Author: Richard

Ever seen a film or television program where the loud segments consistently overpower the dialogue? Or even worse, while your two beloved characters are conversing, their voices seem to fade into a whisper. Cranking up the volume doesn’t resolve the issue because it likely relates to the dynamic range of the audio track — the variance between the softest and loudest sounds. When examining a visualized sound wave, these correspond to the dips and highs, with a larger range indicating a greater volume disparity.

However, there’s an adjustment to create a more consistent difference known as Dynamic Range Compression (DRC), occasionally termed volume leveling or night mode on various TVs and audio equipment. Activating this feature diminishes the volume of the louder sounds while amplifying the quieter ones, thus harmonizing the audio so that all sounds appear relatively uniform in volume. This adjustment can be particularly beneficial with fluctuating audio streams, such as when commercials are significantly louder than the program you’re viewing. In fact, volume leveling serves as an effective trick on Roku TV to tackle the annoying loud commercial issue.

Certain TVs also offer distinct sound mode settings, such as Movie, User, or Standard, akin to the preset visual modes available for adjusting picture quality. If this applies to your device, you’ll likely locate these options tucked within a system menu associated with Audio or Sound. You might even discover one that relates specifically to dialogue or speech, referred to as Clear Voice.

Extra TV audio adjustments to enhance dialogue

If you possess a soundbar or surround sound system, you may seek to apply similar audio mode adjustments on that device by exploring its preset modes or modifying speech-related settings. However, the most effective approach is typically to fine-tune the equalizer, usually found under Advanced settings in the Sound or Audio menus. When enhancing dialogue, focus on frequencies ranging from 2kHz to 6kHz, which approximate the range of both male and female vocal sounds. Gradually amplifying the toggles or dials within these frequencies using the graphic equalizer could improve both speech volume and clarity.

Lastly, there’s the possibility of upgrading your audio configuration to something that provides superior quality, such as Apple’s spatial audio technology or Dolby Atmos. The simplest method is to invest in a modern soundbar or upgrade if your system is older. There are outstanding TV soundbars designed for audiophiles and premium audio experiences. If you’ve relied on your TV’s built-in speakers, you might observe a substantial enhancement in audio quality and volume even with a compact, cost-effective soundbar.

a fantastic bargain on that (comparatively affordable) television. However, prior to making your purchase, it is essential to verify that the television you select is appropriately sized. The television set might indeed be too small for certain spaces, or excessively large for others, due to a crucial measurement that can significantly influence your TV viewing experience: the field of view (FOV), or the extent of your visual area that the screen occupies from your viewing position.

Professionals at RTINGS recommend opting for TVs that achieve an ideal range of approximately 30° to 40° FOV. A field of view around 30° is excellent for standard viewing experiences, which might include normal TV viewing: streaming films, television series, and sports. Raising the FOV to 40° can enhance the immersion level of your TV experiences, particularly for films and video games. If the screen is too petite (below 20° FOV), you may find it challenging to detect finer details. Conversely, if the screen exceeds a 40° FOV, it can become difficult to keep up with specific content, such as sports and games. The quicker the action unfolds, the harder it becomes to track it. According to RTINGS, this might result in undesirable effects, including nausea and headaches.

The FOV can fluctuate. It increases as you move closer to the display and shrinks if you are situated farther away. In other words, if you are committed to a particular screen size, you might want to modify the couch’s location in the living room. You’ll want to move it nearer to the display to increase the FOV or slide it back to decrease it. In either scenario, the goal is to achieve that 30° to 40° FOV ideal range.

In various contemporary media, you can observe the strands of inspiration drawn from earlier films and television as new works incorporate elements from the past, including distinctive visual styles, director signatures, as well as narratives and characters. This is undoubtedly true for James Gunn’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” series, showcasing some of Marvel’s most cherished films from the previous decade. In 2014, when Marvel enlisted Gunn to co-write the inaugural “Guardians of the Galaxy” movie, he expanded upon concepts initiated in a classic sci-fi series known as “Farscape.” Specifically, the notion of a group of misfits uniting for a cause larger than themselves — a fundamental theme in the Jim Henson Company series that aired on the Sci-Fi Channel (SyFy) from 1999 to 2003. The characters bear striking resemblances: ranging from a rough-and-tumble fighter to aliens possessing unusual abilities and a wisecracking protagonist from Earth.

Gunn expressed his excitement for the show and its impact on “Guardians” in an earlier [Twitter post from 2017](https://www.landmarkcinemas.com/movie-news/james-gunn-says-farscape-inspired-guardians-of-the-galaxy). He mentioned that people frequently inquire about possible influences sourced from “a million films” or other mediums. “Generally, the response is negative. [But] in the case of ‘Farscape,’ the answer is absolutely YES.” This implies that if you’re craving more of the “Guardians,” or seeking something alike, “Farscape” is a great option to savor its eclectic ensemble of space misfits and clever, subversive narratives.

