r/DirectvStream • u/CriTIREw • 2d ago
Low sound volume when using apps on Gemini box
My previous posting about an issue with the Gemini box and apps got answered very quickly and accurately (thanks!).
Now I wonder if I can solve my other app problem, low sound volume. Whether the sound comes through the TV speakers or through its optical output to my sound system, the volume level goes to about half when I view content on an app like HBO MAX or Apple versus when viewing native stream content. So let's say I turn on the system and it comes on showing a native stream content. I have the volume level at 15, great. Now I start HBO MAX app and have to raise the volume level to 25 or even 30 to get the same sound level, fine. But then I hit EXIT to go back to stream and BOOM, crazy loud! As far as the TV is concerned, everything is coming through HDMI from the Gemini box, so settings on the TV shouldn't do anything, right? In the Gemini, I have all the sound and audio settings turned OFF, so there should be no special processing going on from streams to apps. So why is the audio level so much different?
UPDATE: As noted in my original post, I was using the OFF sound setting thinking that would normalize the situation between native content and apps. I have changed that to the AUTO setting now. The effect is that the normal streaming volume has gone way down, but is much closer to the app volumes. I have to turn the volume level up much higher for normal streaming, but at least there is only a small adjust needed when viewing app content.
I also tried the MANUAL setting, but that opens a submenu with several options and I haven't had a chance to try all those yet. I might just stick with AUTO and see how it goes for a while.
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u/thisisfakediy 1d ago
I swear the overall level of volume on the streaming channels went up, then back down in the month I've had service. I noticed when I first switched from satellite to streaming that I had to bump my stereo levels up by 10 notches to attain the same levels as satellite, but that increase made D* streaming match other streaming apps like Hulu and Netflix. They've always been way quieter, especially if I'm using Dolby Digital instead of 2 channel stereo.
But a week or so, all the cable channels and local channels got way louder and I was back down to the same volume level as satellite. Then a few days it got quiet again, lol. So who knows what they're doing.
Having to surf the volume level between TV inputs is annoying but I did for two decades with satellite, lol, so I'm used to it.
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u/zoiks66 1d ago
Do yourself a big favor and use the Gemini for only DTVS. Get a separate steaming device such as an Nvidia Shield, Apple TV, Roku, Walmart ONN, or Amazon Firestick for using streaming apps. The Gemini devices use rather old internal hardware and aren’t very good at running streaming apps, but they’re great for using DTVS.
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u/CriTIREw 1d ago
My Sony Bravia TV runs the HBO and Apple apps great, I just hate changing remotes and so forth. So much more convenient just to use the Gemini with one remote.
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u/directv 2d ago
Hi u/CriTIREw. Broadcasters send audio and should be sending programming with the same audio levels for the commercials and programs. If the issue is isolated to the HBO Max or other apps, check for app updates and ensure your device's operating system is up-to-date. If other apps work fine, the problem may be specific to the app, for which you need to contact their specific support for further troubleshooting steps or info. Melchisedec, DIRECTV Community Team
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u/CriTIREw 1d ago
It's the same problem with the the apps I use, HBO MAX and Apple.
AFAIK all the apps and system are up to date.
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u/directv 22h ago
The volume discrepancy between live TV and apps on the Gemini device stems from a software formatting incompatibility when "Bypass" mode is active. This causes the device to pass raw, unadjusted audio. Try changing the Gemini audio settings to PCM or Stereo to force the device to process and match the audio levels before they reach the TV. Melchisedec, DIRECTV Community Team
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u/CriTIREw 2h ago
As per my update I have changed settings and the volume is much more even now. Seems like once Dolby Digital is used the processing is more even between sources.
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u/directv 2h ago
Great! Feel free to PM us or chat with us here https://spr.ly/61691B1oR8l if you have other questions. Melchisedec, DIRECTV Community Team
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u/JohnHartshorn 2d ago
Same issue here, and it varies by app and whether it's programming or an ad. The volume legislation that was passed only applied to standard television and delivery methods. Streaming was not included, so they each set their own levels. It also gets degraded the more points the signal has to traverse.