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Google Chromecast with Google TV - Multichannel soundtracks dynamic range compression

djtetei
Bronze
Bronze

I use a HItachi-LG GP96YB70 DVD Multi OS connected to Google Chromecast with Google TV, via a powered USB-C hub.

Google Chromecast with Google TV is connected to a Samsung non smart TV via HDMI and audio signal is sent via USB-C powered hub to a USB digital to analog converter.

In order to play DVD-VIDEO discs on Google Chromecast with Google TV I installed TrueDVD application and during discs playback, the multichannel audio soundtracks volume level fluctuate up and down, which lead me to the conclusion that dynamic range compression is in effect.

My questions are:

  • multichannel audio soundtracks from DVD-Video discs are decoded by Google Chromecast with Google TV operating system codecs or by TrueDVD application codecs?
  • if multichannel audio soundtracks are decoded by Google Chromecast with Google TV operating system codecs, is there any way to set the system to disable audio dynamic range compression (DRC) or is there any possibility of a future update to offer the setting to disable audio dynamic range compression in order to enjoy the full audio dynamic range of multichannel soundtracks?

Updated:

HItachi-LG support answered my request also, with the following statement:

"The DVD-Video multichannel soundtracks are decoded by the Google Chromecast with Google TV.

Please check your Chromecast manual on how to disable this."
 
Now, the question is:
How do we turn off / disable audio dynamic range compression in Google Chromecast with Google TV?
 

Why it is important to have control over dynamic range compression routine?

Dynamic range compression (DRC) containes a set of metadata parameters, embedded in Dolby Digital file container, meant to be processed by Dolby Digital decoders when audio content is played in different environments, like on small TV speakers or small audio systems, and apply dynamic range compression in order to raise the dialog volume and make it more intelligible in relationship with other soundtrack elements.

However, not everyone use small speaker systems or the TV speakers when watching movie content. Some people have dedicated audio systems with individual sound processing capabilities and ample power reserves, able to handle the full dynamic range of multichannel audio soundtracks.

Therefore, the option to setup or disable dynamic range compression allows for the entire dynamic range spectrum to be sent to the big speaker systems, able to handle it.

Thank you kindly!

1 Recommended Answer

Jeran
Community Specialist
Community Specialist

I'm glad that you were able to get your request submitted with Google support! I can't imagine it's a great experience when you are listening to something that does not benefit from the sound being normalized. Just to be safe, I'll pass up this feature request as well because having more settings is never a bad idea.

 

In the meantime, did you have any other questions or concerns, or am I good to lock up the thread?

View Recommended Answer in original post

5 REPLIES 5

Jeran
Community Specialist
Community Specialist

Hey there djtetei!

 

I'm so sorry about the slow response time, I still have a bit of a backlog of threads I need to catch up on, I really appreciate your patience! I went ahead and talked to the engineering team about this and, unfortunately, we have no way manual way to set the audio codecs used by the Chromecast with Google TV. These requests are actually quite common with high-end HiFi audio systems, since streaming normally uses codecs with high compression, which has some "loss" in its audio quality. I'd encourage you to submit feedback via Google TV on this feature.

 

I hope that answers your question, feel free to ask any more if you have any!

 

Best regards,

Jeran

djtetei
Bronze
Bronze

Thank you for your response.

I already got in touch with Google support by message board and I was told that my request and proposal will be forwarded to the development and engineering stuff.

I hope that a future update of the Chromecast with Google TV device will include the option to disable dynamic range compression algorithm because it is really annoying to listen the soundtracks audio level bouncing up and down without any possibility to disable this.

I never use the TV speakers because I route the sound output to the my stereo system (two 15 inch main speakers and two 18 inch subwoofers driven by two power amplifiers) which is more than capable to handle full dynamic range.

Jeran
Community Specialist
Community Specialist

I'm glad that you were able to get your request submitted with Google support! I can't imagine it's a great experience when you are listening to something that does not benefit from the sound being normalized. Just to be safe, I'll pass up this feature request as well because having more settings is never a bad idea.

 

In the meantime, did you have any other questions or concerns, or am I good to lock up the thread?

djtetei
Bronze
Bronze

Sound normalisation could have its use for some people only on very small speakers, like the ones fitted on TV sets.

I never mind to adjust the volume, because the purpose of dynamic range in music is to present a quiet sound as quiet and a louder sound as loud. Besides, the master level button was invented precisely for that: to control the volume without affecting the mix.

Sound normalisation squash the dynamic range, thus affecting the real ambience.

For the time being, you may close the thread.

Thank you kindly!

Jeran
Community Specialist
Community Specialist

That's my current setup, because I've been too lazy to go out and buy a quality soundbar! That's probably why I haven't noticed any dynamic range issues on my end, since my built-in TV speakers are not very good, and I don't notice the details. 

 

Also, you're welcome! If you ever have any more questions in the future, feel free to create a new thread.

 

Thank you for your help on the forum, I really appreciate it! 

 

Best regards,

Jeran