Set-top box volume lower than normal TV

Why is the audio from my box too low?

The sound on my BT Vision is much lower than my TV. Why is this, and what can I do about it?

Question submitted online

Our Answer

Many people experience problems like this, and it’s not unique to BT Vision. Users have reported that the audio level from BT Vision, Sky, Freeview and Virgin Media set-top boxes is lower (or higher) than the volume of their normal TV channels.

Why are the levels different?

It’s quite a common issue, and it’s not a fault. The makers of set-top boxes have to determine a level that will work on a majority of TV sets. All TV sets are different, and handle the volume from their SCART sockets or HDMI connectors differently.

The set-top box makers have to pick an output volume that will work for the majority of TV sets. Many users find that the volume from a Sky or BT Vision box is fine, whilst some report it’s too lud, or more commonly, it’s too quiet.

Is there anything I can do?

In most cases, there’s nothing you can do from the set-top box end, although some boxes do include an independent volume setting.

Sky and BT Vision boxes have a fixed volume output that can’t be tweaked by the user. Some other boxes may have an audio output setting, and you should check the set-top box Sound or Audio menus to see if there’s any user control.

For most though, it’s something that you have to deal with at the TV end…

Adjusting the TV Sound Settings

To overcome this problem, TV manufacturers often provide controls to allow the problem to be overcome. In some cases, there’s the option to change the volume of connected ‘external sources’, and in other cases, there is some kind of ‘automatic sound control’, or ‘levelling’ setting.

As each TV manufacturer and TV model are different, there’s no common option, and you may need to hunt through the on-screen menus on your TV to find the setting (if there is one).

Go into your TV’s on-screen menu, look for ‘Sound’ or ‘Audio’, and see if you can find an option to adjust sound. Some of the more common expressions to look for in the menus are:

• “Stable Sound”
• “Audio Smoothing”
• “Volume Offset”
• “ALV” – Automatic Volume Leveller
• “AVC” – Automatic Volume Control
• “ALC” – Automatic Level Control

Make a note of any settings you change, in case you make things worse and need to reset the controls.

If you can’t find anything here, go to the TV’s menus for the AUX / AV / Line In sockets, and see if there is anything to control or smooth the audio for SCART or HDMI, whichever you’re using

If you’re still having no luck, experiment with all of the various sound options on your TV, or refer to the TV’s manual on how to deal with levels from external sources.

Any other thoughts?

It’s also worth mentioning that broadcasters play a part here. Some TV channels and TV shows broadcast things at different volumes. A quiet dramatic scene in a movie is, by definition, quieter than a sports commentary when a goal’s been scored. Switching from a quiet show to something loud can be dramatic. Similarly, the volume between a TV show and the adverts can also be quite noticeable.

Again, nothing you can do about it (other than a ‘smoothing’ or ‘levelling’ setting, but worth being aware of.

Sound Advice?

If you have any tips on how you changed the settings for your make and model of TV, please add a comment below. Similarly, if you’re struggling, ask for help below!