Tech help, pls: Quiet DVDs

[karohemd]

When I watch DVDs on my PC (my monitor is larger than my TV so it's an obvious choice), I have to turn up the volume quite a bit to be able to hear the sound properly. This was the case with the previous mobo and it also happens with the new one.
All my audio settings are on max (playing CDs or mp3s or computer sounds is fine) and I can turn up the DVD loud enough to hear it properly but if there's another message popping up etc., that sound is very loud.
I checked on the web and this seems to be a reasonably common problem but none of the suggestions seem to help me.

Any ideas?

Comments

[mazzarc.livejournal.com]

What sound card do you have?

If you don't have a surround sound one, it's possible that the DVD's are outputting surround sound audio, but you're only getting a bit of it as you may have stereo sound..

Or you could ahve the same problem I do... my audio 5.1 surround system keeps losing its settings, making the back speakers really loud, but the one that is important for dialog, the center one, very quiet.

I'm happy to have a gander at some point if you wish.

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

Only onboard sound and I don't have the room for big speakers.
I fiddled in the PowerDVD settings a bit (to stereo downmix) which seems to have improved the situation somewhat and the discrepancy between DVD volume and generic volume isn't that great anymore.

Apparently, it's a typical problem as DVD software is coded to output the optimum volume over bigger systems which means when you only have two speaker stereo, there isn't enough signal.

[djonma.livejournal.com]

Partly it's because DVD sound is VERY quiet compared to any normal sound level.
Put a dvd in a dvd player and switch between the dvd and the tv and you'll notice the difference.
It's not just a 2 speaker thing, I've got a 7.1 sound system on my MB, and a 5.1 speaker system and we have to turn the sound up hugely.

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

*nods*
At least it's an issue that's inherent in the technology rather than specific to my system.
Thanks!

BTW, I just cooked a risotto with asparagus tips, green beans and mushrooms. Photo after Dr Who.

[djonma.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I don't know WHY it's a problem, it just is. It's really irritating turning the sound up really high, then switching to soemthing else and being deafened!

And Mmmmmmmm yummy!

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

*nods* I usually have Yahoo Messenger on in the background so the New Mail sound makes me jump every time.

:o) It was indeed.

[mazzarc.livejournal.com]

With a TV yes, I've experienced that. But never had it with my pc... if anything the other way round. Except of course when it loses my settings.