Q: We have a 77-inch LG OLED TV and a soundbar. When we watch “The Voice” and “America’s Got Talent,” the sound levels are crazy. When they sing, I need to turn up the soundbar volume to about 16, and when the judges talk we have to turn it back down. Any idea why? It only happens on these shows on NBC, and I hear other people complaining about it, so I think it is an NBC problem. Am I correct?

A: Dialogue that is hard to understand and changing volume levels are the most common complaints sent to the column. In this case it is almost certainly the broadcaster that is at fault, because it happens on only one network and with television shows that feature singing.

As to why, during the show’s production multiple audio tracks are recorded and later mixed to create the soundtrack. During the audio mixing, the volumes of the different tracks are adjusted in relation to each other, and it seems that whatever NBC is doing is not working out too well for you or other viewers, despite what likely are good intentions.

A long-term, permanent solution might be on the horizon. Many companies have developed technology to equalize volume and raise dialogue levels above the background sound, but there are limitations. To most electronic devices, dialogue is just another group of frequencies to be reproduced and not a separate “voice.” Manufacturers are applying AI to the problem, with Samsung in particular being very aggressive in its approach and integration into the company’s best televisions.

AI can “listen” to a soundtrack and determine what is a vocal component and then adjust it so it is perfectly rendered. Samsung calls it Active Voice Amplifier Pro, and it is one of many applications of AI found in its televisions. This is the silver bullet solution, and I am very glad to see it.

But AI requires a lot of processing, and a processor powerful enough to do AI typically is found only in higher-end televisions. For 2024, the AI features are included in Samsung Q70 televisions and up, which start at $849. With time, I hope to see this AI voice control included in televisions at all price points from all manufacturers, so we can banish this annoying problem once and for all. In the meantime, it sure would be nice if the networks paid more attention to what they were doing.

Give new cables a try

Q: I just learned that HDMI cables have different speeds and some are called 4K-capable. Do you have any specific recommendations for what cables to get? I am having some sync issues between my TV and soundbar, and I hope better cables will help.

A: It is not certain the cables will help, but it is worth trying. Look for cables rated for at least 4K/60Hz. I like the Amazon Basics and Bluerigger brands. They start at $8 for a 6-foot cable.

Send questions to Don Lindich at donlindich@gmail.com. Get recommendations and read past columns at soundadvicenews.com.