topic Re: Volume level fluctuations on UHD broadcasts in Sky Q

Volume level fluctuations on UHD broadcasts

DPT79 — Sat, 17 Jun 2023 14:01:45 GMT

I'm experiencing a persistent issue whereby the volume level fluctuates when watching an UHD broadcast. I've only noticed it on sports because that is what I tend to watch in UHD. I'm not talking about when changing channels or between the programme content and adverts (although that is extremely annoying), I'm talking about the volume level noticeably stepping up or down in the midst of the programme content. I've noticed this on different channels (both F1 and Cricket) and over a protracted period of time.

Many thanks

Dan

Re: Volume level fluctuations on UHD broadcasts

Super+Anthony — Sat, 17 Jun 2023 14:09:32 GMT

I have noticed the same thing but not just on the UHD channel. Even though I have not changed the volume, it's sometimes louder or quieter the next day

Re: Volume level fluctuations on UHD broadcasts

DPT79 — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 17:53:54 GMT

I'm watching F1 right now and it's doing it. I've noticed a further detail as well: the volume of the programme fluctuates up and down but the adverts stay the same. So when the programme volume has dipped and I turn it up to compensate, when the adverts come on they are even louder by comparison.

Re: Volume level fluctuations on UHD broadcasts

Super+Anthony — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 17:57:58 GMT

Same with me. I don't understand. Maybe someone at Sky could report to this link

Re: Volume level fluctuations on UHD broadcasts

GD1 — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 18:04:43 GMT

@DPT79 Do you use a soundbar of hifi, or just the TV speakers? If the latter check the audio options in the Sky Q menu is set to normal not DD. This may help with the sound levels.

These channels tend to broadcast with 5.1 audio which doesn't play well with a normal TV setup when the audio on the Q box is left in DD mode.

Re: Volume level fluctuations on UHD broadcasts

Super+Anthony — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 18:03:41 GMT

Sound bar

This morning I did software update, even though there was not one and the sound seemed louder

Re: Volume level fluctuations on UHD broadcasts

lettice — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 18:21:30 GMT

@DPT79 wrote:
I'm watching F1 right now and it's doing it. I've noticed a further detail as well: the volume of the programme fluctuates up and down but the adverts stay the same. So when the programme volume has dipped and I turn it up to compensate, when the adverts come on they are even louder by comparison.

@DPT79

Not noticing this Myself on F1 uhd, have been changing my sound sources from tv to sound bar and switching tv to one with an integrated sound bar option.
Im using Sky q box av settings of Dolby Digital Plus, you may want to try using just the Dolby Digital option, that can help in some setups for sound glitches.
Also, for some tv sound setup glitches a switch to another tv source for a count of ten or putting your Sky q box into standby, for about ten seconds and back on, can cure those random annoying glitches that I think at some point most of us have at some point across differing channels.

If you record the uhd feed, does it also do it there?

Re: Volume level fluctuations on UHD broadcasts

Super+Anthony — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 18:34:19 GMT

Thank you for all that. Have flicked as you suggested but no difference on Dolby digital. I have gone back to DD plus

Re: Volume level fluctuations on UHD broadcasts

DPT79 — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 19:18:24 GMT

HI - thank you. I'm using a 5.1 set-up with the Sky Q box plugged in to an AV amp, so DD ought not to be causing any issues.

Re: Volume level fluctuations on UHD broadcasts

DPT79 — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 19:26:51 GMT

@lettice

thank you for this. It does it on recordings as well. I've tried all sorts of soft and hard reboots of the box, but the issue is persistent.

I do have it on DD+ right now, so I'll try DD, even though it's still surely a box or broadcast issue as DD+ ought to be fine into an AVR.

Re: Volume level fluctuations on UHD broadcasts

Super+Anthony — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 19:27:36 GMT

Same. My 5:1 sound bar is plugged into the TV though the e-arc which I was advised is the best way. I then got the Sky box plugged into TV

Re: Volume level fluctuations on UHD broadcasts

lettice — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 19:46:55 GMT

@DPT79 wrote:
@lettice
thank you for this. It does it on recordings as well. I've tried all sorts of soft and hard reboots of the box, but the issue is persistent.

I do have it on DD+ right now, so I'll try DD, even though it's still surely a box or broadcast issue as DD+ ought to be fine into an AVR.

From what I've seen on multiple setups a reboot of the Sky q box often makes no difference in these sound glitches, but the tv source change or just Sky drop to standby seems to help, especially when it's more random.

Think if it was a broadcast issue, we possibly would all be getting it

@DPT79

If you want to list your tv model, audio devices and Sky q box in some detail, plus the channels and rough amount of times a day/ hour etc you get this I will pass on to our closed forum for a possible technical check with Sky.

Sky do work closely at times to solve Sky device problems with the major tv manufacturers and the like try to resolve issues.

Re: Volume level fluctuations on UHD broadcasts

Super+Anthony — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 19:48:49 GMT

I think you might be right. I just did it and seems to be better!!!

Re: Volume level fluctuations on UHD broadcasts

DPT79 — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 20:02:27 GMT

@lettice

Thanks again. I'll try the standby and tv source change.

TV is an LG C9, AVR is an Anthem MRX520. Sky Q box hardware version is 32B240. The sky box goes through the AVR.

Re: Volume level fluctuations on UHD broadcasts

DPT79 — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 20:05:52 GMT

@lettice

in terms of of times, channels etc. I've only noticed it on UHD channels and sports. I experience it both live and recorded on F1 and I watch every race, so that gives a good idea as to when. It was certainly doing it last year as well as this, up to and including today. I also watch cricket from time to time and it was doing it both yesterday and today on the Cricket channel UHD.

Thanks again.

Re: Volume level fluctuations on UHD broadcasts

Super+Anthony — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 20:06:52 GMT

For me it seems to happen on other channels as well

Re: Volume level fluctuations on UHD broadcasts

DPT79 — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 20:12:15 GMT

@lettice

Sorry I keep realising there were other things you asked me!

In terms of the frequency of the volume level fluctuating it will do it maybe 2 or 3, perhaps 4 times during a 3-4 ish hour window whilst watching the F1 pre-amble, race and post-amble.

It is quite a marked chenge, i will have to adjust the AVR volume by 4-5 steps to get it back to the same level.

thanks!

Re: Volume level fluctuations on UHD broadcasts

lettice — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 20:33:37 GMT

Thanks @DPT79

Have enough info for now, I will pass on to Sky tomorrow for you and flag this post.

Please though on your recording of hdr and if poss, the live hdr cricket 'rain or shine 😀 at Edbaston tomorrow' try my suggestion to see if it helps. May not be a complete cure, but report if it's reducing the problem somewhat..

Re: Volume level fluctuations on UHD broadcasts

DPT79 — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 20:40:16 GMT

Thanks very much and will do.

I also changed to the setting from DD+ to DD and it didn't do it again after that point, although not long enough to really judge if it is resolved.

Re: Volume level fluctuations on UHD broadcasts

Super+Anthony — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 20:42:58 GMT

@lettice Thank you for all your help. I was watching most of the cricket and the sound was very low. Hopefully with your help Sky can look into this. I don't fully understand how the levels can change so often