Naturally, sci-fi enthusiasts are not lacking for content currently, with several [remarkably outstanding sci-fi movie releases](https://www.bgr.com/2060135/best-2025-sci-fi-movies-ranked/) and [equally captivating sci-fi TV series showing](https://www.bgr.com/2054005/best-2025-sci-shows-ranked/) in the past year. It remains fascinating to revisit some classics occasionally to observe where changes may have occurred, particularly in the realm of visual effects.

### How does Farscape compare to the Guardians of the Galaxy movies?

In comparison, “Farscape” extends across four seasons, with 22 episodes each, broadcasting from 1999 to 2003 — technically until 2004 if you include the miniseries. This contrasts with “Guardians of the Galaxy,” which currently encompasses three feature films, along with additional context provided in other Marvel films. “Farscape” was afforded ample time to develop its characters and plotlines, allowing you, as the viewer, to spend more time within that universe and with the crew of Moya, the living ship pivotal to the series. This is a welcome benefit, as “Farscape” boasts a 90% critic score and an 87% user rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The series centers around John Crichton, a human who gets drawn through a wormhole and finds himself stranded with a diverse group of characters in space. This parallels the origin of Chris Pratt’s Star-Lord (Peter Quill) and his makeshift team in the first “Guardians” — although Quill’s crew forms by coincidence. John’s romance with another character, Aeryn, is reminiscent of Quill and Gamora’s relationship in “Guardians.” Every “Farscape” episode features the wandering alien crew tackling a new dilemma, much like the central theme found in each “Guardians” film. Both franchises provide numerous pop-culture references and fourth-wall breaks with clever allusions to Earth. Witness “Guardians'” classic hits, Quill’s humorous nods to Earth culture, and plentiful sarcasm. “Farscape” possesses this in its own eccentric manner as well. Frequently, Crichton, akin to Quill, is the only one who grasps the references or jokes he makes — along with the audience, naturally.

You can view “Farscape” on The Roku Channel, The CW, Amazon Prime Video, and Plex for free with advertisements. Additionally, you can rent or purchase the series on most major platforms. If you’re in search of something else extraordinary, consider [a mind-bending modern sci-fi film](https://www.bgr.com/2039418/sci-fi-movies-based-classic-short-stories/) inspired by classic short stories?

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Digital thermometers rank among the many overlooked and inexpensive gadgets to keep nearby. They are usually dependable and undeniably necessary when it comes to monitoring sick individuals. But what if you just need a quick fever assessment, or to check the temperature of your desktop computer? Whipping out the thermometer each time can become quite bothersome, particularly if you’re away from home and neglected to pack one.

Luckily, you can now check the temperatures of both items and body temperature whenever you like. All it takes is a device that usually stays in your line of sight: your phone, specifically a Google Pixel Pro. If you own a Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 10 Pro, or Pixel 10 Pro XL, you may have observed an additional sensor located on the camera bar at the back. This is the temperature sensor, which works in conjunction with a pre-installed Google app aptly named Thermometer.

The Thermometer app on the Pixel can be quite useful for casual applications or when you’re pressed for time. While it won’t substitute traditional thermometers for medical purposes (including one from QuickCare), it remains a handy tool to have. We’ll guide you on how to take temperature measurements using your Pixel phone and how to troubleshoot the app should you encounter any difficulties.

How to utilize your Google Pixel’s temperature sensor

The Pixel’s Thermometer app is quite user-friendly and straightforward, so you should find it easy to grasp. Here’s how to begin measuring temperatures with your Pixel phone:

1. Open the Thermometer app.
2. When prompted, hit Allow to grant the app permission to access the built-in infrared temperature sensor and camera.
3. Select “While using the app” to enable access for photos and recordings.

To capture the temperature of an object:

1. Navigate to Object temperature.
2. Press Continue.
3. Complete the tutorial.
4. To activate the thermometer, select one of the materials under Routine measurements, or tap the plus icon at the bottom.
5. Position the temperature sensor (typically below the flash) approximately two inches above the item you’re measuring, or until you notice a Tap to capture message in the center of the screen. Ensure the object does not touch the sensor.
6. Tap the central circle to obtain the temperature reading.

To assess human body temperature:

1. Select Body temperature.
2. On the “Connect Thermometer to other apps” screen, press Not now.
3. Choose Continue to proceed.
4. Adjust the Measurement settings, or hit Next to keep the default settings.
5. Go through the brief tutorial.
6. Tap the Age range in the upper-right corner.
7. Select the correct age group of the person being measured.
8. Ensure the individual’s forehead and temple aren’t wet or obstructed by hair or head accessories.
9. Hold the Pixel’s camera bar close to the center of the forehead until you feel a vibration.
10. Tap the Tap to measure button.
11. Move the phone from the forehead to the temple within four seconds.

