Fluctuating volume from Sony AV

[admin_exported]

I have a home cinema system which includes a Sony STR-DH810 AV unit. I have this paired with a set of Tannoy SFX5.1 speakers. Generally I find this to be a great system with incredible sound quality for TV and Movies.

I have one gripe though, and wonder if anyone can offer any advice?

The volume rises hugely when a scene changes from normal to action. The write up for the AV system says that it has sound leveling, but i'm forever having to quickly turn the volume down, a lot, when an action scene starts, and then turn it up when it is over again.

Is this normal for home cinema systems of this price range (AV £300, speakers £200). Can anyone advise of a way to level the volume variance out?

Thanks,

Richard.

 

[John Duncan]

Movies tend to have terrific dynamic range, which can make the action scenes veeeeery loud when compared to normal dialogue levels. The STR-DH810 has a 'night mode' which reduces the dynamic range to level out the volume (see p55 of the manual). Not quite as the director intended, but it can be very useful, especially if you have neighbours...