Top tip, if you use VLC or some such software, they often have a compressor plug in (if the software you are using, doesn’t have one, get VLC). Compressor will take care of limiting giant explosions and other loud noises so you can have the volume set to a level where you can hear the speaking parts.
Though this is not a magic trick, I still use (English) subtitles, mainly because I’m not a native English speaker and sometimes I mishear words and such.
I use subtitles and I am a native English speaker… sometimes the actors mumble or get washed out in the mix, or just the room we’re watching in is a bit noisy, so being able to read the dialogue helps my brain to pick out what they’re saying a lot easier.
While volume leveling helps in a lot of cases, it frequently makes the sound all wonky and weird as a tradeoff for the improved voice clarity. Lots of clipping and other things that also came up in the loudness wars for music.
I’ve never had trouble understanding non-Standard American English accents other than the really rural ones, whether the US South or another country. Possibly because I lived in Germany and watched Sky Channel as a kid.
I’ve been watching so much UK TV/movies that I can understand their accents quite well. Aussie accents too, but they have their own slang words that I sometimes struggle with, but nothing a little internet search cant fix.
Top tip, if you use VLC or some such software, they often have a compressor plug in (if the software you are using, doesn’t have one, get VLC). Compressor will take care of limiting giant explosions and other loud noises so you can have the volume set to a level where you can hear the speaking parts.
https://www.geekality.net/blog/settings-for-vlc-dynamic-range-compression
Though this is not a magic trick, I still use (English) subtitles, mainly because I’m not a native English speaker and sometimes I mishear words and such.
I use subtitles and I am a native English speaker… sometimes the actors mumble or get washed out in the mix, or just the room we’re watching in is a bit noisy, so being able to read the dialogue helps my brain to pick out what they’re saying a lot easier.
Ohhhh, that’s really useful, thank you!
Indeed! Improved my movie watching experiences immensely.
Whispers: Fuck. Yes. Thanks.💥 🤯 💣 🧨 💣 🤯 💥
Night mode does the same thing on your TV, or sound bar/system.
Interesting, thanks for the tip. I’ll have to check if my dad’s TV has that. He’s been complaining about the sound levels.
There could also be True Volume setting. My sound system has both.
True Volume I would say takes the top 25% and bottom 25% to meet in the middle. The night mode goes even further - it makes it quite narrow.
I would recommend downloading the manual and crtl+f the pdf. That’s much faster that trying to read the thing (If you still have it)
Good tips, thanks!
I’ve also found on vlc sometimes the audio mode is the problem. Switch to stereo or headphones mode to see if it helps
Does this work on the funny android smart TV versions of vlc? The layout is so different to what I am used to on my PC.
I don’t know. If it has the compressor plugin, should work.
While volume leveling helps in a lot of cases, it frequently makes the sound all wonky and weird as a tradeoff for the improved voice clarity. Lots of clipping and other things that also came up in the loudness wars for music.
I havent had any issues. Though I tend to watch stuff with mild volume levels.
It clips at mild levels too, even if you don’t notice it.
Do you have the “peak protection” box checked?
I speak English, I’m from the US, and I use subtitles anytime there’s British people. Australians too. It’s essentially a different language.
I’ve never had trouble understanding non-Standard American English accents other than the really rural ones, whether the US South or another country. Possibly because I lived in Germany and watched Sky Channel as a kid.
I’ve been watching so much UK TV/movies that I can understand their accents quite well. Aussie accents too, but they have their own slang words that I sometimes struggle with, but nothing a little internet search cant fix.
“Lock the nipper in the dunny!”
(nipper = child, dunny = bathroom)