Boxee

Netflix Audio Volume Increases Randomly

Details

  • Product:
    Boxee Client
  • Severity:
    Major
  • Version:
    V1.0 through V1.5 Beta
  • Operating System:
    Boxee Box
  • Number of attachments:
    0

Description

When watching a program on Netflix, the Audio will sometimes randomly get ~30% louder during the start of the film within the first 3 minutes of the clip. If you Pause it -> Hit Play again it'll go back to normal. If you just continue to let it play, you adjust the Volume on your TV, then within the next 5 minutes the audio goes back down. This causes you to continually grab the volume remote or Pausing/Playing the Video. If the volume increases during the start of the video, it will behave irregularly like this throughout the entire video. The same video file will sometimes act-up, and other-times it won't however this is occurring quite frequently when watching Netflix Content.

It only occurs with Netflix files, not Local Media. I don't have Volume Control enabled on the Boxee, my audio settings are all off (No DTS or anything), I just have it setup as Digital (HDMI). My Amp is hooked up Boxee -> HDMI -> TV -> Digital Optic & HDMI -> AMP. The TV and Amp are both Sony but HDMI control is turned off (I tried with it On, no difference).


This is an issue that's been around since V1.0 and with the release of V1.5B it's still occuring.

Hardware: QNAP TS-659 PII w/16TB NAS -> Boxee Box -> HDMI -> 52" Sony KDL-52VL150 -> HDMI & Digital Cable -> 1000W BPV-E500W Sony Amp

Forum Link: http://forums.boxee.tv/showthread.php?t=51850

Issue Links

is duplicated by

Bug - A problem which impairs or prevents the functions of the product. BOXEE-12917 Netflix audio randomly becomes higher and lower

  • P2 -
  • Closed - The issue is considered finished, the resolution is correct. Issues which are closed can be reopened.
relates

Bug - A problem which impairs or prevents the functions of the product. BOXEE-11919 Video/audio skip with netflix

  • P2 -
  • Reopened - This issue was once resolved, but the resolution was deemed incorrect. From here issues are either marked assigned or resolved.

Activity

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Al added a comment -
I don't seem to be the only one with this issue:
http://forums.boxee.tv/showthread.php?t=51850
Show
Al added a comment - I don't seem to be the only one with this issue: http://forums.boxee.tv/showthread.php?t=51850
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karl added a comment -
Me too. Happens all the time. I assumed it was tied into the other audio issues, but since a Jira is now open +1 - Happens on both my boxee's
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karl added a comment - Me too. Happens all the time. I assumed it was tied into the other audio issues, but since a Jira is now open +1 - Happens on both my boxee's
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Ora Järvinen added a comment -
Being in Europe I don't use Netflix... but this happens to me also, with other apps like TuneIn. I haven't timed this, but after a certain time the audio gets louder (sometimes really loud and distorted).

I'm using the optical S/PDIF output (analog off).
Show
Ora Järvinen added a comment - Being in Europe I don't use Netflix... but this happens to me also, with other apps like TuneIn. I haven't timed this, but after a certain time the audio gets louder (sometimes really loud and distorted). I'm using the optical S/PDIF output (analog off).
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Thomas added a comment -
This happens to me all the time. I have one Boxee connected to a Plasma TV via HDMI. I also have one Boxee connected to a tuner/amp & projector, video signal via HDMI, audio signal via RCA. Happens on both when watching movies on Netflix only. All other apps that I use, it doesn't happen. All files I have locally it doesn't happen on.

a_team suggested I vote to get this issue fixed.
<http://forums.boxee.tv/showthread.php?t=51850&page=2>

