Pioneer VSX-74TXVI Receiver "Digital Norm" display

[Bigsilvs]

Everytime I change channels (between HD channels or from HD to analog channels) with my Directv HD Receiver, I get a "Digital Norm" message on my Pioneer receiver. I also notice that the volume is way louder or more quit than other HD Channels. This could be due to the fact that the Digital Norm changes from +4 to -2 for an example between channels. For the life of me, I can't find anything about "Digital Norm" in my Pioneer manual and in the settings or on the remote control.

I have my Directv HD Receiver to my TV with HDMI. I also use an Optical cable from my Directv HD Receiver to my Pioneer receiver.

Anyone have a Pioneer receiver that could help?

 

[MDS]

Never heard of 'Digital Norm' but the description sounds like 'DialNorm' (Dialog Normalization).

Dolby Digital bitstreams may have other information embedded in them (known as meta-data) and DialNorm is one of them. The average level of dialog is supposed to be -31 dB. If the soundtrack was mastered at a level where the average level of the dialog is not -31 dB, then the engineer may include a DialNorm value to indicate how the actual level differs from the 'standard' of -31 dB. So, if the average level is really -27 dB, the DialNorm value will indicate that and the receiver will automatically attenuate the level by 4 dB to make it -31 dB and will briefly flash a message like 'DialNorm: -4 dB' to indicate that it has done so.

The intent is to keep the relative level between different sources about equal in volume and the feature is generally only implemented on THX certified receivers.

 

[wafflebird]

Kind of aggravating huh?

I have a Comcast Hi-Def-DVR box. I have found that all of the HD channels are generally broadcast in 5.1. As a result they are generally quieter than the SD channels. So going between SD and Hi-Def requires a good deal of volume adjusting. MDS has got the handle on the message you see. The receiver is making adjustments it is being told to. I have a Yamaha RX-V2500 and I see the same thing. For me on FOX HD the commercials are distinctively louder than the broadcast material. Even in my bedroom on any channel that broadcasts in 5.1 (not hi-def just 5.1) I also have to adjust the volume up a bit from a stereo or DD channel volume level. Hope this helps some.

 

[Bigsilvs]

Never heard of 'Digital Norm' but the description sounds like 'DialNorm' (Dialog Normalization).

Dolby Digital bitstreams may have other information embedded in them (known as meta-data) and DialNorm is one of them. The average level of dialog is supposed to be -31 dB. If the soundtrack was mastered at a level where the average level of the dialog is not -31 dB, then the engineer may include a DialNorm value to indicate how the actual level differs from the 'standard' of -31 dB. So, if the average level is really -27 dB, the DialNorm value will indicate that and the receiver will automatically attenuate the level by 4 dB to make it -31 dB and will briefly flash a message like 'DialNorm: -4 dB' to indicate that it has done so.

The intent is to keep the relative level between different sources about equal in volume and the feature is generally only implemented on THX certified receivers.

After further evaluation of the display, you are correct in it saying "DialNorm." Man I feel stupid but to my defense it does flash up pretty fast hehe. Anyways, I do have a feature on my remote (Analog ATT) where I can turn the input attenuator on or off. This might help between analog signals but my problem is basically switching between HD Channels or digital sounds. I wish there was a way where I could assign a certain volume level to a certain tv channel or station. It sucks to keep switching between HD football games during a commercial break and having to hurry up and turn the volume up or down.

Nice catch though and thanks for your help!