Loud TV Commercials Could Soon be Illegal

Reported by: John Matarese

You've probably been annoyed more than once by a loud TV commercial. AOL's daily finance blog says loud commercials are like the weather: Everyone complains, but no one does anything about them.

Until now.

Why are Some Commercials so Loud?

It's happened to everyone: You're watching a show with actors speaking softly, when suddenly the commercial blasts you out of your easy chair, with a line like
"Billy Mays here!"

But it may not be the fault of the late Billy Mays, fellow pitchman Vince Offer, or your local TV station.

Unless you were watching a loud game show, voices on commercials will often be louder than normal dialog.  They are recorded "punchier"... so they stand out. It's not necessarily louder in volume, but it can sure feel that way.

Congress Gets Involved

But after years of complaints, congress is now debating the "Commercial Advertising Loudness Mitigation act, " or "CALM" act. It would let the FCC set specific volume limits.

Broadcasters, though, are working on voluntary standards, and feel a law would be overkill.

My advice? You dont have to wait: If you have a newer HDTV, see if it has "Dolby Volume," which lets you flatten sound spikes through the menu on your remote control.

Or with an older set, keep that remote handy, so you don't waste your money. I'm John Matarese.