Topic: Dolby

The increasing reliance on closed captioning among television viewers is attributed to poor sound mixing in modern productions. Many viewers find that background music and sound effects often drown out actor dialogue. The technical shift to Dolby 5.1 surround sound is identified as a primary cause, as many home setups lack a dedicated center channel for clear speech.

Both hosts express a deep-seated love for radio as a "theater of the mind" that requires no visual preparation. They discuss the importance of high-quality audio, citing an MIT Media Lab study which found that viewers perceive a television picture as being higher quality if the accompanying sound is superior. Dvorak recalls his time as a "hero" to sound engineers at TechTV for advocating for better microphones and audio processing.

A discussion with a Dolby executive reveals technical challenges in the push for 3D television, including the requirement for specialized notch filters and the inability to "casually" watch 3D content. Concerns are raised regarding the impact of 3D perception on the brain development of young children. Despite these flaws, major broadcasters like Sky are heavily investing in 3D sports and programming.

A personal anecdote about listening to a high-end Dolby 5.1 surround sound system prompts a discussion on the decline of audio quality in the digital age. The experience of hearing Pink Floyd and Roger Waters with full fidelity is contrasted with the "starvation" of the brain caused by low-quality MP3s and earbuds. The hosts argue that modern listeners are missing the physical and emotional impact of music that only high-quality speakers can provide.