Loud Adverts

[smurfchops]

Why oh why do they turn up the sound for the adverts, especially on digital. It drives me mad, I just switch over to BBC.

[squarepants]

It's to get your attention, so that you take notice of the products being advertised! Very annoying!!

[snook]

I mentioned this just the other day to a very techie-minded friend and he gave me a full and quite detailed explanation, most of which I either didn't understand or have forgotten. The main point he made was that the volume doesn't actually change, the advertisers just use the higher part of the range of available sound (I think!), without actually adjusting the volume. No, I don't really understand it either, but this bloke could knock up a new computer system out of old gas boiler parts and he arranges the sound and vision effects for major events, so believe me he knows his stuff. It still drives me mad when the sound booms (sorry, when the sound rushes into the higher part of the available range!) and I automatically mute each time ads come on.

[pugwash52]

I just wish someone in advertising would read these posts, and realise how it drives us all mad. Judiewudie turns to BBC and I make sure that I record anything with adverts so that I can fast forward through them. Surely that isn't doing much for product sales.

[snook]

Actually, if it's something I really intend to enjoy watching, (a film, a good documentary) I record it too, then watch it later, knowing I can flick thru the ads. I think the BBC has a lot to answer for, charging us all for a licence, even in extreme circumstances (like if we have a VCR but no TV we still have to have a licence, because the VCR tuner can pick up the BBC's signal!), but I do appreciate being able to watch an entire programme like an adult, without having breaks every 15 minutes or so and being pestered with ads. I suffer from hyperacusis (highly sensitive hearing), some times much more than others, and the suddenness and loudness of the ads is a total intrusion and a turnoff (sometimes literally).

I actually enjoy some of the well made ads, the ones that are quiet, subtle, almost respectful, as though the makers are acutely aware that they are in fact intruding and aren't necessarily welcome. Some of them are quite artistic and some are very clever and humorous, and as long as they're not screaming at me that's okay. But when you've got that cackling, cloaked dwarf bellowing about his company's double glazing being on special offer and barging through double glazing units and pushing them aside... that's when I start to lose it. Or that clown from confused.com. Or that blo0dy elephant.co.uk. Or yes car credit (might have gone bust now actually - hope so). mmmmm.... gotta go and have a coffee in a dark corner somewhere, try and settle my nerves... maybe just do some deep breathing, the coffee might make it worse...

[pugwash52]

snook, it depends on which coffee you use. The current advert shows bossy Trinny and Susannah, telling you which one you should drink......................................or haven't you watched it?!!!!!

[smurfchops]

Shall we ask the question again ... what ad annoys you most ?? ..

[u-chappy]

Your not alone: lot's of people are annoyed about this so we've started a campaign today to raise awareness.

Please go to www.unhappychappy.co.uk to cast your vote.