I can't hear you...you're too LOUD

Lately there have been some issues surrounding the consistency of audio levels of national as well as local programs. 

Audio, especially multi-channel audio in the digital realm, has increased in difficulty tenfold.  Recently I overheard that a national network is planning on developing their own standard for digital audio.  PBS only recently standardized on an audio level and others have a different level set for their standard.  How then will audio in the digital realm be the same when you tune in to different channels?  This is only one of many issues that digital audio is presenting all program distributors.

Now, getting back to the issue with PBS Hawaii's audio problems...we receive our programming from many different sources including PBS.  In turn, PBS receives many of its programming from different member stations and producers.  Each of these entities detrmines how the program will look and sound.  By the time it gets to us, there could be some discrepancies that we have no control over, moreso since we implemented an unattended program delivery system in late 2005 to curtail ever rising personnel and operational costs, whereby what we receive is what we deliver...so if a program has low audio or a dark picture, that is the way it will be heard or seen.

I know this sounds like an excuse but I wanted it to be more of an explanation of what is happening as we, including PBS, are trying to get a handle on all program related technical issues and establish a more consistent quality level so that we may all enjoy television like it used to be in the good 'ol analog days.

Comments

[Ray]

I tried watching your station over the air on channel 11-1. I have noticed a problem with receiving your audio. The audio goes on and off at one scond intervals. I can receive your program via VHS with no audio problems. The picture I get from 11-1 is really good it is just the audio I am having problems with. I have also encountered the same problem on channel 11-2.

I do not have this problem with other stations that I receive only 11-1 and 11-2.

[Steve Komori]

Hi Ray,

Sorry it has taken a while to address your audio problem. I am constantly looking into issues with the digital signal and sometimes I just can't figure it out. Yours is one of those problems. I have reports from professional and consumer users of our over-the-air (OTA) digital signal who say it looks and sounds great. Then there are others who say they can get picture but no audio and then there is yours. I have seen and heard our OTA signal, so I cannot dismiss the possibility of a problem with the deciphering of the information in our signal by your TV set which tells it how to decode the received signal. I have had manufacurers look at our set-up and what I get back from them is that we should have a good signal for viewers to watch. I am not dismissing your claim and continue to investigate what else could be the problem...hopefully someone can shed some light...

[Paul Haring]

The sound volume on Channel 10 programs fluxuates after setting my volume level to a satisfactory level from the setting level to completely mute for several seconds before returning to the voluum setting level. The fluxations occur with enough frequency during a program to make it quite annoying and on occasion I have just had to turn off the PBS program.

My TV set is less than a year old and a high end model. My cable service is with Oceanic Cable and I have a digital cable box supplied by Oceanic Cable. I do not have this sound level fluctuation problem with any other TV channel. Several other Hawaii PBS station viewer friends of mine have told me that they are experiencing the same problem, so I know this sound fluxation problem is not unique to me.

I recently called Hawaii PBS to inquire about my problem. I was told that Hawaii PBS is aware of the problem and is seeking the source of the problem and that the station service engineer would call me back with more details and a status report. I have not received a call back and the issue continues. BAH!

PLEASE FIX THIS SOUND VOLUME FLUXUATION ISSUE PROBLEM!