Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
www.crtc.gc.ca
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Loud TV commercials and sound levels
Sometimes when you’re watching TV, a loud commercial message can really startle you. Or maybe you've noticed a big difference in the sound level from one TV channel to another – or even from one program to another.
Why program and commercial sound levels vary
Loudness can vary for a number of reasons:
- ad production techniques
- contrasting sound levels
- steps involved from creating a TV program to watching it
Ad production techniques
Two production techniques may be partly responsible for loud commercials; and sometimes, both are used together:
- Audio compression records a commercial’s soundtrack at a constant and maximum loudness level. When you’re watching a program with a normal range of sounds, an ad with audio compression can be startling.
- Reshaping sound works on the frequencies you hear. It increases the frequencies that alert your ear, and decreases the frequencies that are considered soothing. The result is a commercial that grabs your attention, but may also sound harsh.
Contrasting sound levels
Sometimes a commercial rapidly follows a tranquil scene in a program. The ad can seem very loud – even though it may not be.
Steps involved from creating a TV program to watching it
TV programming is made up of many different sources: new programs and ads, archival material, live and pre-recorded broadcasts. It’s handled by many people. It may come to you through cable, satellite or another distribution method and may use either digital or analog technology.
Because of the many steps involved from creating a program to watching it at home, there are many opportunities for the sound volume to stray from its original levels.
Report problems with TV sound levels
If you’re having problems with sound levels, tell your TV service provider. Note the date and time you experienced the problem, and which channel and program or commercial you were watching.
