Aren’t there FCC rules about the audio-level ratio between program material and commercials? I’m guessing those rules apply only to over-the-air broadcasts and perhaps cable or internet channels are exempt.

It does seem that the truest indicator that the content has switched from program material to commercials is the vast increase in audio level. Would someone like to make and market a pass-through loudness detector? Inserted between source and pre/pro or receiver, it monitors the audio level of the incoming signal. The user sets threshold levels (several presets). Once the threshold is exceeded, the output volume is cut by as much as the user wishes, usually either mute or cut by a significant amount, like -20db or -30db (coordinated with aforementioned presets). This is not meant to ‘level out’ the audio level, it is meant to eliminate or move commercials’ audio into the background.

If such a thing were in widespread use, broadcasters who ‘behaved themselves’ and kept commercials’ audio on par with program material would be ‘rewarded’ by passing commercials’ audio through without reduction by the consumer. Broadcasters that ‘goose’ commercials’ audio would learn that consumers were no longer listening during the commercials and perhaps find their sponsors asking that the audio for their commercials be kept in line with the program material - finally getting the broadcasters’ attention where their bread is buttered.

After all, I don’t just want to level the volume to eliminate the annoying blast as the commercials begin, I want to eliminate the commercials’ audio altogether.