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Few things are more frustrating than settling in to watch a show only for a commercial to suddenly sound much louder than the program itself. Now, updated industry standards could help address that problem beyond traditional broadcast television.
The Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) has updated its guidance on television advertising volume levels to account for advertising delivered through streaming platforms and other modern forms of digital television.
Historically, volume regulations and technical standards were primarily designed around traditional broadcast and cable television. But the way people watch video has changed dramatically, with streaming services now delivering a growing share of television content and advertisements.
The updated approach is intended to provide a more consistent audio experience across different types of programming and delivery platforms. In theory, viewers should be less likely to experience dramatic jumps in volume when an advertisement begins, regardless of whether they are watching through a traditional television service or a streaming platform.
The change is particularly relevant as streaming services increasingly rely on advertising-supported plans. With more commercials appearing in digital video environments, viewers have become more sensitive to differences in audio levels between shows, movies, and advertisements.
While technical standards do not necessarily eliminate every loud commercial immediately, the updated guidance could give broadcasters, streaming platforms, advertisers, and technology providers a clearer framework for managing audio levels.
For viewers, the goal is simple: fewer sudden volume spikes and less scrambling for the remote every time an ad break begins. As television continues to move toward a mix of traditional broadcasting and streaming, updated standards could help make the viewing experience more consistent across both.