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Blu-ray Sound Level Discrepancy

chris -  
stewartia Posted messages 12469 Status Member -
Hello,

I'm posting my problem on this forum after an unsuccessful search on Google. I have an issue with the sound level when watching a Blu-ray on my plasma screen. The voices are much quieter than the music and other sounds. As a result, it's impossible to watch a movie without adjusting the volume every 10 seconds :(

Equipment:
- plasma screen panasonic TX-PF42X20
- blu-ray player sony BDP-S373
- connection HDMI

Does anyone have a solution to my problem?

Thank you in advance for your responses!

5 answers

  1.
    stewartia Posted messages 12469 Status Member 2 936
     
    With a good amplifier and proper calibration, there isn't this issue. After that, it's a matter of budget; do we want to invest in a home theater amplifier?
    There is also the option of a good stereo amplifier. I was able to get a Pioneer A209R on Priceminister for 45 euros. Eltax or Jamo make good quality speakers that are not too expensive. Nad makes good amplifiers. For speakers, these are very good: https://www.boulanger.com/c/enceinte-colonne#message_code=20 (note 4 Ohms) and honestly quite cheap. But in home theater, I have the possibility to switch to 9.2, even in 5.1 we can achieve a good distinction between voices, ambiance, and music or explosions. The Front High effect (front spatial effect) is also interesting. Sound bars should be avoided.
    A Pioneer VSX S300 or 500 could be a good choice, compact, for the first one 6 x 100W, 4 HDMI inputs, 3D, and low power consumption at 70W.
    1
  2. stewartia Posted messages 12469 Status Member 2 936
     
    In the TV menu, try to modify the sound, switch to cinema, games, etc.... Clear voice, etc.....
    Generally speaking, flat screen speakers are quite bad.
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    1. chris
       
      Thank you for your response, I will try the user settings (with personal equalization). What surprises me is that this volume imbalance only occurs on the HDMI output of the Blu-ray (in TV mode the sound is perfect, and for the HDMI LiveBox connection there is only a slight volume drop). That's why I thought maybe the Blu-ray player was not set up correctly...

      Thank you anyway :)
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  3. Bernorenard Posted messages 7776 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   2 589
     
    Hello
    There must be a way in the Blu-ray player's menu to slightly adjust the dynamic range compression (I'll let you translate) but this has been an issue for a long time, dating back to commercial VHS tapes (in Dolby Pro Logic): mixing, and particularly the sound level of the dialogue track (center/front in 5.1 Dolby Digital from the DVDs that came later. So when you play a video medium on the TV, for example, the digital channels coded AVD Center AVD and AR G, ARD, and special bass channel "mixed," and consequently, you notice the weaknesses in the sound level of the dialogues (the human voice cannot compete with the landing of a Boeing; that's what is called dynamic range) too bad for the neighbors! One solution (yes, it still requires money!) is a home theater system where the level of each channel can be adjusted (no more basic models) but to watch TV, it's a bit cumbersome; this tool should be prioritized for watching a movie.
    Cheers
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    1. chris
       
      Hello, I have indeed found finer audio settings (wide band or standard, audio DRC, etc.) but none have any effect... I also noticed that this phenomenon only occurs with Blu-ray: the same movie with the same settings has perfect sound on DVD but disproportionate sound on Blu-ray, I don't know if this can help you...

      Thank you
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  4. stewartia Posted messages 12469 Status Member 2 936
     
    A small audio/video amplifier would do the trick.
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  6. Bernorenard Posted messages 7776 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   2 589
     
    Hi Stew
    Sorry, but in order to level the different coded tracks, you need a decoder integrated into... a home cinema for example, where you can slightly reduce the noises from the left and right tracks. I invested in a Yamaha home cinema amplifier (not expensive at Magma in Paris) after quite a bit of tinkering. My speakers are still decent, but they're only used for DVD or Blu-ray
    Friendly regards.
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