I just thought that all issues were important enough to warrant being fixed.
Show
Thomas added a comment - This happens to me all the time. I have one Boxee connected to a Plasma TV via HDMI. I also have one Boxee connected to a tuner/amp & projector, video signal via HDMI, audio signal via RCA. Happens on both when watching movies on Netflix only. All other apps that I use, it doesn't happen. All files I have locally it doesn't happen on. a_team suggested I vote to get this issue fixed. < http://forums.boxee.tv/showthread.php?t=51850&page=2 > I just thought that all issues were important enough to warrant being fixed.
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kevin kelm added a comment -
Happens to me every time I watch Netflix on the box
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kevin kelm added a comment - Happens to me every time I watch Netflix on the box
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Andy Spivey added a comment -
I notice this in Netflix and local media playback.
Show
Andy Spivey added a comment - I notice this in Netflix and local media playback.
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Jason Sievert added a comment -
Just got my Boxee and have been having this issue from day one, at about 15min into a show on Netflix the volume jumps up. Boxee is directly attached to my TV via HDMI and using the TVs internal speakers.
Show
Jason Sievert added a comment - Just got my Boxee and have been having this issue from day one, at about 15min into a show on Netflix the volume jumps up. Boxee is directly attached to my TV via HDMI and using the TVs internal speakers.
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Jakob Hilarius Nielsen added a comment -
I'm having the same issue. My Box is connected through a Denon AVR-1908 using HDMI and Boxee audio output settings is set to HDMI.
Show
Jakob Hilarius Nielsen added a comment - I'm having the same issue. My Box is connected through a Denon AVR-1908 using HDMI and Boxee audio output settings is set to HDMI.
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Roy Perkins added a comment -
Same issue on two different Boxee Boxes. This didn't start on me until the 1.5 update. One BB connected through a Samsung Surround and the other direct connected to a Dynex television.
Show
Roy Perkins added a comment - Same issue on two different Boxee Boxes. This didn't start on me until the 1.5 update. One BB connected through a Samsung Surround and the other direct connected to a Dynex television.
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bigthinker added a comment -
same issue. boxee 1.5 with hdmi out on netflix.
Show
bigthinker added a comment - same issue. boxee 1.5 with hdmi out on netflix.
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André Fettouhi added a comment -
Still present in 1.5.1 final.
Show
André Fettouhi added a comment - Still present in 1.5.1 final.
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innovativevsregressive added a comment - - edited
No Netflix app for the UK yet, but the volume has increased when I've been watching BBC iPlayer videos and even once during a youtube video (both in the Boxee Browser) HDMI out.
Show
innovativevsregressive added a comment - - edited No Netflix app for the UK yet, but the volume has increased when I've been watching BBC iPlayer videos and even once during a youtube video (both in the Boxee Browser) HDMI out.
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Casey S added a comment -
I to have had this issue in Netflix only. The sound issue is coming from boxee as no other device is at fault and other files play fine on the boxee. This is a Netflix boxee issue. Kinda sad when there is a Netflix button on the remote. It's a setop box there should not be a sound issue at all, or a video playback issue. PERIOD. I bought this to replace a cheaper simpler box, and it never had any issues with sound or vid playback. Come on D-link.
Show
Casey S added a comment - I to have had this issue in Netflix only. The sound issue is coming from boxee as no other device is at fault and other files play fine on the boxee. This is a Netflix boxee issue. Kinda sad when there is a Netflix button on the remote. It's a setop box there should not be a sound issue at all, or a video playback issue. PERIOD. I bought this to replace a cheaper simpler box, and it never had any issues with sound or vid playback. Come on D-link.
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darcilicious added a comment -
Had this issue last night for the first time; audio out is analog/stereo.
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darcilicious added a comment - Had this issue last night for the first time; audio out is analog/stereo.
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William Johnson added a comment -
Same here... HDMI out straight to tv
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William Johnson added a comment - Same here... HDMI out straight to tv
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patrick mccarthy added a comment -
seems to have gotten worse with the most recent update. previously i have audio drops but didnt notice the volume increase. with this version there is an obvious volume bump after the audio drops
Show
patrick mccarthy added a comment - seems to have gotten worse with the most recent update. previously i have audio drops but didnt notice the volume increase. with this version there is an obvious volume bump after the audio drops
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Peter Revie added a comment -
Same issue for me, audio is SPDIF to DTS receiver. Usual behaviour is Netflix audio starts out low, causing me to bump my receiver audio level. 15-20 minutes into the show/movie audio volume jumps noticeably, enough that I have to bring receiver audio level down to normal levels. I have experienced a subsequent drop in audio level (back to startup level) after some time further.
Show
