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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Sean T. @ Jul 2nd 2008 1:04AM
As far as network affiliate broadcasters go, I have yet to work for, build or visit a studio that doesn't have a compressor/limiter (either Dolby, Orban, CRS or FMSystems) on the last output stage before heading out to the transmitter. Every broadcaster has been fed up long ago getting phone calls from the public about it - but, in reality people still call in because they "perceive" them as being louder.
Unfortunately, as the article says, programs have low audio levels (especially for dialogue) compared to action scenes or when the commercial comes on and runs full tilt with music and narration to grab everyone's attention.
One place where limiters are not in widespread use is at many cable company headends. The cable companies can insert, on non-local network channels (e.g. HGTV, Sci-Fi, TNT, etc.), a couple or more spots in a given hour on most of their channels once they receive a "cue" tone from the network provider. Their inserted commercial audio can be all over the map even between the spots they insert and it will vary from market-to-market depending on their level of quality control.
It's good to see a pretty well written article on the topic.