mainstream TV providers conspiracy?! What do you think…
Now, I’m not a real conspiracy nut – although I can come up with a few if you really want to have some fun talking – but there are times when things become so OBVIOUS it’s kind of like a slap in the face. Â
I’m talking about things like gas mileage on cars. Â I mean, seriously – my 1985 Subaru got better gas mileage than all but the best of the current hybrids, people! Â Any idiot who falls for all those the dumb TV commercials about how great the new cars are with gas mileage deserves the loss of money when they buy one. Â It’s sadly apparent that most marketing groups think that the general public is made up of idiots!
However, I want to bring up something new (at least to me): Â TV advertisement audio levels for non-HD television.
I’m not a major fan of cable OR satellite TV – and although I do enjoy the network and paid tv channels that I receive (for a very high price). Â Overall, common sense dictates that you use whichever one is:
- Cheapest (or that you can afford within your budget)
- Gives you the features that you NEED
I think not…
So what do I think? Â I’m guessing that the tv providers are trying to come up with not-so-subtle ways (audio and video degredation, small pauses and hiccups at random moments, etc) to “encourage” people to make the move to purchasing HD services and equipment.
I mean – if you have any form of non-broadcast TV (ie cable or satellite), then you’ve seen the commercials touting all the new HD content available. Â And if you visit any store with technology available, it’s all about HD content and how awesome it is…
SO – what do YOU think? Â Am I (and my sister) just imagining things and jumping at shadows (or loud audio commercials)? Â Or do you agree that there is something not-so-sneaky going on with tv providers?


It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.
September 15th, 2008 at 7:14 am
There’s a great explanation here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17229281/
Basically commercials are no louder than the loudest part of a TV show, but the commercials STAY as loud as the loudest part of any TV show, whereas shows moderate, and turn themselves down to be “normal”.
February 8th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
I agree, I have noticed many times how loud the commercials are after I turn it up to hear the show.