LETTERS EXTRA
I can refute the excuses being made by experts that new flat televisions are to blame for the continuing problem of muffled speech and mumbling actors and presenters.
It is happening right across the TV network, not just on the BBc. I haven’t got a ‘new’ flat TV, and I do not use the sound system provided on my TV.
My TV is an old-fashioned flat-screen one, about nine years old, and has always been connected to a superior Bose sound system. and I never had a problem with the sound until Jamaica Inn and similar productions suddenly became almost inaudible in parts.
after that, the mumbling seemed to progress to newsreaders and presenters right across the spectrum.
The sound quality seems to be affected by the positioning of the small microphone on the clothing. I’ve noticed that the further away from the mouth the microphone is, the more muffled the sound.
a good test, I have noticed, is to watch an old-fashioned film where I can guarantee the sound quality and speech will be as clear as a bell, which disproves the idea that it is the quality of the speakers in today’s TVs being acoustically inadequate.
Some modern actors and actresses are mumbling and speaking too quickly. They have lost the art of projecting their voices and speak in low tones which make listening difficult. Happy Valley was an indication of this.
Sarah Lancashire could barely open her mouth in the first episode, so even lip reading was impossible and the sound was so bad I gave up and didn’t watch any more.
Some presenters speak well, but then, towards the end of their sentences, they drop the tone of their voice and suddenly one is struggling to catch their final words. This is especially noticeable on some radio programmes.
Sound quality has definitely deteriorated and I think this should be looked at properly by the experts. The viewers should be listened to: we are not stupid and we don’t complain without reason. Other than constantly turning on the subtitles, what else can we do?
Mrs SUE GRIMES,Whittlesey, Cambs.