As TV and movie consumption increasingly shifts to smaller screens like tablets and smartphones, the clarity of dialogue in streaming content has become an increasing challenge for viewers. Many of us - even those without hearing issues - struggle to understand actors' speech. Indeed, the younger viewers of today use subtitles in far greater numbers than their parents or grandparents ever did.
The causes of this problem tend to fall into three categories:
When content is streamed through apps on TVs, smartphones, or tablets, the audio is often downmixed to suit the limited capabilities of built-in speakers. This process sacrifices the nuances of sound, including dialogue, and can struggle to deal effectively with wide dynamic range (the difference between the levels of loud and soft sounds - for example, an actor whispering vs. a bomb exploding).
The ultra-slim aesthetic of modern TVs often conceals or redirects tiny speakers away from the viewer's ears. Sound quality, including dialogue, inevitably suffers.
Unlike broadcast TV, streaming apps lack strict loudness regulations, leading to inconsistent sound levels between different apps and programs. Frequent volume adjustments may be necessary when switching between streaming platforms and, even then, the dynamic range may differ significantly.
Viewers can take these problems into their own hands in several ways:
Investing in external speakers can significantly enhance audio quality compared to the built-in speakers of modern TVs or devices. Even budget-friendly soundbars can notably improve dialogue clarity over inbuilt TV speakers.
Some streaming apps, such as Amazon Prime Video, have introduced dialogue boost features, which allow users to select options to enhance speech clarity in specific shows and movies.
It may in fact be best to refrain from manually adjusting sound settings on your TV. Most modern TVs include automated sound calibration software that optimises audio levels for various content. Altering settings for one program may lead to audio imbalances in subsequent viewing.
If all else fails, some simple, inexpensive changes to your living room can make a huge difference. See our article, “How can I improve my room acoustics?” for more information.
The challenge of deciphering speech in streaming content is now a sadly familiar issue, though solutions are gradually emerging. External speakers, in-app dialogue enhancers, a cautious approach to sound settings, and simple changes to the listening environment can all contribute to better dialogue clarity (and better sound in general). Meanwhile, the industry continues to clumsily navigate through this complex issue, while rapid technological change (and the changes in viewing habits that result) ensure that the path to a comprehensive fix may remain elusive.
