- Amazon’s new “Dialogue Boost” audio mode improves dialogue clarity in movies and TV shows on Prime Video.
- The problem of inaudible dialogue in movies and TV shows has been a headache for viewers, but Amazon has an innovative solution.
- Dialogue Boost uses artificial intelligence to analyze speech patterns and target segments where music or sound effects may overpower dialogue, enhancing the viewing experience.
Amazon has added a new audio feature to Prime Video called Dialogue Boost, which increases the volume of dialogue in movies and TV shows so viewers can better hear what characters are saying.
The feature is available in the subtitles and audio menu of Prime-exclusive shows such as Jack Ryan, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Harlem, The Big Sick, Beautiful Boy and Being the Ricardos, with more Amazon Originals expected to support it through end of this year.
The growing popularity of subtitles and the common complaint from viewers
According to recent studies, the proportion of viewers who use subtitles while watching TV has increased due to the growing popularity of foreign content, people who use subtitles to learn English, the hearing impaired, and viewers who watch while multitasking.
However, the most common complaint from viewers is that dialogue in movies and TV shows is too quiet, forcing them to turn down the volume during action scenes.
Research and interviews have revealed that sound mixing and reproduction in movies and TV shows has broken down at every stage of production, from initial recording to final output.
Audio crews complain about being ignored on sets, and professional mixers have to edit sound without knowing what the audience is going to use. Video compression and low quality TV speakers also contribute to the problem.
Amazon solution
Amazon’s solution attacks the problem at the mixing and compression stage by using artificial intelligence to analyze speech patterns and target segments where music or sound effects may overpower dialogue.
The advantage of Amazon’s solution is that it works on all Prime Video compatible devices, including simple TV speakers, headphones, phone and tablet speakers, or any other audio output device.