Have you ever found yourself constantly needing to turn up the volume on your TV because it sounds like the actors on screen are whispering, but whenever the action is on screen, your TV feels like it's deafening? It's not just you.
This is one of the most common problems people have with their TV sound, but luckily, you can change a few settings on your TV to make the conversation sound clearer.
Read on for three easy fixes to help your TV sound better.
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1. Check your TV's sound settings
A viewer that adjusts TV sound settings with the remote control. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Most modern TVs have preset sound settings that you can adjust over time to make things sound better, depending on whether you're playing a game, watching a live concert or watching a slow drama. Too much bass will often mask spoken dialogue in TV shows and movies, and I suggest going through your TV's preset sound settings to see if you can make the sound clearer. Most TVs include movie, music and standard TV sound mode. You can find your TV's audio presets by navigating to settings from the remote and selecting “audio.”
Some TVs will also include audio presets specifically designed for conversation. Check to see if you have a “Dialogue,” “News,” “Speech” or “Speech Enhancement” setting in your TV sound settings. Any three of these should help your TV dialogue shine through. You may also want to consider disabling the surround sound or bass boost settings, as this can drown out conversational sound by increasing the bass too much.
Increasing the treble may be worth it if you have access to the EQ settings on your TV and struggle to hear TV chat. A simple adjustment that can improve sound quality without significantly removing non-dialogue audio from a movie or TV show.
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2. Adjust the dynamic range compression
Floor standing speaker. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Dynamic range compression, or “volume leveling,” helps tailor the sound to personal needs. Volume leveling reduces the gap between the loudest and quietest sounds on the screen, making it easier to hear and understand the on-screen dialogue, especially in action movies, where the dialogue is often quieter than the preceding action sequence. You will find settings to increase the volume or suppress the dynamic range in your TV sound settings, which, on most TVs, you can access directly from the remote.
My TV has a volume leveler, and I like to use it when I watch TV late at night at low volume. It helps me understand everything easily without the speakers being too loud to wake up the other person. It's also a great way to keep the sound level down when commercials come on when you're watching cable.
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3. Look at the speakers or sound bar
Speaker. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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The default speakers built into TVs aren't much better. Although few high-end TVs come with a built-in sound bar, you'll still get the best experience with your own speakers or sound bar. If you've followed the two tips above but still have trouble hearing a movie or TV dialogue, it may be time to look and invest in a set of speakers or, if you want a single unit, sound bar.
I prefer to use a sound bar with a TV over speakers for a clean setup because they usually come with built-in subwoofers that boost the bass, making action scenes and music sound more immersive. Additionally, modern soundbars are sleek and can easily blend in with your home decor. Many of them also support advanced audio technology such as Dolby Atmos, which provides a surround sound experience without the need for multiple speakers scattered around the room.
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4. Connecting headphones to your TV
If you have trouble hearing a conversation clearly while watching TV, plugging in headphones can provide a private listening experience that improves sound clarity. Here's how to easily connect both wired and wireless headphones to your TV:
Wired headphones:
Check out the 3.5mm jack: Most TVs, especially older models, have a headphone jack located on the back or side panel. If your TV has this port, just plug in your wired headphones for instant sound.
Using adapters: If your TV does not have a headphone jack but has RCA outputs (red and white ports), you can use an RCA-to-3.5mm adapter to connect your headphones.
Wireless headphones:
Bluetooth connection: Most modern TVs support Bluetooth. To connect:
- Put your headphones into pairing mode (usually by pressing the button until the light blinks).
- Navigate to the TV settings menu, find the Bluetooth option, and activate it.
- Select your headphones from the list of available devices to pair.
Bluetooth Transmitter: If your TV does not have Bluetooth, consider using a Bluetooth transmitter. This device plugs into the TV's audio output (such as the headphone jack or RCA ports) and sends audio wirelessly to your Bluetooth headphones.
Media broadcasters: If you're using devices like Roku or Apple TV, they often support a Bluetooth connection for headphones, allowing you to listen privately on those devices instead.
By connecting headphones, you can enjoy a clear conversation without disturbing others, making it easy to follow along with your favorite shows and movies.
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If you find yourself struggling to catch all the words during your favorite shows, you're not alone. Many people struggle with sound clarity, but by using these simple fixes, you can greatly improve your TV viewing experience. Whether it's adjusting your TV's sound settings, using dynamic range compression, investing in better speakers or soundbars, or plugging in headphones for a more personal listening experience, there are practical solutions at your fingertips.
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