DVD Audio is so much lower than all other audio??

[judoGTI]

I have the oddest problem, when I pop a DVD in, the 'Menu' screen audio is always at an OK volume but when I go to actually play the DVD the audio is always a lot lower. So much so that I have to turn up the volume on the TV and turn up the volume in Sage to hear it.

All other audio on my system is fine. TV, Recordings, the DVD title/menu screens, but when it comes to the actual DVD audio its low..... Anyone else have this issue?

Im using AC3 as a audio decoder. Shouldnt matter but I thought Id throw it in there for you.

[something fishy]

Mine too

I've always ascribed this to the fact that TV broadcasts typically compress the dynamic range of audio to make it audible (with lower peak volumes) over a possibly noisy environment whereas a DVD should not have this compression.

[judoGTI]

Hmm but that doesnt explain why the DVD title screens are the same volume as the TV broadcasts....

[something fishy]

It's the same issue. The title screens have a similar peak level but a much lower dynamic range so the mean volume is nuch higher.

I have this (annoying) effect whether playing back through Sage on my downstairs system (analog out) or a dedicated HTPC (SP-DIF out to processor) or a Momitsu standalone DVD player (SP-DI out). At decent playback levels for the main movie the music in the menu is uncomfortably loud.

Eric

[DwarF]

The difference in LiveTV and DVDs is crazy though. I can't believe everyone is having this issue and just compensating by pumping the volume way up for DVD and then back down the rest of the time?

[technazz]

Is is AC3? If so go into your control panel double click on AC3 Decoder and raise the Voice level or whatever settings you want. Works for me.


technazz

[blade]

You can boost the voices using the AC3 filter and it also has normalizing features that allow you to even out the sound level so the volumn is much closer.

[nielm]

I set AC3Filter as my DVD Audio decoder, and pump up the gain in AC3Filter, until the volume is similar to that of all other video types..

(Edit: sorry for the echo, blade )

[DwarF]

I hate to sound like a total fool, but how do I change the AC3 Filter?

Thanks

[ke6guj]

Originally Posted by DwarF

I hate to sound like a total fool, but how do I change the AC3 Filter?

Thanks

You can access the AC3FilterConfig at start>all programs>AC3 filter

[DwarF]

Works like a champ guys! Thanks for all the help. One week into it, and I don't know how I ever lived without it. Now I just need some 500 gig SATA drives

[QuasiInsomniac]

I am having the same issue listed above. But when I set the MPEG decoder to AC3, the changes I make in the control panel applet don't do anything. Any suggestions or perhaps a different decoder suggestion?

[jryan15]

Originally Posted by DwarF

The difference in LiveTV and DVDs is crazy though. I can't believe everyone is having this issue and just compensating by pumping the volume way up for DVD and then back down the rest of the time?

this is what i have to do on all 3 of my mvp's. to hear a movie i have to turn the tv volume up 3 times as far as when i just watch recorded shows off of the mvp... my dvd are straight VOB's with ac3 audio.

will adjusting ac3 filter work for the mvp's? is there another setting for the mvp's?

thanks.

[willgill]

Guys, I must have moved my AC3FilterConfig and filed it in who-knows-where in my Start Menu. Can someone post the exact absolute link from the Properties?

UPDATE: I think I've got it. I used DirectShow Filter Manager to increase the gain.

[opy01]

I am running Vista and I cant find either the AC3 or the DirectShow anywhere in this computer. Anyone have any ideas on where to look specificaly and not just in "the start menu"?

[ke6guj]

Originally Posted by opy01

I am running Vista and I cant find either the AC3 or the DirectShow anywhere in this computer. Anyone have any ideas on where to look specificaly and not just in "the start menu"?

If you specifically installed AC3Filter, and not just the included AC3filter codec that Sage includes in its installation, then it can be accessed at Start>All Programs>AC3Filter. The AC3Filter files will be at C:Program Files/AC3Filter

[opy01]

Well in case any other newbies out there dont realize it, AC3filter is a free download from http://ac3filter.net/. I didnt realize it wasnt part of SageTV but as soon as I read the last post I googled it and it was pretty easy.

[Addict]

Just wanted to say thanks for this thread. This fixed the low-volume problem I've been having for some time.

I cranked up the main, the gain, and the voice volumes and it's at a very nice level now. I will say that it required reboots to get the changes to take place though.

Thanks!

[sojourner753]

I seem to be having the same audio problems, except only with voices in my DVDs. I tried enableing the AC3Filter, but anything other than Default results in no DVD sound whatsoever.

Can anyone tell me what their exact sound settings are the gives them good sound when DVDs are in AC3 5.1?

AC3 5 seems to sound fine.

thanks