The thing that really burns me is that when they go from network programming - to commercial - the volume goes up be a few decibels. To the point that I get annoyed more by the loudness - rather than the actual commercial.
My wife chides me - cause I keep the remote nearby - and when the commercials come on - I hit the mute button. It also allows conversation during the commercials.
there is a different compression added to adverts to make them louder...
originally i guess this served to make them stand out..
but now it appears to be counter productive.
i too mute the adverts merely because i have to grab the remote to turn them down anyway..so it is easier to press one button when they begin and another when they end rather than juggle the volume.
i understand that companies have to advertise...and i also want to know about some events or releases that i might otherwise have missed. but i have to say that if the volume stayed the same then i wouldnt mute and would continue watching. i'm sure many others do likewise..so tv companies i think you should take note of that.
i have also noticed that when you record something on tape or dvd then even at fast forward the barand name can still be seen so it still makes an impression..this makes more sense than increasing the volume