Pass the remote.
Posted by Big John on November 26, 2006
I won’t say that I am a big fan of the BBC’s ‘Holiday’ programme, but I will miss it now that it is to be axed after 37 years.
However one thing that I will not miss is all that bloody noise at the start of the show with all that ‘whooshing’ around the globe and screams of … “Oh Yes!” “Oh Yes!” … as poor old Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen tries not to fall into the Grand Canyon as he is forced to shout … “The programme that gives you the world” … in order to be heard above all that din.
I am fed up with trying to watch TV shows and movies where it is almost impossible to hear what is being said above all the background noise and loud soundtrack music. Even the TV news has thumping noise in the background.
When I first visited the United States some thirty years ago and watched American TV shows I was surprised by the studio audiences’ reaction when someone was introduced by any show’s host. Even the most unfunny comedian was greeted with a minute or so of yells, whistles, screams and loud applause. Of course by now we have all become familiar with this orchestrated audience ’participation’ on British TV, which is now often accompanied by deafening ’blasts’ of sound by a studio band.
At least when the commercials come on I can ‘click’ off the sound. I can also turn down the volume if I am unhappy with the sound level on a music programme, but what of the ‘raucous’ rest ? …
… I wonder if my remote has a subtitles only button ?
Terri said
Boy, I know what you’re saying….just the other morning I was watching the Today Show and Meridith and Matt Lauer were outside where the crowds were and the people were yelling SO much I wasn’t even able to hear what Meridith was saying. You’d think they’d have a way of blocking out all that background sound….or maybe they want to.
Ginnie said
I gave up on most TV a long time ago. I can’t stand the “canned”stuff and usually just put the news on (CNN) in the background to keep up with what’s going on in the world. Of course that can be very depressing too…so a good book is my answer.
Rhea said
I am always turning on the subtitles. I have trouble with accents and stuff.
rosebud said
I’ve taken to watching TV with the sound off as well. I think it is more entertaining that way plus I can talk on the phone while watching. Shows that have laughter to jokes not even remotely funny are ridiculously insulting to my sense of humor.