch the TV we pay 100 bucks
a month for.. Crap...

It's not the volume actually - the signal input never varies.

What changes is the frequency of the audio.

Very clever.

Compression.

OT Trying to watch a movie..
 

Short Wave Sportfishing wrote:

I forgot to mention that the frequency shift is the real reason it
sounds louder because it's different than those used in the programs.

They don't shift the frequencies, they just equalize it
different (altered frequency response) and use compression
to achieve higher average level.