Peter Revie added a comment - Same issue for me, audio is SPDIF to DTS receiver. Usual behaviour is Netflix audio starts out low, causing me to bump my receiver audio level. 15-20 minutes into the show/movie audio volume jumps noticeably, enough that I have to bring receiver audio level down to normal levels. I have experienced a subsequent drop in audio level (back to startup level) after some time further.
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Jason Adair added a comment -
Just bought my Boxee about 2 weeks ago. Optical SPDIF to receiver here - same issue. My receiver uses negative values up to zero for volume levels. Netflix starts out needing a -18 or so then some time into the show/movie I need to turn it down to -25 because the audio level jumps up quite a bit. Since this is a main feature of the Boxee box I'm a bit baffled how you're up to a v1.5 firmware and still have glaring bugs like this. Seems anything past 1.0 should be VERY minor big fixes and mostly feature additions/improvements.
Show
Jason Adair added a comment - Just bought my Boxee about 2 weeks ago. Optical SPDIF to receiver here - same issue. My receiver uses negative values up to zero for volume levels. Netflix starts out needing a -18 or so then some time into the show/movie I need to turn it down to -25 because the audio level jumps up quite a bit. Since this is a main feature of the Boxee box I'm a bit baffled how you're up to a v1.5 firmware and still have glaring bugs like this. Seems anything past 1.0 should be VERY minor big fixes and mostly feature additions/improvements.
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Permalink
Gilad Rom added a comment -
Same issue for me. Happens on all Netflix titles. Using HDMI out to a Yamaha receiver.
Show
Gilad Rom added a comment - Same issue for me. Happens on all Netflix titles. Using HDMI out to a Yamaha receiver.
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Casey McEnaney added a comment -
When I watch TV episodes on Netflix using my BoxeeBox it's pretty much a 95% chance that this will happen at some point during the episode. I've experienced the problem using all of the audio outs (Analog, SPDIF and HDMI).
Show
Casey McEnaney added a comment - When I watch TV episodes on Netflix using my BoxeeBox it's pretty much a 95% chance that this will happen at some point during the episode. I've experienced the problem using all of the audio outs (Analog, SPDIF and HDMI).
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Kevin Kembel added a comment -
me too, happens almost every show. always pauing to fix it.
Show
Kevin Kembel added a comment - me too, happens almost every show. always pauing to fix it.
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don dacosta added a comment -
I have been having this exact problem for quite some time now. When I call into Tech support, they seem not to know anything about this issue as documented.
Whenever I begin to play a Netflix movie (streaming only), the audio volume from my HT kicks up radically. A glitch in the streaming initiates the up volume.
I don't use much of the other apps, so can't say if it happens. I suspect it does the same. Firmware updates thus far have not helped.
I also reset the Netflix connection.
Hope they get a resolution soon.
Show
don dacosta added a comment - I have been having this exact problem for quite some time now. When I call into Tech support, they seem not to know anything about this issue as documented. Whenever I begin to play a Netflix movie (streaming only), the audio volume from my HT kicks up radically. A glitch in the streaming initiates the up volume. I don't use much of the other apps, so can't say if it happens. I suspect it does the same. Firmware updates thus far have not helped. I also reset the Netflix connection. Hope they get a resolution soon.
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Steven Rogers added a comment -
I've been experiencing this for a while. Only on Netflix streaming, but it happens nearly every time. My impression is that the volume starts off low, then when it shoots up and blasts you, that's the "normal" volume level. Once it shoots up, I just leave it and it's good for the duration. But then on the next then, it's quiet at the start again. You have to crank the volume to hear it and then wait for it . . . . when is it going to blast . . . you forget about it . . . then BAM! volume jump, and you lunge for the remote.
Show
Steven Rogers added a comment - I've been experiencing this for a while. Only on Netflix streaming, but it happens nearly every time. My impression is that the volume starts off low, then when it shoots up and blasts you, that's the "normal" volume level. Once it shoots up, I just leave it and it's good for the duration. But then on the next then, it's quiet at the start again. You have to crank the volume to hear it and then wait for it . . . . when is it going to blast . . . you forget about it . . . then BAM! volume jump, and you lunge for the remote.
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kevev kevev added a comment -
Same exact issue here. I have factory reset my boxee and manually updated to the latest firmware to date. Please fix this. Thank You. :o)
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kevev kevev added a comment - Same exact issue here. I have factory reset my boxee and manually updated to the latest firmware to date. Please fix this. Thank You. :o)
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Christopher Albanese added a comment -
I also get this issue, but not only in the Netflix app -- I haven't caught the trend yet, but some of my server files also have this happen. Netflix, however, goes from unbearably soft to unbearably loud several times during every item streamed.
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Christopher Albanese added a comment - I also get this issue, but not only in the Netflix app -- I haven't caught the trend yet, but some of my server files also have this happen. Netflix, however, goes from unbearably soft to unbearably loud several times during every item streamed.
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Vinod Panicker added a comment -
Same issue here.

