Auto-Level TV Volume Controller (No more loud Ads!)

Hi! I watch a lot of Youtube on my smart TV. It's my main source of entertainment. However, from video to video, and especially when an advertisement runs, there is always a difference in the audio level. A self-made Youtube video's audio will be pretty low, so I turn up my TV's volume, but then an advertisement plays on the next video and it is EXTREMELY loud. I often keep my TV on to put my self to sleep, and I have been rudely woken up many times by a loud ad auto-playing after a quieter video. Besides ads, youtube videos themselves have no standard default volume, so the volumes always vary.

My sound system is hooked up this way:

The audio comes out of my TV via a 3.5mm headphone jack that then goes to a 40 watt amplifier, which has a Bose speaker system connected to it.

I would love a device that would sit between my TV's audio output and my amplifier.

I would like this device to function in this way:

1) I put on a Youtube video and set my TV's volume to a comfortable listening level.

2) I push a button on this magic device which then internally sets that volume level in place.

3) For any future videos, the device either brings louder sounds down to my comfortable level, or lower sounds up to my comfortable level.

If I decide I want to change my base-line volume level, I push the magic button again to disengage the auto-leveler, and reset my TV's volume to where I would like it. Then push the magic button to continue the process.

I imagine that this device would work best in my type of situation, e.g.: external speakers via an output cable of some sort.

I don't know how it would work for people who just listen via their TV's internal speakers, or for people who use a sound bar. But there must be a way!

You guys figure everything out! Help me, The Ben Heck Show people, you're my only hope.

Sincerely,

Steve DiCasa

Queens, NY

D_Hersey over 8 years ago

AGC
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dicasafilm over 8 years ago in reply to D_Hersey

Can you explain? Does a device already exist that accomplishes this?
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beacon_dave over 8 years ago in reply to dicasafilm

Automatic Gain Control / Automatic Level Control

You are perhaps looking for something along the lines of this type of device:
FP-ALC2 ‐ Automatic Level Control - Stereo - RCA Jacks

Depends on how much control you want over the shaping of the audio though.
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D_Hersey over 8 years ago in reply to dicasafilm

Automatic Gain Control IIRC normalized from the effects of fading AM stations, though it is used in some situations in AF work as well. The circuits typically were RC LPFs that were connected to the gate of a depletion FET in order to have LF negative feedback, which is another way of describing AGC
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Workshopshed over 8 years ago

Perhaps a compressor would be worth investigating

http://www.barryrudolph.com/mix/comp.html
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beacon_dave over 8 years ago in reply to Workshopshed

A compressor approach would typically reduce the dynamic range of audio content which was correctly lined up in order to lift the level of audio that is below correct line-up.

Basically you end up compressing the louder signals in order to use make-up gain to lift the quieter signals (and noise floor) up to the correct level.

It's often a good approach for taming a few overly loud peaks, however perhaps keep in mind that adverts typically get their apparent loudness from heavy compression so as to remain within broadcast permitted levels.

Also perhaps keep in mind that overuse of compression can result in listening fatigue, so if you are trying to watch long form content such as a movie, concert, or a training video which has been lined up correctly and you are then compressing it all to allow for user generated content to appear at the same apparent level, then you may find that you end up with listening fatigue as a result.

AGC/ALC also has its problems as it depends on how it averages out the level over time. With high dynamic range content such as classical music and a quick response it can tend to lift the quiet passages and cut the louder passages in order to maintain the average levels. Whereas with documentary type speech it tends to work quite well.

Whatever approach is taken may want to consider an easy to activate 'bypass' switch.
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