Once you receive the temperature reading, you can choose to save, retake, or even delete it (for object temperature only). Just select the action you desire from the options available at the bottom of the screen.

How to troubleshoot the Google Pixel’s Thermometer app

When using the Thermometer app to check object temperatures, you might encounter two error messages. The first is “Temperature sensor unavailable.” Google suggests reaching out to customer support, but some users managed to resolve this error by restarting the Android phone in safe mode and updating the app. A “Not available” message indicates the measurement is either too low or too high for the supported range of the Google Pixel — between -5°F (-20°C) and 392°F (200°C). This error may also appear if the material doesn’t emit heat effectively (low emissivity), making it difficult for the sensor to read.

When measuring body temperature with your Google Pixel, watch out for these six errors:

– Forehead temperature out of range: The reading falls outside the supported range, which often occurs when transitioning from a hot or cold environment to room temperature. Before retrying, rest at room temperature for at least ten minutes.
– Sensor out of range: The Pixel’s temperature sensor is obstructed or too far away. Remove your phone case and any items on the person’s head. Then, hold your phone closer to the forehead.
– Unable to start measurement: The sensor may not be positioned correctly. Ensure the camera bar is aimed at the middle of the forehead.
– Measurement failed: The app cannot accurately measure the temperature. Clean the sensor and the person’s forehead and temple. Follow the proper procedure for taking body temperature.
– Temperature sensor is too warm/cold: The sensor is outside its operational temperature range. Unplug it from the charger if you’re using one, and allow your phone to sit at room temperature for at least ten minutes.
– Temperature sensor unavailable: The

8% of worldwide CO2 emissions result from cement manufacturing, the adhesive used in concrete. For years, scholars and scientists have been suggesting eco-conscious and more sustainable options. However, concrete ranks as the second most extensively utilized material after water, which explains why discovering an alternative is difficult. There might be a solution for residential and low-rise constructions, or rather two, when the materials are combined. The remedy incorporates rammed earth, also referred to as compacted soil, along with cardboard reinforcement. Indeed, that cardboard.

Investigators discovered that cardboard-confined rammed earth (CCRE), which essentially compresses soil into inexpensive cardboard tubes, significantly bolsters the strength of cardboard alone by over tenfold. This strength exceeds that of using concrete to stabilize the compacted soil. Furthermore, CCRE provides “significant reductions” in carbon emissions and has a lifespan of approximately 25 years for CCRE by itself. Meanwhile, the lifespan reaches up to 75 years when using both cement-stabilized rammed earth and concrete. It is important to note that there is a distinction between concrete and cement, linked to their composition, manufacturing process, and ecological footprint. Nevertheless, combining these materials can greatly enhance lifecycles, thereby prolonging the longevity of the buildings or structures they are incorporated into, another reason why concrete remains a preferred choice at present.

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Fans of Charlie Hunnam might most recognize the British actor for his role as Jax Teller in the FX series “Sons of Anarchy,” but two years prior to Hunnam dominating the streets as a motorcycle outlaw, he featured in the 2006 sci-fi film “Children of Men.” If you have watched both the film and Sons of Anarchy, and were unaware of Hunnam’s appearance in the latter, we wouldn’t hold it against you: He’s hardly identifiable.

Helmed by Alfonso Cuarón, “Children of Men” is based on the 1992 novel by P.D. James of the same title. The narrative unfolds in a dystopian reality on the brink of downfall following two decades of universal infertility. Conflict and starvation are rampant, and the UK has devolved into a nightmarish police state. The film begins when Theo Faron (Clive Owen), an activist turned politician, is abducted by a refugee faction known as the Fishes. Charlie Hunnam plays Patric, a soldier of the Fishes with a menacing presence.

Though Hunnam doesn’t have much screen presence in the movie, the actor is said to have declined Zack Snyder’s “300” for this part — as he aspired to collaborate with the Mexican filmmaker Cuarón, who later directed “Gravity”. If you’re interested in other remarkable sci-fi masterpieces to enjoy, check out our compilation of the finest ’70s sci-fi films.

From dystopian warrior to cable television icon

Since the release of “Children of Men,” Charlie Hunnam’s acting career has soared. He appears to relish taking on roles that are both physically and emotionally demanding, particularly highlighted by his leading role in “The Ed Gein Story,” the controversial serial killer success on Netflix. Additional significant roles encompass Lin Ford in “Shantaram,” a significant release on Apple TV+, and Percival Fawcett in “The Lost City of Z.”

“Children of Men” was well received by critics, attaining a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 84 out of 100 on Metacritic. Film critic Roger Ebert awarded the film four out of four stars, stating, “Here is certainly a world ending not with a bang but a whimper, and the film serves as a cautionary warning.” Currently, “Children of Men” is accessible on the Criterion Channel, Amazon Prime, and Fandango at Home.