Video is through HDMI and audio is through analog to my amplifier. It's bad enough that the Netflix app doesn't allow volume control but this is like salt on the wound.
Show
Vinod Panicker added a comment - Same issue here. Video is through HDMI and audio is through analog to my amplifier. It's bad enough that the Netflix app doesn't allow volume control but this is like salt on the wound.
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D. Keeler added a comment -
Just bought the boxee box this morning and we're seeing the issue on Netflix immediately. Starts low and eventually we'll notice the sound ramps up quite dramatically - possibly more than 30%. I have to put my Sharp Aquos TV up to '50' (it usually sits at 20-25 for regular cable TV in our living room) and once the volume jumps turn down to the regular 20-25!

This issue will make my purchase of the Boxee box very difficult to justify to my wife. We have an Xbox360, PS3, Mac Mini that all play Netflix flawlessly, and the TV itself has a Netflix player which works quite well too. Since the wife watches Netflix much more than I, I may be getting quite a bit of flack from her over the ~$200 CAD purchase of yet another media player. It may even have to go back to the store if she's adequately annoyed... please help by fixing this issue!! I want the boxee for the playback of unsupported files by my other media devices.
Show
D. Keeler added a comment - Just bought the boxee box this morning and we're seeing the issue on Netflix immediately. Starts low and eventually we'll notice the sound ramps up quite dramatically - possibly more than 30%. I have to put my Sharp Aquos TV up to '50' (it usually sits at 20-25 for regular cable TV in our living room) and once the volume jumps turn down to the regular 20-25! This issue will make my purchase of the Boxee box very difficult to justify to my wife. We have an Xbox360, PS3, Mac Mini that all play Netflix flawlessly, and the TV itself has a Netflix player which works quite well too. Since the wife watches Netflix much more than I, I may be getting quite a bit of flack from her over the ~$200 CAD purchase of yet another media player. It may even have to go back to the store if she's adequately annoyed... please help by fixing this issue!! I want the boxee for the playback of unsupported files by my other media devices.
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Scott Meyer added a comment -
I also have this problem - currently hooked up via HDMI to an Onkyo NR-809...
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Scott Meyer added a comment - I also have this problem - currently hooked up via HDMI to an Onkyo NR-809...
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Blake Mitchell added a comment -
I am having the same issue. The thing That I have noticed is the picture studders for a sec and then shortly after the volume increases. This is becoming a joke.
Show
Blake Mitchell added a comment - I am having the same issue. The thing That I have noticed is the picture studders for a sec and then shortly after the volume increases. This is becoming a joke.
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Bill Payne added a comment -
This is happeneing quite a lot.
DSM-380
Hardware: A3
Firmware: 1.5.1.23735-b6a5be1
Show
Bill Payne added a comment - This is happeneing quite a lot. DSM-380 Hardware: A3 Firmware: 1.5.1.23735-b6a5be1
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Chris J Lorch added a comment - - edited
This is incredibly inhibiting to watching shows, inevitable and embarrassing for anybody watching a TV show with me on Netflix. There's gotta be something you guys can do to get this to stop.
Thanks!
Show
Chris J Lorch added a comment - - edited This is incredibly inhibiting to watching shows, inevitable and embarrassing for anybody watching a TV show with me on Netflix. There's gotta be something you guys can do to get this to stop. Thanks!
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j t added a comment -
Boxee's dead/they don't care any more. And you should hope they don't put out another release - for every bug they fix, they create 2 more.
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j t added a comment - Boxee's dead/they don't care any more. And you should hope they don't put out another release - for every bug they fix, they create 2 more.
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Jeff J added a comment -
Not to pile on or anything, but what's the status on this? Boxee, as a company, needs to be a man and mark the bug as 'not going to be fixed' or actually fix things. Far more importantly, they must communicate with their customers. The silence from the company says only one thing, "we're going out of business."
Show
Jeff J added a comment - Not to pile on or anything, but what's the status on this? Boxee, as a company, needs to be a man and mark the bug as 'not going to be fixed' or actually fix things. Far more importantly, they must communicate with their customers. The silence from the company says only one thing, "we're going out of business."
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Max Rathbone added a comment -
I just purchased a Boxee and renamed my collection to fit the naming convention. I'm looking to purchase these for all my extended family.. However, I won't be able to use the Boxee as the media player for my other family members unless this issue is resolved. Many of them already have Netflix streaming devices that work properly without volume drop-outs or spikes. This is a CRITICAL issue that needs resolved.

I really love this device, and can even deal with the other bugs that it has. But this one bug prevents it from being used as a top-of-the-line Netflix streamer. A real shame that this bug has existed for so long. I have little to no hope of it being fixed anytime soon.

I have my Boxee connected via HDMI to my TV and RCA out to my stereo.
Show
Max Rathbone added a comment - I just purchased a Boxee and renamed my collection to fit the naming convention. I'm looking to purchase these for all my extended family.. However, I won't be able to use the Boxee as the media player for my other family members unless this issue is resolved. Many of them already have Netflix streaming devices that work properly without volume drop-outs or spikes. This is a CRITICAL issue that needs resolved. I really love this device, and can even deal with the other bugs that it has. But this one bug prevents it from being used as a top-of-the-line Netflix streamer. A real shame that this bug has existed for so long. I have little to no hope of it being fixed anytime soon. I have my Boxee connected via HDMI to my TV and RCA out to my stereo.

People

  • Assignee:
    Unassigned
    Reporter:
    Al
Vote (53)
Watch (21)

Dates

  • Created:
    Updated: