Universal DVD audio problems

[BigDaddyX2]

Hi, I'm a long-time-listener-first-time-caller. I tried doing a forum search on anything pertaining to this subject and I couldn't find one. So here goes.

I've had problems with Universal DVD's since I could remember, but not with all releases. I usually experience a noticeable dip in sound volume when things are supposed to get pretty loud (i.e.: an explosion, gunfight, airplane/helicopter fly-bye, car crash, etc.) and it usually continues for 15-20 seconds afterwards. It gets really annoying because you can't hear what people are trying to say at the time and I have to crank the volume up, then turn it back down when things "normalize". I have the same results when playing the movies on my old-ass DVD player and my 60gb PS3.

Here's my system's specs:
Receiver - Sony STR-DE985(Black model)
DVD Player - Sony DVP-S530D

I do use the TOSLINK audio hook-up for both the DVD player and PS3. The receiver doesn't have an HDMI connection and I plan on upgrading it soon.

Here's a list of some of the movies that I've noticed audio changes in:
Shaun of the Dead
Hot Fuzz
Hulk (2003)
The Mummy + sequels
Dawn of the Dead (2004)
U-571
And the list goes on and on...

But here are some that have no changes:
Gladiator
Back to the Future Trilogy
I'm sure there's more but it's late and I can't think that clearly.

I don't have any sound issues with any other sound studio; just Universal. And that worries me because they are going to start releasing movies on BD soon. I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem, and if so, how did you fix it (if at all)? If you haven't had any problems with Universal DVD's, do you have any insight in this matter? Thanks in advance.

[Clark Kent]

Which audio track are you listening to on these Universal dvds? I think some of them might have DTS soundtracks which have no dialogue normalization built into them. Are you listening to Dolby Digital or DTS soundtracks on these dvds?

[dgator783]

ive never really noticed but it could be a problem with Universal compressing the audio tracks to certain movies so they fit onto a dvd without affecting pq....just a guess

[HDJK]

Originally Posted by dgator783

ive never really noticed but it could be a problem with Universal compressing the audio tracks to certain movies so they fit onto a dvd without affecting pq....just a guess

I would guess just the opposite. Maybe the Uni DVDs are more dynamic and the OPs receiver has some sort of loudness function (compressor) built in. Our TV has one too, and the release time on these are usually really slow (like 5 to 10 seconds).

[aramis109]

Originally Posted by HDJK

I would guess just the opposite. Maybe the Uni DVDs are more dynamic and the OPs receiver has some sort of loudness function (compressor) built in. Our TV has one too, and the release time on these are usually really slow (like 5 to 10 seconds).

+1. This is my guess as well. Check your receiver settings. Are you using some kind of night time mode?

[crackinhedz]

did you set the PS3 and DVD player to Bitstream for Optical audio?

[BigDaddyX2]

Originally Posted by Clark Kent

Which audio track are you listening to on these Universal dvds? I think some of them might have DTS soundtracks which have no dialogue normalization built into them. Are you listening to Dolby Digital or DTS soundtracks on these dvds?

Hmmm. The DTS soundtrack DVD's that I have from Universal don't seem to be having this problem (BTTF and Gladiator). I'll do some tests with my copy of Pitch Black: Director's Cut. It has both DD and DTS audio. I'll see if I can hear any differences in the audio tracks.

Originally Posted by aramis109

+1. This is my guess as well. Check your receiver settings. Are you using some kind of night time mode?

I do not think the receiver is set in a night time mode, but I can check it out later tonight. Other BD/DVD movies I've watch with it have no audio changes. I just saw Signs on BD last night without any problems.

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

did you set the PS3 and DVD player to Bitstream for Optical audio?

The PS3 is set to Linear PCM for both BD/DVD Audio Output. As far as the DVD player's setting: No clue, but I have used the PCM track on my Robin Williams: Live on Broadway DVD and the receiver said Linear PCM while viewing through the DVD player.

Thanks for the input.

[Beta Man]

Does the t.v. have that special mode used to supress loud noises??? it was an older feature that someone thought was a good idea, to adjust for when commercials are too loud etc...... forget what it's called....

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by BigDaddyX2

The PS3 is set to Linear PCM for both BD/DVD Audio Output. As far as the DVD player's setting: No clue, but I have used the PCM track on my Robin Williams: Live on Broadway DVD and the receiver said Linear PCM while viewing through the DVD player.

Thanks for the input.

set the PS3 and DVD audio output to Bitstream. Its a must for true surround sound with Optical cable.

You said you played the PCM track on your Robin Williams DVD, it will be PCM no matter what. Set both players to Bitstream (pcm tracks will always be pcm anyways.)

The problem, is that having your PS3 set to Linear PCM, it is decoding the lossless tracks internally and optical is only capable of 2.0 (stereo) Uncompressed PCM.

Listening in stereo mode is why it sounds like you are losing dialogue. But in reality, its just on the wrong setting.

Trust, set the players to Bitstream.

[BigDaddyX2]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

set the PS3 and DVD audio output to Bitstream. Its a must for true surround sound with Optical cable.

You said you played the PCM track on your Robin Williams DVD, it will be PCM no matter what. Set both players to Bitstream (pcm tracks will always be pcm anyways.)

The problem, is that having your PS3 set to Linear PCM, it is decoding the lossless tracks internally and optical is only capable of 2.0 (stereo) Uncompressed PCM.

Listening in stereo mode is why it sounds like you are losing dialogue. But in reality, its just on the wrong setting.

Trust, set the players to Bitstream.

Your suggestion worked!... kinda. I'm still hearing a dip in sound, though, but it's not as bad as it was before. I was wondering if anyone else has this same problem or can check it out? I was fiddling around with the Hulk (2003) DVD and the scene where

[Show spoiler]Talbot (Josh Lucas) comes to Banner's house and provokes his anger. As soon as Banner says, "You're making me angry" and begins to transform in to the Hulk; I experience a dip in audio. Also in the same scene where Hulk is outside the house and the cops start shooting at him there is quite a noticeable dip when the cop does the second burst-fire on him with the machine gun.

The audio dip is less noticeable now, but it still remains.

The reason I have been running with Linear PCM was because when I first got the PS3 the Bitstream audio was not functioning properly. The audio would cut off and on every second. Like there wasn't a constant flow of audio passing through. But it seems to be running fine now. I'll do some more testing in the morning. It's been a long day at work.

Thanks again for the input.

[crackinhedz]

also, in the PS3 make sure the Dynamic Range Control is set to "off".