Bought a Sony STR-DG820. I’ve asked question on how to fix some issues and have basically been given the answer that I should only use the receiver for sound, never the TV.
I’ve been trying this for a week. It has added another major problem with the receiver. The difference in volume from program to program, program to commercial, channel to channel, or input to input is amazingly drastic. LIterally, the family went scrambling when one show on DVR ended and the channel switched back a Digital Radio Station. OMG, it was loud! Ironically, my TV does a great job of managing the level of sound.
I’ve read about Dolby Volume, but it sounds like that is only available on high end units. I want something in the mid-level range OR a unit that can output Dolby Digital sound through the speakers and to the TV at the same time when connected via HDMI only.
Two issues:
1) Switching between sources – you should be able to set the input level for each input so that you don’t get those big volume differences when switching between different sources. Check your manual
2) Volume leveling – Denon offers a feature similar to Dolby Volume called Dynamic Volume and it’s offered on some of their low-mid level receivers. Those receivers also have Dynamic EQ which changes the Equalization based on the volume level so when you have the volume low, the tonal balance doesn’t change (typically when you turn the volume down you lose bass and this compensates for that and any other frequency loss). I have these features on my Denon AVR 889. Unfortunately even with the dynamic volume set to the highest level, commercials can still be annoyingly loud, although not as bad as when the dynamic volume is turned off.
As stated above; there are always good options
to consider whenever you make a purchase of
any Multiplex Receiver. Personally; I think that
the Television Networks purposely boost a
commercials’ Audio Level as much as up 10 db!
Back in the day a Technician’s job at a Television
Studio was to keep the audio level at a set value.
I have tried to find out why this is happening now,
but I get no reply from anyone I write to. I have
even made phone calls about this. Nobody can
answer my question. All I get is shifting blame to
another department, and they send me somewhere
else, too! Oh, well… The Automatic Level control
circuit(s) in the newer products performs well.
Being a veteran Audio Engineer; I think Dolby is
only good for the playback of older Taped Media.
They have tried with ‘B’ & ‘C’; but I still think that
the noise reduction levels should be adjustable by
the user/listener. As for the Make and Model; I
really couldn’t tell you. It really depends on ones’
own taste. May I suggest that you visit the following
web site:
These kind folks have a good selection of Home &
Pro Audio Equipment & Accessories at reasonable
prices. I hope this is of some help 2 U!