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We believed that once streaming emerged and surpassed traditional cable and satellite, we were free from enduring ad breaks during television programs. However, streamers began to incorporate advertisements into their content, which means unless you pay for an ad-free subscription, you’ll be facing them once more. This wouldn’t be so problematic if they weren’t so extremely loud! If you’ve ever decided to binge-watch a TV series or film, you’ve likely been taken aback when an ad break starts and it feels like you’ve pressed the “up” volume button on your remote multiple times. What causes this, and what actions can you take to counter it?
To begin with, the explanation is straightforward. Advertisers invest significant amounts for their ad placements, and they are aware that viewers are quick to hit that 30-second skip button. Therefore, they must find a way to seize your attention, even if you’re not in the same room, and increasing the volume accomplishes just that. The positive aspect is that many smart TVs, streaming devices, sound systems, and receivers come equipped with technology aimed at enhancing sound balance in such scenarios. Moreover, there currently exists legislation regarding broadcast, cable, and satellite TV that forbids this approach, with several states contemplating or enacting laws to extend these regulations to streaming as well.